U-Haul Moving & Storage at Research Blvd

Does anybody even fucking work here? I waited in line for like 20 minutes with no one at the counter. Also the advertised price was 29.95 but they don’t include gas or all the hidden bullshit fees.

UPDATE: So any time I have a bad experience with a business, but that business does its due diligence to resolve the matter to my satisfaction, they get an updated review. All businesses can earn an upgrade from a 1-​star review, and this U-​Haul facility did just that when they did refund/​credit me back the difference between what I initially paid to use a cargo van, and how the cost of my actual use of the van which was less than the time first paid for. The credit was refunded back to my account within a week, so that’s actually just fine with me.
I would rent equipment from here again, and I recommend anyone else do the same.
My review below no longer applies.
I’m basically giving this location the big 1-​star TERRIBLE REVIEW for one specific reason: Bad customer service.
I rented a cargo van yesterday for four hours, and estimated the number of miles I would drive it for was about 40 miles, not knowing exactly how many trips it would take me to move, but knowing it wasn’t going to be 50 miles because the old place and new destination were very near each other. The estimated total came out to be $ 80. That was charged to my debit card. I got my cargo van and did my move. I ended up having to make only one trip and did not use anywhere near 20 miles. I returned the van within that four-​hour rental timeframe and was told that the amount I would actually pay was $ 47 and some change. They said they would send a receipt of that by email. I did not get that email, so I called U-​Haul this morning and asked them about that reservation and when I could expect a refund amount of the difference between that final amount and $ 80. The lady was quite rude with me on the phone although I was just as nice as I could be. She acknowledged that no email had been sent to me but that she did see record of the refund due me, and said it would be refunded to my debit card. She tried to rush me off the phone, but I interjected and asked her when the typical timeframe for a refund would be. Considering it only takes them two seconds to charge the amount, lo and behold she confirmed that a refund of any money back would take anywhere between five and seven business days.
Lesson learned here: stop using the debit card for things, because with a credit card you can put the amount in dispute against the merchant until they correct the situation. You can’t do that with a debit card. They are never in any hurry giving you back a debit. I think she should have offered to give me cash instead, but she did not. So, bad customer service plus a certain tone confirming lack of care for the customer = UTTERLY BAD REVIEW OF THIS LOCATION. Now I’m stuck on waiting for yet another damn debit to be refunded whenever my bank gets the information of the adjustment.
I won’t be renting a U-​Haul anything from this location anymore. They had me feeling good about this rental, until they failed to let me know how long they would take to issue a refund based on an adjustment to the estimated cost. That’s all it takes to get a bad review, is bad customer service. This is why people need to be trained properly on how to deal with customers. No one should be at that front desk or on that phone without that training and experience.

Reserved the truck a few weeks ahead of time. Received a call about a few days in advance to confirm the pickup location and time. There must be a central reservation office for the Austin area. They booked me for 10a.m. at the location in central Austin, though I had requested North Austin. I called back and had the reservation moved, no problem.
Picking up the truck was a breeze. The staff were super helpful. Truck was as expected. Rental was quick. Felt they were mindful of my time. They even let me pick it up ½ an hour earlier than the phone confirmation person set it for! Return was a breeze. I love that they now use mobile devices to check the trucks back in. This used to be a long ordeal, getting someone to come out and look the truck over and go back inside to do all of the paperwork. I think we were leaving within 5 minutes of pulling in with the truck.
Only negative thing to say here is that the narrow entrance to their location is pretty scary. You have people pulling in from the 183 frontage road at high speeds, to find cars trying to skirt past parked trucks in the entrance. It makes it easy for the person renting the truck, as they get to pull right out onto 183 from there, but scary for people trying to drive cars in and out of the parking lot.
The utility dolly made moving things like our washer & dryer much easier. I won’t say it was easy, but easier. Truck was easy to drive. Got gas at the station right around the corner before returning. Super convenient.
Let me just add that this location is right by the Austin office for Two Men & A Truck. Don’t use them. Rent a Uhaul for cheaper and hire movers whose reviews you can read. I paid a fraction (literally like a sixth) of what my last move with Two Men cost and managed to move my things with less damage. Two Men is overpriced (you’re paying for their sweet trucks with air suspension) and they damaged several items in my last move. Uhaul was a WAY better choice this time.

