How do I load a moving truck properly?

Preparing for the Load

Properly loading a moving lorry is a methodical process that prioritises safety, efficiency, and the protection of possessions. Effective preparation is crucial for a successful outcome.

Gather Your Tools

Before any item enters the lorry, ensure all necessary equipment is on hand. This typically includes sturdy moving blankets or pads, shrink wrap, bungee cords or ratchet straps, a sack truck or furniture dolly, and a ramp if the lorry is not equipped with one. Having these items ready avoids interruptions during the loading process.

Position the Lorry

Park the lorry on as level ground as possible, with the loading ramp or rear doors as close to the property's entrance as safely achievable. Consider potential obstacles such as neighbourhood traffic or a particularly stubborn garden gnome. Ensure there is ample space for moving items out of the property and onto the lorry without obstruction. Always check for overhead cables or low branches.

Sorting and Prioritising

Categorise items by weight, fragility, and destination room. It is recommended to create an "essentials" box containing immediate necessities for the first night, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and a kettle, ensuring it is loaded last for easy access.

Loading Strategy: The Foundation

The foundation of a properly loaded lorry involves placing the heaviest and bulkiest items first, against the front wall of the load space, directly behind the cab. This placement helps to maintain the lorry's balance and stability during transit.

Heavy and Large Items First

• Appliances: Begin with items such as washing machines, fridge freezers, and ovens. Ensure washing machines are prepared by securing their drum with transit bolts, if applicable. A fridge freezer should be transported upright to prevent damage to its compressor.
• Furniture: Disassemble large items like bed frames, wardrobes, and dining tables where possible. Wrap furniture pieces in moving blankets and shrink wrap to prevent scratches and dents. Stand mattresses upright along the lorry walls, securing them with straps to prevent bowing or folding during transit.
• Boxes: Place the heaviest boxes, typically those containing books or dense objects, at the bottom of the load, also against the front wall.

Distributing Weight Evenly

Weight distribution is critical for safe driving. Load items so that the weight is balanced side-to-side and front-to-back. Avoid concentrating too much weight over the rear axle, which can make steering difficult and increase the risk of a blowout. Spread heavy items across the floor space rather than stacking them exclusively in one area.

Building Upwards and Outwards

Once the heavy base layer is established, subsequent layers should build upon this foundation, prioritising stability and protection.

Stacking Boxes

Stack boxes from the heaviest to the lightest, ensuring each layer is stable. Use boxes of similar dimensions together to create solid tiers. Fill any small gaps between boxes with smaller, soft items like cushions, blankets, or even crumpled packing paper to prevent movement.

Protecting Furniture and Fragiles

• Furniture: Continue to wrap and pad all furniture items. Place sofas and armchairs upright. Protect polished surfaces and delicate edges.
• Fragile Items: Items like mirrors, glass tabletops, and large flat-screen televisions should be individually wrapped, marked as fragile, and ideally placed between padded items or upright against a solid lorry wall. Never lay them flat unless they are specifically designed for horizontal transport.
• Artwork: Boxed or crated artwork should be placed upright, not stacked flat, and secured to prevent shifting.

Utilising Odd Spaces

Make the most of all available space. Fill dresser drawers with linens or light, non-fragile clothing. Place small boxes or soft items inside larger appliance cavities (e.g., inside an empty washing machine drum) to maximise packing density and minimise wasted space.

Securing the Load

Once the lorry is loaded, securing the contents is the final crucial step before departure.

Straps and Ropes

Use ratchet straps or strong ropes to secure the entire load. Attach straps to the lorry's lashing points and tighten them until all items are firmly held in place. This prevents shifting during braking, acceleration, or turning. It is advisable to secure the load in sections as loading progresses, rather than waiting until the end.

The 'Last In, First Out' Principle

Items needed immediately upon arrival at the new property should be loaded last, positioned near the lorry's rear doors. This typically includes the essentials box, basic tools for reassembly, cleaning supplies, and perhaps children's or pet items. This avoids having to unload the entire lorry to access crucial items.

On the Road: Final Checks

Before setting off, perform a final walk-around. Check that all doors are securely latched and that mirrors provide clear visibility. Drive cautiously, especially around corners, and listen for any internal shifting that might indicate an unstable load. Re-check the load at regular intervals on longer journeys.