How to Pack a Moving Truck

Moving can be an overwhelming experience. There are so many details to consider, plans to finalize and then, of course, the dreaded packing. Get everything taken apart, boxed up, marked clearly with a magic marker and organized. Now, let's pack the moving truck.

Instructions

1. Make sure you have plenty of room in the truck you are planning to use for moving. If you are renting a truck, the rental agency can help you determine what size you'll need.

2. Load the largest and/or heaviest belongings first. Items such as refrigerators, washing machines and stoves/ranges should be loaded as close to the cab as possible. Use furniture pads (which you can rent from a moving company quite cheaply) to put between the heavy items to cushion them from damage when you pack a moving truck.

3. Put furniture in next. Large furniture such as sofas and coffee tables should be packed close together to prevent sliding around during transport. Use old towels and blankets to protect your bedroom dresser mirrors. Arrange your mattresses and box springs in between long mirrors, headboards, chests and tables to help cushion and protect wood and mirrors.

4. Balance the load when you pack a moving truck. Place equal amounts of heavy objects on either side of the truck for a smoother ride and for safety reasons. An unbalanced truck that's too heavy on one side can topple over when making a sharp turn.

5. Stack your heaviest boxes next, balancing the load evenly on both sides. Put your lightest boxes on top. Finally, load the most fragile items (well-covered and marked "Fragile") on top of the lightest boxes.