LOADING THE TRUCK

Loading is generally the biggest challenge you will face during the move. The two most important things to remember are filling and weight distribution. Professionals pack by rows, bottom to top and then front to back. Pack tightly from floor to ceiling and then left to right.

1. Start by loading heavier furniture and appliances at the front of the truck (the end near the cab).
2. Load dressers, chests and desks with drawers facing the truck sides. This keeps them from opening. Wrap sofas in plastic and stand them on end to reduce the space used.
3. Put heavy boxes on the bottom. Boxes of about the same size, strength and weight cant be stacked. Load lighters items on top of heavier boxes as you go up.
4. Load items as tightly as possible to prevent shifting, rubbing or puncturing during moving. Fill the space between items to prevent movement. Loose cushions, pillows and blanket placed in plastic  bags are great fillers.
5. Keep the rows as even as possible. Filling space side to side and bottom to top. As each row is built, try not to use odd pieces that stick out and disrupt the balance.
6. Tie strong rope about the furniture from one side of the truck to the other. Do this approximately every quarter of the truck’s capacity.
7. Keep a tool box handy in case you have to remove doors and disassemble furniture. Pack it in truck cab or next to the Survival Box.
8. Pad all furniture with blankets or bubble wrap. When possible, remove the legs from furniture and place all bolts/screw in a plastic bag and tap it to the bottom of the furniture. If you need blankets, most charitable organizations sell regular quilts and blankets for a very reasonable price.
9. Place mattresses, box springs, bed rails and other long flat items along the sides of the truck.
10. The goal is to secure everything as well as possible. Load pictures and mirrors along the truck sides to prevent breakage. If possible pack them between mattresses and the box springs.
11. Tie the last row securely in place. Some shifting and settling is inevitable.
12. Load a Survival Box of items (toilet paper and other necessitates) you will need at the new house. Pack it where it will come off of the truck first.