Written by Move and Care Team
Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim
Updated: January 13, 2024
📌 Quick Checklist for Packing a Truck
- Load heavy furniture and boxes first.
- Distribute weight evenly for a safer drive.
- Use padding for fragile items like moving blankets or bubble wrap.
- Secure everything with straps to prevent shifting.
- Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier items.
MOVING TRUCK BASICS
How to pack a truck for moving day? So: You’ve got your life packed up in boxes, and an empty new home waiting to be filled with your stuff. Now, you just have to get all those boxes and furniture items from point A to point B. Easy, right? Not always—but knowing how to pack a moving truck makes the process a whole lot easier.
It’s pretty intuitive, but we’ll put it out there just in case the packing process has taken a mental toll: When packing the truck, pack it like a grocery bag. You wouldn’t put the eggs and hot dog buns at the bottom of the shopping bag, right? At least, you wouldn’t a second time. Spare your belongings the potential breaking and crushing, and do it right the first time: Put heavy furniture and boxes onto the truck first, then add the lighter stuff.
GATHER NECESSARY SUPPLIES
Before you even start loading, make sure you have the right tools for the job. Packing a moving truck isn’t just about putting boxes and furniture inside—it’s about keeping them secure and protected while in transit. Here are some must-have supplies:
- Ratchet straps: These keep heavy furniture and stacks of boxes from shifting while you drive.
- Moving blankets: Use these to wrap furniture and fragile items to prevent scratches and dents.
- Dollies: Save your back and make moving large, heavy items much easier. Learn how to load a dolly properly.
- Plastic wrap: Secure drawers, doors, and loose items to keep everything in place.
Having these supplies on hand can save you time, effort, and prevent damage to your belongings.
CONSIDER WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
Another major reason to load all the biggest, heaviest furniture first? It helps distribute weight in the truck for a safer, more efficient drive. All the really heavy stuff should be way at the back, closest to the truck’s cab, and furthest from the truck’s loading door when you open it up again. This approach also makes heavy furniture less likely to shift around during the drive.
Once all your bulkiest, heaviest things are in the truck (and tightly arranged), move on to adding medium-weight boxes and other lighter items. Place them on top of your heavy furniture; tucking them in and around heavier things is a sure-fire way to get crushed in transit.
MAXIMIZE SPACE
Packing a truck isn’t just about weight—it’s also about making the most of every square inch of space. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill gaps with soft items: Use pillows, blankets, and even stuffed animals to pad and stabilize gaps between furniture and boxes.
- Stack similar-sized boxes together: This creates a sturdy, stable base for stacking other items. Plus, it helps prevent boxes from sliding around during the move.
- Disassemble furniture: If possible, take apart larger items like bed frames or tables to make them easier to fit into tight spaces.
Efficiently using the available space not only keeps your items safe but can also reduce the number of trips you need to make.
Lastly; don’t try to do all this heavy lifting and repetition yourself. It’ll go faster and easier with friends, family, people who owe you a favor, or better yet—a professional moving crew.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at
info@move-and-care.com.
