Best Way to Pack a Moving Truck

March 31, 2025

A Guide to Packing Your Moving Truck

For a more successful, efficient and safer moving experience, there are suggested ways to pack your moving truck. The proper positioning of furniture, appliances, and boxes can make use of the truck’s space better than haphazardly throwing items into the back and driving off. Doing this can avoid damage to your belongings or random items falling onto anyone doing the unloading. It can be heartbreaking to realize that objects you cherish were scratched or dented during relocation. Following some of the simple guidelines listed here can help prevent this regret and keep the move as struggle-free as possible.

OPTIMAL MOVING TRUCK SIZE

One of the first steps of a move is determining what size of moving truck you need. You’ll have options of vehicles ranging in sizes from small cargo vans to 26 ft. trucks, depending on which rental company you use. Before making a reservation, take a mental inventory of the items you’ll need to transport. Whenever you can’t decide which one to rent, opt for the larger size, especially if moving long distances where multiple trips aren’t an option.

Small trucks (10’-12’) – ideal for local moves and studio or one-bedroom apartments.
Medium trucks (14’-17’) – good for 1 or 2-bedroom apartments and small homes.
Large trucks (20’-26’) – best for larger single-family homes or townhomes.

POSITIONING OF BELONGINGS

Distribute weight evenly to allow better stability of the truck on the road.
If you rented a moving van with a mom’s attic (space above the truck’s cabin), load this area first with items that need a little extra care. Antiques, dishes, or electronics are some examples.
Next, load the heaviest items, placing them toward the front of the truck (near the cab). These items could include large appliances like a refrigerator or heavy pieces of furniture.
To avoid shifting during transit, use the stability of the moving van’s walls by placing large, flat items upright and secure with ties or moving straps. These could be items such as mattresses, mirrors, or bookshelves.
Place dressers or desks toward the center of the compartment and against mattresses with the drawers facing the padded surface. This will help prevent opening or spilling of contents.
After removing the cushions, place couches on their side to save space within the truck. You can use the cushions within the gaps between items to help avoid shifting.
Items you’ll need immediately upon unloading, such as lamps, vacuums, or cleaning supplies, should go in last to avoid the headache of a desperate hunt once you reach your destination.

MOVING PADS AND BLANKETS

Moving pads or old household blankets can offer extra protection during transit when wrapped around your fragile electronics like televisions or computer monitors. But they can also be used in a few other ways to ease the burden of loading or unloading the truck.

Place moving pads around banisters or door jams to prevent scraping your belongings or damaging the home.
Use two layers of pads on fine furniture or sharp corners.
Use blankets under heavy furniture to slide pieces with minimal to no damage.
Place pads on the floor of the moving truck under items that could be scratched from touching the surface.
Use moving pads between the top of furniture and any boxes that may be placed upon it. Secure these pads with rope or plastic stretch wrap to prevent sliding during the move.

To help cut the cost of your move, consider contacting STOR-N-LOCK Self Storage about using our free move-in truck in you live in the Salt Lake Valley or ask one of our site managers about our free move-in truck credit for sites outside of Salt Lake.

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