How to Convince Your Friends to Help You Move

 

Finding a new home and going through the process to sell your home is just one leg of the journey.  Moving all your stuff can be the most difficult part. If you can’t afford professional movers in Vancouver or you are cost conscience, then the do-it-yourself approach is your best bet. For you DIY movers, recruiting friends and family can save you a lot of time and money.  But that’s easier said than done.  The following are some tips that may help you recruit the labor you need.

 

Call On Old Favors

Remember that one time when you dropped off your friend at 1 AM in the morning so he could catch his red eye flight? Well, now would be a good time to call him up and ask for his help. You paid it forward at the time, so this is a perfect way for them to pay you back. Someone owe you money? Let them know that their debt may be partially or fully forgiven if they help you move. If you’re low on good deeds or are the type of person who is always asking for favors, no worries, offer to babysit, do yard work, or clean their house in exchange for their help.

 

Be Organized

Plan your move in advance. Make sure all the boxes are packed and ready to be moved into the truck. This way you can optimize the your friends’ time for moving the heavier objects. Make sure you have all the equipment you need such as a dolly, gloves, tape, extra boxes, etc. 

 

Make Moving Day Fun!

There are a lot of things you can do to make moving day fun. Try sending out moving party invitations to your friends, enticing them with free pizza and beer. Having everybody bring their favorite snack or dish and making a potluck party is a fun way to get together and help you move. Make sure to leave he stereo out to blast your favorite tunes. If your friends have kids, leave some movies, games and toys out. Renting a bounce house or buying a slip and slide will have your friends’ kids begging them to stay and hour or two more.

 

Overcoming Excuses

Make sure you ask your friends and family know when you are moving well in advance. Try to get them to commit ASAP. If your friends or family have young children, it may be difficult to get their help. Offer to hire a babysitter on the day of the move. Tell your friends that even a half hour of their time would be extremely helpful. If other objections arise try to find a reasonable solution.

 

If you decide that you don’t want to deal with the hassle of recruiting your family and friends, consider hiring a local  moving company to help you. That way, you can just sit back, relax, and not have to worry about paying the favor back.

 

Image source:  Flicker R Berteig