What is a Normal Tip for Movers?

After choosing the right moving company, you must also figure out how much too actually tip the movers. Tipping movers can be a touchy subject and you may need guidance for this situation. You are trusting movers with your personal belongings, they are taking care of the heavy lifting and in some cases, they will also be packing and unpacking for you. They should be rewarded for their hard work, but how much is the right amount to tip your movers? While movers get paid to provide the service and haul your things from one place to another, a little extra recognition is always appreciated. If you're happy with your movers, please consider tipping them. While they may not stand in front of your home waiting for a tip, a little extra cash is the best way to show your true appreciation for this very personal service they have provided for you.

How Much to Tip Your Movers

The amount you tip your movers depends on the service they provide for you but is of course completely at your discretion. If you have large items, such as a piano or a heave billiards table, you may need to tip a little extra for the extra work.

It's best to tip your movers based on the time they spend on the move. A good rule of thumb is to tip between $15 and $25 per person for moves requiring up to 4 hours of time. If it takes longer to move than 4 hours, you should tip between $35 and $45 per person.

In addition, you should consider tipping extra if the movers have to deal with a heavy piano or another specialty item. Even if the item isn't heavy, if they have to handle something valuable or fragile, add on another $5 to $10 per person.

Other factors to consider when tipping movers include:

• Weather conditions

• Packing

• Unpacking

• Additional services provided

If your movers are packing, loading, moving, unloading, unpacking and assembling your things, a larger tip may be necessary. Remember, to tip a bit more if the movers are providing additional services outside of just loading and dropping off.

A Few Things You Shouldn't do When Tipping Movers

Whenever you hire a professional moving company to handle your things, make sure you avoid doing any of the following when tipping the moving crew:

Don't offer a beer or other alcoholic beverage at the end of the move. Most companies have policies against this.

If you prefer to buy them lunch, don't just order a pizza without asking what they would like. Remember, some may have diet restrictions or simply not care for specific types of food. However, buying your movers lunch is acceptable and much appreciated.

Don't tip them until the entire job is done. You can't take it back if you're unhappy with the move.

Follow these guidelines and use your best judgement when it comes to tipping your movers. Consider the type of move and how much time it takes them. You should also consider having some cold bottles of water, sports drinks and some healthy snacks available, if the move will take all day long.

While tipping movers may be a touchy subject, a cash tips is a great way to show appreciation. If you're not sure how much to tip, use the guidelines above and always plan to tip in cash, even if you're paying the actual moving company with a check or credit card.

4 Moving Myths to be Aware of

Some of the people you know will tell you that moving is a bad idea. They think it's too expensive, it's too much work and it's easier just to stay put. However, the best things in life require work and moving may lead to some great things for you. If you have dreams of living in a big city, such as Chicago, you might be preparing for a move. If this is the case, don't let naysayers sway you with their many myths. They will try to tell you that hiring a moving company is a bad idea and you can just do it all yourself, but have you ever really moved an entire home yourself. It's quite a bit of heavy lifting, logistics and not a fun experience.

Don't let other people sway you when you decide you want to move. Whether you're just moving across town or you're moving across the country, you should be aware of some of the common myths about moving.

The Best Day to Move is Friday

One of the biggest rumors out there is moving on Fridays is the best choice, according to realtor.com (http://www.realtor.com/advice/move/moving-myths/). Some say moving on Friday is the right choice because you have all weekend to unpack. While this is true, the weekends are also the busiest time for moving companies. Add in warmer weather and you may just find the prices are high and the movers are booked.

Free Boxes Work Great

We all want to save money and score a deal. However, using free boxes for your move may not be a great idea. You should never go cheap on the boxes, since they will protect your belongings. While you don't have to buy your boxes directly from the moving company you hire, it's usually a good idea. They will carry boxes for all different types of items, such as flat screen TVs, wine glasses and many other items.

Any Old Moving Company Will Do

Another huge myth you might hear about moving is that hiring any moving company will work just fine. However, when you hire a professional moving company compared to a fly-by-night operation, it may be the difference between hidden charges, high prices, theft, loss of good or damage. If you want to receive your goods and pay a fair price, you need to read the reviews, compare prices and hire a moving company with a solid reputation.

Moving Insurance will Cover it

Moving insurance is a good thing, but it's not going to cover you fully. Professional movers will explain their basic liability and what the insurance will cover if something is lost or damaged. Make sure you understand fully what is covered before you go ahead with the move. If you feel like you will need a full value moving insurance policy, you may need to use a third part or request this type of policy from the movers.

There are several moving myths you have to be careful of as others try to sway you not to move. Most people are comfortable where they are and some are simply afraid to every step out of that comfort zone. Don't let moving horror stories or myths change your mind.

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Things You Might Forget To Do Before You Move

Moving is a huge event and often comes with plenty of stress. The "to-do" list for moving from one home to another is a mile long. Even with helpful residential movers, it can be a very stressful process. While professional movers and packers can help with packing, moving and unpacking, there are many tasks you need to tackle, when moving, they can't help with. Here are some of the things you may forget to do before you move, if you're not careful.

Cancel Recurring Charges

This should be done about a month before you move and often people forget about things, such as a gym membership. Sometimes, you can just transfer to a gym closer to your new home, but you still need to make the changes with any recurring charges.

You should also be aware that some mail-order medications may cancel and not arrive if you don't update your address on the billing information. Make sure you create a list of any recurring charges you may need to cancel or change an address with before you move.

Switch Car Insurance (If moving to a new zip code)

If you're just moving down the road, you may just need to change your address with your car insurance company. However, if you're changing zip codes your rates may change. You need to call your insurance company a couple weeks before you move to make sure your address is up-to-date and you'll remain covered.

