How should you load a you-haul truck?

Even though vehicle suspension and shock absorbers have greatly improved through the last 50 years, it is still a good idea to balance the load in any type of truck used for moving, whether a pick-up truck or large U-Haul vehicle. Don't load one side with heavy appliances; instead, balance the load on both sides, and put lighter weight items to the center.

As you bring things to the truck, make 3 areas in the yard: (1) heavy boxes and appliances or other heavy furniture (2) medium-weight boxes and (3) light items.

I'd start by loading heavy items along the cab / front wall. Then move down both sides, adding heavy items. Put the bed frame, standing up, along the wall behind a heavy item such as a dresser, washer, dryer, etc. On the opposite wall, put in your mattress and box springs, standing on its side, and again, brace these 2 items with a heavy item in front. (Tip: Don't put a washer or dryer in front of a mattress or box springs, just in case there is lint or drippy water from a hose.) If you have a couch and living room chairs, put the couch either across the front... or couch on one side and 2 chairs on the other side.

Next, load heavy boxes into the center at the front, such as books, heavy gym equipment, or even spare tires you want to take with you.

Now, at the front and down both sides, you have created "table space" on top of the washer, dryer, dresser, chest of drawers. Put your lighter weight items on top of these areas. Make sure to mark anything breakable with the Word FRAGILE in block letters on every box, and mark it on all sides of each box. Stack pillows and other "soft" non-breakable items on top; you can also use soft items to block and brace lighter-weight boxes. Make sure to use plastic garbage bags to hold pillows, blankets, etc., because moving is always a dirty job.

Now, you should have a middle area (front, center) that is empty from the floor up. Use this space for heavy items and stack medium-weight items on top. You might want to mentally divide this space and put "alike" items together. For example, you could make a row of kitchen chairs along the front (center); use the seats to start your "row" of heavier boxes, and stuff small boxes between the legs. The next higher row should be lighter weight items.

IMPORTANT** As you work, lightly pull or tug against items you've placed. You want little to NO movement of boxes or other items. If a box has too much room and jostles around, brace it with something.

Keep working down each side, while you stand in the center of the truck bed. As you move back, fill in the center area. Always put heavier items on the bottom at the floor, with medium-weight next, then lightest weight items.

Kid's stuffed animals, pillows, extra blankets, and even clothes on hangers make good fillers or to lay on top as the final "layer" of packed items.

As you get to the back, remember to leave room for the dolly (if you have one). And, use the very back to pack all *important* items, items you will need in the first few days, suitcases with 3-4 days' worth of clothing, medications, toiletries, a box of basic cleaning supplies, toilet tissue, paper towels, and anything you think you wish you had within easy access as you move in. If you are moving to a local area, all perishable foods should go in last also so these would be unloaded first.

Be a safe packer.

• Never put heavy items above the level of the floor/bed of the truck.
• Never put heavy or dangerous/sharp items on a spot above the bed of the truck-- things can/do shift and could fall on you while unpacking.
• Never put boxes of cleaning liquids near boxes of food items, or near clothing / fabrics-- it the liquids leak, it could contaminate food and ruin fabrics.
• Always put things into plastic bags that could leak. Even a bottle of shampoo can cause a huge mess if the bottle lid comes off or the container breaks.
• Never try to hoist a heavy item alone-- protect your back and shoulders from injury. Have adequate help.
• Always pull and push on packed boxes to see if they are tightly in place. Brace items with other items; wedge things in between other items.
• Even in a U-Haul, you can use rope or tie downs to "tie" items that could fall.
• Always make sure the sliding door, or the tailgate on a pick-up, is securely fastened. Nothing is worse than having belongings falling out the back of a truck!
• Never let anyone ride in the back of the U-Haul--- boxes or belongings can shift and fall.

Tips for parents:

Always pack 3 boxes for every child you have. The 3 boxes should be easily accessible. The boxes should be labeled with the child's name and contain:

• Box #1 - Enough clothing for at least 3 days.
• Box #2 - Favorite foods and treats that child likes the most. It will help when you are frazzled and the kids need food.
• Box #3 - A few of the most favorite toys, books, or other things to keep a child entertained-- even if the child is a teenager!

Make sure that regularly used medications are also packed within easy reach.