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.

safely moving infographic

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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