A DIY move isn’t quite as easy as throwing everything into a truck and driving off. If you want to pack your moving truck like a professional mover follow this step-by-step guide.
Tips on How To Pack a Moving Truck
What You’ll Need:
- Dolly
- Plastic Stretch Wrap
- Tie Downs
- Furniture Pads
One-Size Doesn’t Fit All: Choose The Right-Size Truck
Too large of a truck, and your things will move around haphazardly. Too small, and you won’t have enough room for everything you need to bring along for the ride.
- 10 ft. truck = Studio or small 1 bedroom
- 12-14 ft. truck = 450 cu. ft. or 1-2 bedrooms
- 16-17 ft. truck = 800 cu. ft. or 2-3 bedrooms
- 22-24 ft. truck = 1,200 cu. ft. or 3-4 bedrooms
- 26-27 ft. truck = 1,400 cu. ft. or 4+ bedrooms
Preparing To Load:
Reduce time by prepping your furniture and boxes before you are ready to load the truck.
- Disassemble furniture such as beds, tables
- Plastic wrap dresser drawers in place
- Cover wood and metal furniture with pads
- Wrap upholstered furniture with plastic stretch wrap
- Cushion mirrors with plenty of furniture pads
Back of the Truck:
Load your heaviest items first and distribute weight evenly along the back wall of the truck.
- Heavy Furniture
- Washer/Dryer
- Dressers
*Use tie-downs to secure items to prevent anything from shifting.
*Use a dolly for heavier items.
Walls of the Truck:
Keep long items upright and load them against the sides of the truck.
- Sofas
- Mattresses
- Headboards
- Desks
*In addition to wrapping them, load desks and dressers with drawers facing the side wall to prevent them from opening.
Stack to the Ceiling:
Once the heaviest items are secured in the back, begin adding layers on top of the furniture.
- Place furniture pads on top of the first layer
- Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier ones until they reach the ceiling.
- Secure lightweight irregular items on top
Fill Empty Spaces:
Prevent items from shifting by filling empty spaces with soft items that are not fragile.
- Couch cushions
- Pillows
- blankets
- Rolled up rugs
Packing Fragile Items: Use Mom’s Attic:
This is the space above the cab, aptly named Mom’s attic. Fill this space with items that require a soft ride.
- Antiques
- Electronics
- Small valuables
Pro Tips:
- Always lift with your legs and not with your back
- Bend at your knees and not at your waist
- Avoid using the dolly with items that are higher than chest level
- Wear proper clothing and closed-toe shoes
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