Moving? Make sure you bring your manners

By Chuck Resnick
October 15, 2017

Moving is always a stressful experience. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned veteran, there's a million things that can go wrong and being able to deal with the stress, tight timelines and physical labour is something everyone struggles with.

Regardless, if there's any one thing in particular we could recommend you bring with you on your next big move, it would be a politeness. Here's our step by step guide to help you make sure you move with manners.

Let your neighbours at both ends know when to expect the movers to pull into your place

Ensure that the movers park and unload to avoid blocking anyone else’s driveway or trespassing on other property while items are being carried into or out of your new place. Even at the best of times, moving day can be stressful for everyone involved. Whether you are moving into or out of a condominium, lowrise home or a commercial property, a move involves trucks, boxes, packing materials, workers and a certain amount of organized chaos. As with any major event, preparation is key.

Think of the following tips as moving etiquette

Let your neighbours at both ends know when to expect the movers to pull into your place. Ensure that the movers park and unload to avoid blocking anyone else’s driveway or trespassing on other property while items are being carried into or out of your new place. It is important to respect your neighbours’ privacy and property.

If you are booking a residential move and have the choice, select 9 or 10 a.m. for your truck to arrive. This is a time when people who work the 9-to-5 shift are not at home, and you are less likely to cause them any inconvenience. Everyone wants to move at the same time, but this can tie up the elevators and make it impossible for residents to come and go, so instead of chaos, the property management will book a block of time for you to move.

Book the elevators well in advance – in both the building you are leaving and the building you will be moving into – so that you can have the benefit of arranging your time comfortably. You should also check to see if movers are restricted to using specific doors. Sometimes there are service areas to use for moving so that the rest of the tenants aren’t disturbed or inconvenienced, or to accommodate large, heavy pieces of furniture. > Make arrangements for your pets to be cared for elsewhere. The very nature of a move means that doors will be open for long periods, and having animals wandering in and out can be dangerous for them and for those carrying your belongings.

If the movers are playing a radio, ask them to keep the volume down to avoid bothering small children or elderly neighbours who may want peace and quiet.

The physical nature of moving means that your movers will get thirsty and hungry. Although it is not necessary, offering cool drinks and some snacks is always greatly appreciated. Cold water and pop during the summer, or coffee and hot chocolate in the winter can go a long way to keeping movers refreshed and energized.

Most people wonder about whether to tip movers. Tipping is not compulsory in our industry, so it is totally up to you. If you feel your moving crew has done an exemplary job, by all means, show your appreciation that way. Whether or not you tip, you should expect excellent service. Most moving companies are good about removing packing materials, crates, boxes, etc. when they leave. If anything is left behind, collect it yourself and dispose of it.

As items are moved out of rooms, take advantage of the opportunity to sweep, mop and clean what you can. Think about how you would like to find the place you are moving into and act accordingly. Some people hire cleaners to come in and work their magic before turning in the keys over to the landlord or the new owners. You may even want to check your lease – some leases and tenant agreements stipulate the condition of cleanliness and you don’t want to be sent a bill from your old landlord because you didn’t fulfil your obligations at your old apartment when leaving.

Keep your cool

By moving day, you are likely to be tired and worried about all your items arriving at your destination without any damage. So, it’s all about common courtesy – treating others the way you would like to be treated – and it works both ways. That’s why at Two Men and a Truck we follow “the grandma rule.” We treat everyone the way we would want our grandmothers to be treated.

Related reading

4 moving tips to help you stay sane and save money

Technology takes the guesswork out of moving estimates

Your guide to moving to a new city

About Chuck Resnick

Chuck Resnick is Vice President Marketing and Operations for Two Men And a Truck - Canada, a division of Heron Capital Corporation.Visit www.twomenandatruck.ca

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