In the last part of this series about Planning a Move in San Francisco or across the country, we look at three things you’ll want to know for Moving Day. That’s when you really find out just how well “planning a move” pays off!
If you follow the tips in this series we KNOW your move will be a great one!
Planning a Move – Divide and Conquer Your DIY Move
If you’re planning a move and expect to ask your friends for help, schedule them in TWO shifts! Extra hands across TWO shorter chunks of time on moving day will keep folks energized, happy and on their toes. Have coffee at the start of the day and load up a cooler up with Subway sandwiches, water and soda to say thank you at the end of the morning shift. Coffee, water and soft drinks make a great start for the afternoon crew. And pizza, soda and beer at the end of the day should do it!
Planning a Move – Do I Tip My Professional Moving Crew?
We write this section as a general guide re tipping your moving crew. Tipping policies can vary from company to company and may be influenced by the type of move (local or distance move) – Typically tips are not expected, but are always appreciated for a job well done.
If the moving crew made your life easier, you can see specific ways in which they did a great job and you would like to show your appreciation by tipping them, by all means feel free to do so. When planning a move and using professional movers, ask the company you hire about their policies guidelines on tipping.
Looking for Tip Totals for Your Budget?
If you’re looking for hard and fast numbers to plug into your moving budget, 5% of the bill (distributed across the crew members) is a good place to start for a local move. So a move of $500 or $1000 with a 2-person crew could be $25 to $50 for each crew member – plus or minus as you see fit. And yes, it is fine to tip each crew member individually.
If you notice one or two folks on the crew really going that extra mile it is okay to tip them more. If there is something specific that you can say to them about the great thing(s) they did, it is bound to make their day! Theirs is often a thankless job and a good word is ALWAYS a great thing! After all, we’re all human and like to hear when we get it right. If the crew was equally great, then simply divide the total tip evenly across your moving crew and give each person their tip.
Really Like Your Moving Crew? – Remember that cold drinks on a hot day, or hot coffee on a cold day goes a long way toward letting your crew know that you appreciate hard work they’re doing!
Tipping on a Cross Country Move
On a cross-country move, where the employer picks up the tab, tipping may be a bit different – After all, the tab on moving the contents of a large home coast to coast may make a 5% tip seem a bit steep. As with local moves, tipping is not required or expected. It is up to you. Again, if you feel as though the quality, speed, care for your belongings was great – If your move was made easier, more calm or more fun by your moving crew, then by all means, consider yourself free to show your appreciation.
Your destination, the complexity of the move, the number of rooms in your home, how full the truck and the level of service would likely all play a part in the tip you give. If you need a number, somewhere between $35-$225 per crew-person would be a workable range.
Be Ready to Go – It is Critical When Planning a Move
Regardless of who is moving you, friends or professionals…
The Biggest Tip for Moving Day: Be Ready to GO!
If you are set on a DIY move, we will tell you now that the last 10% of the prep and packing can feel like 90% of the job! If you ACTIVELY build that into your plan during the 2-3wks leading up to your move, and leave 1-2 buffer days at the end you will likely be fine. Here’s the thing… you must plan for this!
If you are hiring a mover, remember that many professional movers, like Cummings Moving Company can pack your belongings for you! Wow, what a difference THAT makes! Companies are often happy to give you a free estimate for whole house packing. Cummings Moving Company can pop out, take a look and let you know…. Simply give a call and set an appointment!
Tick, Tick Tick! – When Planning a Move Time is Money
Keep in mind that most moving companies handle local moves on an hourly basis, so being ready to go when the mover arrives will save you money! Here’s a good tip – If there are items you plan to take in your car, please put them all in one place and have them clearly marked. Toss a sheet over the pile and tape a sign to the sheet: “Movers: Please Do NOT Touch”
For things that are going, have boxes and furniture labeled by room to help with fast placement of your belongings in your new space. Knowing where you want the furniture placed in your new home will save time too. Pop by your new place, map-out things noting what furniture goes where, make copies and tape those maps to the main door frames of the new space. This gives your moving crew a clear idea of where you want things placed without having to find you and ask. Saves time… saves you money!
One last note. While a moving crew may be happy to arrange and rearrange furniture for you, please remember that the meter will likely be ticking as long as they are on the job. Also, your crew may have another move scheduled later that afternoon. If you would like extra help with furniture placement options, it is best to let your moving company know ahead of time so they can factor that into the crew’s schedule.
Planning a Move in San Francisco – The BONUS Chapter
Tune in two weeks on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 when we publish “Planning a Move in San Francisco” the BONUS Chapter!
In it we’ll cover The Top 10 Things to do AFTER Moving. Planning a move is one thing, having an easy time of it once you arrive is another altogether. Beyond that we will have all sorts of helpful information in our blog as we wind up 2014 and move into the New Year… so make sure check in every TWO WEEKS for our latest publication!
Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers
Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.
The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.
Photo Credit – A special note of appreciation to Lee Abel for her wonderful photo.
