Packing a moving truck isn’t rocket science, but you will need to take some thought about how you are going to place your things before you start. Planning and organizing, putting things in their right place and securing them will help insure your things make it to your new home without damage.
Plan First, Attack Second
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.”
A. A. Milne – creator of Winnie the Pooh
Try to plan carefully before you start, you really don’t want to take everything out because you forgot to put something in early. That’s why I recommend you use a good checklist and inventory everything before doing any packing.
Plan Before You Pack
Once you have sorted everything out and determined what you are going to move and what you are going to sell or give away, you need to plan how you will pack the truck. You may want to ask the truck rental company for a guide on how to pack a moving truck diagram. They may have them for the specific type of truck you are renting. Nevertheless, you will have to customize the plan for you needs.
Consider The Weight Limit
When packing the truck, you will want to think about the overall weight of your load. All trucks have a load rating and you need to make sure you do not exceed that rating. You also need to think about the distribution of the load. The truck should be able to handle the load however you divide it up, but it will make driving, and more importantly, control, far better if you make sure you distribute the weight as evenly as possible in the truck. In most cases, this will happen naturally by following the guidelines set above, but give it a little thought to be sure.
Choose the Right Size Truck
Before you start packing, it’s critical you choose the right sized truck for your needs. Try to make a fair estimation based on the volume of your belongings. A truck that’s too small will leave you haphazardly cramming items anywhere they fit, while an overly large one might cause items to shift and possibly get damaged during transport.
Prepare in Advance
Don’t wait until moving day to start packing – begin as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to organize your items and will help reduce stress on moving day.
Safety First
Always prioritize safety when loading your moving truck. Heavy items should be placed at the bottom and towards the front of the truck to offer stability. Lighter and more fragile items should be loaded last to minimize the risk of damage.
Utilize Tools
Make use of moving blankets, stretch wrap, and furniture pads to keep your belongings safe during transport. Using a moving dolly can save your back when loading heavy items like appliances and furniture.
Maximize Space
Smart packing can help you efficiently use every square inch of the truck. Items like mattresses and box springs make great space fillers and can provide cushioning for other belongings. You can also use vacuum bags to slim down items like blankets and clothes.
Disassemble Furniture
While it might be more time-consuming, disassembling large pieces of furniture can make them easier to load and stack. It can also prevent damage to other items, as smaller pieces are generally easier to secure.
Label Everything
Labeling each box will make the unpacking process much easier, as you can immediately identify where each box should go in your new home. This will also ensure that fragile items are handled with care during the unloading process.
Fill Every Nook and Cranny
Once your large items are loaded, fill the nooks and crannies with smaller boxes and items. Think of it like a real-life game of Tetris, where every piece should fit in perfectly. This not only optimizes space but also prevents items from moving around during transport.
If your truck has a mom’s attic, you may want to put fragile items in it. Pad it with cushions or other soft things and make sure everything is secure before loading the big stuff.
Put larger items in first. Make sure you wrap anything that can be scratched or broken. Moving blankets are a necessity for larger items that may shift. It is probable best to start with your washer, dryer and refrigerator. Then load heavier furniture. Put your mattresses and table against the side walls of the truck standing on their sides Create rows, filling the gaps between furniture with boxes, cushions, and odd shaped items. Use straps and nets to hold furniture and rows together. Try to finish one row before you start another one. The thing you are really going for here is to not have your things move all over the place and break.
Packing a moving truck can initially seem like an overwhelming task, but by taking a systematic, thoughtful approach, it can be fairly stress-free. Utilize these tips during your next move and watch how a predominantly frantic affair turns into an organised, efficient process, creating a smooth transit from your old space, straight into the heart of your new abode.
