Professional movers do 200-300 moves per year. They have seen every mistake, every shortcut, and every preparation that makes a move go smoothly. Here is what they wish every customer knew before moving day - tips that save time, reduce stress, and often lower your final bill.
Movers charge by the hour for local moves. Every minute they wait while you finish packing is money spent. Professional movers expect everything boxed, taped, labeled, and ready to carry when they walk in. Dresser drawers should be emptied (full dressers are dangerously heavy), beds should be stripped, and wall art should be taken down. Being fully prepared can shave 1-2 hours off your move - saving $150-$300.
Movers need to know about: pianos, gun safes, pool tables, hot tubs, items over 300 lbs, narrow stairways, no-elevator buildings, long walks from the door to the truck, and low-clearance garages. Surprising movers with these on moving day causes delays, can void your estimate, and may require additional equipment or crew. Disclose everything during the estimate so the quote is accurate.
The truck needs to park as close to your door as possible. Every additional 75 feet of carrying distance adds time and cost. Clear hallways, stairways, and doorways of anything that is not being moved. If you live in a city with limited parking, reserve a spot or get a parking permit for the truck. Some buildings require elevator reservations - handle this a week in advance.
Movers remember good and bad customers. Offer water and snacks when the crew arrives. Keep the thermostat comfortable if they are working inside. Tip $20-$50 per mover for a local move, $50-$100 per mover for a long-distance move. Good treatment does not just earn goodwill - it often results in faster, more careful work. A crew that feels respected will wrap your grandmother's china like it is their own.
Movers legally cannot transport hazardous materials: propane tanks, gasoline, paint, cleaning chemicals, ammunition, fireworks, or perishable food. Most movers will not move plants (they are fragile and cannot be stored on the truck safely), personal documents, jewelry, medications, or cash. Move these items yourself in your car. Also remove everything from the tops of dressers and desks - loose items fall and break during transport.
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Tip $20-$50 per mover for a local move and $50-$100 per mover for a long-distance move. For a crew of 3 on a half-day local move, $60-$150 total is standard. Tip in cash directly to each mover at the end of the job.
Do not pack hazardous materials (propane, gasoline, paint, chemicals, ammunition), perishable food, plants, personal documents, medications, jewelry, or cash. Movers legally cannot transport hazardous items and will refuse to load them.
Have everything packed, taped, and labeled before movers arrive. Empty dresser drawers, strip beds, take down wall art, clear pathways, and reserve parking for the truck. Disclose any heavy or unusual items in advance. Being prepared saves 1-2 hours and $150-$300.
