Loading help is billed at a straightforward hourly rate of $60 per hour per person. Total cost depends on truck size, volume of items, stairs, and how organized your boxes are prior to crew arrival. On average, loading a 10-foot truck takes 2 to 3 total labor hours ($120–$180). A 16-foot truck averages 3 to 4 labor hours ($180–$240), a 20-foot truck averages 4 to 6 labor hours ($240–$360), and a 26-foot truck typically takes 7 to 8 total labor hours ($420–$480). These costs cover physical labor; customers provide the rental truck, moving pads, and tie-down straps.

For a standard 2-person crew, loading times vary based on prep work and physical layout (stairs, elevators, hallway distance). On average, two movers can load a 10-foot truck in 1 to 1.5 hours, a 16-foot truck in 1.5 to 2 hours, a 20-foot truck in 2 to 3 hours, and a 26-foot truck in 3.5 to 4 hours. Having all small items packed tightly in labeled, stackable boxes near the main exit significantly speeds up loading time.

While a 2-person crew handles roughly 75% of residential truck loading efficiently, adding 3 or 4 workers is recommended under specific conditions. First, if you have extremely heavy single items over 250 pounds—such as large gun safes, treadmills, armoires, or heavy wood vanities—having 3 or 4 workers ensures safe lifting without injury or property damage. Second, for large 26-foot truck loads with multiple flights of stairs, a larger crew creates an efficient “bucket brigade” line, completing the move much faster.

For small, lightweight nightstands or light pine dressers, soft clothing can often remain inside. However, for solid wood dressers, large armoires, or heavy chest-of-drawers, drawers should be fully emptied to reduce overall weight and prevent frame damage during transport. Drawers should be secured shut using painter’s tape or stretch wrap rather than duct tape, which can strip wood finishes or leave sticky adhesive residue.

Downsizing before a move is one of the most effective ways to save time and money. Eliminating unused furniture, old appliances, and clutter reduces the cubic feet required in your rental truck and cuts down total billable labor hours. Donating or selling unwanted items prior to move day creates an organized space, allowing loaders to work quickly and stack items efficiently.

Label every box clearly with a thick permanent marker on multiple side panels—not just the top—indicating the target room and whether the contents are fragile. Grouping boxes by room and stackability helps movers build sturdy, level tiers inside the truck. Sturdy, uniform cardboard boxes can be stacked high on the bottom tier, while fragile or oddly shaped boxes are reserved for top-tier placement.

Always load heavy, square furniture and sturdy appliances against the front cab wall of the truck to create a solid foundation. Heavy dressers, desks, and boxed appliances form the base layer. Sturdy, uniform boxes are then stacked directly on top to fill space toward the ceiling in tight wall-to-wall tiers. Wood surfaces and glass panels should be wrapped in moving blankets before being packed against other items.

Awkwardly shaped, light, or essential items should always be loaded last near the roll-up door. This includes items like lawn mowers, bicycles, recliner chairs, ladders, and ironing boards that cannot support weight on top of them. Additionally, pack your “first-night essential” boxes, cleaning supplies, and basic tool kits last so they are immediately accessible upon arriving at your destination.

Items must be anchored securely every 3 to 5 feet of loaded depth to prevent shifting during transit. Ratchet straps anchored to the truck’s internal wall E-tracks or wooden slats provide the strongest hold. Tie straps in an “X” pattern across furniture faces, pulling them taut. Using moving pads between straps and polished furniture prevents friction burns and strap marks while driving.

Look for a service that offers transparent hourly labor rates and simple online scheduling. Prepare a quick inventory of your move ahead of time—noting any flights of stairs, narrow hallways, or items weighing over 250 pounds. Choosing an honest labor-only service lets you control material costs (truck rental, pads, straps) while bringing in physically capable helpers to handle all heavy lifting. Click here to get a free estimate for moving truck loading from His Workmanship.