FOLEY, Ala. — Hurricanes Mattress Outlet in Foley is now a U-Haul dealer, adding moving truck and equipment rentals to the services available at the North McKenzie Street business. The store has joined U-Haul Co. of Alabama’s network of independent neighborhood dealers, giving residents of south Baldwin County another nearby place to pick up a truck when it is time to move.
Hurricanes Mattress Outlet is located at 1909 N. McKenzie St. It will offer U-Haul trucks and other essential moving equipment to customers. The business is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Owner Case Wanninger said he is proud to partner with U-Haul, which the company describes as a leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage, to help meet the needs of customers throughout Baldwin County.
A Mattress Store With Moving Trucks
Pairing a mattress outlet with truck rentals is a natural fit in some ways. People shopping for a new bed are often in the middle of a move or setting up a new home, and the same customers may need a vehicle to haul furniture. For the business, the dealership adds a second service that can bring new customers through the door.
McKenzie Street is one of Foley’s main north-south corridors and carries traffic through the heart of the city toward the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. A location on that route can be convenient for residents across the southern part of the county.
How U-Haul’s Dealer Network Works
U-Haul has partnered with independent dealers to provide rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. Today, the company says more than 23,000 dealers across the United States and Canada earn supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliations.
According to U-Haul, its neighborhood dealers are not franchises because no financial investment is required to become one. Instead, independent businesses commit a portion of their lot space to U-Haul equipment and dedicate part of their time to helping customers with their moving needs. That model allows businesses as different as gas stations, hardware stores, storage facilities and, in this case, a mattress outlet to act as local rental points.
The company notes that customers who rent from a U-Haul dealer are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.
What It Means for Foley-Area Residents
Baldwin County has been one of Alabama’s fastest-growing counties for years, and Foley has seen steady residential and commercial development. Growth brings a steady stream of people moving into, out of and around the area, along with seasonal residents and people relocating within the county. Each additional rental location can make it easier to find equipment close to home.
Customers planning a move with equipment from the Foley location should keep a few points in mind:
- The store’s posted hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, so plan pickups and returns accordingly.
- Availability of specific truck sizes and equipment can vary by location and date, so reserving ahead is a good idea, especially around the end of the month and during busy moving seasons.
- Customers should confirm pickup and drop-off details for their reservation directly with the dealer or through U-Haul’s reservation system.
Planning a Do-It-Yourself Move
Renting a truck is only one part of a successful move. People handling their own move often find it helps to start planning several weeks ahead, sort and donate items they no longer need, and gather boxes, tape and padding well before moving day.
Choosing the right size truck can save time and money. Movers who underestimate how much they own may end up making extra trips, while those who rent too large a vehicle may pay for space they never use. Taking an inventory of large furniture and appliances before reserving can help.
On moving day, loading heavy items first and against the front wall of the cargo area, using furniture pads and securing loads with straps can help prevent damage. Lining up friends or family to help, and planning around South Alabama’s afternoon heat in warmer months, can make the day go more smoothly.
U-Haul’s 1-Year Storage Price Lock
Along with the dealer announcement, U-Haul highlighted a storage program it has introduced at U-Haul-owned and -operated facilities across the United States and Canada. Called the 1-Year Storage Price Lock, the program gives customers a fixed rental rate for one year with no price increase on their storage unit.
U-Haul said the program is meant to provide cost certainty as national competitors face scrutiny over pricing practices involving introductory rates, frequent price increases and hidden fees. The company also said it does not charge administrative fees or deposits on its storage rentals.
Eligibility for the price lock extends to:
- New customers renting a self-storage unit
- Existing customers who rent additional units
The price lock applies at U-Haul-owned and -operated storage facilities. Independent dealers such as Hurricanes Mattress Outlet are a separate part of the U-Haul network, focused on equipment rentals, so customers interested in storage should check which locations offer it.
Tips for Comparing Storage Options
For residents weighing self-storage, especially in a coastal county where people sometimes store belongings during moves, renovations or hurricane season, it pays to look closely at the full cost. Some general questions to ask any storage provider include:
- Is the advertised rate an introductory price, and what happens to it after the first few months?
- How often can the monthly rate increase, and by how much?
- Are there administrative fees, deposits, required insurance or lock purchases?
- Is the unit climate-controlled, which can matter in South Alabama’s heat and humidity?
Asking those questions up front can help customers avoid surprises and compare offers on equal terms.
Small Business Partnership
For Hurricanes Mattress Outlet, the new dealership adds a service that reaches beyond its core business and ties it to a national brand with a long history of working through local partners. For customers in Foley and across Baldwin County, it means another option for renting a truck without driving far from home.
Residents interested in renting moving equipment can visit the store at 1909 N. McKenzie St. during business hours.
