Moving Day Etiquette
Moving day stinks. There's no two ways about it. You've spent
hours packing up and preparing for the arrival of your movers.
Then you hold your breath as they begin the arduous process of
transporting all of your worldly possessions from one place to
another. You hope your furniture survives the journey and that
your new home survives the move-in process unscathed. Few of us
are able to claim that our homes or furniture didn't suffer a
single scratch, that a mirror didn't break or that at least one
item wasn't mysteriously lost in transport.
Amidst all of the stress, we often overlook a few details of
varying importance. You can't clone yourself or your family on
moving day, but you can create a checklist of reminders. In
fact, even if you're not a habitual list-maker, it's high time
you started. Because a list is probably the only way you're
going to get through your move without overlooking something you
shouldn't. What could possibly require your attention, aside
from guiding Manny the Mover down the hallway as he creeps
backward with your priceless and extremely breakable possessions?
Take, for instance, the last impression you make upon your
neighbors as you move out of your house. Blocking your
neighbors' access to their own street and/or driveways, causing
them to be tardy for work, is likely to cause some resentment -
particularly if the movers aren't outside when the neighbors
discover that they can't back out of their driveways and into
the street.
By the same token, watch that your movers don't block your
neighbors' driveways and the street with your furniture. If the
move-out process is going to consume the better part of an
afternoon - and it often does - keep an eye on the crew as they
make their way into and out of your home. Some movers have been
known to take a shortcut through the neighbors' front yards, or
worse, their flower beds, which could very well cause World War
III.
If you have a choice of what time of day to move, opt for
between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on a weekday, if possible. Your
neighbors have already arrived at work by this time (unless they
work at home), giving you the ability to move without cramping
anyone's style. Avoid having the movers arrive too early or too
late in the day, or on a weekend. Advise music-loving movers to
cut the loud music blaring from their moving van radios; noise
pollution won't win them - or you - any friends.
As you conclude the move-out process, remember to pick up any
debris that has fallen outside your home and along the
sidewalks, driveway and street. This rule is particularly
critical in your new neighborhood. You're probably going to have
a lot of trash during all stages of the move, but especially
after you unpack your boxes. Don't pile it outside and wait for
the next trash pick-up. Haul it to the dump yourself.
Don't neglect the inside of your old house. Vacated homes always
look awful; that's inevitable. From furniture leg indentations
to dust to scuffs and various debris, it won't be a pretty sight
after the movers have finished their job. Now it's your job to
vacuum, dust and leave your old home in presentable condition.
You may even want to hire a local maid service to clean the
house before its new owners arrive. Sure, it's money out of your
pocket, but it's a generous and extremely considerate act. With
any luck, the previous owners of your new home have shown you
the same regard.
Before moving day arrives, you should have asked yourself for
whom you made duplicate copies of your house key. With any luck,
the new owners will change the locks and have new keys made for
safety reasons. But if they don't, and your teenage son gave his
buddy a spare key that was never returned, the new owners could
have a problem - particularly if the house is left vacant for
any period before the new owners take possession.
A word to all pet owners: During your move, you'll need to keep
Fido and Fluffy confined to a separate room away from the
commotion. Better yet, find a trusted friend or family member
with whom your beloved pet can bunk until you're ready to have
him join you in your new residence. Even if your pets are
typically well-behaved, they could easily escape during the
move; or they could be easily frightened by the unusual level of
activity and presence of strangers. Dogs who are usually
friendly could turn on your movers.
And speaking of your movers, you'd be wise to have some basic
refreshments ready for your trusty crew. We're not talking
lobster and champagne (although if you went this route, you
wouldn't be met with protest) - soda and ice water are very much
appreciated, especially during this time of year, when movers
have to withstand blistering summertime temperatures.
If you're moving during the winter months, keep a thermos of hot
coffee and some paper cups on hand. I happen to know a very nice
customer who picked up hamburgers for her moving crew, but
that's going above and beyond. If your movers showed up on time
and have done a terrific job, however, there's nothing wrong
with showing a little gratitude beyond your standard tip, which
averages about $25 per crew member.
If you were lucky enough to convince your friends or family
members to help you move without the aid of bribery, you should
express your gratitude on moving day by treating them to a nice
dinner, or at the very least, digging into your own pocket to
spring for a pizza. Once again, a little benevolence goes a long
way, and should you assist them in their own moves someday,
you'll hope they'll do the same.
Published: September 14, 2000