How to Load a 15-Foot U-Haul Truck

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A 15-foot U-Haul truck is one of the most popular sizes for personal moves, especially when transitioning from a one-bedroom home or a two-bedroom apartment or condo. With 764 cubic feet of cargo space, a low deck, and an EZ-Load ramp, it’s designed to make loading and unloading simpler, safer, and more efficient.

If you’re preparing for moving day and wondering how to load a U-Haul truck the right way, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. A well-loaded truck helps protect your belongings, maximizes space, and improves weight distribution for a smoother drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Loading a 15-foot U-Haul truck requires planning, but a little foresight will go a long way to protect your belongings.
  • Build tiers, or vertical rows, with heavy items on the bottom and smaller, lighter items stacked up higher.
  • Fill spaces with furniture pads, and use tie-down points throughout the truck to keep everything secured.

15-Foot U-Haul Truck Specs at a Glance

Understanding your truck’s dimensions helps you plan your load before you start lifting.

  • Inside Dimensions: 15' x 7'8" x 7'2" (LxWxH)
  • Mom's Attic: 2'6" x 7'8" x 2'7" (LxWxH)
  • Deck Height: 33"
  • Door Opening: 7'3" x 6'5"
  • Loading Ramp Width: 2'2"
  • Max Load: 6,385 lbs
  • Empty Weight: 8,115 lbs
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 14,500 lbs max
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 10,000 lbs
  • Volume: 764 cu. ft.
  • Clearance Height: 11 ft
  • Fuel: Unleaded, approx. 10 MPG*, 40-gallon tank

*MPG varies based on load, terrain, weather, and speed.

What Fits in a 15' Moving Truck?

Fifteen-foot moving trucks are ideal for moving a 1-bedroom home or 2-bedroom apartment. Common items include a king-size mattress, a 3-seater sofa, a washer/dryer, a refrigerator, tall or short dressers, and dozens of moving boxes.

How to Load a 15-Foot U-Haul Truck: Step-by-Step

1. Start With a Loading Plan

Before you begin, take a moment to map out your approach. The most effective way to pack a moving truck is by building “tiers,” or vertical rows made of stacked furniture and boxes. Tiers help maximize space and minimize shifting during the drive.

Be sure to account for Mom's Attic® — extra cargo space that is unique to U-Haul moving trucks, designed to transport fragile valuables separately from heavy boxes and furniture. Mom's Attic is on the front wall of the cargo area closest to the cab, so you will need to organize your items there before constructing rows with the rest of your belongings.

Mom’s Attic is ideal for:

  • Fragile boxes
  • Keepsakes
  • Lamps
  • Picture frames
  • Small electronics
  • Decorative items

Now that you know what space is available to you, make your loading plan. Ask yourself:

  • Which large items will serve as the base of each row?
  • What can go safely into Mom’s Attic?
  • What order should heavy items be moved in?

2. Load the Heaviest Items First

The heaviest items create the foundation of your tiers. Load them first and secure them to keep the weight low and toward the front of the truck. If you’re using U-Haul Moving Help®, this is the perfect stage to let your helpers take over — pros can safely handle heavy appliances and furniture while you focus on organizing the load. 

Heavy items include:

Another item to load early is your mattresses and boxsprings. While not heavy, they’re bulky. Slide each into their own mattress bag, then stand them upright against the wall to shape your first tier and save floor space for heavier items.

Pro Tips:

  • Wrap all furniture with furniture pads.
  • Use a dolly or hand truck whenever possible — the ramp is designed for safe rolling loads.
  • Place appliances upright and secure them to the wall using tie-downs.
  • Position dressers so drawers face walls or wrap them with mover’s wrap to keep them from opening.

3. Build Your First Tier

Once your base pieces are in place, build upward with medium-weight boxes and small furniture.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • Place heavier boxes on the bottom, lighter boxes on top.
  • Stack boxes tightly to prevent gaps.
  • Use nightstands, side tables, or small desks to fill mid-level spaces.
  • Avoid leaning items — but if you must lean something, angle it toward the previous tier so it won't fall forward during unloading.

To prevent scuffs or pressure points, insert furniture pads between stacked furniture and the items beneath. Use the narrow zone between the top of your tier and the truck ceiling for:

  • Skis
  • Curtain rods
  • Folded tables
  • Lightweight long items

4. Continue Building Tiers Until the Truck Is Full

Once your first tier is secure, build the next one directly behind it. Follow the same pattern: heavy base, then boxes and lighter furniture, and then lightweight items. Use tie-downs between each row to keep everything stable.

As you’re loading, you’ll likely have plenty of narrow spaces you can use to your advantage. Tight vertical gaps are perfect for:

Learn more about How to Pack and Move a Flat Screen TV

Pad any remaining gaps with furniture pads to reduce shifting during transit. Finally, roll your rugs and secure them with mover’s wrap. They should be one of the last items you load so they’re the first thing placed in your new home before furniture arrives.

What if I Run Out of Space, or What if I Need More Space?

It’s easy to underestimate how much space you need when you’re moving, but it’s just as easy to add a rental trailer to your moving truck reservation that can help accommodate overflow items or keep certain items separate. For example, trailers are great for separating outdoor items like lawn tools and equipment or barbeque setups from the rest of your household goods. 

Learn more about How to Choose the Right Size U-Haul Trailer

5. Final Walkthrough: Securing and Preparing for the Drive

Once everything is loaded, do a quick check:

  • Are heavy items strapped down?
  • Are boxes stacked without leaning?
  • Are fragile boxes isolated (in Mom’s Attic)?
  • Are lightweight items secured at the top of tiers?

Then shut and lock the door, fold up the ramp, and you’re ready to drive. With correct loading, your truck will handle better, and your belongings will arrive safely.

Where to Rent a 15-Foot Truck Rental

Need to rent a truck for your upcoming move? A 15' U-Haul moving truck is a reliable, easy-to-drive option that offers:

  • Seating for 3 adults
  • Automatic transmission
  • Air conditioning
  • AM/FM radio
  • Airbags and safety features
  • Disc brakes

You can reserve a truck or moving and storage container online anytime!

 

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Get an affordable, reliable and accessible rental truck for your move.

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