Planning a DIY move? Knowing how to properly pack a moving truck can make all the difference in saving time, avoiding damage, and making your relocation smooth and stress-free. From selecting the right truck size to securing your belongings with moving straps, smart packing techniques will help you maximize space and reduce the number of trips between homes.
Here’s a complete guide to packing a moving truck like a pro, including expert tips on loading heavy furniture, distributing weight evenly, and protecting fragile items along the way.
Choose the Right Size Moving Truck
Before you begin packing, make sure you’ve rented the right size truck for your move. Reserving the truck at least a month in advance ensures availability and lets you avoid last-minute size issues.
Rental companies offer a range of options, from small cargo vans for studio apartments to 26-ft. trucks that can fit the contents of a four-bedroom home. Choosing a truck that’s too small may seem economical at first, but having to make multiple trips wastes time, fuel and money.
Tips:
- Review the truck rental company’s size recommendations carefully.
- When in doubt, go one size larger than you think you need.
- Call a rental rep to discuss your specific moving needs.
Gather the Right Packing Supplies
Efficient truck packing starts with the right supplies. Don’t wait until moving day to track these down. Gather them ahead of time so you’re ready to load strategically and safely.
Packing essentials include:
Tips:
- Use moving blankets and padding to fill gaps and protect items from shifting.
- Wrap fragile and upholstered items to avoid damage during transit.
- To find moving boxes and supplies, visit Moving.com’s Box Center.
Ask Friends or Family for Help
Unless you’ve hired movers, don’t attempt to load a moving truck solo. It’s safer and more efficient to recruit at least one or two trusted helpers.
Why you shouldn’t go it alone:
- Lifting heavy furniture alone can lead to injury.
- Having help speeds up loading and unloading.
- A shorter rental period saves you money.
Disassemble Large Furniture
Bulky furniture takes up precious space. Disassembling large items makes them easier to pack and helps distribute weight evenly inside the truck.
Start by disassembling:
- Bed frames, headboards and footboards
- Dining tables (remove the legs)
- Desks and bookshelves
- Dressers (remove drawers if possible)
Tips:
- Use furniture drawers to store smaller, lightweight items.
- Avoid overloading or placing fragile items inside.
Load Heavy Items First
Start with your biggest, bulkiest and heaviest items. These should go at the very front of the truck, closest to the cab, to keep the truck balanced and prevent lighter items from being crushed. Keep heavier items low to the floor and stack lighter ones on top.
Heavy items to load first:
- Mattresses and bed frames
- Sofas and sectionals
- Dining tables and chairs
- Appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers)
- Large boxes with books or heavy tools
Stand Couches, Tables and Headboards Upright
To save space, position long and tall items vertically. Standing items upright along the sides of the truck opens up more square footage in the center for boxes and smaller furniture.
Tips:
- Wrap upholstered furniture with plastic or moving blankets.
- Stand mattresses and rugs upright as well.
- Secure items to the wall using moving straps.
Roll and Wrap Rugs
Save space by rolling rugs tightly and securing them with plastic wrap or twine. Stand them upright inside the truck.
Tips:
- Clean rugs to prevent odors.
- Roll with the top (decorative) side facing out to prevent backing damage.
Load Lighter Items and Boxes Last
Once the heavy lifting is done, load the rest of your items. Place lightweight and medium-weight boxes on top of heavier furniture, never underneath.
What to load last:
Distribute Weight Evenly
Weight distribution is critical for safe driving and efficient unloading. Uneven loads can shift during transit or cause the truck to tip on turns.
Tips:
- Place the heaviest items toward the front of the truck (near the cab).
- Distribute weight evenly from left to right.
- Stack boxes in tiers: heaviest at the bottom and lighter at the top.
Secure Items With Moving Straps
After each section is loaded, use moving straps or rope to secure everything in place. This prevents shifting during transit and minimizes damage.
Strap down in layers:
- Secure large, heavy items (Tier 1).
- Add medium-weight boxes (Tier 2) and strap again.
- Load lightweight items (Tier 3) and finish with a final strap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Packing a Moving Truck
Where can I rent a moving truck?
There are plenty of moving truck rental companies to choose from when planning your next relocation. Just make sure you choose the one that best fits your budget and needs. Popular rental companies include U-Haul, Penske, Budget, and Enterprise. They offer a variety of sizes and allow for one-way rentals across the U.S.
How much does a truck rental cost?
Prices vary by company, size and distance. According to Angi, “the average cost to rent a moving trunk spans from $30 to $3,500, with a national average of $1,000.” Do budget more if you plan to buy moving insurance (and here is what you need to know about rental truck insurance).
What’s the biggest truck I can rent for a home move?
Most companies offer 26-ft. trucks, which can hold about 10,000–12,000 lbs. (around a four-bedroom home). They’re ideal for large household moves.
What’s the gas mileage of a moving truck?
According to U-Pack, moving trucks typically get between 6 and 14 miles per gallon (MPG). The exact gas mileage depends on the truck size, load, driving conditions, and driving habits. Smaller trucks might achieve 12 MPG, while larger trucks may get 6-10 MPG. Fuel cost is a major factor in budgeting your move (here’s how you can calculate fuel costs when renting a moving truck).
How do I know what size truck I need?
Estimate based on the size of your home. Studios need 10–12 ft., 2–3 bedroom homes usually need 15–20 ft., and 4+ bedroom moves typically require 26-ft. trucks.
What should I never pack in a moving truck?
Avoid flammable and hazardous materials like gasoline, paint thinner, fireworks, and cleaning solvents. Also skip perishables and plants.
Do professional movers load furniture or boxes first?
Furniture and large appliances go in first, followed by boxes and lighter items. Always pack heavier things on the bottom.
What’s the best way to move a couch?
Remove cushions, wrap the couch in plastic, and move it upright if possible. Secure it with straps inside the truck to prevent tipping. Here are more details on how to wrap and move a couch.
Can I hire help just for loading and unloading?
For those interested in hiring moving labor professionals to help with the loading and unloading process, check out our Moving Help & Labor center powered by HireAHelper. This online marketplace helps those moving locate and book labor professionals in the area. These professional movers are either labor-only moving companies that specialize in load and unload services, or full-service moving companies that send workers out on labor-only moving jobs.
Prefer Hiring Professional Movers Instead?
Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.
Best of luck and happy moving!