For most DIY movers, loading large items on a moving truck is the biggest challenge. Don’t risk injury when loading your truck by taking the time to carefully load and unload large items.

Lifting heavy items

The largest appliances and furniture need to be loaded first. Take your time with these items, especially if they require more than one person to move. When lifting heavy items, squat and lift with your legs to avoid added stress on your back. Keep the object close to your body and do not twist at any point during the lift. Take frequent rests and listen to you body.

Using a dolly

A large item that you cannot lift alone, such as refrigerator, requires a dolly, which can be rented.  Do not overload a dolly, because this can increase the chance of injury to yourself or damage to your possessions. Also, secure the appliance to the dolly using straps.

Rent a ramp for rolling large furniture and appliances into the truck.  Always go backwards up the ramp with a loaded dolly.  It’s also a good idea to have someone follow it up the ramp, to make sure it stays secure.  This will make your job much easier and safer. 

Keep large appliances as upright as possible to protect any moveable parts inside.  To move a refrigerator, attach the dolly to the suction line side so that it faces down when tilted.