I have used trailers and trucks from the location before. Although their units are usually really dirty and beat up and sometimes have broken trailer connections they seems to work it out.
This time however, I booked my truck online Aug 13^th for 8am. I recieved a call the day before the move Sept. 4^th that the truck will be available at 12pm! I have hired movers and my friends and family have made room in their schedule to help me move! So this truck would NOT do. The rep on the phone kept telling me that he has no control over what time a truck would be available. I understand that to a degree, but why wasn’t I notified sooner (specially since U-​Haul has both my cell, my husbands’s cell and my email)?
The rep seemed unwilling to help. I had to request multiple times he try and find a location that could actually provide the truck at the needed time. I asked if it is normal to book almost a month ahead and have other people take the truck out from under you? he couldn’t answer…
He finally booked me the same truck at a different location and sent it to my email, I had to completely re-​do the reservation since none of the prior info carried over. The rate turns out to be cheaper, but because it is about 6 HWY exits down from my beginning point I will make up the difference in the per mile charge. I called the new location on burnet. They were helpful and also did not understand why I had not been at least notified sooner of the truck unavailibility.
Least to say, I have lost a lot of confidence in the U-​Haul company because of this instance and how this location handles their reservations. Moving is already stressful enough without last mintue notices and trucks only available at 12pm on a day predicted to be 100 degrees.
Try not to use this location, but if you have to make sure you double/​triple varify that they have what you need the time you need it because I don’t think they know their reservation system well.

I have rented from this location many times. They have excellent customer service. They always have a truck available and I have never had any bad experiences here or with U-​haul. The people who have left the low reviews are on crack!!! I don’t agree with them at all. these are the people that are never happy. The older gentleman is awesome, the younger employee is amazing, you guys are doing a wonderful job, again you cant keep everyone happy! thank you so much for all your hard work.

This is going to be a double sided review. As far as this location, the staff was great. Explained everything, answered any questions and did it all fast so the line moved quickly.
On the flip side, trucks starting as low as 19.99 is a LIE! Don’t fall for it and go in there or reserve a truck if you actually want to get out of there for that price because you wont. They shouldn’t even be legally aloud to advertise that price. $ 65 later we move from south 183 to north 183. I could have hired movers off of Groupon for the same price. Lesson learned. I will never use uhaul again.

I just rented a uhaul today for a moving trip to California. Of course they charged me way more than what was quoted on their website, so word of advice, do not trust their website. A day before I was to pick up the truck, they called to confirm my reservation and they had to upgrade me to a 14 foot truck, as opposed to the 10 foot that I requested… even though I made this reservation months in advance. The 14 foot is WAY too big for what little I have to haul, not to mention worse on gas mileage.
The check out process was very quick, but the employees were not what I would call rude, but very curt and impatient. The woman who drove the truck up to the door for me to receive it WAS rude and didn’t say a word to me about anything. She pulled up, gave me a dirty look, and exited the truck… ok, that is not really how I would treat a paying customer but that is just me I guess.
They did hook up my car to the tow dolly though, which went smoothly.
In conclusion, logistically, your transaction should go very smoothly, just don’t expect any employees with a whole lot of people skills.

