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Published on May 20, 2020
•5 min read
By Jessica Parker,Staff Writer
40 million Americans move every year and at three times the rate of their European brethren. Simply put: Moving is a favorite American pastime.
That’s why so many Americans rely on moving services to get from Point A to Point B. If you’ve never used a moving company before, you may not know how to prepare for one but good preparation is key to ensure a fast, friction-less, and affordable move.
Is the big moving day quickly approaching? Take a moment to brush up on basic courtesies. Here’s how to get ready for the moving crew.
Most full-service moving companies take care of everything from start to finish, including boxing all your possessions. Many people try to cut down on moving expenses by doing this task on their own.
Make sure you buy heavy-duty corrugated boxes that will survive the move. Empty the dressers, cupboards, and closets and pack everything away. By the time the movers arrive, they should only have to worry about packing the truck with your possessions.
It’s a good idea to have some extra packing supplies on hand when they arrive. If you’ve forgotten something, you can quickly box it up while the movers are hard at work.
Parking seems like a simple thing, but many different homes and living communities have limited space or special rules. Be thoughtful and prepare a convenient parking spot for the movers, even if this means relocating your own vehicles for the day.
If the truck can park right in front of your home, the loading process will take less time for the movers.
As you’re sealing everything away, label each individual box. This is a great way to take inventory and make sure nothing goes missing during the move. It’s helpful for your movers, too.
Label the boxes by room. Let’s say you just finished packing your clothes. Write “Master Bedroom” on the box.
Once the moving company arrives at your new home, they’ll be able to unload the truck and place your possessions in the corresponding rooms. It’s easier for both of you and cheaper, too, if the movers are paid hourly.
Tip: Label boxes on the side instead of the top. This way your movers will be able to see which rooms they go to when they are stacked on the dolly.
Over packing is the worst thing you can do. Maybe you only purchased large corrugated boxes. In that case, it makes sense to fill everything to the brim.
But if these large boxes are stuffed with heavy clothing or books, they’re much harder to transport. For one, they’re a safety hazard for the movers who have to lug them around.
Over packed boxes are also liable to break, spilling their contents on the ground. That could mean broken or damaged possessions. And if not, it’ll slow down the move as you have to pack these items once again.
If you have dependents, it’s best to keep them out of the house during the loading process. You’ll likely be too busy to keep your eyes on them. Remember that the movers will have your doors propped open, so there’s a good chance they can slip outside unnoticed.
Plus, you don’t want pets or children getting in the way of the movers, especially as they’re carrying large items or obstructive boxes.
For these reasons, consider asking your friends or family to watch your pets and children in their own homes. If that isn’t an option, empty a room of your home so the workers don’t need to enter it. You can corral your pets and children here and keep watch.
Loading an entire home’s worth of possessions takes longer than you may think. It varies based on the size of your home, but the entire process can take anywhere from 2 to 10 hours. Movers tend to work through lunch without breaks since they operate on strict schedules.
While not necessary, it’s considerate to prepare convenient refreshments to keep the movers energized throughout the move. It’s as easy as filling an icebox with bottled water and having energy bars nearby. This is especially true if the move takes place during the hot summer months.
You should know that the moving company doesn’t bring a bathroom with them. Designate one when they arrive so nobody has to ask you later on.
It’s standard practice to tip every individual worker at the end of the day assuming everything went well. 10%-20% is the going rate for a standard move. However, there are plenty of factors to consider.
For long-distance moving, it’s not unusual to tip $50 to $100. But the movers who pack your belongings may not be the same people who head down to the new home for unpacking. Feel free to ask the loaders if you’ll see them at the new place or if others will be taking over.
Not sure how much cash to withdraw for tips? Call the moving company and inquire how many employees you can expect on moving day. Calculate the rate based on the distance of the move and prepare accordingly.
While moving is a hassle, preparing for the moving crew can make things a bit easier. Of course, preparation only goes so far. It’s important to hire a robust, vetted moving company to ensure you get the service you deserve.
Don’t make the wrong move. Enjoy the relief of a stress-free move with the services of Muscleman Elite. Get a free instant quote today.