Pack smart when moving

Are you one of the many renting a truck and moving to a new home? If so, it pays to know what things to stack, what goes in back and what to wrap in foam.

To pack and load successfully for the open road, load the biggest, heaviest items first. Major appliances and large furniture go way in the back toward the middle, secured by straps and ropes so all doors and drawers stay closed. Use hand trucks with load-lock straps, get help for the heavy stuff and keep appliances up to prevent damage.

Wrap mattresses and box springs, and place all big flat items along outer walls. Next, large wardrobe cartons with clothing, hung rather than packed, should line the walls. Then, load boxes, rugs and items such as bed frames in the center.

From Associated Press