What is moving etiquette? It means being respectful and responsible during a move. Moving etiquette covers how you treat movers, neighbors, and anyone else who helps you relocate. When you follow it, everyone’s day is easier, and the move stays organized.

This guide includes 12 basic rules for moving day. You’ll find practical steps, like packing tips, and thoughtful gestures, like providing refreshments. These suggestions will help you avoid common issues and keep the move respectful.

1. Preparatory Etiquette

Packing and Labeling

Packing carefully is the first step in good moving etiquette. If you pack well, it shows responsibility and respect for the movers’ time. It also protects your belongings.

  • Use sturdy boxes and fill empty spaces so items don’t shift.
  • Label each box with the room and a short list of contents.
  • Try color-coding for each room (e.g., red for the kitchen, blue for the bathroom) for quick sorting.
  • Keep an inventory checklist. Number each box and note its contents to stay organized.
📦 Explore more in our packing guide, room by room breakdown!

Sensitive and Prohibited Items

Keep certain items with you during the move. This includes valuables, important documents, and anything the movers can’t handle, like flammable materials.

My friend Mike once packed his driver’s license and other important documents with the movers. On moving day, he realized he needed his ID to pick up keys from his new landlord. With all his documents packed away, he had to dig through boxes at the last minute.

2. Community Consideration

Notifying Neighbors

Let your neighbors know in a general chat room, in person or with friendly note in their mailbox. It will be a sign of good manners! This way it will help them prepare for the extra noise and possible inconvenience.

  • You should inform your neighbors at least one week in advance about your move and possible noise!
  • Think about their schedule. Most people leave for work after 9am and don’t get back until 5-6pm. This is a golden time to move.

Parking Arrangements

Carefully plan the parking lot of your mover’s truck to avoid cluttering common areas, making it easier for movers to work and creating traffic problems.

  • Check for any parking restrictions in your current and new neighborhoods. You may need a parking permit or there may be designated areas for unloading.
  • Discuss the parking plan with your movers. They may be able to tell you how you can get a permit to park on the street. Or you can research this issue yourself in your city. Either way, it’s worth discussing parking with your movers.

3. Mover Consideration

Clear Paths and Reserved Elevators

Make it easy for movers to do their job.

  • Clear a path on the way from your door to your truck. If there are obstacles, it’s worth clearing them. Keep the paths open. Winter? Sprinkle salt on all icy walkways.
  • Reserve an elevator or loading dock if you’re in a building. Contact management in advance to avoid schedule conflicts.
  • Have rain protection ready if it’s wet. Provide a dry area for boxes and keep towels handy.

Providing Refreshments

Offering drinks or snacks shows appreciation for your movers’ hard work.

  • Make it seasonal. Offer water or sports drinks in warm weather; coffee or tea in colder months.
  • Choose easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, fruit, or packaged items. They’re quick and don’t interrupt the process.
  • Avoid alcohol. Movers are on the job, and most companies prohibit drinking. Stick to non-alcoholic options.

4. Practical Etiquette Tips

Remaining Available but Not Hovering

Give movers the space they need to work efficiently.

  • Stay nearby in case movers have questions, but don’t hover. Space helps them follow their own pace.
  • Do small tasks while they are working. Start by turning off the electronics. Check for forgotten items. Load all personal belongings into the car ahead of time so they don’t distract the movers.
  • Pets and children must not disturb the movers! If possible, clear a room and place them there. Or find temporary shelter at a friend’s or relative’s house.

5. Financial Etiquette

Tipping Movers

Tipping is a way to show thanks for a job well done. Here’s a simple guide:

  • Local moves: Tip around $20–$40 per mover for shorter moves or quick jobs.
  • Long-distance moves: Consider tipping $50–$100 per mover, especially for complex or heavy jobs.
  • Labor-intensive moves: If there are certain complexities that make the movers’ work difficult, it’s worth rewarding them extra. No elevator? Narrow hallway? Hot weather? All of these are worth a reward!

Whenever possible, tip each mover individually to thank them directly.

Avoiding Price Haggling

Respect the agreed rate. Here’s how:

  • Confirm final costs with the company before moving day to avoid surprises.
  • Don’t renegotiate rates once movers arrive. It shows respect for their time and effort to stick with the original rate.

Final Touches on Moving Etiquette

Meeting and Greeting New Neighbors

A friendly start with new neighbors makes the transition smoother.

  • Wave and introduce yourself if you see them outside. A simple “hello” sets a friendly tone.
  • Be mindful of noise and space. Don’t block driveways or walkways, and try to finish major moves during the day.

Small Personal Touches

Personal touches can make a good impression:

  • Introduce yourself to your new neighbors! Introduce yourself during a casual meeting or leave a note in their mailbox (or on your door).
  • Children’s drawings can add a fun touch. Ask the kids to draw the movers at work. It keeps the kids busy and might make the movers smile.

Conclusion

Moving etiquette is your contribution to an organized move. Treating the process with respect will lead to benefits for everyone involved in the same process. Be respectful of movers, neighbors, and random people so you will maintain and multiply your positive attitude.

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