HOW TO PACK A MOVING TRUCK

Moving


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August 8th, 2019


TIPS ON PACKING AND LOADING A MOVING TRUCK

Not sure how to pack a moving truck? When you’re moving yourself from Point A to Point B, you need all the help you can get.

From the way you load your furniture to the kinds of moving supplies you use, there are many ways to maximize the storage space in the back of a moving truck without having to make multiple trips back and forth.

Want to pack and load a moving truck like a pro? We have ten tips for you!  

#1: Find the Right Moving Truck

If you aren’t utilizing the help of a local moving professional, you have to make sure you start by renting the right moving truck.

From smaller cargo vans to larger 26-foot moving trucks, most truck rental companies offer many sizes to choose from and will help you pick the right one.

A huge bonus to storing with Modern Storage is that new customers can also use our 15-foot moving truck for free!

#2: Get the Right Moving Supplies

Before figuring how to pack a moving truck, make sure you gather all necessary moving supplies like sturdy boxes, storage containers, plastic wrap, packing tape, mattress covers, a dolly, moving straps, furniture pads and moving blankets.

Because your belongings might shift in the moving truck during transit, it’s important everything is packed with proper protection. This may mean adding moving blankets and padding to fill in the gaps between boxes and other belongings.

Thankfully, Modern Storage has tons of moving supplies available for purchase like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress covers, and more in case you run out.

Just stop by any of our Little Rock self-storage locations and we will take care of you.

#3: Find Some Help

No matter how strong and independent you are, you don’t have to pack a moving truck alone. You should never lift heavy furniture, boxes, and other items by yourself!

Before you start moving, ask your friends and family for help loading and unloading. Most will always accept pizza and a cold beverage as payment for their help.

#4: Break Down Your Furniture

Furniture can take up quite a bit of space on a moving truck. To save room, take apart any of your furniture that can easily be disassembled.

You can take the legs off dining tables, remove headboards from your bed frames, and remove drawers from desks and dressers.

This will help make the most of your space in the moving truck, as well as distribute the weight of heavy furniture more evenly.

#5: Load Heavy Stuff First

If you can’t disassemble large furniture, try storing moving boxes and other items on top of your furniture to avoid crushing smaller objects.

Therefore, the largest and heaviest items—like mattresses, bed frames, tables, chairs, refrigerators, washers, dryers, sofas, and coffee tables—all need to be loaded into your moving truck first.

#6: Pack Furniture Upright

Large furniture takes up a lot of room in a moving truck when packed in horizontally. To save space, load all sofas, headboards, and tables in an upright position.

Be sure to place extra padding and protection around these items to protect help upholstered sofas or chairs and wood furniture. This will prevent them from being damaged and protect your smaller boxes from being crushed.

#7: Roll Rugs Next

All rugs should be rolled up to save room on the moving truck. Once your rugs are rolled up, tie them securely and pack them in standing upright.

#8: Load Light Stuff Last

Before loading lighter items onto the moving truck, make sure they’re packed up the right way:

  • pictures, mirrors, and TVs should be properly protected with bubble wrap
  • jewelry, knick-knacks, documents, and valuables should be placed in separate, clearly-labeled boxes
  • mattress should go in clean mattress bags
  • Kitchen appliances can go in their original boxes (if you kept them)

When loading these kinds of lighter items, be sure to place them on top of your furniture and large appliances and not underneath where they might get crushed.

#9: Distribute Weight Evenly

One of the most important steps in figuring out how to pack a moving truck is making sure the weight is evenly distributed.

Don’t crowd heavy items to either side or leave a pile of boxes unbalanced or unsupported. This will make the moving truck easier to drive, but also protect your boxes from falling over while you’re driving or injuring you when you start unloading!

#10: Strap Everything in the Moving Truck

Finally, before you shut the door and drive away, make sure all items are secured with moving straps. This will keep your items from shifting during the drive over to your new home, office, or storage unit.

The best way to do this is to strap down one section of stuff at a time.

For example, when you finish loading your heavier items, strap them in place. Then strap medium-sized items in place and so forth.

Questions?

Now that you’ve got a better idea of how to pack a moving truck, don’t forget to buckle up and be safe!

If you have any questions during your move or need more information about our secure storage units, just contact us.

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