Here’s the truth: The number of people who are excited to help you move is exactly zero. Yes, that includes even your closest friends.
But if you decide to make a DIY move rather than hiring professional movers, then you better make a plan. Because their help is critical. But it won’t be easy. Nothing causes a shower of excused quite like the question: “Hey, can you help me move?” Suddenly, everyone has an event to attend or a mother to visit.
So, while we are not saying you have to give something to get friends to help you move, we are saying that you should give something to get friends to help you move.
Here are some tips on what you should give and other move-related issues.
The Selection Process
You know that friend who is always late or sometimes just doesn’t show up at all? You’ve always held out hope they would change. But guess what? Don’t plan on that happening on moving day.
Instead, take an evening to sit down and make a list of the most reliable people you know. We’re talking about people who have proven they are reliable. Those are the ones you want on your moving team.
The Power of Free
Free is a word you want to keep in mind. Free stuff is like your superpower. You want to use it wisely. But you want to use it a lot.
To understand the power of free, just look down the list below and put the word “free” in front of every word. Sounds good, doesn’t it? It will sound good to your friends, too.
Food
Of course, it must be good food. If you aren’t much of a cook and offer to cook everyone dinner – well, let’s just say that’s not going to entice anyone to help you out. Do the cooking only if you are known in your circles for your chicken parmesan or grilled shish kabobs.
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What’s better, and less work for you is to take everyone out to dinner after the move is done. Also, remember to have plenty of free water and snacks on hand during the move itself.
Beer
This is the classic. Beer is a real miracle worker when you “leverage” it correctly, as the businesspeople say. In this case, that basically comes down to a simple equation: The more beer you offer, the more work you’re going to get out of your crew. If you’ve got friends who prefer a pinot noir to a Budweiser, then invest in a few good bottles of wine.
Tickets
There’s something about free tickets. It’s not even particularly important what the tickets are for, just that they are free. This is especially true if it’s tickets to a game, concert or a big upcoming festival. You’ll want to match the right person with the right tickets, of course, as close as you can. You know what your friends like.
Gift Cards
This may seem impersonal. However, gift cards are great in almost every way. No one is sad to see one. Again, the key is to match the right gift card to the right person. Giving someone a gift card to a place they never go is the same as giving them nothing at all. That’s no way to say, “thank you.” Put some thought into what each friend would really appreciate.
Swap Work
The barter system is a time-honored way for people to get things done. If you have friends who are going to move in the near future, make a deal to help with their move as they helped with yours.
We’ve seen people use all the above. Put them into play and they will help with your move. We wish you good luck! And if you change your mind and decide to hire movers instead, please give us a call! You might be surprised how much we can do for you, and you don’t have to cook us dinner.
