How to Load a Moving Trucks Yourself

You've decided to skip professional movers and save some money on your move by doing it yourself. You've rented a moving truck and packed your belongings; now it's time to load it. Remember, loading moving trucks is not an easy job. Loading trucks requires multitasking. You are not as experienced as professional movers in packing a rental truck, so it is advisable that your truck is large enough to accommodate 10-15% more than what you own.

When it comes to loading a moving truck, a little planning goes a long way. Whether it's a local or long-distance move, it is important to pack the moving truck like experienced movers to ensure that your belongings arrive at their destination safely and securely. Moving day is stressful, so perform a walk-through of your home a day or two beforehand and list the order in which items should be loaded.

Having trouble loading a moving truck? From placing furniture to using moving supplies, there are several ways to maximize the space in the truck's back. You can avoid making multiple travels back and forth between homes by making good and efficient use of this area.

With helpful moving tips, you can efficiently and safely pack a moving truck. The key is to start early and stay organized. These tips will show you how to load a moving truck and ensure your items are secure during your move.

Pick the Right Size Moving Truck

Choosing the right truck size makes moving easier by reducing trips and saving on fuel and rental costs. A properly sized truck fits all your belongings in one load, minimizing stress. To pick the right one, list your items and compare them to truck size guidelines from rental companies. Many websites offer volume calculators to estimate the space you need based on the number of rooms.

Standard Moving Truck Sizes:
• Cargo van (up to 245 cu. ft.) – Best for small moves like studio apartments or a few pieces of furniture.
• 10 ft. truck (up to 402 cu. ft.) – Suitable for a studio or small one-bedroom apartment. 15 ft. truck (up to 764 cu. ft.) – Ideal for a one- to two-bedroom apartment.
• 20 ft. truck (up to 1,016 cu. ft.) – Works for two- to three-bedroom homes.
• 26 ft. truck (up to 1,682 cu. ft.) – Recommended for larger homes (four or more bedrooms).

Book your truck at least a month in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer) when demand is high. Companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck Rental offer different mileage rates and insurance plans. If you're unsure about the size, choose a slightly larger truck to avoid overcrowding or multiple trips. Many rental companies also provide extras like loading ramps and tow dollies to make moving easier.

Rent Moving Blankets

The right packing supplies are essential for efficiently loading a moving truck. Many people misjudge the available space, leading to shifting and possible damage during transport. Use enough moving blankets to cushion furniture, fragile items, and appliances to prevent this. These blankets help prevent scratches, dents, and damage from vibrations while driving.

Most truck rental locations rent moving blankets, but availability varies, so check in advance. Some companies offer quilted or heavy-duty blankets for extra protection, which are ideal for antiques, glass furniture, and high-end wooden pieces. In extreme weather, these blankets also provide insulation for temperature-sensitive items.

Securing your load properly makes unloading easier and prevents damage in transit. Use stretch wrap or straps along with blankets to keep everything in place. Taking the time to wrap and secure items helps protect valuables and avoids costly repairs or replacements.

Disassemble Furniture

Disassembling large furniture and wrapping it with furniture pads makes moving easier, safer, and more efficient. Bulky pieces take up space in a moving truck, and improper loading can cause damage or imbalance. To save space and reduce breakage, remove table legs, take apart bed frames, and detach glass shelves from bookcases. Pressed wood and particle board furniture are incredibly fragile under stress, so disassembling them is essential.

Breaking down furniture helps distribute weight evenly, improving truck stability and preventing top-heavy loading. Store screws, bolts, and small hardware in labeled bags and tape them to the furniture piece to avoid losing them. Wrap delicate parts in bubble wrap or furniture pads for extra protection, especially for fragile components.

Secure drawers and cabinet doors with plastic stretch wrap or moving straps to prevent them from opening during transport. For antiques or valuable furniture, use foam padding along the edges to avoid dents and scratches. If possible, take photos before disassembling complex pieces to simplify reassembly. Proper preparation and packing protect your furniture and make moving smoother.

