Basic Etiquette Tips For Moving Day

No matter how smoothly one wants it to go, moving always presents some hiccups. Things could get broken or damaged and there’s always an unforeseen issue that crops suddenly. It would thus be helpful to make a checklist to offer guidance and to inform on house moving etiquette.

When it comes to etiquette, the problem is that while people get frustrated with others, they tend to forget the irritating things they do themselves. Moving isn’t any different. One needs to keep manners in mind and be considerate of their neighbors. This would be a great way to make new friends in the new neighborhood.

Decent Timing

Moving should be done during decent hours of the day. One should thus avoid doing it early in the morning, late in the afternoon or when it’s dark. The best time would be after most people are off to work or have at least woken up, such as between 9 and 11AM. The whole affair should be completed before 4-5PM before people return home from work.

Availability

One should avoid blocking access points. Such include the neighbors’ sidewalks and driveways as well as the street. If this is unavoidable, then one should explain it to them. The mover needs to avail themselves if there’s something that needs to be moved to enable access.

Refreshments

Whether one is hiring movers or being helped by colleagues, they should offer snacks and water to everyone. This makes them feel cared for thus enabling them help better. They’re also more likely to treat the person’s stuff more cautiously.

Helping

Rather than sitting around to watch everyone else working, it would be better to help out. One needs to do this, even if they’re paying the other people. To help out, one could begin unpacking or moving stuff. This goes to motivate the movers and eliminates resentment.

Being Grateful

One shouldn’t forget to tip and thank the movers. For hired help, the amount could vary depending on the staff’s attitude and quality of job done. Generally, about 5% of the total cost would be acceptable. If friends and family members are helping, one could give them gifts or buy them dinner. Showing one’s appreciation makes people feel appreciated.

Cleaning up

Any remaining debris should be cleaned up. Throughout the process, one should pick up any pieces of paper, boxes and plastic that falls off to avoid littering other people’s property or the street. Once the process is over and the vehicle is gone, a final inspection should be conducted to ensure everything is cleaned up.

Pets

If one owns a pet, they should try and leave it elsewhere for both consideration of others and safety reasons. Pets are likely to get agitated or just get in the way when one is moving. They could be left in care of a trusted relative or friend or boarded up at a local daycare or vet. If none of these options are viable, the pet should be locked up in an out-of-the-way room with enough food and water.

Courtesy

One should be polite to all neighbors. If they show up during the move to introduce themselves, one shouldn’t act irritated. They should instead introduce themselves and their kin then politely remind them that they need to get out of the way. If they offer to chip in, it’s up to the mover to decide if they’ll accept it or not. Either way, politeness should be maintained.

When one moves, they get a first glimpse of the neighbors they’ll have. It’s thus important to be considerate so that one gets off to a good start in their new neighborhood. Follow us for the best in home improvement, construction, and house and home.