Loading the Truck: Tips and Tricks

You've booked your moving truck and packed your belongings, now it's time to think about moving day. If you're like my husband, then you'll want to plan how the truck should be loaded. I have to admit, I'm not the most patient mover. I tend to want to just get it done; hopefully, my husband will never read this since I'm about to admit that advance planning on how to load the truck is a good idea. But that's between you and me...

If you want to be really detailed and organized, do a walk-through of your house and note the order in which items are loaded. Make a list and group similar sized boxes together. This will make moving day go a lot smoother and faster.

1. Move the largest and heaviest items first. This includes appliances such as the stove, washing machine, refrigerator and dishwasher, and any other item that takes more than two people to move. These items should be loaded on the truck before anything else and kept against the far wall closest to the cab. Keep the items in their upright positions and make sure you balance the truck by placing heavy objects on opposite sides.

   Use furniture padding to protect wood surfaces and corners. Padding can be rented from the truck rental agent and is worth the little extra it costs. Using padded protection also makes it easier to slide heavier pieces onto the truck.

2. Move longer items such as box springs, mattresses, long mirrors, headboards, sofas and table-tops on to the truck next. Place these items against the longest walls of the truck which will keep them upright and will save space. Make sure you use mattress covers to spare your bed and sofa from rips and tears and make moving a lot easier.

3. Dissemble bed frames and tape pieces together. Do the same for longer items such as skis and poles. When you roll-up your carpets, place these items inside, then tape your carpet closed. Place the carpet on the floor of the truck.

4. Next, start loading the largest and heaviest boxes. Place the boxes on top of the appliances and furniture and make sure you fill any cavities beneath tables, under desks, and on chair seats.

5. Transfer lighter boxes, stacking them on the heavier boxes, making sure the lightest boxes are on top.

6. Place fragile items or awkward shaped items on last, ensuring that they will not move around during transport.

Moving Tips

For a safe move and to ensure none of your friends get injured while helping you move, observe these tips:

• Your truck should be large enough to accommodate 10-15% more than what you own. This is just to ensure you're going to have enough room. Too much room is better than too little

• Rent various sizes of dollies and make sure they have straps that lock in place. When pulling the dolly up the truck ramp, make sure you go backwards and have someone follow behind to make sure nothing slips. Don't overload the dolly. It's better to make more trips than to risk injury.

• Remove drawers and contents of drawers before moving desks and cabinets and dressers. Once these items are loaded on the truck, replace the drawers so they aren't damaged while the truck is in transit. This will also save space.

• When loading bikes, remove the front wheel and let down the handlebars. Removing the front wheel will ensure that the bike remains in place.

• Use pillows, towels and sofa cushions for padding. Place around fragile items for extra protection.

So, after reading this, you're going to sit down and plan your move. If you do, you'll save yourself countless arguments about what should be loaded on the truck next. You'll save time and your friends will thank you for it.