How to Successfully Load a Moving Container

Even at the height of the pandemic, over 27 million people relocated within the U.S., according to the latest Census Bureau statistics.

Of these, around 45% engage in moving truck rental for a DIY move. That’s because hiring a moving company is an expensive undertaking, and it’s often difficult to get the dates you want to book, too.

Naturally, a DIY move comes with certain risks, and most of these revolve around packing the moving truck, so you end up with everything intact on the other side.

Fortunately, it’s easy to master this aspect if you follow a few pointers. Here’s how to load a moving truck as the pros do.

How to Load a Moving Truck Quickly

Hiring a moving truck and packing it yourself is an effective way to save money during your move. So, the last thing you need is extra charges.

If it’s going to take some time to load all your items into the moving truck, you could end up paying more for that time. So, it’s vital to pack all your items ready to go and in the correct order for loading before the truck arrives.

Otherwise, you might want to hire a moving container instead. According to this company, you can load these boxes according to your schedule without worrying about extra charges. 

These types of storage vessels also come in handy if your new home or business premises aren’t ready yet. You can place them in storage until you’re able to move in. 

Protect Your Valuables

Most moving trucks have what’s known as ‘mom’s attic’, which is a small section above the truck’s cab. This is a good place to pack small fragile items, so they’re protected from larger, heavier things in the back of the truck.

So, wrap your dishes, glassware, and small electronics in protective layers and secure them in this compartment out of harm’s way.

This well-protected spot isn’t good for heat-sensitive treasures like antique knick-knacks and vinyl records. It isn’t climate-controlled, so these things are better off in your car or the cab of the truck.

Fragile items like TVs and mirrors are also better off in your car unless you can secure them between two mattresses inside the truck. 

Start With the Heavy Lifting

To ensure safe driving, you must ensure efficient weight distribution when you pack a moving truck. Heavy items packed near the back can cause the vehicle to sway as you speed up.

Rather, pack heavy items as close to the front wheels as possible.

That means you should pack your heavy appliances, like refrigerators, washers, and dryers, against the cab of the truck. The rectangular shape of these items also lines up neatly with the flat surface of the cab, getting your packing efforts off to a good start.

Use ratchet straps and drops to fasten these appliances to the rails features along the truck’s walls. You can also wrap them in furniture pads to protect them along the way.  

Once you’ve got your appliances secured, you can add your heaviest furniture items. These include tables, bed frames, mattresses, bookshelves, and sectionals, starting with the bulkiest ones first. 

It’s a good idea to disassemble as many items as you can to make them more compact and easier to pack.

You must try to distribute weight evenly on the left and right-hand sides of the truck, by placing items that weigh around the same on either side. It’s best to pack long items like bed frames in an upright position to save space.

Make sure you secure everything as best you can as you progress.  

Don’t Pack Air

When you have many things to pack, you should avoid wasting as much space as possible. One way to do this is by filling your closets and drawers with boxes of smaller items as you go along. 

This will also prevent them from any shifting during the move, and shield them from potential impacts by other objects.

When you’ve filled up these spaces, grab your heaviest boxes and load them near the front of the truck on the floor.  Avoid placing heavy boxes on top of furniture.

Finally, you can fill in the gaps with smaller, lighter boxes. This is where your juvenile Tetris skills will come in handy.

Stack your boxes as close to the ceiling as possible, then use your tie ropes to create a net, securing them in place.  

You can fill in any remaining irregular-shaped spaces with blankets, pillows, or other soft items. 

Load the Unstackables Last

Awkwardly-shaped things like bikes, lawnmowers, and treadmills fit in best at the back of the truck, where they won’t interfere with your packing efforts. 

Try packing them on their sides or upside down so they can’t roll around in transit, and secure them with ropes, too. 

Keep Your Precious Cargo Safe on the Road

It only makes sense to drive cautiously when you have your life’s possessions in the back of the truck.

If you’re moving a long distance, stop at least every hundred miles to check the back and ensure you’re best packing efforts haven’t come undone along the way.  

Eliminate Stress With a DIY Approach

When you load a moving truck efficiently, you enjoy the benefit of knowing where everything is when you arrive at your destination.

You needn’t worry about third parties handling your items carelessly, or anything going missing along the way. 

Would you like some more tips on how to manage and streamline other aspects of daily life? Browse our blog for all the best ideas.