Loading And Unloading Your Truck

Loading Lowdown

So, you’ve packed your boxes and dismantled the flat pack furniture, and you’re almost ready to roll! There’s just one more obstacle to overcome before you can embark on the journey to your new home – loading up the truck. Even if you’ve hired a removal company to drive your belongings from A to B, you may be able to save money if you can load up the van yourself.

Try to persuade family, friends and neighbours to come onboard for the day and help you to load up and secure the truck. Ask someone to take care of children, elderly relatives and pets, so that you don’t have to worry about treading on toes or paws – this reduces the stress for everyone! Follow our top tips for a smooth loading and unloading experience.

Top Tips

• Create a code

Put coloured stickers on boxes as you pack so that you know which room they need to go in at the other end. Use a large marker pen to write a number on each box, and make a list of the contents.

• Set the scene

Lay out some moving blankets or old sheets on the floor of the truck to stop furniture getting filthy. Clear the way to and from the truck so that you’re not tripping over things.

• Remember how to lift

A strained back is the last thing you need on moving day, so don’t rush your movements. Make sure that you keep your knees bent when lifting, and ask for help with heavy or bulky items.

• Load heavy items first

Put the refrigerator and heavy, bulky items such as cabinets and the sofa right to the back of the truck, and secure them carefully with rope or straps.

• Section up

Try to fill up a quarter of the truck at a time, with heavy items at the bottom and lighter boxes stacked carefully above. Secure items as you go, and try to fill in any gaps by jamming in rugs and cushions to make it less likely that anything will fall.

• Flat sides

Large, flat items such as mirrors, headboards, mattresses and tabletops are perfect for placing against the sides of the van. Wrap any fragile articles with blankets first to avoid damage.

• Plan for plants

Plants can be protected by standing them carefully underneath a table. Surround with boxes, and put small blankets or bags of linens in between to minimise the chance of them falling over.

• Logical Unloading

Stick a coloured sticker or balloon on the door of each room in the new house to show where each set of boxes goes. Check off each box as it leaves the truck, and don’t be tempted to start opening boxes until you’re sure that everything’s off the truck!

And Finally...

As with any aspect of moving, the key to loading and unloading is in being organised and having a strategy. A little common sense goes a long way!