At some point, most Americans will end up moving at least once in their lives. If the time has come for you to relocate, there are a few things that you should know about moving day etiquette. If you have no idea where to start, this is where our blog comes into play. Let’s dive into the moving day etiquette that you should know.
1. Long Distance Scammers
The first step in having proper moving day etiquette is actually being prepared. The last thing movers want to do is wait around in a truck or stand outside of your home while you scramble to finish packing boxes and labeling things. It is also smart to pack properly. If you have items falling out of a damaged box, this makes it hard for movers to do their jobs. Regardless of whether you are moving nearby with a local move, embarking on an interstate move or relocating to another country, packing correctly is essential.
2. Have a Clear Plan
Regardless of whether you have a checklist written out or you’re keeping track of things on your cell phone, having a clear plan of what you need done is essential. While movers are great at guiding customers and talking about this beforehand, you can’t expect every moving company to operate the same way. If you’re unsure about what kinds of things you should have outlined, think about anything that will help give the moving team a clear direction. Take notes of where you want furniture to be placed in every room in your new home. Remember to pay close attention to boxes that may not be clearly labeled with glass or delicate items to avoid damages as well. However you want the move to play out in your mind, write it down and visualize it.
3. Consider Your Neighbors
Do you need the movers to park somewhere that makes it hard for your neighbors to get in and out of their spot? Or are you moving heavy items that may make a lot of noise? If so, talk to your neighbors and let them know that they may be inconvenienced for a while.
4. Take Care of the Movers
While cooking breakfast for your movers may be a bit much, it is good moving day etiquette to have a few refreshments on hand to offer them. We understand that moving out of a home into a new one means your refrigerator may be empty. It’s wise to be considerate and have a few bottles of water or sports drinks on hand though. Run to a local store or gas station to secure there a few minutes before your movers are scheduled to arrive. While you are paying your hard earned money for the movers, it still is hard work. Showing your gratitude by offering them beverages mid-move is an excellent way to show your gratitude and motivate them to work hard for you.
5. Tip Your Movers
Speaking of taking care of your movers, remember to give them a tip. Whether you should tip your movers or not is a common question that people seem to have. Since a lot of movers don’t make an excess amount of money from the actual move, we always advise customers to leave a tip to show appreciation for the hard work. While there’s no set amount, our advice is that whatever you can afford and take into account how good the movers were at their jobs. There’s no reason for you to reward poor performance.