How to Pack a Rental Moving Truck

Make moving day with your rental moving truck go as smoothly as possible by organizing your household goods for efficient packing onto the truck.  Follow these tips to pack the moving truck effectively and solidly, and take note of what not to pack onto the moving truck.

Organize Your Heaviest Items to Be Packed

Empty and unplug all the large appliances you are moving and get them near the exit door of your home. Refrigerators, washers and dryers go on the truck first, nearest the front of the cargo box. If you are moving all of these, put the fridge in the middle and the washer and dryer on either side. Put a lightweight blanket over each appliance to prevent scratches.

Put In Long Items Next, then Odd-Shaped Items

These include the sofa, long chests of drawers, one-piece table tops and standing mirrors. Wrap mirrors and glass securely to prevent breakage. Place these and mattresses and bed frames next to the side walls of the cargo box. Disassemble bed frames and large tables as much as possible to maximize available space. Put mattresses and box springs in mattress bags designed to keep them clean. Next, load in chairs, small tables, standing lamps and other odd-shaped items. Keep these close to the edges of the available space.

Reduce Weight by Disassembling Chests of Drawers

Empty all the drawers from dressers and desks, and take the drawers out of these furnishings so they are easier to carry to the truck. Once they are loaded, either reinsert the drawers or stack them near their furniture. You can also place the drawers on the seat area of a sofa and fill them with small boxes to stabilize the load inside the cargo box.

How to Prepare and Pack Rugs

Roll up the rugs into long, narrow bundles, cover them in heavy mailing paper, and tie them securely with cords at each end. Always use 2 people to carry a rug to the moving truck. Lay rugs on the floor near the sides, or on the seat of the sofa.

Load in Heavy Boxes, Especially Books

Fill in the center of the cargo box with the heaviest boxes, especially those full of books. Stack lighter and smaller boxes on the top. Pack everything in closely together to prevent shifting of the load as the moving truck turns corners.  Fill the spaces under chairs and tables with medium and lightweight boxes. Load in the clothing boxes close to the back of the moving truck so they can come off early in the unloading process and be moved directly to the assigned rooms.

What Not to Pack in the Moving Truck

Do not put in the moving truck the bed linens, pillows, towels and personal care items your family will need for that first night. Take these in the car, so you can reassemble the beds as soon as possible at the new location.  Convey all fragiles such as dishes and glassware in the car or in a small van, and watch them closely while traveling to prevent breakage.