Moving is a big job, but it helps when you know how to get the job done right. If you have a plan for how you’re going to pack your moving truck, it can make the entire process of moving smoother. Here’s how you can pack a moving truck like a pro.
Break Down What You Can
The more compact something is, the easier it will be to move. Disassemble all the furniture you can, like bedframes, dining tables and desks. You can even take the feet off of your couches and upholstered chairs if you need to save space. If you are disassembling a piece of furniture, keep all parts (including screws, bolts and other small pieces) together, so that there is no confusion when you reassemble it in your new home.
42 Home Improvement Projects
Learn fun DIY renovation projects and how to protect your biggest investment – your home – with this free guide from Your AAA.
Download Now!Protect Your Furniture
Even if you can’t fit your items in a box, they still need to be protected. Use furniture padding to protect the surfaces of your belongings on their journey, so that it’s harder for them to scrape against each other. Rolling up a rug? Roll it with the carpet backing on the inside and cover the outside with plastic. Most moving trucks will include hooks and loops to help secure your items with tie-downs, which help anchor your items so they don’t shift and bump into each other when you hit the road.
Get in Formation
When packing a truck, the experts at Penske recommend using the “I” formation. The heaviest items in should be flush along the front and back of the truck, with a line of heavy furniture and boxes running through the middle of the truck, creating the letter “I.” This helps the truck stay balanced and can prevent your items from being damaged.
The largest and heaviest items in your home, like your washing machine or refrigerator, should go in the moving truck before anything else. Make sure you have other people to help you carry these items – it’s probably going to be more than a two-person job. Put these items in the front of the truck, closest to the cab, and make sure they’re balanced along the width of the truck. Keep all items in an upright position.
Along the center of the truck, make a line of heavy furniture and boxes. A good strategy is to fill the center with your tables and desks, then store your heaviest boxes underneath them. On either side of the tables, you can store softer furniture items, like couches, upholstered chairs, rolled-up rugs, box springs and mattresses. Set aside all of your smallest items and boxes for later.
The back of the truck, closest to the doors, should be where you put all your additional heavy boxes to anchor the “I” formation.
Fill in the Gaps
Even after you’ve loaded in all your biggest furniture and heaviest boxes, you probably still have a lot of stuff left over. Fill in the gaps and crevices of your moving truck with your smaller items and boxes. A densely-packed truck will make sure that things don’t slide and knock into each other. This is also a good time to try and fit in your irregular-shaped items, like floor lamps.
Transfer your lighter boxes to the truck and stack them on top of the heavy ones. If you need to put more fragile items in the body of the car, put them close to the top and secure them so they won’t move around. It’s also a good idea to wrap them in a lot of padding. If you have small and extremely fragile items, it might be best to keep them in the cab with you.
Don’t forget – when renting a truck from Penske, AAA members receive exclusive savings of 12% or more.
| Tools for a Smooth Move | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | Cosco 12323ASB1E Handtruck, 4 in 1, Steel | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Amazon Basics Cardboard Moving Boxes - 20-Pack, Medium, 18" x 14" x 12" | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | WEN 272406 72-Inch by 40-Inch Heavy Duty Padded Moving Blankets, Pack of 6 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Scotch Long Lasting Storage Shipping Packaging Tape, 1.88" x 38.2 yd, 1 Roll with Dispenser (3650S-RD-ESF) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | AUGO Ratchet Tie Down Straps –4 PK– 15 FT – 2,200 LB Break Strength – Safety Lock S Hooks –for Moving Cargo, Appliances, Lawn Equipment, Motorcycle – Includes 2 Bungee Cords, 4 Soft Loops, Storage Bag | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | 18" Stretch Film/Wrap 1200ft 500% Stretch Clear Cling Durable Adhering Packing Moving Packaging Heavy Duty Shrink Film Stretch Wrap(1 Pack, Clear) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Carpet Storage Bags Jumbo Rug Storage Bag Large Clear Plastic Bag for Carpet with Nylon Cable Zip Ties for Indoor Outdoor Carpet Moving or Storage (2 Pieces, Fit 8 x 10 Feet) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
When you make a purchase through a third-party link, AAA Northeast could receive revenue. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Related Articles
Trending Articles
NEWEST ARTICLES
