I am moving this weekend and I hired movers. It is just too much for me to do by myself, and I needed someone to help me. Having said that, I'm not the type of person that can just sit back and watch someone do something that I should be doing. Is it wrong for me to help them where I can? Like, they move the big heavy things and I move the boxes with dishes, toys, clothes.. etc? I know I hired them to do something specific.. and I'm not expecting to pay them any less just because I choose to help, I just hate seeing people do my work for me. Wether I'm paying them or not.
2006-09-14 03:37:16 · 23 answers · asked by Imani 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I know from experience that it is VERY hard to sit back and not do anything; especially when you've moved yourself many times. I think the answer depends on who you've hired. If you're paying friends or acquaintances to help then sure pitch in some...
If, however, you've hired professionals then they likely have a system and you helping will likely interfere with them working as efficiently as possible - also they may have regulations which will prevent you from doing so. BUT - you can still be helpful like - holding doors open - knowing ahead of time where you want stuff and furniture, etc. etc. Also - providing cold drinks and maybe even snacks/lunch is always very much appreciated
2006-09-14 03:42:54 · answer #1 · answered by yonica 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have packed your own boxes, then it is perfectly acceptable to move them to the curb. Just make certain that you let movers know and clearly mark boxes that contain valuable/delicate items. They must load the truck, because they have better experience with this and know how to load so that it won't shift in transport, and also, a reputable company will have insurance to cover this.
If the company also packs the boxes, then they will have insurance to cover every aspect of the move, and you should not assist with this at all. However, you can supervise the packing by letting them know what is of value and what you might want boxed together to go in the same room in a new home, if it's not currently in the same area.
And when you get to your destination, you can always begin unpacking if you're not interfering with what they are bringing in to the home. It will give you a good head start.
2006-09-14 11:21:18 · answer #2 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though you are not doing it, essentially you are. You provided services for someone else in exchange for money. Then you exchanged that money for services. But being "on the scene" is very important to ensure that you will be getting the best service possible.
Its perfectly OK to "help" provided that you do not prevent them from properly doing their job. If you want to be helpful the best thing that you can do is stay out of their way when you start moving the smaller items. Secondly you must know exactly where you want every single box and piece of furniture to go so they do not have to move anything twice. Nothing is more frustrating than exerting your strength to move something only for the person that you are moving it for says, "Uhh... Hmmm.. I'm not sure.. maybe it will look better over there."
Personally I prefer to help those that I hire also simply because I want to ensure that the job is done the way that I would like for it to be done and secondly I am hiring them for their knowledge. Even when I hire a contractor to do work on my house, I really want his expertise more than I want his labor. But sometimes I may not know enough about a particular trade to be helpful and I would end up being in the way more so than being of some assistance.
2006-09-14 10:50:33 · answer #3 · answered by Joe K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You 'help' them by maintining control of the situtation. Making sure things are moved properly - letting them know information about certain pieces (Watch out for that dresser it has a loose leg) (Be careful with that mirror it was my Grandmother's). You can also offer them drinks at various times. You can certainly pack and do some other stuff but in reality you don't want to help too much - it would be like someone assisting you while you type. These people have a system and a way of doing things and more often than not you will just find yourself in the way.
2006-09-14 10:50:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may be better off letting professional movers handle moving your stuff because they're experienced and know how to do do it safely.
You could accidentally sprain your back or put yourself at risk. Maybe you should try looking at it is a warming up period where the reason why you're letting others move your stuff is so that once they're finished, you can gear up arranging the furniture once it reaches its destination.
If you really feel bad about it, you can probably offer the movers beverages or treat offer to buy them lunch if it will make you feel better.
2006-09-14 10:41:29 · answer #5 · answered by Link of Hyrule 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's fine to help out. It will save you money if you are paying them by the hour because it will get done faster, and they likely have another job to go to after yours anyway. My boyfriend and I moved boxes within the house and cleaned while directing the movers where to put things.
2006-09-14 10:46:15 · answer #6 · answered by LindaLou 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that it would be okay if you helped. I would just move all of the lighter boxes and items out to the curb and let them put it in the truck, that way they can load it the way that they like. The plus of you helping it that it will go faster both both you and the movers.
2006-09-14 10:40:21 · answer #7 · answered by lissa7903 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As long as you don't put the boxes on the truck. Bring them out to the curb for them to load, yes. Also, you may be reponsible for what you pack. Some movers insist on packing everything as it is their responsibility 100%. Take it as it comes. If they are the latter, go do some fun stuff.
2006-09-14 10:41:05 · answer #8 · answered by Krazykraut 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get over it. You are paying them and this is their job. They are professionals and you will just get in their way. They have a method of loading and unloading the truck and you could hurt yourself lifting boxes. Do people come to your job to help you? You will not be helping them. You will be making their job more difficult. Just direct them as to where you want your items placed and give them a nice tip if that will make you feel better.
2006-09-14 10:41:27 · answer #9 · answered by notyou311 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, moving is pretty hectic, so enjoy the free time you have. If you don't want to sit around, then continue to organize, pack, OR cook something for them like cookies or treats and sandwiches and some kool-aid or something refreshing as a thank you. There is always something to do when you have nothing to do:)
2006-09-14 10:41:15 · answer #10 · answered by Rae 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