When that long-awaited moving day dawns, take a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief. The days of endless packing and planning are finally behind you, and now it's all about settling into your new digs. But remember, moving day is a team effort — whether you've got the pros on board or friends lending a hand, a dose of moving day etiquette goes a long way in making it a breeze for all.
Here are ten simple moving day tips to ensure your move is smooth for everyone involved.
Don't bid farewell to your neighbors with a blocked driveway and a moving ruckus. It's a courteous move to inform your neighbors about your impending move. Show consideration for the folks next door during your move by avoiding parking in or near their driveways and walkways. Make sure they have easy access to the road. If it's unavoidable, consider giving them a heads-up in advance so they can plan accordingly.
And when choosing your moving date and time, be mindful of your neighbors' schedules. If they have early work commutes, it might be best to kick off the move after 9 a.m. Similarly, if they sleep in, spare them the early morning moving chaos.
When relocating, make sure you've squared away the parking situation in advance. If you're moving to an apartment in the city, chances are your new place has designated parking and loading zones for moving trucks. If you're heading to a city, you'll need to research the city's parking regulations. Failing to do so might result in parking tickets or even towing. So, do your homework and inform your moving company ASAP.
While you're paying for their services, it's essential to be aware of their guidelines regarding your involvement. These policies are in place to protect both you and the moving crew from potential injuries and damages.
Policies regarding customer assistance can vary widely, but they serve specific purposes. For local moves billed by the hour, your assistance can speed up the process and save you money. However, for interstate moves, where charges are based on weight and distance, helping might not affect costs in the same way.
It's crucial to realize that what you consider as helping may not always align with the movers' efficient packing methods. Your involvement could inadvertently hinder their process and, consequently, increase the overall cost of your move.
Address this issue during the pre-move screening process, but remember that, in almost all cases, customers aren't permitted inside the moving truck for safety reasons.
Create a designated no-go zone within your home or apartment, especially if it has multiple rooms or a spacious closet. This area should be off-limits to the moving crew to prevent them from accidentally loading items you intend to keep. During the pre-move walkthrough, clearly point out this restricted area and attach a prominent sign on the door to ensure it's not forgotten. This zone can also serve as a secure space for kids, pets, personal belongings, important documents, and valuables you plan to transport personally.
Different moving companies have varying policies regarding moving furniture with loaded drawers. The feasibility of this often depends on the distance of your move, so it's advisable to inquire well in advance, particularly for long-distance relocations. In some cases, it might be acceptable to leave lightweight and non-fragile items like clothing, bedding, and shoes in the drawers, especially for short-distance moves.
However, you should always remove heavy, breakable, and small, easily lost items such as pens, coins, and staplers. Movers may need to tilt and maneuver dressers and desks during the move, so empty drawers can make their job smoother.
On a moving day, your stuff should be packed, labeled, and ready to hit the road. While you might need to toss a few last-minute toiletries and linens into boxes that morning, the bulk of your packing should be completed ahead of time. This allows your movers to roll in and get down to business right away.
Before the moving crew shows up, do a final check to ensure your belongings are securely boxed in easily transportable containers. Avoid presenting your movers with a mound of items stuffed into garbage bags.
Moreover, the better you label your boxes, the smoother the process will be. Use a bold marker to specify each box's destination, including the room and any additional details (e.g., canned goods, toys, books). To make life easier in your new home, affix signs with this information on the doors of the respective rooms (e.g., master bedroom, bedroom 2, main bathroom, bathroom 2, etc.).
To minimize any potential confusion during the move, ensure you or someone else has an inventory list that checks off items as they transition from your old home to your new one. You don't want to be left wondering whether everything made it.
Lastly, remember to mark containers carrying sharp or fragile items.
Certain items your movers can't or shouldn't handle include hazardous materials, alcohol, flammable items, plants, and pets. Get a list of prohibited items from your moving company ahead of time and keep these items out of the movers' path when they arrive. You might even want to label this pile with a clear "do not move" sign. Additionally, keep sensitive items like medication, personal documents, jewelry, and valuables separate so you can transport them personally.
Opening your front door may be all that's required to welcome the movers. However, what if there's a password or secret handshake needed to enter your apartment complex's security gate? Whatever the scenario at your current abode, you can streamline moving day by arranging everything in advance to grant your movers easy access. Movers typically factor in additional time for factors like road traffic that are beyond anyone's control, but you can avoid adding to the traffic snarl by ensuring clear access points for your moving crew.
While the movers will likely have surplus packing materials on the moving truck, it's beneficial to have extras like bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape readily available. These can come in handy if a box needs repacking or fortifying before loading. If you've requested wardrobe boxes or other specialized moving supplies from the movers, double-check this when you book their services to prevent any confusion or delays on moving day.
It's as straightforward as it sounds. Exuding politeness and friendliness toward your movers will make the day more pleasant for everyone involved. Smile and wave when you meet your neighbors. If your move falls on a weekend, anticipate meeting a few of your new neighbors. Chances are, they'll be home and quite curious about the new neighbors moving in next door.
When moving into your new place, consider the impact on your new neighbors. Avoid starting on the wrong foot by blocking their driveways and walkways with the moving truck. It's not just impolite; it's also a surefire way to meet your new neighbors with irritation. To create a positive first impression, show respect for their yards and access to the street.
Ensure your boxes and belongings don't encroach on your neighbors' lawns, and try to refrain from moving too early, which can disturb people. If possible, avoid moving during peak commuting hours, such as 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., when your new neighbors are likely traveling to and from work.
When it comes to offering food and drinks for your moving crew, it largely depends on your preferences as the homeowner. However, here are some straightforward guidelines to consider:
Proper tipping etiquette for movers dictates that you tip your moving crew as a gesture of gratitude for their hard work in transporting and caring for your cherished belongings. Here's some guidance on tipping your movers:
Want to assist your movers most effectively? Let them do their job! While you might have your own idea of how to orchestrate the perfect move, remember that you hired full-service movers for a reason. They're trained professionals who've moved countless couches, boxes, and delicate items, so give them some space! You'll feel less stressed, and they won't feel micromanaged.
Ready to simplify your move? Choose Move4U for hassle-free moving services! Contact us and get a free quote for your move.
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