Mistakes to Avoid When Packing a Moving Truck

Once you’ve decided to move yourself, rented a moving truck, and started packing it, there are plenty of things you can do to make your move easier — and plenty of mistakes you might make that will cost you time and stress during your move.

Here is a list of common mistakes to avoid when packing a moving truck.

Underestimating the amount of time you’ll need. There will be things that just didn’t fit into a box, things that don’t fit neatly into the space you’ve allotted, and things that just plain take a while to get out of your apartment and into the truck. For peace of mind, allow extra time for the ins and outs of packing your truck.

Not wrapping delicate objects. Bubble wrap may be expensive, but you’ll be grateful when your glasses and other breakable pieces arrive safely. If you can’t get bubble wrap, use cloth napkins and towels to protect plates and glasses.

Not wrapping or covering furniture. The furniture may be durable enough to have a few boxes stacked on it, but you’re still risking marks to the finish or upholstery. Many truck-rental companies will rent or sell you pads to cover furniture; you can also use old blankets.

Putting heavier boxes on top of lighter boxes. Don’t do this! Also, don’t pack tables on the bottom, unless you’ve disassembled them (their legs might not be able to handle the weight.)

Leaving shelves in bookshelves. Dresser drawers can be left in, however, though some people prefer to take them out and load them with items to move. Do not attempt to move furniture still loaded with items, however, as the weight and instability of drawers can be problematic.

Treating pets like furniture. Even if your pet isn’t at risk from falling or shifting boxes, the temperatures in the moving truck itself can be dangerous. Take your pet in the car. (Fish tanks require a separate set of moving procedures.)

Hanging clothes inside the truck. Many moving or storage companies will sell you boxes with built-in rods from which you can hang clothes, and that way you don’t have to worry about boxes slamming into your ironed shirts.

Saving the least important for last. It will help to think about what you’ll need from the truck first, since that’s what you’ll want to pack last. When you’re unloading at your new place, you won’t want to push through fourteen boxes of books and knickknacks just to find your toiletries, for instance.

Not getting a dolly to wheel boxes onto the truck. If you make this mistake, your back and arms will let you know, and quickly!

Assuming the moving truck drives like your car. Odds are, your car has better steering and better suspension — and less room for objects to bounce around. Tie down as much as you can. If you don’t pack very tightly, assume the boxes will have moved by the time you arrive at your new apartment.