Moving2.5

Movers Guide: 5

Moving Day

Get your move off to a good start by picking up your truck bright and early. Park the truck as close as you can to the most convenient door of your home. Pull out the loading ramp and place it on the highest step or a cement area. Here are some general tips:

Make a list of every item and box as you load it on the truck. Number the boxes with a broad-tip marker.
Wear heavy gloves for the bigger items.
Pace yourself.
Share the load. Don't let one person lift or carry any item which really requires two strong backs.

Loading the truck

Always load your heaviest house-hold items first, to keep your truck stable on the road. Line sofas, bureaus, large china cabinets, refrigerators and other heavy appliances against the front wall of your truck bed, then work backwards to the chairs, tables, bookcases, etc. Always put heavier items on the truck floor or bottom of the stack.

Load your truck a quarter at a time. Pack it tight and solid from floor to ceiling, and tie off each quarter with rope to the side rails of your truck.

Other loading suggestions:

Fill in open spaces with small boxes.
Lightweight items go on top of the load.
Place large, flat items mattresses, box springs, tabletops and padded heavy mirrors upright against truck walls, and tie them down.
Slide rolled-up rugs lengthwise into the center of the truck.
Put your odd-shaped items along the sides or stack them on top of boxes. Then fill in around them with other boxes to secure them for the trip.

Finally, check your home. Make sure that the water is off all remaining appliances are off and that you haven't left anything behind. Check the storage shed, basement and the attic. Then lock all doors and windows.