Before you rent a box truck for your upcoming move, you should take the time to learn how to properly pack and load it. Remember, most truck rental companies charge both a standard fee and a specific amount per mile. Learning how to properly pack and load your moving truck allows you to take less trips and possibly rent a smaller truck, so it could save you a decent amount of money — on both truck rental and gasoline. Check out these tips to learn how to make the most of the space that you have available when you're packing and loading your moving truck.
Packing Your Home
Before you pack up your house, you need to purchase moving supplies. Ideally, you should purchase boxes that are similar in size because they are easier to stack in the truck. Additionally, you'll most likely need packing tape, bubble wrap, and stretch wrap for furniture. When you're packing:
- Don't take any items out of furniture drawers. Instead of putting these items in boxes, where they'll take up more space, leave them in the drawers during the move. To keep the drawers from sliding out in the truck, face the piece of furniture toward the side of the truck or secure the drawers in place with stretch wrap.
- Pack small items in boxes that will fit on the shelves of your bookcase(s). After you load the bookcase(s) into the truck, slide the boxes onto the shelves to save space in the truck and secure them in place.
- When you're packing the items in your closet, leave the clothes on the hangers. Slide a garbage bag over the clothes to protect them, leaving the clothes hangers sticking out of the top. After the truck is full, lay the clothing bag on top of your boxes or furniture so it lies flat.
Loading the Moving Truck
It's a common thought that you should load a moving truck by putting the heaviest items in the truck first. If you have more boxes than furniture, you should load your packed boxes into the truck first. Stack them in the front of the box truck, floor to ceiling, so they are using as much vertical space as possible. Then, secure the boxes into place with packing straps or bungee cords. Additionally, you should:
- Take your furniture apart before placing it in the truck so that it takes up the least amount of space possible.
- Put the couches into the moving truck so that they are standing on end to use the truck's vertical space.
- Place large mirrors and framed art between bed mattresses for added protection.
When you know what you're doing, it isn't difficult to pack up your house and load a moving truck. As long as you make the most of the space that you have available, your move should be more cost effective and easier.
