If you have decided to do the work yourself and save some money on movers, or if you are moving your items into a self-storage unit, then you will need to know how to load the moving van.
The most important thing to remember is to make sure that you have enough help to do the job. Not having the manpower will make the job twice as hard and will also take twice as long. Extra help is a good idea, especially if you have large furniture to contend with.
Your moving boxes should be packed tight. But not too tight where they too heavy to carry. Empty space can mean disaster when you are talking about valuables because they can become damaged by shifting in transit. Filling space will ensure items will not be crushed if you stack them on top of one another.
Finally, protect your furniture from the damage of moisture, dirt, or punctures with stretch-wrap; including your couches, chairs, mattresses, etc. Wrapping your furniture will not only ensure that they will be protected, but will also make it easier to pack tight without being damaged. The less trips the better.
First, load your items in the front. This will make the fit tighter. next, stack your items from the floor to the ceiling with heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top. Don't be afraid to disassemble pieces to make them easier to load and ultimately conserve space. Sofas and some other pieces can be placed on their ends to achieve a tightly loaded truck. Be sure pack things next to items that will not cause damage. For example, place metal items away from items that could tear or rip in transport. If you do not have enough possessions to fill the entire truck, secure the back with straps to prevents shifting and damaged. Most items are damaged when they fall or slide in the truck.