A control method is provided for loading a data transfer head to a data storage medium comprising: determining a desired maximum displacement between a parked position of the head and an encroaching position of the head in relation to a selected data storage track of the medium; determining a spin interval associated with a predetermined quantity of medium movement before the head reaches the encroaching position; rotating the data storage medium at a beginning of the spin interval; and moving the actuator during the spin interval from the parked position and at a velocity resulting in the head being displaced at the end of the spin interval a distance that is less than the maximum displacement. A data storage device is contemplated comprising programmed instructions for performing this method for a predetermined number of loading occurrences, or in relation to observing a threshold data transfer error rate.