Friends or Movers?

AddieCake

Last year, we got Facebook "invited" via event to help friends of ours move. Yeah, that's not a party we want "invited" to.

wrigleyville

I've never asked friends to help me move. Usually, they hear I'm moving and offer to help. Then, when I have my moving date and whatnot, I text them and ask, "Hey, are you still available to help?"

I'm definitely going with the movers. I'm too old for this shit. Plus, yay girly drinks and not having to lift things.

I actually don't mind helping people move. I don't ENJOY it, but I do like helping my friends, and I really like seeing their new place, helping them place furniture, and all of that stuff. Sometimes it's fun, especially if we're joking around while hauling crap.

I was livid the one time I offered to help a friend and she hadn't packed a single thing. Not ONE thing was packed. In fact, she still had laundry and crap all over her bedroom floor, posters on the wall, etc. I was so mad. I haven't helped her move since then.

wrigleyville

Also, I would never, ever, ever, ever, ever let one of my friends ride in the back of a pickup, even just for fun on the way to the beach. I also refuse to put the car in gear until everyone is buckled up, even those in the back seat.

Yes, everyone is an adult and can do what they want, but if you're in my car and I'm responsible for keeping you safe and alive, you're putting your damn seatbelt on.

flbride2015

I had friends help me move a couple of years ago. Afterwards they all said never again, and with good reason: I moved into a 5th floor walk-up from a 3rd floor walk-up. It was miserable for all of us. I really should have turned down their offers to help and hired movers.

So yeah, since then I'm in the "pay movers" camp. No one really ever wants to waste their weekend moving. Friends will do it because they love you, but no one really enjoys it. Other than maybe those dudes a PP mentioned who worked out afterwards? Lol.

 

mrscomposer

We're moving at the end of August, and now that my in-laws have come and gone this past weekend for a visit, I'm going to start packing this week.  My parents are coming out to help us (mostly to drive vehicles - Dad'll take the big UHaul and the rest of us will be in our personal vehicles). 

The only thing I'm going to miss about this job that I'm resigning from is that they pay for your packers and movers.  Moving to my first posting wasn't that big of a deal, because I was already packed up from being in training - but opening the door one morning to see a team of packers, and knowing I had nothing to do all day except sit at my kitchen table and plan my wedding?  And then the next morning opening the door to a crew of men who lifted everything?  Heaven.  Heaven.  Heaven.

Maggie0829

scribe95 said:

I ask friends for help in certain circumstances. I was just commenting on the general theme of no one can ask for any help during weddings. I mean, some people need help putting up and tearing down 200 chairs. But everyone says, don't ask your friends and family to do that. Hire someone. I just think it seems to be a different line for nonwedding things in your life.

I guess the difference I see when it comes to asking people to help with the wedding is that they are usually invited as guests.  One shouldn't ask guests to help set up/tear down a party that they are invited to and is meant as a thank you to them.

wrigleyville

Okay, so new question:

How much do I tip the movers? A certain amount per hour? A percentage of the total?

I'm planning to have bottled water in the fridge for them too.

littlemushroom

I am in central IL. I paid $100/hour for 3 movers and was quoted 5-6 hours to move me from a 3 bed/2 bath to another 3 bed/2 bath 15 miles away. It took them 3 and a quarter hours, even with lots of stairs and it being ridiculously hot.

I tipped each guy $50 (total $150), provided ice water at both locations (they took one break for 3 minutes to drink some water once the truck was packed up), and bought them all lunch when they were done (another $30; $10 each). I was very grateful they didn't draw it out longer to be more in line with the quote and they did a great job. They were very surprised and thanked me profusely, which made me think people don't tend to give that much around here. So total was $325 for the move plus $150 tip plus $30 for food.

[Deleted User]

wrigleyville said:

Okay, so new question:

How much do I tip the movers? A certain amount per hour? A percentage of the total?

I'm planning to have bottled water in the fridge for them too.

I think we tipped them each a $20 for our last move.

julieanne912

I've always just tipped them $20 each and provided drinks/snacks.  

I've moved more times than I can even count.  After my first experience hiring movers, I've never gone back.  We had to move twice in a year and hired movers both times, and it was over $600 each time, and I still would do it again.