Moving can be a stressful experience with a lot of planning involved. When the big day arrives, you must be prepared. Effective, efficient moving is all about preparation and planning. Follow these helpful tips to save time and learn how to pack your moving truck properly.
How to Pack a Moving Truck
Book the Right Size Moving Truck
Booking a moving truck rental well in advance is a must, however, it is also crucial that you choose the proper truck size as well. While a moving truck that is too big will waste money, if it’s too small, you’ll be making many trips back and forth.
Moving truck rental companies offer a range of trucks to suit your needs. In addition, the booking agent at the truck rental company can help advise you on the right size truck for the job.
Equally important, be sure to get a limited damage waiver (LDW) with your truck rental. Truck rental companies in the contiguous United States can provide this coverage for you, adding protection in cases of theft or damage to your rental. This helps to reduce your financial responsibility in certain cases.
Disassemble Furniture in Advance
Save time and effort on the big day by disassembling big furniture items the night before.
This may include:
- Sleigh beds and bed frames
- Bookshelves
- Tables
Deconstructing the furniture saves space in the truck and allows for proper distribution to ensure it’s balanced.
Load Large Pieces of Furniture & The Heaviest Items First
Start with the big, heavy items first. Bed frames, mattresses, couches, washers, and dryers should be the first things you pack in the truck. These heavy items will often require assistance to help you with loading and unloading them. It may be time to call in a few favors to friends or family!
Roll Rugs
Roll up the rugs and wrap them in plastic wrap. Be sure to get them cleaned before the move for a fresh start in your new home or apartment. Ensure the carpets are dry before wrapping them to stop moldy smells from developing.
Upright Position for Tables, Headboards, and Couches
Ensure you vertically place all the headboards, tables, and couches when loading a moving truck to save space. Wrap them in furniture padding to prevent scratches and dents during transit if they move around in the back of the vehicle.
Use Straps
Strap down your boxes and furniture to prevent them from moving around in the back of the truck during transit. Strap everything down one section at a time. First, strap heavy stuff in place. Next, work on the lighter boxes independently from the heavier ones.
Evenly Distribute Weight
You must distribute the weight of your household goods evenly in the back of the truck. If all the heavy belongings are on one side of the vehicle, it may tip when going around corners. Even distribution of the weight makes the truck easier to handle.
Place the heavier stuff towards the front of the load bay, close to the cab. Place the heavier things on the bottom and the mid-weight items on top.
The Last Items in Your Moving Truck: Light and Fragile Items
Finish off by packing the lighter boxes on top of the rest of the items. Ensure you wrap the TV and mirrors in bubble wrap and secure them with packing tape. Do this before loading them into the truck.
Local rental stores often carry the packing and moving supplies needed.
Don’t place light boxes next to heavy objects to avoid crushing fragile items. If heavier items get loose, they might get crushed. Pack an overnight bag with your essentials and keep it in the cab.
Additional Reading: What is the Fastest Way to Pack a House for Moving?
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