Your Big Day
Pack your moving truck efficiently
by Allison Tyra
Everyone's done it at least once or twice, but even when it's a joyous occasion, like moving into your first house, or finally getting out of the parent's basement, moving is rarely pretty and usually accompanied by a fair bit of stress.
But a little help and advice from experts like Shelby Davis, operations manager at Jay's Moving Company, can go a long way in making sure everything's packed efficiently, safely and securely.
“You want to pack it so that everything has very little movement," Davis said. "Things don't have the (ability) to move and sway."
Pack your boxes as high as safely possible, and tie everything down if you can, Davis advises. Load heavy, rectangular items - dressers, shelves - first as a base on which and around which to stack other items. Make sure to put pads and blankets between and around objects that could get scuffed, scratched, or otherwise damaged in transit. And remember, more stuff in each load means fewer trips, saving you time and gas.
Checking big-name moving companies' Web sites also can be beneficial when looking for tips, like these from Uhual.com and PODS.com, both on packing your truck and packing the boxes:
> Take a few extra minutes to write an inventory of the items you are packing.
> Your filled box should not weigh more than about 30 pounds, or that which you can lift easily.
> Pack your valuables and essentials separately, and plan on keeping these items with you.
> The back of a TV needs just as much protection as the front.
> Pack as much as you can into each box.
> Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with tape.
> Tie down all your belongings a section at a time. If possible, distribute the weight of your contents throughout the container.
> Mix small items with larger items to fill spaces.
> Put heavy items in smaller boxes for easier lifting. Lightweight items can go in larger boxes.
And remember, when asking "what are friends for," "help moving" is always a popular answer.