How to Load a Moving Truck (The Pro Layering Method)

Loading a Truck Is a Layering Job

A well-loaded truck holds more, arrives intact, and unloads in the order you need. Here's the layering method.

Load Heavy and Large First

The fridge, the dresser, the sofa — these go against the cab wall. They're the heaviest and the foundation of the load. A heavy item placed last tips the load.

Distribute Weight Side to Side

A truck loaded heavy on one side handles poorly and the load shifts. Alternate heavy items left and right across the truck.

Fill Gaps With Boxes

Between the dresser and the sofa, fill the gaps with boxes. A loaded truck with no gaps doesn't shift; a loose load shifts and damages.

Wrap Furniture

Every furniture piece gets a blanket, taped. The corners that touch another piece are the corners that scratch.

Load the Last-Off Items Last

The "Open First" boxes, the mattress, the bed frame — load these last, near the truck's tail. They come off first at the new place.

The Mattress On-End

A mattress stands on its long edge against the side wall, not flat. On-end it fits and stays rigid; flat it sags and damages the springs.

Tie Down the Load

A ratchet strap across the load every few feet keeps it from shifting in a turn. A load that shifts in the truck is damaged at unload.

Book NYC moving labor that loads right.