As you drive the U-Haul, the truck will come across bumps and possible potholes. Packing your boxes properly is critical in order to keep fragile items from breaking. Do not overload or try to stuff boxes. This will make the boxes very heavy and could rip the box or damage the items. Ensure that all boxes are somewhat equal in size to make loading easier, and securely taped to ensure that nothing will fall out and break.
Furniture and other objects such as boxes can be very heavy in weight. This can cause fatigue or injury if the items aren't lifted properly. Ask for help before loading up your U-Haul if possible. Two or more people carrying heavy objects is much more effective than trying to muscle it all yourself. When lifting large objects, make sure to bend with your knees and lift with your legs instead of your back. Use a dolly for large items such as washing machines and refrigerators if possible. Take drawers out of dressers for easier lifting.
Load the U-Haul first with boxes on the over-cab space. Don't stack the over-cab space completely full to the top; just a couple of rows of boxes will fill this space. Stack remaining boxes along the back wall under the over-cab, essentially forming a wall of boxes from left to right. Ensure that you pack the boxes in tight and secure the boxes using security straps or rope.
After you've loaded all the boxes, start with the standing furniture such as dressers, bookshelves, entertainment centers and nightstands. Drape furniture blankets over each piece to keep them protected from scratches and bumps. The idea here is to look at the space as a puzzle, and the furniture as the puzzle pieces. Fit the items in as tight as possible, occupying the least amount of space. Secure the furniture with security straps or rope.
Loading the bedding such as mattresses, head and footboards comes next. This also provides a cushion for other large items such as dresser mirrors. Slide the mirrors between mattresses. Ensure that you stand the largest mattress up first--long side on the floor--against the furniture, then slide the second largest mattress next up against the first. Headboards and footboards need to be protected either by sliding them in between mattresses or draping them with furniture blankets. Secure the bedding with straps or rope.
The large furniture, such as couches and love seats, need to go in next. Place these against the side wall, take out the cushions and flip the love seat upside down on top of the couch. You can also fit items in between the couch and love seat, such as TV's or other electronics. Secure these with straps or rope.
Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers are loaded next. Ensure that these are properly secured with straps, and that your refrigerator is standing up. Placing a refrigerator on its side can cause the compressor to fail after you plug it back in.
Miscellaneous items like patio furniture, plants, barbecue grills and any other loose pieces need to occupy the remaining space. Ensure that all of these items are properly secured and tied down to reduce shifting. Fill the space between loose items with furniture blankets to reduce any shifting while the truck is in motion.