I’ve used Uhaul plenty of times, never had a bad experience until this time.
I scheduled a 14′ truck no problem for a Sunday pickup at noon. The place is a bit confusing and had to ask somebody where to go. The lady that got my contract sorted out was friendly and explained everything well, and told me about their After-​Hours Drop-​Off and how they wouldn’t charge us for a second day if we returned the truck before 7am the following day. I thought, «perfect!»
We agreed on a 25-​mile estimate, and the total milage turned out to be a bit more than 27 miles. Filled it with 5 gallons of gas and returned it around 11:30 pm that night.
The next day I get the email with the attatched contract and slowly realize they had charged me an extra $ 97 for a non-​existant milage of 115 miles! I was astonished, trying to figure out how I had racked up those miles when I’d made two round trips of 13 miles each.
Calling the local number provided kicked me to a call center, which gave the requisite «we’re sorry you’re upset we stole from you» and promised to have the location call, which they never did. Finally my boyfriend was able to get someone who was actually at that location on the phone, but it got cut out since they «use internet phone service» and it conveniently stops working when they have an irrate customer I guess. It took us going back up there early in the morning, exhausted from our late-​night move, to get the half-a$$ed explanation of a miswritten mileage from before and after.
Long story short, avoid this place like the plauge! Bad service and shady tactics will keep me away.

I have not rented from this location before (almost always rented from the Round Rock location on Round Rock Ave, but I’m too far from them now to make it worthwhile), but it’s certainly the worst experience I’ve had trying to rent a truck from any U-​Haul location.
I called in, explaining that I’m moving this coming Sunday and would like to rent a truck that, ideally, would be available Saturday evening for pickup. The rep (young man) told me right old right off the bat that he could guarantee me that there wouldn’t be one available because they tend to be very booked.
I explained that their website says otherwise, and asked him to check anyway. There was indeed a truck available for pick-​up at 6:45pm Saturday, but it had to be returned by 11am for the next reservation. That wouldn’t have worked for me so, I asked if there was anything else available because I would need a truck that I could use on Sunday from 9am until 2−3pm. I was put on hold, then offered things that didn’t meet my needs, then put on hold again, then spoke with the manager, who offered me things again that didn’t meet my needs, all the while making a point of stating several times how he has *so* many reservations (140) to work around over the weekend, many of which are one ways, and loads of people have had reservations long in advance, etc.
I had stated at least a few times by then that I needed the truck until 2−3pm Sunday, and it was obvious they didn’t and that the conversation was going nowhere. So, I told the manager that his offers weren’t what I needed, unfortunately, but thanked him anyway. He was rather short at the end, as if I were being an inconvenience at that point when, really, they simply didn’t have what I needed. No harm, no foul in that, particularly because it was short-​notice on my part, but don’t treat me like I’m being difficult/​inconvenient, don’t shove it in my face that others have made reservations long before, as if that had any bearing on my specific situation. That’s completely *awful* customer service, unhelpful and unwarranted. All that was needed was an explanation that they didn’t have availability that fit my needs, perhaps locations A, B, C have what you are looking for, hope you have a good move and might we recommend booking in advance through our website.
Note: While I get that websites aren’t always up to date, there was a six hour 9am rental for this Sunday, with the truck size I needed… I had brought that up, was told no, but it’s still there ready and waiting for a guaranteed reservation… ($ 50 credit back to the bill if they are wrong and have to alter the truck size is included too.)
I went with the U-​Haul Burnet and 183 location. They didn’t have the truck size I wanted (had to go bigger and therefore $ 10 more), but they were supremely more polite and it was an incredibly hassle free rental reservation at the very least.

THIEVES — Steal from these storage units. Do not leave any valuables with these folks. Find another storage place. Avoid at all costs.

Hope my items in storage are better off than my interaction with the older employee.
I wasn’t impressed with the older guy who gave me my contract for a unit or his interaction with employees.

