How to pack a moving truck in 5 steps
Step 1: Fill the mom’s attic with your most fragile items
The “mom’s attic” is the small section that hangs over the truck’s cab like a shelf. Because it’s separated from the rest of the cargo area, a mom’s attic is ideal for small, fragile items that are likely to break if they’re wedged between your furnishings.1
Not all moving trucks have a mom’s attic, but if yours does, we recommend filling it with your dishes, glassware, and small electronics.
What the attic isn't for
Since this attic section is so well-protected, it might seem ideal for antique instruments and vinyl records. But this space isn’t climate-controlled, so heat-sensitive items like these probably wouldn’t fare very well on a long drive. We recommend keeping stuff that can melt or warp in the cab or in another vehicle if possible.
Be aware that the mom’s attic of a moving truck is always its weakest section, and if you exceed the attic’s weight limit, you could damage the truck and void the coverage you purchase from the rental company. The attic’s weight limit should be listed somewhere on the inside of the truck or in the user’s manual.
When the attic is full, secure everything with tie-down straps and bungee cords to prevent stuff from shifting or falling into the larger cargo area while you’re en route.
Step 2: Load heavy appliances toward the front
Proper weight distribution is essential for secure packing and safe driving. If your heaviest items are packed too far in the back of your truck, they can make it harder to control the vehicle at high speeds. The closer to your front wheels the weight is distributed, the safer your ride will be.
That’s why we recommend loading your heaviest appliances toward the very front of the cargo area, right up against the cab.
Start with things like your fridge, your deep freezer, your washer, and your dryer. These rectangular objects should neatly line up with the front wall. For extra security, use ropes and ratchet straps to fasten these appliances to the rails that run along your truck’s walls. Wrapping these items with furniture pads will also help prevent damage.
(In case you’re not a sailor or a mountain climber who knows some good knots, here are a few handy ones that’ll help you tie everything up.)
Step 3: Load your furniture
After your heavy appliances are in place, you can start loading your tables, bed frames, bookshelves, chairs, mattresses, and sectionals. Remember, the heaviest items should be as close to the cab as possible, so load your bulkiest furniture first. We also recommend disassembling furniture that can be disassembled to make these items more compact.
While you’re packing, try to evenly distribute the weight between the left and right sides of your truck. If you put a bed frame on the left side, put something that weighs about the same on the other side as a counterbalance.
Some professionals pack furniture like sofas, box springs, and bed frames upright instead of horizontal to save floor space. This method can be effective, but if you try it, make sure you properly secure these items to prevent them from falling and smashing your other belongings.
Pro tip for packing mirrors, art, and TVs
If you have a full-body mirror, a framed painting, or a flat-screen TV that’s too big to put in the mom’s attic of your truck, tightly sandwich it between two mattresses or a mattress and box spring. Pack the fragile item into its own box first for the best protection.
Step 4: Stack boxes wherever they fit
Once all of your largest items are safely loaded, you can start filling the truck with boxes. As with everything else you’ve loaded so far, try to put the boxes filled with the heaviest items, like books and cookware, as close to the cab as possible.
However, you should also avoid stacking exceptionally heavy boxes on top of your furniture. Put your heftiest boxes on the floor, even if that means they’re a little farther out in the cargo area.
On top of your furniture and heavy boxes, stack your boxes of clothes, decor, toys, bedding, and other lightweight household items.
Stack boxes as close to the ceiling as you can without impeding the roll-up door, then tie rope between the rails along the walls to create a net that will hold them all in place during your drive.
Avoid empty space wherever possible
If there’s an empty space between two pieces of furniture, try to fill it with boxes that won’t break under pressure. Packing tightly will conserve space and guarantee that your stuff won’t turn into an expensive avalanche when you open the truck to unpack.
Step 5: Put unstackable items at the very back of the truck
After all of your heavy and stackable stuff is in the truck, it’s time to load the assorted odds and ends that don’t really fit anywhere else. Things like lawnmowers, treadmills, and bikes are best placed at the very back of the truck.
While odd angles and shapes will make these objects difficult to pack tightly, you can still secure them with rope and cord to keep them from tumbling around and dinging up your wooden furnishings.
Finally, load the first thing you’ll need when you open the doors and start unpacking: your trusty dolly.
Routine checkups
Even the best packing job can let you down if you hit a speed bump or have to brake abruptly. If you’re driving long-distance, pull over every hundred miles to open up the truck and check on your stuff. This will also give you an excuse to stretch your legs while you’re on the road.
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