A DIY move isn’t quite as easy as throwing everything into a truck and driving off. If you want to know how best to pack a moving truck, it’s all about good preparation and a clear packing strategy. The diagram for how to pack a moving truck above is a great resource. Below, you’ll also find our top tips for packing a moving truck so that all your belongings get to their intended destination in good shape.

Tips on How to Pack a Moving Truck

It can feel a little overwhelming when you look at your huge stack of boxes along with all your furniture and appliances and realize you have to get all of it into your moving truck. Don’t worry! You’ve got this, especially when you go into the packing process with a clear plan. That’s why we’ve got all the tips you need for packing a moving truck the right way. 

Eco-Friendly Packing Tips

It never hurts to focus on sustainability even when it comes to preparing for a move.

• Use reusable containers, suitcases, and laundry baskets for your things instead of cardboard boxes.
• Wrap your items in towels, blankets, and clothing instead of plastic bubble wrap.
• Fill your boxes with biodegradable packing peanuts or newspaper for cushioning.
• Sell, give away, or donate items that won’t be making the move with you.

What You’ll Need

If you’re wondering how best to pack a moving truck, the answer starts with equipping yourself with the right tools. 

• Dolly
• Plastic stretch wrap
• Tie downs
• Furniture pads

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Choose the Right-Size Truck

Too large a truck, and your things will move around haphazardly. Too small, and you won’t have enough room for everything you need to bring along for the ride.

• 10 ft. truck = Studio or small 1 bedroom
• 12-14 ft. truck = 450 cu. ft. or 1-2 bedrooms
• 16-17 ft. truck = 800 cu. ft. or 2-3 bedrooms
• 22-24 ft. truck = 1,200 cu. ft. or 3-4 bedrooms
• 26-27 ft. truck = 1,400 cu. ft. or 4+ bedrooms

Preparing to Load

Reduce time by prepping your furniture and boxes before you are ready to load the truck.

• Disassemble furniture such as beds, tables
• Plastic wrap dresser drawers in place
• Cover wood and metal furniture with pads
• Wrap upholstered furniture with plastic stretch wrap
• Cushion mirrors with plenty of furniture pads

Back of Truck

Load your heaviest items first and distribute weight evenly along the back wall of the truck.

• Heavy Furniture
• Washer/Dryer
• Dressers

*Use tie-downs to secure items to prevent anything from shifting.

*Use a dolly for heavier items.

Walls of the Truck

Keep long items upright and load them against the sides of the truck.

• Sofas
• Mattresses
• Headboards
• Desks

*In addition to wrapping them, load desks and dressers with drawers facing the side wall to prevent them from opening.

Stack to the Ceiling

Once the heaviest items are secured in the back, begin adding layers on top of the furniture.

• Place furniture pads on top of the first layer
• Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier ones until they reach the ceiling.
• Secure lightweight irregular items on top

Fill Empty Spaces

Prevent items from shifting by filling empty spaces with soft items that are not fragile.

• Couch cushions
• Pillows
• blankets
• Rolled up rugs

Packing Fragile Items: Use Mom’s Attic

This is the space above the cab, aptly named Mom’s attic. Fill this space with items that require a soft ride.

• Antiques
• Electronics
• Small valuables

Get the Moving Supplies You Need

Looking for a convenient place to pick up all the moving supplies you need before packing a moving truck? Price Self Storage offers a variety of moving supplies, including cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, mattress bags, packing tape, wrapping paper for delicate items, and more. 

We have locations throughout California and are always here if you need to store your items for the long-term or short-term. Find a Price Self Storage near you today. 

Packing a Moving Truck FAQs

How best to pack a moving truck may seem simple on the surface…until you realize that you have to transfer your entire household into a big metal box. The diagram of how to pack a moving truck at the top of the page will provide you with some great guidance, but if you still have questions, we’ve got the answers you need. 

What are the most important items to pack first in a moving truck?

It’s usually a good idea to pack the heaviest items first, including appliances and furniture. Load these against the back wall of the truck, making sure to distribute the weight evenly across the floor. Next, add your medium-weight items, like nightstands and smaller sofas. This will help create a stable foundation and stop your lighter boxes from getting crushed during the move.

What packing supplies do I need?

One of the best tips for packing a moving truck is to load up on supplies early so you can have everything ready to go on the day of the big move. Essential packing supplies include:

• Moving boxes in various sizes
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Furniture pads or blankets
• Plastic wrap
• Tie-down straps
• Dolly or hand truck
• Markers and labels

It’s also a good idea to buy furniture covers to protect valuable items like your mattress, sofa, and more. 

How should I load the moving truck?

The diagram of how to pack a moving truck at the top of this page is a great resource to use. Consider printing it out before your moving day. Here are a few more quick tips on how to pack a moving truck:

• Load the heaviest items first against the back wall of the truck
• Stack boxes wall-to-wall, then floor-to-ceiling
• Place furniture on its side to save space
• Fill gaps with soft items like pillows and linens
• Secure large items with tie-down straps to stop them from moving during transport

How do I protect fragile items?

Your antiques, glassware, and family mementos are valuable, so make sure they get through the move. Wrap your fragile items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and then put them in sturdy boxes with plenty of cushioning between items. 

Mark these boxes “FRAGILE” so you and any other moving helpers will treat them with care. Load your fragile boxes last into the moving truck and put them on top of heavier items. 

Never place boxes containing fragile items on the truck floor, and don’t stack heavy boxes on top of them. Use furniture pads between your large items and secure them from moving and damaging your fragile boxes during the trip. 

What are some pro tips for a successful move?

Outside of just packing a moving truck, there are a few other important ways to prepare for your move that will make the process go more smoothly. 

• Pack a bag of essentials and keep it in your car or the front of the truck so you’ll have it immediately when you arrive. (Think a few sets of clothing, toiletries, medicine, and chargers.) 
• Take photos of your electronics before disconnecting any wires.
• Keep your moving truck’s weight balanced side-to-side.
• Pack a cleaning kit for both locations.
• Pack your favorite snacks for the ride.
• Reserve your moving truck well in advance.

Still in the early planning stages of your move? Take a look at our five-week moving checklist and our blog post all about how to plan your moving budget. 

How long does it take to pack a moving truck?  

The answer will depend on the number of items you intend to pack and how much help you have in the process. A good rule of thumb is:

•  2 – 4 hours for a one-bedroom apartment
• 4 – 6 hours for a two-bedroom place
• 6 – 8 hours for larger homes

You’ll need more time if you have to move a lot of heavy items down staircases or through narrow hallways. To shorten your packing time, call up some friends or family members who owe you a favor. 

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