Before the movers arrive…..

Last modified on 2008-11-27 10:58:04 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Preparation

Some things you can easily do to save some cash and make for a smoother move can be easily accomplished with a little forethought and common sense. As with all things, taking a little extra time in preparation can pay dividends in the end. Organization and preparedness are often overlooked when stress and time constraints take control. Haphazard packing, a hurried call to your local mover and a quick appraisal of your inventory can make for a difficult and unsatisfying moving experience.

Movers know this is a stressful time and most will overlook the open boxes, the still made bed, plates on the table, items on the furniture, stereos still connected, obstructed walkways (toys etc). I could go on and on, but basically if you’re paying by the hour and the mover can’t negotiate his way around you’re losing money. If the mover has to spend 10 minutes clearing dressers, nightstands, tables etc for each piece and then dance around clutter while carrying a load, you’re losing more money. Just simple preparation and organization here can easily take an hour off your final bill. Ease of access to the items being moved and clear walkways can inspire the flat rate movers to move some of the items you we’re planning on moving yourself at a big discount (often some even free). I’ve done this and seen it done many times in appreciation for a customers preparedness as it really makes the job go smoother.

Making sure you’re packed and ready to go may seem like an obvious task to many. Quite often however, customers want the movers to take their open boxes with items brimming over if not even falling out. This is not only difficult to carry, but almost impossible to load the truck correctly. Save the open boxes for the backseat for your best price. Loose items may be light, however the added time needed to pack these items in the truck safely can really add up. Although you might think this would appeal to your hourly movers, the added risk of breakage is a big consideration. I think most people would be surprised how often movers are asked to move book bags, and I don’t mean the school kind but trash bags full of books. This is a really bad idea for obvious reasons. Bags are fine if pillows, clothes and the like are stuffed in them, but anything that can punch through in a tightly packed, bouncing truck is going to make a time consuming and potentially damaging mess. Keep in mind, the suspension of a moving truck isn’t designed like a cars.

I know some of these things seem like common sense, but sometimes in the stress of moving the temptation to cut corners becomes appealing. Cutting corners can save some time in preparation, but when too much is encountered on one job the time it takes to work with and around extra obstacles can really add up. A 3-4 hour job turns into 5-6 hours and so on. The higher than estimated cost of moving in some cases is not the movers fault. The best way to start saving money is to give yourself the time and get the supplies you need to properly prepare so the movers can expedite upon arrival. That way, when the movers show up 3 hours late they’ll have no excuses not to work fast!

Stumble It!

Step counting

Last modified on 2008-11-27 10:50:05 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Count your stairs!

Getting this part right can end up saving you big when the check comes due. Make sure you’re counting this potentially expensive aspect of your move the same way your movers do. See stair counting for info on how your movers will count them for you on Moving 101

Outside the Box

Last modified on 2008-11-27 10:58:55 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

How to Box This?

One of the best ways to ensure a fair price and a smooth move lies in preparing everything properly. Being packed is essential when you choose to go with an hourly rate or flat rate, and of course if you opt to DIY. When boxing items make sure most if not all boxes have secured tops and contents are properly padded.  The contents should be padded well enough to for them to survive a fall of at least two feet.  The reason for this is simple, the box will not reliably dent below this height, so no indication that it fell.   Tops on most if not all the boxes are important too.   This saves time and also allows the movers to organize their truck packing efficiently and safely. What to do if if the items won’t allow for boxing though? Of course these are items you can always toss in the car/van but movers will happily move some items such as brooms, andirons, shower/curtain rods, toys and other hard to pack goods you might have forgot about.

Some movers will scoff at the idea of moving a single broom, loose andirons, sports gear, mops etc. They can cause problems with their own packing and are much easier to move when bundled as well as safer to pack. Simply tie or tape them in an easily movable bundle for hassle free moving and packing. Especially handy when attempting to pack all the odd items in the shed and storage area. Just make sure to attach a few at a time so the bundle doesn’t bust in transit and make a time consuming and potentially damaging mess. Another great use for duct tape and the extra rolls of packing tape you might have left over.

Tips on Tips

Last modified on 2008-11-20 10:04:28 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Customary Gratuities

Remember, tips are not required at all but a generosity extended by you the customer for a job well done.  The amount of a tip can be anything you deem fit but a good rule of thumb for a 2-3 man crew is 10-15% for excellent service only.  Many people leave it up to the driver to determine the split which can be an excellent idea in most cases but again, is totally up to you.

Making movers aware of a tip beforehand can lead to uncomfortable situations  if the service turns out  lacking.   Movers that drop hints about tipping shouldn’t be tipped at all in my opinion, this is basically rewarding a bully!   Confusing a tip with the job or tipping to move items, disassemble items, extra trips etc not covered in the original agreement will void any coverage and will not be properly documented if problems arise.  Best to make certain all items moved are on the contract along with any other services performed.

Just don’t forget, tips are not required at all.   If you’re not satisfied with the service, don’t tip,  if you’re conscience won’t allow for that,  at least tip accordingly.   My guess would be that about 25% of people don’t tip at all and it doesn’t seem to bother them.   Keep in mind though, that last, best crew you ever had will likely remember your tip or lack thereof and keep it in mind when requested the next time.