If you’re preparing to move house, or just planning the transportation of large furniture, the logistics surrounding carefully and safely moving items can be stressful.
For larger items, or moving a high volume of possessions, hiring a moving van is the safest, most secure and most efficient way to transport your possessions.
Using a moving van can help you save time (both in loading and unloading your belongings), keep these items safe, and also minimise injury.
To help you ensure your van is well-organised – and that your items are moved without a hitch! – check out our top tips for the best way to load a moving van.
Load heavier items first
Start by loading the heaviest and bulkiest items.
Common examples include:
- Sofas
- Dining tables and chairs
- Large appliances (e.g. washing machines, fridges and ovens)
- Beds and mattresses
- Bicycles
- Wardrobes
These should be placed as close to the front of the van (where the driver is sat) as possible. This will help to keep the van balanced, and stop these large items from moving around (thereby protecting both these larger items and any lighter items, too).
Distribute the weight evenly
Once the heavy items are in the van, use straps or tie-downs to secure these heavy items to the van’s anchor points.
Then, you can add mid-weight and smaller furniture to the van. You may need to stack some of these items, but always keep the heavier items on the bottom.
Ensure any piles are balanced from side to side, so that all piles are stable. However, where possible, lay items flat (as this is the most secure way to pack furniture).
Wrap items carefully
As you stack items, add a layer of padding between each, to minimise the risk of any scratches or pressure marks.
Then, as you move on to smaller and more fragile items, wrap them in a few layers of bubble wrap, and label them clearly. For any fragile items (or boxes containing breakable items), load them last, on top of heavier items, and fix them carefully in place.
Even if the items aren’t breakable, however, you’ll still need to wrap or cover everything. This is because people often forget how dusty a van floor can be, or how easy it is to get dirt from the outside onto items during transportation.
Use boxes and label everything
Any loose or smaller items should be packed into sturdy boxes. This will help prevent any of these items from getting lost, keep them protected, help you keep everything organised, and allow for quick and secure stacking.
Label each box clearly (we recommend including both its contents, and the intended room on the label).
Ensure you are lifting safely
It is critical that you lift items safely, to minimise the risk of any injuries.
Safe lifting practices include:
- Wearing gloves to protect your hands
- Using trolleys/van lifts to help move larger and specialist items (such as motorcycles)
- Bending your knees and lifting with your legs (not your back)
- Avoiding twisting your body while lifting
- Taking regular breaks, and planning each lift
- Not attempting to move any large items on your own
Hire a professional removal service
Although you can attempt to complete the move yourself, hiring a professional removal service will save you a no small amount of time and stress.
At Roberts & Dennys, we have over 90 years of experience in the removal business. Our experienced team will handle every element of the process for you, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and securely.
To find out more about our services, or to arrange a stress-free removal for your property, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
