Moving is nobody’s idea of fun. Moving heavy items all day long can be boring and strenuous. So if you’re somehow able to convince your friends to help you move, you’ve hit the jackpot. That’s a true sign of loyalty, especially if your friends are busy with work or families. They could be doing fun things, but instead, they are helping you.
Because of this, you should know the proper etiquette when your friends help you move. It’s good to not only know how to ask friends to help you move but also what to get friends who help you move.
How to Ask Friends to Help You Move
If you need help, the first step is to ask. Here are some ways to get your friends to say yes.
- Give advance notice. Don’t text your best friend the night before your move and ask for help. They are more likely to oblige if they have advance notice—preferably at least a week.
- Consider their schedules. Some friends may only be available on weekends, while others may be available only in the mornings or evenings. Consider this when deciding to move, since your friends will likely not be able to take off work to help.
- Be specific about your needs. When you ask friends to help you move, be specific about what they will be doing. Will they be packing, doing the heavy lifting, or cleaning? Consider what they want to do to help.
- Be efficient. If you’re asking your friends to help load boxes, then have those boxes ready for them. Don’t procrastinate and make everyone wait. They’ll be frustrated and unwilling to help you out again.
What to Get Friends Who Help You Move
Taking a day or two to help you move is the ultimate test of friendship. While you want to save money, you can’t just make your friends work for free.
Make sure you reward your friends somehow. You may want to pay them cash, but it’s likely they will refuse. Now what? Even if you’ve known them for decades, it can be hard to know what to get friends who help you move. Here are some ideas:
- Feed them. Moving is hard work, so make sure to keep everyone well-fed and hydrated. Have water, soda, and coffee available as well as snacks. Take a break at lunch and order some pizza. At the end of the day, it would also be a nice gesture to take your friends out to dinner. It doesn’t have to be fancy—even burgers and sandwiches would likely be much appreciated.
- Give gift cards. Your friends may not take your money, but they might appreciate gift cards, especially if they’re for stores they enjoy shopping at. Amazon, Visa, and Walmart are the most popular gift cards, but keep your friends’ interests and personalities in mind.
- Make them a gift basket. Fill a basket with their favorite things, whether it’s candy, coffee, beer, or anything else they enjoy.
- Plan a day out. Treat your friends to something they enjoy doing, whether it’s a camping trip, spa day, or tickets to a sporting event or concert. If you’re moving out of town, your friends will enjoy seeing you and spending time with you.
- Return the favor. It’s likely that one of your friends will need help moving someday. When friends help you move, it’s only proper etiquette to help them move. Be the first to volunteer when the time comes.
- Keep their personalities in mind. You know your friends better than us, so think about the things they like and don’t like. Do they enjoy reading or video games? Are they into makeup and fashion? What do you like to do together? The answers to these questions will help you come up with appropriate gifts.
Contact Us Today
While having friends help you move can be a cheap way to get all your belongings to your new home, some things are better left to professionals. Friends may be helpful, but there’s no guarantee that they will handle your belongings safely. Get help from Colonial Van Lines. We have more than 50 years of experience, so leave the work to us. Contact us today to get a free quote.