How to Load a Self Drive Moving Truck For Your Small Move

The Preliminariesstrapping to a wall.
It all starts with proper packing... and properHere is one idea: You could put them behind a
packaging. Boxes should be double walled, and if theywardrobe if its crown overlaps the piece and there is
are all the same size, stacking is facilitated.a crush-proof gap between the back of the
wardrobe and the wall of the van. Use the space
As much as possible should be boxed up, to allowinside a wardrobe to store light items like bedding.
neat and stable stacking on the van. They should beTake your time to re-assess the loading order and
of appropriate size: No larger than a twelve bottleprocedure.
wine case for books and breakables, and up to threeConstantly strive to preserve the neatness of the
times that size for clothes.stacking, and make sure you use all the height of the
Boxes should be closed flat and securely taped up,truck. Keep Heavy items on the floor and set aside
and should be of a comfortable lifting weight.suitable light ones to use higher up. Try to load
You will need some blankets to avoid scratchingtowards the back of the truck from the floor to the
vulnerable surfaces, and strapping material to tieceiling. Only use up new floor space reluctantly: If you
heavy furniture to the walls of the truck. Professionalstart loading as if every inch is needed; You will get
movers use web straps, but any sewing shop will sellmore onto the van...and the load should be more
you lengths of hem liner... good enough for your onestable..
off move.As much as possible should be dismantled... Table legs
If you are renting a truck... remember to check outcan be unbolted and cots dismantled. Do not
its tyres. You really do not want to be changing abegrudge the time this takes as loading will be much
wheel on a heavy laden truck on the side of theeasier and more efficient.
road.Chests of drawers, washing machines, and filing
Think about the laden weight of the van, particularlycabinets are all used as platforms to put other
if you have a lot of books. Remember that only 25stackable items on... Place them together to make a
wine boxes of books could weigh a ton... The use asingle platform.
car to take even half your books could keep youSofas can be stood up and strapped to the wall...
within safe limits... and the law.take off the feet inside the house.
LoadingIf you take the metal frame out of a Sofa bed...
It is usual to start loading a van with boxes...if only tousually 4 bolts, the piece becomes easier to handle,
make room in the property being emptied. Howeverand less prone to damage.
if the truck you are using has a parcel shelf over theWith all your large items boxes and neatly stackable
driver's cab, this space can be used to stow lightitems on the truck, it is time for the last items... the
items... cuddly toys cushions from sofas, bedding orun-stackable items.
light furniture.These include the kitchen chairs, standing lights,
One trick is to build a wall of boxes against theironing boards and plants for example.
bulkhead of the van, up to the level of the parcelThe TV and computer need special mention. Ideally
shelf. This extends the width of the parcel shelf andthey should be padded and boxed, but at a pinch, if
dissipates the weight of items stowed on it, so thatyou save cushions or bedding for padding, a suitable
beds and mattresses can be stowed out of the way.corner will present itself: on a padded chair or under
Light boxes go on top of heavy ones.table. If you place a TV on the floor of the van use
Large items such as wardrobes, fridges and sofassome padding to protect it from the bumps in the
are loaded early and thought should be given to allroad.
large pictures and mirrors. These may requireHave a safe move!