How to Load a Moving Truck

Loading a moving truck is time consuming. However, there are ways to smooth and speed the process. Advance preparation is the key. There is an art to loading a moving truck. Understanding little tricks and techniques increases your available space, and protects your precious items from damage. Rather than toss items inside a moving truck without a plan of action, learn how to maximize your space.

Things You'll Need

• Ramp
• Moving dolly
• Cargo net or rope

Instructions

1. Find additional movers. You'll likely need to move heavy items and large boxes onto the moving truck. This is a two-man job, and it's best to have additional help on hand. Ask a few friends or relatives to assist you on moving day.

2. Rent the right equipment. You'll need a ramp and dolly to lift items onto the moving truck. Moving trucks generally include a ramp. However, you may have to rent a dolly. If possible, rent two dollies--one for large items and one for smaller items. Also, grab a few moving blankets and place these on the floor of the moving truck. Buy cargo net or rope to secure your items.

3. Disassemble larger items such as beds, tables, and desks to increase available space in the moving truck. Wrap the pieces in cloth, and pack them in a box. Also, remove drawers and clothes from dressers. Remove contents from the refrigerator.

4. Lift items correctly to prevent injury. Rather than bend over and lift with your back, bend your knees and lift heavy items with your legs.

5. Load heavy items onto the moving truck. Start with the heaviest items and load these against the back wall of the moving truck. This is the space closest to the cab. Heavy items include couches, stoves, washing machines, dryers and refrigerators. Make sure there's a balance, and keep items in an upright position.

6. Place long items against the side walls. It's best to keep the area in the middle of the moving truck open. This is where you can load boxes and smaller non-boxed items such as speakers and ottomans. Place long items such as mattresses, headboards, bed frames, box springs and tables against the side wall of the moving truck.

7. Bring heavy and light boxes onto the moving truck once your larger and non-boxed items are situated. Place lightweight boxes on top of your heavier items. Next, situate heavier boxes directly in front of your long items and your heavier items. Load light boxes in the available space located in the middle of the moving truck. Stack boxes to maximize your space.

8. Secure items against the wall with a cargo net or moving rope. This way, items won't shift in transient.