A Moving Experience: 10 Tips for Packing a Moving Truck Yourself

Are you getting ready to move and now you're second-guessing the decision to pack the truck yourself? No need to panic. We've got you covered with some helpful tips for successfully packing a moving truck.

1. Remember the 5 Ps

You've probably heard it before at work or in another context: "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance." Have a game plan ready so you don't have to waste time on moving day trying to figure out what goes where.

2. Have the Right Supplies on Hand

Create a checklist of supplies you'll need for packing and moving, including:

• Dolly and/or hand truck
• Cardboard boxes
• Plastic garbage bags
• Blankets or furniture pads
• Sealing tape
• Sharpies

3. Break It Down

Some larger pieces are easier to move if you disassemble them. For instance, remove the drawers from dressers, desks and filing cabinets. Place screws and other hardware in sealable sandwich bags and secure them to the corresponding piece of furniture.

4. Don't Overpack

The natural inclination is to stuff as much as possible into each box, but it's actually counterproductive if they end up being too heavy for anyone to lift. Be careful when packing items like books to make sure no one throws out his or her back trying to move them.

5. Assign Team Members

Each person should have an assigned job to prevent bottlenecks. Have one or two people stationed on the truck at all times and divide the others between packing and carrying.

6. Heaviest Items, then Longest Items

Appliances and other heavy items should go into the truck first so they have plenty of support. Follow those with long items such as couches and beds, which should be placed on their ends along the sides of the truck to take up less space. Secure items with bungee cords or straps as needed.

7. Fill in the Middle

Once the larger items are set in a rough u-shape, fill in the middle with tables, chairs and heavier boxes.

8. Finish the Puzzle

Think of the rest of the job as a game where you're fitting smaller boxes and the other "pieces" into the remaining spaces. Pillows, couch cushions and items packed in plastic bags make good "filler" as buffers to protect furniture.

9. Use Every Available Space

If you have bookshelves or any other shelving units, don't let that valuable space go to waste. Get some boxes that fit the shelves and use them as packing areas.

10. What DOESN'T Go on the Truck?

Items that are fragile, valuable or need to be readily accessible should go in the cab of the truck or in a vehicle.

• TVs, computers and electronics
• Jewelry
• Birth certificates, passports and personal documents
• Dishes and glassware
• Perishable food
• Plants
• "Overnight kit" with change of clothing, toiletries, coffee maker and other items for the first 24 hours

We want your Springs move-in day to be as stress-free as possible. Talk to a member of our on-site management team about truck parking spots and other details to smooth out the process.