Moving can be a stressful experience, whether you are moving across the country or just down the street. Local movers can bring their expertise, helping you get everything to its destination in one piece.

A smooth move needs proper packing, which means knowing what belongs in the moving truck and what doesn’t. Here are items to pack and the ones to avoid in a moving truck:

What To Pack in a Moving Truck

1. Furniture

Most furniture pieces are built to withstand light tossing and bumping, allowing you to pack them in a moving truck without a serious risk of damage. They’re also not dangerous to your local movers.

You moving experts may recommend placing heavier furniture at the bottom of the truck to make it more stable and avoid damage to other items. They may also need to fasten the items to prevent them from shifting during the move. Furniture moving pads may offer further protection.

2. Clothes, Shoes, and Other Fabrics

Clothes, bedding, curtains, shoes, and other related items face a minimal risk of damage during transportation in a moving truck.

They’re not fragile, and there is little risk of them breaking. They are also easy to pack and load, and you can use them to fill in empty spaces in the truck.

Find suitable suitcases, bags, and containers to hold them to make it easier for the local movers to load them. Fold them properly to avoid wrinkling and to save some space.

3. Appliances and Electronics

Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and microwaves are safe to pack in a moving truck. That also applies to electronics like computers, TVs, and other items with screens.

Since they are heavy and quite fragile, use strong boxes or protective bubble wrap to prevent damage. You may also disassemble them if you know how to put them back together.

Label each box or appliance to make the unpacking easier later. Professional local movers know how to handle them carefully to avoid damage.

4. Kitchenware

Pots, pans, plates, cups, spoons, and other fragile kitchen items can travel safely in a moving truck if you pack them correctly. Use bubble wrap, paper towels, or even clothing to secure them and place them in boxes.

Label the boxes with “fragile” stickers to give them extra attention. When loading them, put them on top of other heavier items and away from the walls for additional protection.

What Not To Pack in a Moving Truck

1. Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials such as paints, aerosols, oils, gas, and cleaning chemicals may be unsafe for transportation in a regular moving truck. If mishandled, they can be flammable, corrosive, or create an explosion.

If you have any of these items, check with your local moving company to see if they can transport them safely. Otherwise, you may need to transport them yourself or dispose of them before moving.

2. Perishable Foods

Perishable food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, uncooked meat, eggs, dairy products, and frozen foods should not go in the moving truck.

They can spoil quickly in the heat, and their strong smell may attract bugs or other pests. If you have many of them, consider using a refrigerated truck or cooler for the move or donate them to a local food bank.

3. Plants

Plants need special care to survive the move. Some may not withstand long hours of heat exposure, which may lead to their death.

Ask your moving company if they have special measures to prevent plants from dying. If not, plan to move live plants in your personal vehicle if possible.

4. Valuables, Important Documents, and Medication

Valuables like jewelry and money, important documents like passports and birth certificates, and medication may be better off with personal transportation. They are too valuable and irreplaceable to risk getting lost or damaged.

Some local movers may provide special services for these items, but verify that they’re suitably resourced and qualified for the job. Otherwise, bring them with you on the journey to your new home.

5. Firearms

Firearms are not allowed on moving trucks, even if they are unloaded. You will most likely need a special license to transport them.

Check with your local law enforcement office or the Department of Transportation if you have any firearms that require moving. You don’t want to end up with fines or get in legal trouble by transporting them without the proper paperwork.

Hire Professional Local Movers for a Safe and Successful Move

A successful move requires proper planning and packing. Experienced local movers know what to pack in a moving truck and what to avoid, maintaining safety throughout the journey.

They will help you pack and unpack your items, load them safely in the truck, provide insurance for any damage or loss, and deliver your belongings safely to your new home. If you need help moving, hire a reputable moving company.