LOADING

A Big Puzzle

Loading is like the biggest puzzle you've ever put together !! But if you like a challenge, here you are!

Get Some Help

You should have some help, but if all of a sudden all your friends and family just happen to be busy or have appointments on moving day, don't worry, you could hire a lumper (moving company helper). This could be a blessing in disguise, especially if you've never moved yourself before.

When calling a moving company to ask if you may hire a helper on the day you are loading, be sure to find out the current pay for this person (or persons). Sometimes loaders get paid more than lumpers.

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Arrange for helpers as much in advance as possible, like a week or two. Then call to confirm 1-2 days before you plan to move your household belongings. Try to talk to the helper personally, to be sure he has your name, address, and phone number, and the time you want him to be there.

You may have to pick up the rental truck at 8 am, so you don't want the helper at your house at 8 am, because he will be on the clock from the time he arrives.

OK now, lets get loaded !! (oops, not that way!)

Where To Start

You are NOT going to load all the boxes first. Start with heavy items, like dressers, desks, freezer, or appliances. You will build your first tier from the floor all the way to the roof. This way you will be maximizing your cubic feet.

Let's put the dresser, chest freezer, and maybe a heavy dishpack in the truck. This should take you from side to side. Then something a little lighter,

* chairs

* lighter dressers or desks

* end tables

* and boxes to fill up the second layer.

On top of that will go lighter boxes, and maybe some toys or light tools, and flat items like bed rails. You should now be at the roof.

2nd Tier

Next tier: Same way, heavy on bottom, then lighter, and lighter all the way to the roof. Be sure to use plenty of furniture pads or blankets on all your wood and OS (over-stuffed) furniture.

A Sofa And Love Seat

When putting in the sofa & love seat, you will use furniture pads or some blankets that you've saved out for this purpose. The easiest way to keep them from falling off is to use your packing tape. (but be sure to remove every bit of this when you are finished moving, and you are refolding the blankets & pads). The sofa and love seat will be loaded up on end. That way there will not be a lot of stuff piled on top of them.

Fold up a couple of furniture pads and put on floor under the arm of sofa, if it is not flat. A mirror pack or picture carton fits nicely between the feet of the sofa and the wall of the truck. Also a wardrobe carton should stand inside the sofa, but don't choose a heavy one.

Almost Done

You will continue building tiers like this till you are done. When nearing the end, there will be just boxes left, and these practically load themselves (especially if you are using moving boxes).

Now keep going the same way as before: Heavy on the bottom and getting lighter & lighter as you build toward the roof. And before you know it, you'll be loaded (oops, not that way, at least I hope not!).

It's time now for a good meal, and some rest. Tomorrow you will be starting out on your road trip adventure, so let's Just-Get-Moving!

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