Loading a U-Haul: The Order That Saves Space

A U-Haul Loaded Right Holds More

A U-Haul loaded poorly wastes a third of the space and damages furniture. Here's the order that maximizes space and protects the load.

Heavy and Large First

The fridge, the dresser, the sofa — against the cab wall. They're the foundation and the heaviest. Load them first, low in the truck.

Distribute Weight Side to Side

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

Fill Gaps With Boxes

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

The "Tetris" Layer

After the heavy items, load the medium items — table, chairs, rolled rugs. Fill the gaps above the heavy layer with lighter boxes.

Long Items Along the Walls

Couches, mattresses, and table tops stand on end along the walls. They fit the truck's height and don't waste floor space.

Last-Off Items Last

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

Tie Down Every Few Feet

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

Book NYC moving labor that loads U-Hauls right.