I never got a chance to use this company for my upcoming move because the customer service was either non existent or atrocious. Several times I called the main # and was automatically routed to a call center who «took my messages and emailed them to the local office.» Not once did I ever get a returned call based on those «email messages» that were sent. I asked the call center for a direct local # and they said they did not have one… what? I then stopped by the closest uhaul store to me off 135 in east austin near the hancock center thinking that speaking in person might be more effective. The man working behind the counter was rude and unhelpful. When I asked him if he could help me with my upod order he said «with what!?» in an aggressive manner. I repeated my question and again, he defensively stated that he didn’t know what I was talking about. Eventually, after pried it out of him, I learned that that branch doesn’t work with pods which I was unaware of. A simple, «you’re at the wrong branch, we don’t do that here» would have sufficed but apparently that was too challenging for this individual. I got back on the phone via the 1800 # and I was able to eventually get to the local office thru being transferred around. I spoke with a woman named either Bonnie or Connie and was also informed me that I was not able to choose the desired pick up date for my pod… contrary to what the phone sales agent said. Apparently they only pick up pods once a week in my zip code, yet the agent on the phone (when i called in for information prior to the sale) told me I could get it dropped off and picked up any day I wanted. I am moving across the country so I don’t have a week to wait around for them to pick up the pod, i’ll be homeless! While the woman was pleasant on the phone, there was nothing she could do as she said she was not allowed to adjust the policy. She said it was up to her manager Bob and stated that he was gone for the day but that I should call him tomorrow morning and ask for his help. I called bright and early at 9am the next day and left a message for Bob. 2 hours passed and I got no call back. I called again and the woman said Bob was at a Dr. appt… it’s essentially impossible to get accomplished what you need with this company. At this pt I certainly didn’t trust these people with my stuff so I accepted I needed to find another company to do my move. I went online to my account to cancel which is advertised as easy to do… There’s no way to do so without calling in. I had to call the 1800 # for the rep to tell me he couldn’t cancel it because it was an «open order.» All he could do was submit a trouble ticket of sorts and have the GM call me and then he can cancel it. At that pt, Bob the local GM FINALY called me several hours later… why must they wait until the customer is totally upset to do anything? Uhaul blatantly lies on it’s website and its sales agents also bend the truth in order to close a sale. I was completely disgusted with the lack of customer service and disregard for the customer experience. I will never use Uhaul again and it’s a shame as I have used y’all in the past for storage. I ended up signing with pods which is double the cost but thus far stress free and (here’s the exciting part) I actually get to talk to a live, legit person every time I call! Save yourself stress, avoid this company!

I will never give this location my business. I usually use the location on Burnet Rd. but they were out of open trailers so they switched me to this location the day before my move. I called the day of my move to push the time one hour and the person that answered the phone was less than friendly. When I arrived the younger clerk took us to the trailer where we found there was something wrong with the wiring connection but weren’t sure if it was the truck or the trailer. Tried another set of wires, that didn’t work either.
I went back into the office to see what could be worked out with renting a truck and the first thing I am greeted with is a grumpy «manager» who told me his wiring guy wouldn’t be in until Monday (before I even had a chance to say hello). I asked if there was something that could be figured out in place of the trailer and he told me he’d have to send me to Burnet Rd. After I told him they sent me to him he said «well it’s your truck, it’s not my trailer. And no one is going to have a trailer for your to use.» (then why would you need your wiring guy, and why are you sending me to another location?) My boyfriend asked if they could try hooking up to another trailer to see if it was in fact the wiring in his truck and not the trailer and they «manager» just wanted to keep arguing. Needless to say I refused to give this guy any business and went back to the Burnet Rd. location and was able to rent a 17′ truck for just a little more. This guy was argumentative and refused to show any customer service! I will make sure to let everyone I know to avoid this location.

Do not rent from here. First they added 100 extra miles to my contract. When the clerk handed me my contract he actually folded the paper over so that I would not see the added mileage. I called customer service immediately and had the mileage removed. Next they told me to leave the car parked in their lot with the gas tank ½ full. Which I did only to be charged $ 54 for gas including a $ 30 refill fee. Luckily customer service was able to credit my account for this as well. I would not recommend doing business with these people they are way shady.

