How to pack a moving truck

DIY moves are always an option you may look into, especially if you are not comfortable with letting others handle your belongings. Whether you're using a van or a truck, there are certain methods and practices that you need to follow to keep your belongings safe during the move. There is no specific order in which you have to load the moving vehicle, but professionals follow certain practices in positioning items within the vehicle to keep it balanced and lessen the risk of accident when the vehicle is moving.

If you're opting for a DIY move instead of hiring professional movers, learning about how to properly load your moving vehicle or container is crucial in keeping your belongings safe. You may also use this information to distribute the weight evenly and maximise available space.

Figure out the size of the required moving vehicle

Before hiring a moving vehicle, check everything that you will be taking with you when you move. This will help you determine how many boxes you will use and how large the moving vehicle should be to accommodate your belongings. Once you have the dimensions of the box, start planning how you can pack it more efficiently. When possible, measure the furniture and try to create a scale of the truck and your belongings to see how they fit. You may also use this as a guide when loading the truck. Giving out instructions will be easier, especially if you have asked friends or family to help you.

Gather and organise supplies

Before you start packing and preparing your belongings for the move, it's best to gather all the materials that you will need. Whilst it is okay to recycle or reuse existing moving boxes, using boxes of the same size or dimensions will make it easier to position everything inside the moving vehicle. Gather all packing materials and place them within your reach. This way, you can easily grab what you need without leaving your work and being distracted.

Dismount appliances and disassemble furniture

Most furniture items are both heavy and bulky. Hence, it is highly recommended that you disassemble the furniture before loading them into the truck. Doing so will also help balance the weight of the vehicle. Start by taking apart larger pieces such as the dining room table, beds, and desks, allowing you to place them in an upright position in the truck.

Load the heaviest items first

Aside from the size, you also need to consider the weight of the bulky furniture when planning its placement in the container. Distribute the furniture items strategically to ensure that one side of the truck is not heavier than the other. Large and heavy appliances/boxes must be loaded first and positioned at the front of the container. Heavy items must always be placed at the bottom so they won't crush smaller boxes and delicate items in case the container moves unintentionally.

• - mattresses

• - bed frames

• - tables

• - chairs

• - refrigerators

• - washer/dryer

• - couches

• - coffee tables

• - sectionals

Load essentials and light items last

Load essential items and lighter boxes last. This way, these items will be the first ones you unload when you arrive at your destination. Before packing everything in moving boxes, prepare an essentials bag that contains a few supplies that will last for at least 3 days. This way, you will have the basic items that you will need even if you can't unpack your belongings as soon as you reach your destination. If there are free spaces at the top of the heavy boxes, you may place lighter boxes at the top. Fragile items may also be strategically placed on top of large boxes to avoid being crushed when the vehicle is put under pressure during the move.

• - mirror

• - jewellery box

• - collectibles and trinkets

• - kitchen appliances

• - china and glassware