Get Help

Before moving, ask friends or family for help with loading and unloading. Moving heavy furniture alone is time-consuming and increases the risk of injury or damage. Teamwork makes lifting and maneuvering large items easier, especially on stairs, through tight doorways, or over uneven ground. Assign roles to helpers, such as wrapping fragile items, securing furniture, and carrying lighter boxes, to keep the move organized and efficient.

If help isn’t available, hire affordable helpers through our website. Our platform connects you with experienced movers trained in safe lifting techniques, moving straps, and dollies to protect your items and maximize truck space.

Booking movers by the hour gives you flexibility based on your needs and budget. We also offer specialty moving services for pianos, safes, and fragile antiques. Before booking, check reviews, verify credentials, and confirm insurance coverage for added peace of mind. Your relocation will be smoother, safer, and more efficient with reliable movers.

Start Loading

Load Largest and Heaviest Items First

Packing a moving truck correctly prevents damage and ensures a balanced load. Start at the front of the truck (near the cab) and work toward the back. Place heavy, large items like refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, dressers, and shelving units on the floor against the front wall. Distribute weight evenly on both sides to keep the truck stable while driving.

For large sofas and sectionals, stand them upright to save space. If possible, avoid placing furniture upside down or on its side, as this may cause structural damage. If a sofa doesn't fit upright, remove the legs to make more room.

When loading dressers and cabinets, remove drawers before lifting them to reduce weight. Once inside the truck, put the drawers back to prevent shifting. You don’t need to empty them completely, but avoid leaving fragile or heavy items inside. Fill gaps around furniture and appliances with soft items like pillows, towels, and sofa cushions for extra protection.

Use a four-wheel dolly or hand truck for heavy items like pianos, safes, or commercial appliances. Secure them to the truck’s sidewalls with ratchet straps or moving ropes. Never place them in the middle, as they can shift and cause instability during transport.

Load Medium and Lighter Items Next

After placing the heaviest items, load medium-weight and lighter objects like moving boxes, chairs, small tables, and nightstands. Stack boxes from heaviest at the bottom to lightest on top. Wrap fragile items such as mirrors, TVs, and framed pictures in moving blankets or specialized boxes to prevent breakage. Store them upright between sturdy furniture or mattresses for extra protection.

Pack important documents, jewelry, and valuables separately in a personal bag that stays with you. Keep essential items like an overnight bag, toiletries, phone charger, medications, and a change of clothes easily accessible in the truck or your vehicle.

Load Boxes Efficiently

After securing furniture and medium-weight items, load the largest moving boxes on top of furniture and appliances. Pack boxes tightly to prevent shifting. Ideally, no box should weigh more than 50 pounds.

Stack boxes with the heaviest at the bottom to create a stable base, then place lighter boxes on top. Keep fragile boxes at the highest level to avoid crushing. To save space, stand box springs, mattresses, long mirrors, headboards, sofas, and table tops vertically along the truck’s longest walls. Slide glass tabletops, large mirrors, and framed pictures between mattresses or against a flat, stable surface to prevent breakage.

Load Fragile and Oddly Shaped Items Last

The final step is loading fragile, oddly shaped, or soft items. Place them in secure spaces where they won’t shift. The area under desks, chairs, and tables is ideal for fragile boxes, keeping them stable and protected.

Load bags of clothing, linens, blankets, and towels last. These soft materials can fill empty spaces and act as padding to prevent shifting. Use furniture pads, moving blankets, or stretch wrap to protect exposed furniture against dents, scratches, and scuffs.

Before closing the truck, ensure everything is tightly packed and secured with ratchet straps or ropes. Test the load’s stability by gently pressing on different sections. If anything shifts, reposition and reinforce it.

Preventing Injuries and Damage

Moving heavy furniture and boxes can cause injuries, such as back strains, muscle pulls, and fractures. Follow these safety tips for a smooth and injury-free move.

Safe Lifting Techniques
• Bend Your Knees, Not Your Back: Lift with your legs to protect your lower back.
• Keep the Load Close: Holding items close improves balance and reduces muscle strain.
• Use a Team Approach: Get help for heavy items instead of lifting alone.
• Avoid Twisting Movements: Turn your whole body instead of twisting your torso.
• Take Breaks: Rest periodically to prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents.