DO NOT USE U-​BOX! Stick with Pods, which is what we should’ve done. Other than the ladies who drop off and pick up the boxes (who are wonderful), this place overcharges, doesn’t answer the phone, keeps you on hold for at least 20 minutes… just a very very horrible experience. The charges that they advertise are only for dropping off the box! As soon as they come get it (or move it to our new place) they charge you (for us it was over $ 130!!). Our las move we used Pods and please trust me and stick with them. They are more professional, all charges are upfront, and the boxes are bigger and not made of cheap plywood. I will NEVER use U-​Haul services again.

Last year I used them to fill my propane tank, and I had a difficult time because I was a noob and there are no signs telling you where to go. So I had to wait in line inside, talk to someone, move my car to the right place, wait again, and then get my tank filled, all of which was difficult since I had my daughter with me. But the guy that explained how it all worked pretty nicely, and so I filed the info away (drive to back, push button, wait for attendant, pay with credit card there) for the next time I needed to get the tank filled.
So when I popped over there today I followed those instructions. I pushed the button and waited. I even read the entire sign they have posted about the process, which is exactly what I was told last year. It was a bit unnerving watching some random customer smoke next to the dumpster near a no-​smoking sign. No one came, so I pushed the button again. I was trying to give them the benefit of the doubt that they might be busy during this time. Waited a few more minutes. Pushed the button a third time and at that point I decided to get my daughter out of the car, walk up to the front, and go talk to them in person.
Two employees greeted me and I told them what was up. Their response was «Uhhhhh, yeah, the button is broken.» (Really? You can’t post a sign that says that on or near the button?) So then I ask nicely if I can get my tank filled. They say no, they don’t have anyone that’s certified right now. So I ask when there will be someone available. They tell me their manager is the only one certified, and he’s walking around in storage units, so it’ll probably be «like a half hour or something». But, you know, no promises.
I really wish I had the talent to write this conversation in a way so you could understand how completely useless these two guys were. I do feel like I should tell you that the sign by the propane tank assures you that you can get your propane tank filled whenever uhaul is open. Uh, sure.
Two stars only because everyone was polite and informative, at least.

I’ve rented one truck from this location and had propane tanks filled there (total 3 times). I had no problems for either service and found the employees on duty were informed and polite.
I won’t give more stars because I had a really bad experience with a different location of U-​Haul. I swore I’d never use the company again, but when I suddenly needed a truck on short notice, this was the only thing I could do and it worked out fine for me.
In general from my experience and friends and family around the country, U-​Haul as a corporation seems to be a disaster. Several people I know refer to them as «A-​haul». and many of the employees I’ve encountered were «a-​hauls». Fortunately, I’ve been pleased with this location so far.
Your mileage may vary!

I called to order their U Box for storage between moves. I spoke with Emily and she was helpful and professional on the phone as she took my reservation. Then comes move day, I call at the expected time of delivery, no answer, leave a message. 2 hours later, 4 hours later, next day: They never showed, answered their phone, or returned my multiple messages. I can’t tell you how bad of a situation this put me in, moving is very time sensitive I ended up calling Pods Storage who saved the day with same day service, they even waived the rush fee for me. I will most definitely be lodging a complaint with their corporate office.

Avoid this location! While I was getting the snotty treatment the guy next to me was getting worse. The owner wouldn’t check availability at other U-​Hauls, wouldn’t give the other guy a phone number and wouldn’t let him use the phone, saying, «my phone is not for your use — get out of my store.» It was shameful, despicable, and possibly racially motivated.

This place is really poorly run and managed. I have been renting a climate controlled storage unit for several years here. In the summer, the AC breaks and it takes them a month to get it fixed. The asphalt drive is littered with nails, they can’t be bothered to remove the trash, and the trucks they are renting are parked so that they block access to the storage portions of the facility. Your money is better spent with another merchant who values you as a customer.