What do you need to know about your move-out/move-in day? The first step to moving success is a question-filled conversation with the company you’ve contracted to help your family with this major transition. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the top questions to ask your mover.

When Will You Arrive?

Even though the movers will do the bulk of the work, you still need to prepare for their arrival. If you’re not sure whether they’ll show up early in the morning, later in the day, or during a partial-day arrival window, ask for an estimated time.

Not only does the answer to this question help you to plan, prep, and organize everything for your move, an expected arrival time also allows you to:

  • Choose a wake-up time. How early do you need to wake up on the day of the move? If the movers will arrive first thing, you’ll need to set your alarm for an early time. But if they won’t get to your home until later in the afternoon, you can sleep in.
  • Move or care for pets. A mid-move cat escape or a barking dog who chases the movers around the house will seriously interfere with the day. When you know what time the movers will arrive, make plans to move your pet to a safer location, such as a friend’s or sitter’s house.
  • Help your child prepare. Does your child have move-day concerns? A pre-move schedule can help them feel more comfortable with this transition. After the movers give you an expected arrival time, talk to your child about the day’s events.

Along with the arrival time, ask the contractor for the mover’s phone number or other contact information. This gives you a way to get in touch with the mover if you need extra time or they don’t show up when promised.

Can You Tip the Movers?

Most moving companies allow tipping. But you don’t want to put the employees in a sticky situation if the company’s rules forbid this practice. Frame this question with a simple yes or no response required. You don’t need to ask the contractor how much to tip the employees. The amount of money you tip depends on several factors, such as:

  • The number/quantity of items. Do you have a tiny one-bedroom apartment or a spacious four-bedroom house with multiple floors? The more you need to move, the more you should consider tipping the movers.
  • Large, awkward, or fragile items. Over-sized pieces of furniture, a piano, or fragile artwork can make your move more complex. If you have several of these items, you may want to increase the tip.
  • The weather outside. A move on a gusty, rainy day presents challenges a sunny summer move won’t. If the movers need to combat wild weather, they may deserve a larger tip.
  • Your home’s setup. A multi-floor home or a walk-up apartment adds extra challenges for the movers. Like other complicated moves, this one also warrants a tip increase.

Even though you may have a simple move with few boxes, bins, or over-sized items, you can still tip the movers for the quality of service. Reward movers who go above and beyond to make this day easy or stress-free with a tip that matches the overall quality of the move.

How Will You Make the Day Safe?

From health to property damage issues, the movers will take steps to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe. Before the big day arrives, ask about personal protective equipment (such as face masks or gloves), moving equipment, and anything else that may reduce risks and increase overall safety levels.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact Island Movers Inc. for more information.