Packing It In
Nov 23rd, 2007 at 1:07 pm by Susie
Even when I’m asleep, I still dream that I’m packing. Load up the box, pop on the lid, tape it up - again and again and again…. (Yesterday, I lost my keys and was late for Thanksgiving dinner. I finally figured out I’d packed them.)
One week until the Big Move.
After all my friends did for me when I moved out of the Hellmouth, I wouldn’t dare ask them for help again. (Well, okay, I did line up a few guys to help wire the stereo back together, but that doesn’t involve any heavy lifting.)
I’ve never hired actual movers before, and did a little research because I wasn’t sure of the etiquette. I know I tip them; am I supposed to feed them, too? I read somewhere you should offer them cold drinks, especially if you’re the first move of the day and they may not have time to stop for lunch before the next job. So I already bought some Pepsi and it’s chilling in the new refrigerator, the one with the inside light that actually works. (Long story.)
I just pray this move will be a lot less eventful than the last one. (Well, I just checked the ten-day forecast and it’s supposed to rain. Ugh.)
Good luck with the move, Susie.
Having spent many years as a furniture mover myself (back before I finally figured out that academia was a far easier gig), I can say that you will be the perfect customer. Tips? Food? Drinks already chilling? You’re completely packed? Wow! Sure I encountered all of the above, but never at the same house. You should endear yourself to the crew forever.
BTW, It’s a well known fact, or should be anyway, that hiring movers, as opposed to imposing on all your friends (especially the one with a truck), is a major step on the road of life. Welcome to the big kids’ club!
Any squirrels?
When last I moved I did tip the people who loaded and unloaded. I did offer them drinks, but they seemed to be banned from their employer from accepting (and using our bathroom as well, the woman who helped with packing didn’t eat, drink or eliminate all day, despite my repeated requests.)
It was 115 the day we packed the van in Virginia, the thing that the movers did eat were all the pops I had left in the fridge.
Good luck!
wait, you’re moving again?
didn’t you just move?
Don’t panic, Brendan - all we did was move the couch in first. The official move isn’t until next Saturday.
TW, I don’t have any squirrels here to move. In the city, you usually only see them near a park.
Actually I know someone with a pet squirrel. I always thought that was pretty exotic!
Good luck with your move. My last one was about 10 miles and I did almost all of it in my small pick-up over a week or so. This was back in April and I’m still not sure that I have recovered.
i tipped my guys 20 bucks each, and the former tenants left some beer in the fridge, and they all had one of them too. i’m sure you’ll be happy with the movers (i won’t name them since you didn’t) - they are very efficient and friendly. i couldn’t believe how much junk they could carry at one time.