Hiring movers to transport your goods will definitely make your moving day easier. Instead of carrying box after box onto the truck and then unloading box after box, you can have other people do this work for you. If you use movers, though, you want to make sure they are happy and able to do their job effectively and efficiently.
Before the Move
The first thing you should do to make things easier for your movers is create a list of all the items that you will pack yourself and all the things you want your movers to pack. As long as all parties are clear from the beginning, you can avoid having to go through already-sealed boxes. At the same time, any boxes that you plan on taking in your own car should be labeled as such.
If you are going to be doing all of the packing yourself, you can help your movers out by making sure this is completed before they arrive. Although you will likely have to pay them for any time spent waiting, nobody likes wasting time or having to work longer than expected.
You can also help your movers out by having all of your boxes properly labeled beforehand. Label each box based on which room it will be going to in your new home. You should also mark boxes containing delicate items as "Fragile" or "Top Load Only."
|
| TIP: If you are moving out of or into a building with elevators, notify the owner of the building so your movers have access to them. This can prevent some unforeseen delays and confusion. |
During the Move – At Your Old Home
On moving day, double-check that all of your boxes are properly packed and loaded. Again, this will allow you to avoid any last-minute confusion between you and your movers. You can also help them out by being present during the move to answer any questions your movers have as they handle your goods. Additionally, by supervising the move, you can give them any special instructions you may have. If you aren't around during the move and something goes wrong, all parties involved will probably be unhappy.
|
| You should let your movers know the time frame for the move. If you have to be out of your old home by a certain time, make sure the moving company knows up front. They probably wouldn't appreciate it if you tell them they only have an hour to load everything up. In the same vein, provide them with all information regarding the delivery of your goods to your new home. Make sure your movers know the following information: |
|
Photo by d-s-n, sxc.hu |
- Address of your new home
- Date you need your belongings delivered by
- The time frame for delivering your goods, especially if you are moving to an apartment
- Your phone number in case the movers get lost
By providing your company with this information, you can surely eliminate a lot of the confusion that your movers may otherwise have. As long as you and your movers are on the same page, your move will likely be as smooth as possible.
|
| TIP: Make sure your children and pets are out of your movers' way. This will keep your kids and pets out of danger and make it easier for the movers to go about their work. |
|
| Perhaps one of the most important, yet overlooked, ways to keep your movers happy is to provide them with refreshments as they go about their work. Though they may bring their own drinks, it is still a good idea to offer them some additional beverages. You may also want to provide some snacks or even lunch. Even if they don't accept any, the simple gesture can put them in a good mood. You should also let your movers know whether they are allowed to use your bathrooms or not. While the decision is entirely up to you, make sure your movers know in advance to avoid any confusion. |
|
Photo by nazreth, sxc.hu |
During the Move – At Your New Home
Make sure you have someone at your new home before the movers arrive. If they are kept waiting, they probably won't be too happy. You can make things easier for your movers, and yourself, by having a floor plan of your new household before the movers start unloading. By knowing where all of your belongings are going, the move can be as smooth as possible. Just as before, you'll want to keep your kids and pets out of the way as the movers unload everything into your new home.
After the Move
You should know in advance if your movers require payment on completion of the move or if you can pay at a later date. If you have to pay up front, remember to inspect all of your belongings for damage before you sign anything or hand over any money. If everything is okay, make sure you know what the acceptable payment methods are. Be prepared with enough cash or have your checkbook or credit cards handy. Again, your movers won't be too excited about having to wait around while you go to the bank or dig through your boxes to find your checkbook.
The final thing to keep in mind regarding your movers' happiness is the subject of tipping. Remember, giving your movers a tip is not necessary. If you think they did an exceptional job, feel free to do so. Most movers won't even expect a tip, and some moving companies have policies against accepting them. |
|