Obtain good boxes. Grocery stores and liquor stores can be a handy source if you can't afford boxes from a moving company. Use less sturdy boxes for pillows or other lightweight items.
Pack like items together, such as breakable items. Use paper or bubble wrap to ensure there is a cushion and no room for items to move around. Don't overpack boxes; they can get too heavy. Prominently write "fragile" on boxes that contain breakables. Tape the boxes with a good quality box tape. Write on the box what room the box belongs in, for example, the kitchen. You can also write specific contents to help with unpacking.
Wrap items such as mattresses and small furniture in plastic wrap or old sheets and blankets. Use stretch wrap around sofas, coffee tables and dining room tables. Disassemble items that are bulky or have protruding pieces, such as a glass entertainment center.
Position the truck as close to the widest door as you can. Be careful of overhangs, power lines and obstacles when backing in, especially if you are using a moving truck. If you have helpers, assign one person to work the truck. That person will help stack boxes as they are carried out. Lower the ramp if the truck is equipped with one. Make sure there is a straight path to the ramp so you don't have to turn big items.
Clear a path to the truck. You don't want to have to walk around obstacles. It is also important to have room for the dolly to maneuver. Dragging furniture can damage their legs.
Load bigger items first. When possible, use two people to maneuver items up the ramp. Make sure the item is square to the ramp so that it is not off balance. Weight should be nearer the front of the truck and distributed evenly. Refrigerators and other heavy appliances should also be centered. Too much weight on one side may pull the vehicle while driving. Strap in the big items with strong bungee cords or tie-down straps.
Load boxes tightly around the bigger items. Start with the heavier boxes and pack all the way to the top of the truck in a moving van. In a pickup, stack boxes to the cab height. Boxes can shift if they are not packed tightly, so take the time to fill in all gaps.
If any open space remains once everything is in the truck, use rope or tie straps to secure the boxes. Boxes can slide and fall when there is empty space. In a pickup truck place straps or bungees across the top of the boxes and tie down to the truck. Make sure all light or loose items are secured with a strap.
