You’ve done the hard work. The boxes are packed and you’re ready to move. The movers are on their way. Have you considered your moving day etiquette? Hiring movers is a big help, but knowing how to manage them is important too.
Do you tip movers? Have you figured out the parking situation? Do you label your boxes? We’ll discuss this and more in this moving etiquette guide.
Tipping Movers
Let’s start with the most pressing question. Should you tip movers? While it’s not required, it’s definitely courteous and appreciated.
Did you love the job the movers did? Maybe they went above and beyond their call of duty to help make your move as easy as possible. Did you have a lot of heavy belongings or does your home have a lot of curves and corners that complicated the move?
If so, tipping is definitely appreciated. In general, movers earn $25 to $50 each, but again, it’s a personal preference. If you moved long distance or had a complicated move, consider tipping more. There is no right or wrong, but showing your appreciation is a nice gesture.
Pack before Moving Day
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Your job is to make it as easy on the movers as possible. If you’re in the way packing boxes, movers have to work around you and all other obstacles. Unless you paid for full-service moving (including packing) arrange your schedule so you have all moving tasks completed so when the movers arrive you can get out of the way.
If you have some last-minute tasks to take care of, try to do it out of the way of the movers. The fewer obstacles they have, the faster they can move you to your new home.
Make it Easier on the Movers
It’s your job to get the home ready to move. Packing the boxes isn’t enough. Think of the obstacles the movers may face. Is there snow on the ground? If so, shovel and salt your driveway and the sidewalk. Do you have so many boxes that you can barely get through the house? Arrange the boxes so there is a clear path for the movers to get through. Look at the house from the perspective of a mover and you’ll likely find things to move and/or get out of the way, making their job easier.
Is there sufficient room for the moving truck to park? If you have to ask the neighbors to move their cars for the day, arrange for it ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute. What happens if you can’t get a hold of your neighbors?
Arrange Parking at your New House
Think about the parking at the new place too. Do you need approval to park the moving truck somewhere? If there is a shared driveway or an association, ask about the rules for the moving truck. The last thing you want is to upset your new neighbors or worse yet, violate city, county, or HOA rules your first day in your new home.
Ensure there is enough room to park the moving truck and all other cars that follow, so you have all hands on deck and can get the moving process over quickly.
Provide Drinks and for the Movers
If your movers have a long day ahead of them, have plenty of beverages available. If you’re moving in the heart of the summer months, have ice cold water handy both at your current house and new house.
If you can, sneak over to the new house and stock the fridge with water bottles. If not, consider carrying a cooler of water for the movers to keep them cool while they handle moving your heavy furniture and belongings.
What About My Friends and Family?
If your friends and family pitch in to help you move. You’ll know how to make them feel appreciated. Ask them what their favorite beverage or snack is, if you don’t already know and amp it up one notch. By adding the cherry on top, and throwing in some treats for them; they will know you really appreciate their help.
Another great way to thank someone is to take them out to eat, offer them cash (if comfortable), treat them to a movie night, hand write a thank you note or bake them some goods.
Whatever you decide, it’s definitely a great idea to show your appreciation. Even to family and friends, who may deny gifts etc.
Label your Boxes
Directing traffic at your new home creates chaos and overwhelms everyone. Instead, label your boxes by room, making it easier for the movers to place the boxes where you need them. This helps not only the movers but you as well. Once the movers leave, you’ll have the boxes in the appropriate rooms, making unpacking easier.
Before moving day, label blank sheets of paper with the name of each room in your new home. Quickly stick the labels up on each doorway so movers can quickly place each box in its right place.
Mark Fragile Boxes
Don’t assume movers know when a box is fragile. If it doesn’t clearly say fragile, they will handle it like any other box. If you have a box of grandma’s china or other breakable items, make it clear they need to be handled with care.
Remove Drawers Rather than Emptying Them
Boxes are great because they’re easy to move, but some things don’t need packing and unpacking. Any drawers with items in them simply take out of the furniture. The bedroom dresser for example, why empty the clothes, pack them in a box, and then remove the drawer too? Keep everything in the drawer, cover it with a sheet or towel, and set them aside. This makes the furniture lighter (easier to move) and eliminates unnecessary boxes and unloading. Just slide the drawer back in when you get to your new home.
Don’t Pack too Much
Some people assume it makes sense to overpack boxes. It gives movers fewer boxes to move, right? While that’s great, making the boxes too heavy makes their job harder. Heavier boxes are harder to carry and they often lead to broken items.
Tipping movers, making the move as easy as possible for them, and providing them with necessary drinks or accommodations helps movers successfully move you into your new home. Showing your appreciation for their hard work is one of the best ways to handle your move – the movers do the hard work for you, the least you can do is thank them for the job well done.
