The overall cost is based on a number of factors, but the primary ones are: the size of the moving truck, how full it needs to be loaded, the number of oversized items, the length of hallways, the number of stairs and your address in relation to the movers office location. All that said, the average packing job typically costs around $500 – $600 to load a 26 foot truck, $400 – $500 to load a 20 foot truck, $300 – $400 to load a 16 foot truck and $200 – $300 to load a 10 foot truck. These prices do not include packing boxes, truck rental costs, moving blankets or shrink wrap.

It really depends on factors such as: the number of heavy items, the number of stairs up or down, hallway length, distance from residence to truck, elevator availability, weather conditions, and how prepared the customer is with packed boxes. But in general, it’ll take 7-8 hours for 2 movers to load a 26 foot truck, 4-6 hours for 2 movers to load a 20 foot truck, 3-4 hours for 2 movers to load a 16 foot truck and 2-3 hours for 2 movers to load a 10 foot truck. Obviously, the move will go faster if you are willing to help out with the smaller items like boxes and bins. It will also speed up the process if your items were packed in a very organized fashion.

Roughly 75% of loading only moves can be accomplished most efficiently with just 2 professional movers. However, there are at least two circumstances that would require you to hire 3-4 movers, and these are listed below. First, whenever you have any items that weigh over 250 pounds, then I would recommend hiring 4 movers so that 2 guys can be on each side of the heavier items. This would include the following items: a pool table, a piano, a safe, a vanity, a treadmill, an elliptical, a hot tub or a fish tank. Second, if you have any expensive items that are oversized, then it’s most prudent to err on the safe side by hiring 4 movers to ensure the item doesn’t get damaged.

It depends on the size of your dresser. If it’s a small and light dresser, then you can keep your clothes inside. If it’s a big and heavy dresser, then you should take them out. The main reason movers like having dresser drawers empty is to reduce the overall weight. You should also tape the dresser drawers shut so they don’t fall out. If you don’t tape the drawers shut, the movers may simply take out the drawers, but that would take up more space in the moving truck. Don’t use duct tape as that will damage the wood finish upon removal. Instead, tape the drawers shut with painter’s tape or marking tape.

What better time to declutter your unused possessions than right before you move? Here are two reasons why you should get rid of unnecessary items in preparation for your move. First, there may be less available space in your new home than your current home. So it might be the case that everything wouldn’t fit which would require you to downside anyway. Second, moving is expensive so why not earn some extra money by selling things? This has a double benefit: it will reduce the cost of your move since there will be less items to load and unload. Plus, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure so you will make quick cash and help someone out in the process. Why not have a garage sale? To learn more about this topic, read my recent blogs 8 Easy Tips to Organize your First Garage Sale.

When you are packing boxes, you should try to group them according to what rooms the items will need to go in. You should keep a permanent marker handy so you can label each box based on what room they will be unpacked. Designate a specific number or color for each room and label all boxes accordingly. In order to do this, you will need to make sure you know what each room at your new residence will be used for. Accurately labeling cardboard boxes will help you determine which items to load into the moving truck first and which items should go in last. This topic of inquiry is actually discussed in the next question.

As a general rule of thumb, you should keep all the heavy items like dressers, armoires, desks and couches on the bottom level of the moving truck. This will function as a secure base and prevent damage to bigger items. Then you can stack all the lighter items like bags of clothes, boxes, chairs, and pillows on top of them. This will help you fill the space toward the top of the moving truck. The goal is to keep a level layer of items so you can keep adding more items on top. Putting awkwardly shaped items on the floor of the moving truck will throw off your foundation from the very beginning. Be sure to use moving blankets to cover items that could be damaged or scratched like wood or glass.

Try to save the most awkwardly shaped items for last. Examples include items like lawn mowers, snow blowers, treadmills, recliner chairs and bar stools. These items need to be on the floor surface of the truck because they are relatively heavy, but their top has a weird shape that keeps smaller items from being stacked on top. This is the moving equivalent of being put between a rock and a hard place. So what’s the solution to this problem? There is no simple answer but the general guideline is that awkwardly shaped items should go in last because they hog up a lot of truck space by preventing boxes from going on top. For further reading, check out my blog How to Pack and Load a Moving Truck like a Pro.

Your belongings can shift during transportation, especially long distance moves, so it adds an extra layer of protection to tie down your items in the moving truck. The best choice for this is ratchet straps, but you could also use bungee cords or ropes. Every 5 feet of packing items should be tied down in a cross shape. It’s essential to tighten the strap because if it’s loose then it’s not going to help secure the items. Ratchet straps have hooks on one end so they securely tie the furniture down on one end. Use these straps by wrapping them around the furniture and strapping them on the other end.

When it comes to picking a high quality packing and loading service, it’s essential for you to have information ready to provide to the truck loading company. Here are four important ones: 1. Have pictures of your heavier items ready to send via email or text, especially items that weigh over 250 pounds. 2. Count the number of bedrooms as well as the number of stairs at each location. 3. If applicable, reserve the elevator with the concierge at your apartment or condo. 4. Know the date of your move and, if possible, try to have some flexibility about the exact start time. Click here to get a free estimate for truck loading from His Workmanship.