Loading a truck can be like a game of Tetris, and strategy is important. The key to loading is to be organized and load the Moving Truck in tiers as best as possible. Protect each item with furniture pads, or filling materials and stretch wrap when necessary. Here are some tips on how to load a moving truck that will ensure your household goods are protected and secure during your move:
11 Tips for Loading a Moving Truck:
- Assign a Director: Designate one person to stay with the truck to determine how to pack it so that every space is utilized. This person will organize the items and direct others on what should be brought on to the truck and when.
- Start with Mom’s Attic: If your moving truck has this feature, place items that need the softest ride in to this space. Electronics and antiques are good examples.
- Fill Every Space: A packed moving truck will prevent items from shifting. Look for gaps between furniture, and fill in every open space with furniture pads, or filling materials. A list of filling materials is available in this post.
- Tiers and Cells: Load the van in tiers and cells and tie off each cell before continuing to load.
Load the Moving Truck in Tiers and Cells
- Secure your items: Tie off every few tiers into cells (see diagram) Use the multiple tie-down rails on either side of the van.
- Load Heavy Items in the Front: Place your heaviest items towards the front of the van. Refrigerators, washers, dryers and other heavy furniture work best packed closest to the cab. Keep the weigh balanced from one side to another. Continue loading boxes and other items in tiers on top of the appliances. Again remember to tie your items down often.
- Mattresses and box springs: Place Mattress and box springs in a mattress bag before loading to keep clean. If they will be placed in storage, then use a sealable mattress bag to keep bugs out. Place the mattress up against one side of the truck wall and secure it with tie downs for added support. This can also serve as padding for furniture.
- Couches: Place the couch on their side to help save space in the truck. Protect the couch with plenty of pads and stretch wrap. Use pads on the floor to fill the contour of the couch arm so it will rest easy and stay upright. Face the legs toward the wall so you can fill the cavity between the wall and the couch with other items.
- Televisions and Electronic Devices: Pack these items well so that all sides of unit are protected. Use the original box for the TV or device when available. You can also purchase a Flat Screen Protection box.
- Plan Ahead: Load items that you will need at your destination last. This will allow for easy access and they’ll be the first to be unloaded. Make sure every box it labeled before it goes in the truck, you will thank me for this tip when you are unloading!
- Seal it up: Don’t’ forget to tie down the last tier once the truck is fully loaded to prevent shifting rearward. Make sure you have a clear path for the roll-up door to slide open and closed.
Once all is said and done, show your appreciation by rewarding your friends and family for their help, with some cold beverages and grub! Follow these simple tips and you will have well packed truck!
Before loading your Moving Truck, make sure you review these posts as well:
9 Tips to Prepare for loading a Moving Truck
5 Safety Tips for Loading a Moving Truck
Do you have any special loading tricks to share? Please tell us!
