Your moving-day manners matter—and can help get the job done faster
Understanding the basics of hiring a mover starts with good communication, so your movers can access your home easily and start work on time.
Packing and labeling your boxes before movers arrive keeps the job moving quickly, preventing delays that can add extra charges to your final bill.
Offering refreshments like bottled water or sports drinks shows your appreciation and helps keep your movers energized throughout the day, especially in warm weather.
Hiring a local moving company provides reliable help with packing supplies, loading logistics, and careful furniture handling, so your move stays stress-free from start to finish.
When you’re getting ready to move, your mind is laser-focused on all the tasks and packing that needs to get done—if you can find where you put that roll of packing tape, that is.
If you’ve hired movers, then you can breathe a bit easier knowing that you’ve delegated the heavy lifting to the pros. Your movers might have clocked countless moves, but they will certainly appreciate a client who does everything to ensure a drama-free experience. Here’s how to prepare for a moving day that’s a win-win for you and your movers.
Moving companies cannot legally sell “moving insurance.” Even though most people refer to it as moving insurance when they purchase it, its technical name is “moving coverage.” Only third-party insurance companies (like the national brands you see on TV) can sell moving insurance.
Perhaps it's as easy as opening your front door to let the movers in. But what if there’s a password or secret handshake needed to enter the security gate at your apartment complex? Whatever the case may be at your current home, you can save time on moving day if everything is prearranged so your movers can easily access your home. Movers usually allow extra time for issues like road traffic that are out of anyone’s control, but don’t contribute to the traffic jam yourself by forgetting to clear the access points for your movers.
This tip sounds like a no-brainer until you find yourself caught up in the stress of moving and still packing boxes when movers ring your doorbell. Time is money, so to avoid having the movers waiting on you, pack and label the moving boxes so they’re ready for the movers when they get there.
Any delay that prevents movers from working as quickly as possible could add up to a higher bill. Unless you’ve already booked them for an all-day move, movers typically have another job to go to after yours. They could charge extra for staying over the allotted time, or you might even have to hire them to come back to finish the job, which would cause scheduling issues for you and the new occupants of your old space.
The movers will likely have extra packing supplies on the moving truck, but it helps to have things like extra bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape available if a box has to be repacked or reinforced before loading. If you want the movers to bring things like wardrobe boxes or other specialty moving supplies, be sure to confirm that request when you book them, so there’s no confusion or delay on the day of your move.
Moving is a cardio workout on a good day, but it turns into a pulse-pounding sweat session when the temperature rises. Regardless of the season, you'll win major points with your movers if you have a cool beverage on hand for them. Bottled water is the easy and inexpensive way to go, but you could also offer sports beverages or hot tea and coffee, depending on the weather. If it’s going to be an all-day move and the movers will be taking a lunch break, you may want to consider purchasing the movers’ lunch, though this is not a requirement.
A tip is customary for any service done well. When tipping movers, aim to give a 10% to 20% tip, depending on the cost of the job. Have cash on hand to split between the movers, or ask if you can include the tip with your payment instead. If it’s a multi-day move, you may want to tip at the end of each day to avoid overlooking any team members.
If you’re satisfied with how the move turned out, the local movers would likely appreciate an online review saying so. You’ll not only be commending them as professionals, but you’ll be giving them a much-coveted referral for future clients. You don’t have to write a novel—a few lines that touch on their level of courtesy and care when transporting your items will do the trick.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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