Change Your Address Early

Waiting until you're in the new home to change your address isn't a good idea. Even doing this online with the USPS won't make it happen instantly. If you want to make sure your mail arrives at your new home on time, change your address about two weeks ahead of time.

Keep Your Finances Organized

When moving, you want to make sure you have a system for your bills and keeping everything paid. Without a good system in place, you may lose something in the whirlwind and forget to pay it. This could cause damage to your credit or cause you to fall behind on something.

Take Pictures and Create an Inventory

When using professional movers, you want to make sure you take pictures of all your expensive items and create an inventory. This will go a long way if something were to happen to any of your items during the move.

Create a Go-To Box

The day before you move, you should create a go-to box with things you will need when you first move into your new home. This could include toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, towels, paper plates, silverware, clean sheets and anything else you think you will need when you first move in.

There are several things people tend to forget about during the stress of a big move. You are less likely to forget things when you hire a residential moving company to help with packing, moving and unpacking. However, use this list to create a checklist of things needing to be done so that you don't forget anything important.

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How to Relieve Stress During a Big Move

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Moving is stressful. Even when you hire a professional moving company to handle loading up your things and taking them to your new location, the move is still packed with stress.

When you go into a move, it's a good idea to have a plan of attack. You should not only plan for how things are going to get packed, moved and unpacked, but also plan in some ways to eliminate stress. Here are some of the top ways to relieve stress during your move.

Breathe

This is the easiest thing you can do on the entire list, but often forgotten. Whenever you start to stress out about a move, just take a few deep breaths. This will help you slow down and it will help to relieve stress immediately.

Meditate

If you need to take the breathing a little further, you can meditate. When you meditate in a quiet place with your eyes closed, you have the ability to destress very quickly. Don't dwell on your thoughts, however. Just let them pass through your head while you're meditating.

Exercise

While exercise may seem counterproductive, it's a great stress reliever. When you exercise, you actually release stress. If you're starting to feel the stress of your move, take a little break and hit the gym. Even just a walk around the neighborhood can do wonders for your stress level.

Take a Nap

Sometimes, you're tired from the move and it makes stressing out a faster process. If this is the case, take a nap. Even just 30 minutes can rejuvenate your body and spirit.

Get a Massage

Sometimes, the simple things won't take away the stress we feel. However, getting a massage is sure to relax you. With the right massage treatment, you can take a temporary break from the world and enjoy a stress-relieving treatment at the same time.

Turn off the Electronics

Too much of your phone, computer and TV can cause over-stimulation. This is especially true right before bed. If you're feeling stressed out during a move, take a break from your electronics for a few hours.

Take on a Small, Fun Project

Sometimes, crafts or other small projects give us a good and healthy distraction. If you need to forget about your move for a little while, take on a small project, such as a crafting project, puzzle or something else you enjoy doing.

Other ways you can relieve stress during a big move include:

• Taking a hot bath

• Listen to music

• Watch a funny movie

• Take a break to visit friends

• Write

• Eat

You can use all of these techniques to keep your stress level down when moving. However, the best way to relieve stress is to allow a professional moving company to handle everything. With the right moving company, you won't have to worry about packing, moving or unpacking. Taking all of these tasks of your plate is sure to relieve some of the stress you feel from the move.

Should you Hire a Sitter When Moving?

Kids While Moving

You've scheduled your moving date, you have a professional moving company coming to pack everything up, but you're worried about your children getting in the way. Should you hire a sitter to watch your kids, while the movers are doing their job?

Spending time with your children is very important, but there are times when you simply cannot have them underfoot. During a move is one of those times, especially if your children are young and require entertainment of some sort. Here are a few reasons why hiring a sitter when the movers arrive is a smart investment.

Saves you Money

If the movers are charging you per hour for every worker, you will pay more if it takes longer to get you packed up and moved. Getting the kids out of the way by hiring a sitter may cost you a few dollars, but it may actually save you time you'd pay for with a professional moving company.

More Packing will Get Done

Even if you only have the moving company coming to pick everything up, hiring a sitter can really benefit you. If you're doing the packing, you'll be able to pack much faster without your children in the way, asking questions and demanding your attention. A sitter will allow you to concentrate on packing and getting everything ready for the big moving day.

Handling Changes Becomes Easier

Even with the best moving plan and the top moving company, changes to your plan may occur. If children are involved in the move, they may not adjust to the change very well and it could cause an issue. For example, if a change occurs pushing back lunchtime, your children may throw a fit because they are hungry.

You can avoid the issue of dealing with changes by hiring a sitter and taking your children's need for stability out of the equation.

Children will be Busy, Entertained and on a Schedule

When you have a sitter taking care of the children, they will be kept busy, entertained and on a schedule. Most children really need a routine and when you go against that routine, it can be difficult for the kids to adjust. However, when you hire a sitter for your children on moving day, they won't have to adjust.

Could Actually be Free of Charge

If you have a grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend that loves your children and lives close by, you may not have to pay a dime for a sitter. What's better for the kids, spending time with a loving family member or spending time getting in your way and the mover's way? Let the day be a grandparent day or another relative day and the kids will be happier.

Hiring a Sitter While Unpacking

The same principles apply when you arrive at your new place and it's time to unpack. If the moving company you've hired for your move is doing the unpacking, you don't want to pay more because the kids are distracting and slowing them down. If you're doing the unpacking, you want to get it done and you don't want any delays. A sitter can help make it much easier to get unpacked and settled.

There are several good reasons to hire a sitter when moving day arrives. Even if you get the full service of having a professional moving company pack you up, move your things and unpack everything, you may save money by keeping your kids out of the way. Plus, it will be better on the children if they don't have to adjust as moving plans change.

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