Proper Use of Moving Equipment
• Furniture Dollies: Move large appliances and heavy furniture with less strain.
• Hand Trucks: Transport stacks of boxes safely and prevent drops.
• Moving Straps: Evenly distribute weight, making awkward items easier to carry.
• Ramps: Reduce heavy lifting when loading and unloading.

Avoiding Common Moving Hazards
• Clear Pathways: Remove obstacles to prevent tripping.
• Distribute Weight Evenly in the Truck: Prevents instability while driving.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with grip helps prevent slipping.
• Secure Heavy Items: Prevents shifting during transport, reducing the risk of damage and injuries.

Do Not Load Everything

Some items shouldn’t go on the moving truck, especially hazardous materials or those needing special handling. Most moving companies prohibit flammable, corrosive, or explosive substances for safety reasons. Even for DIY moves, certain items are best left off the truck to prevent accidents.

Items to Avoid
• Hazardous Materials: Gasoline, propane tanks, lighter fluid, fireworks, paint, aerosol cans, pesticides, and cleaning chemicals. These can leak, explode, or release toxic fumes.
• Perishable Items: Avoid packing fresh produce, dairy, or frozen goods. Spoiled food can attract pests and create odors.
• Important Documents & Valuables: Keep passports, birth certificates, financial records, jewelry, and sentimental items in a personal bag. If lost or damaged, these are difficult to replace.

Preparing Equipment for Transport

Drain gasoline and oil to prevent leaks or fire hazards before loading gas-powered equipment like lawnmowers, weed eaters, and chainsaws. Disconnect batteries from motorized tools to avoid accidental activation. Transport empty propane tanks separately in a well-ventilated vehicle, not inside the moving truck.

Final Load Security

Once everything is packed, use ratchet straps or ropes to keep items in place. Properly securing furniture and boxes prevents shifting, reduces damage, and keeps the truck balanced. Before leaving, double-check that all hazardous or restricted items have been removed for a safe and smooth move.

DIY Moving vs. Hiring Movers: Cost Comparison Chart

Here’s a cost comparison between a DIY move and hiring professional movers. Prices depend on location, truck rental company, and extra services.

1. Truck Rental (Local Move, 20 ft.)
• DIY Move: $40–$80 per day
• Hiring Movers: Included in moving cost

2. Mileage Costs
• DIY Move: $0.79–$1.29 per mile
• Hiring Movers: Included in moving cost

3. Gas
• DIY Move: $50–$150 (depending on distance)
• Hiring Movers: Included in moving cost

4. Packing Supplies (Boxes, Tape, Wrap)
• DIY Move: $50–$200
• Hiring Movers: May be included in full-service moves

5. Moving Equipment Rental (Dollies, Blankets)
• DIY Move: $20–$50
• Hiring Movers: Included in moving cost

6. Labor (Friends/Family or Hired Helpers)
• DIY Move: $0–$50 per hour
• Hiring Movers: $100–$200 per mover per hour

7. Insurance (Truck Rental Damage Coverage)
• DIY Move: $20–$60
• Hiring Movers: Included or optional

8. Total Estimated Cost (Local Move)
• DIY Move: $200–$600
• Hiring Movers: $800–$2,500

9. Total Estimated Cost (Long-Distance Move, 1,000+ miles)
• DIY Move: $1,200–$2,500
• Hiring Movers: $3,000–$7,000

Can You Hire Helpers to Load and Unload a Truck For You?

Yes, you can hire helpers to assist with loading and unloading your truck. MoversCorp is a trusted platform that connects you with professional local movers and labor-only helpers, making your move smoother and more efficient. Whether you need assistance with packing, loading, unloading, or all three, our network includes experienced movers who can handle the heavy lifting.

We cover all major areas and provide flexible moving services at an hourly rate, allowing you to customize the level of assistance based on your needs and budget. Unlike full-service moving companies, hiring labor-only helpers means you have complete control over your move while benefiting from professional help.

Through MoversCorp, you can browse verified movers, read customer reviews, and select the best helpers for your specific needs. Our platform provides reliable and affordable moving assistance, whether you relocate locally or across the country. Enter your move details, and we’ll list available movers who can help.

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