
Everyone can load a moving truck. But do you know how to load a moving truck properly? The key is to maximize the space and at the same time minimize any possible damage to your items. That makes this task a little trickier that it may seem initially. To make this task much easier, here are some tips on the proper way of loading a moving truck.
Lay out a protection.
Before you worry about how to pack a moving truck properly, a tarp or a plastic wrap must first be lain out on the floor of the moving trailer. This shall serve as protection for your possessions. The layer of tarp or plastic on the floor can protect your stuff from dust, dirt, scratches or whatever possible damage may come in the process of moving.
Start with the heaviest and largest items first.
In order to maximize the space available in the moving truck, it is a must that you start loading the heaviest and biggest items first. By putting the heaviest items out in the front of the truck, you also prevent the vehicle from dragging a back that is simply too heavy. And that can create an even more troublesome situation.
Among the heaviest items include the appliances. Your fridge, stove, washing machine, dishwasher and other heavy items must go in first. When you are loading these items, it is best to keep them in an upright position. Make sure to balance the weight as well. For instance, if you have both a washer and a dryer, place them opposite each other.
The next item which should be on your list includes the pieces of furniture. The chairs in the living room, the sofa and the rest of your entertainment unit shall go next. Keep in mind that the heaviest items should be on the bottom. Pack the items from the floor to the ceiling. Once you are finished with each layer, use a strap and wrap it around the items to hold them steady.
Protect the furniture.
Having the plastic wrap on the floor is not enough protection. It is a must that you use paper padding or moving blankets to protect the appliances and pieces of furniture, especially in the process of putting one on top of another. Surround the items with cushion. You can also use your mattress and place it in between the items. A box spring may also prove useful.
To save more money buying paper padding, use your blankets and sheets. Towels and linens may also be used for this purpose.
Place the long items against the walls of the truck.
The long items including long mirrors, headboards and table tops should be placed against the longest walls of the moving trailer. Load and put them in an upright position. Once you are done, secure the stuff to the side of the trailer. As mentioned previously, long items such as the mattress and box spring may also serve as cushion for the appliances and furniture pieces.
Load the boxes.
When you are done placing the heaviest, largest and longest items in position, you can now take the boxes. Again, start with the heaviest to the medium weight to the lightest of the boxes from the floor to the ceiling. Ultimately, the key on how to load a moving truck properly is proper space management.
Storage Units Near You | Find Moving Labor In Your City |
---|---|
Very helpful tips. I’ll make sure to remember this since we are actually planning to move early next year. It is very important to be systematic in the way things are when transferring to prevent waste of space and time.
I liked your tip for protecting furniture when moving. Using paper padding and moving blankets seems like a good way to make sure that my furniture will stay in tact while in the moving truck. I was wondering about how to make the work go faster when I came across this article http://deltacarandtruckrentals.com.au/top-tips-loading-moving-truck/ that has a few helpful tips for using a moving truck. It says that having a few friends have the task for loading and unloading boxes can be helpful. I also like that it said to be prepared with items like a dolly, furniture pads, packing tape, straps, and tarp. It seems like they would be good to have to make moving things around easier and to protect my belongings in the truck.
Great tips! Finding a good mover can be tough…even knowing when it is not a good idea to take the move on yourself, and actually hire a professional.
Thanks again, and keep up the good work!
Thanks for bringing to my attention the importance of starting with the heaviest and largest items when packing a moving truck. My husband and I are going to be moving in the next few months, and we’ve decided to just rent a truck instead of hiring someone to pack for us. We’ve never loaded a truck like this before, but we’ll keep in mind that starting with the bigger and heavier items is a better way to go about things.