U-Haul announced Tuesday it is providing 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container use at 92 centers across Ohio to assist residents affected by severe weather. The initiative addresses the immediate need for secure storage among homeowners and businesses dealing with water damage from heavy rainfall and flash flooding that hit Columbus, Dayton, and much of the state. This corporate response aims to mitigate financial stress for individuals who must relocate belongings due to property inundation.

The offer applies to new self-storage rentals and on-site U-Box storage at participating facilities, subject to availability. While the storage itself is complimentary for one month, U-Haul noted that delivery of U-Box containers is available for a modest fee. The company emphasized that access to secure storage is critical during natural disasters to protect personal property from further damage.

Anthony Jones, U-Haul Area District Vice President for Ohio, highlighted the widespread nature of the crisis. "Pretty much the entire state is under a flood watch," Jones stated. "We’ve seen pictures of cars underwater. We know many Ohioans will be dealing with water damage on their properties and need to protect their belongings. We just want them to know we are here to help if they need it."

Participating Centers by Region

The disaster relief program spans seven U-Haul Companies operating in the region. Below is the breakdown of participating locations:

Residents can access these services by visiting any U-Haul-owned and -operated facility in the listed cities or by calling the nearest regional office to arrange the free storage period.

Corporate Disaster Response Context

In addition to this specific relief effort, U-Haul operates as an official American Red Cross Disaster Responder, positioning itself to aid communities during emergencies. The company also promoted its broader 1-Year Price Lock program, available at 2,100 company-owned facilities across the U.S. and Canada, which guarantees fixed-rate storage for 12 months without administrative fees or deposits.

Founded in 1945, U-Haul operates more than 25,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. As the third-largest storage operator in North America, it manages approximately 1,147,300 rentable storage units and 100.3 million square feet of self-storage space. The company’s fleet includes approximately 207,600 trucks, 136,500 trailers, and 43,200 towing devices.

U-Haul has opened its first company-owned retail, moving, and self-storage facility in Hot Springs, Arkansas, marking a strategic expansion into Garland County. The new center at 623 Files Road began serving do-it-yourself movers and storage customers on July 24, addressing local demand for climate-controlled storage options. This expansion reinforces U-Haul’s position as the third-largest storage operator in North America, adding to its portfolio of 1,147,300 rentable storage units across owned and managed facilities.

The 62,825-square-foot facility is designed to offer comprehensive moving and storage solutions under one roof. It features more than 850 self-storage units with climate-control options, high-tech security features, and drive-in load and unload access for weather protection. Additional amenities include ADA-accessible units, elevator and utility cart access, and extended-hours access. The site also houses a U-Box warehouse providing storage capacity for 600 U-Box portable moving and storage containers.

Beyond storage, the Files Road location operates as a full-service retail hub. It offers truck and trailer sharing, professional hitch installation, and a spacious retail showroom stocked with boxes, moving supplies, and towing accessories. U-Haul plans to employ at least eight Team Members to staff the location, prioritizing local hiring to promote job growth in the Hot Springs community. The company actively recruits veterans, giving them preference in the hiring process as a Best for Vets leading veteran-friendly employer.

Facility Specifications

Angela Cogar, U-Haul Co. of Arkansas president, stated that the decision to purchase land and build the state-of-the-art facility was driven by observed growth in the Hot Springs community and a specific need for climate-controlled storage. She noted that boat and RV storage services are planned for the near future. The opening aligns with U-Haul’s broader strategy to differentiate itself from competitors through rate transparency.

New self-storage rentals at the Hot Springs center come with the 1-Year Price Lock Guarantee, introduced early in 2026. This policy provides customers with a fair monthly rate and certainty of no cost increases for at least a year, countering industry practices of substantial rate hikes and junk fees. U-Haul CEO Joe Shoen emphasized that this approach aims to restore trust in an industry often criticized for bait-and-switch tactics amid high inflation. The price lock is now available at more than 2,100 U-Haul-owned and -operated centers across the U.S. and Canada.

What the Numbers Show

The Hot Springs facility represents a significant capital investment in physical infrastructure, combining retail, logistics, and real estate assets. With 62,825 square feet of space dedicated to both traditional storage (850+ units) and portable container logistics (600 U-Box slots), the center reflects U-Haul’s dual focus on static storage and flexible moving solutions. The inclusion of a retail showroom and hitch installation services further diversifies revenue streams beyond pure storage rentals, leveraging U-Haul’s status as the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry.