U-Haul

I really haven’t had great experiences with U-​Haul. Most of the time I’ve avoided it and used Zipcar for truck or van rentals, but my Zipcar membership isn’t active right now. I only ended up here because my partner rented a truck to help me move a couch. This location was coincidental… it’s nowhere near where I live (Capitol Hill) and just happened to have a pickup truck available.
I was pleasantly surprised. This location is run by a married couple in a building that looks like a little house. The inside has comfortable seating and an adorable little black-​and-​white dog. I’m not even a huge dog person but he was well-​behaved and sweet.
I’m used to U-​Haul employees sliding the keys across the table, glaring at you, and reminding you of the penalty for late returns… I’ve even gotten into the habit of taking pictures of the trucks/​vans when I pick them up, because I once had an employee accuse me of damaging the van and leaving debris behind when I dropped it off in perfect condition.
This guy drove the truck out and pulled it around for us, then explained useful things about driving it in a friendly-​and-​not-​condescending way. The whole environment was chill, friendly, and neighborhood-​y.
Even though this location isn’t particularly convenient for me, I’d still definitely choose this location again rather than one of the many more-​convenient locations which just have a counter and nowhere to sit. It felt more like a friendly motorcycle-​riding uncle renting you a car vs. a trip to Lowe’s.