Friends helping friends?

Buying a home has gotten harder over the last few years, but it can seem easy compared to the moving itself. There is the sorting, the packing, the loading, the cleaning. And, in one sentence I've summed up a process that can take weeks.... especially without help. Granted there are a lot of folks that have hired movers over the years, but there are also those that need to call on those they know and love for help.

Personally I've only moved three times in my adulthood... and I'm grateful for that. Total mileage between moves has been less than ten miles. Adventurous huh? What I've learned in that experience? It's hard work on a beautiful day to pack boxes and lug them who knows how far. I am grateful for family and friends that helped in each circumstance.

Even though I've only moved a few times in life I have been privileged to help a great many people pack, load, carry and clean over the years. There are several families that I've helped move multiple times. And my hubs? He's moved one family near a half dozen times. I cannot imagine moving so often... but it caused me to consider the whole moving process.

How do you take care of those caring for you? This could REALLY be important if you are going to be calling on your friends and loved ones time and time again. If it were me? I wouldn't pick and choose... I'd thank them in every possible measure that was humanly possible. It's just good to keep the workers in good spirits!

*/ Have food ready! Moving in the morning? Offer donuts. Moving at lunch or dinner? Have casseroles or pizza or chicken. Feed the troops. Full tummies are happy tummies. I've seen church youth groups utilized for moving purposes with the promise of food and they work hard!

/ On the note of food..... pack the snacks last. Whether packing boxes, loading moving trucks or cleaning having some snacks on hand is not only handy but a good thing. It's an easy grab but keeps the movers working.

*/ Don't forget the Starbucks. Perhaps not coffee alone, but liquid. Coffee, soda, water. Moving is thirsty business. Just moving things around will stir up the dust and dry out a few throats. Just don't forget to have some cups available.

*/ Get the supplies ready in advance. It's really hard for volunteers to feel comfortable if they have to wait for boxes, tape, scissors, markers, pens and  packing paper or tissue. Anything you can get in advance will help the whole process go more smoothly. If you are having volunteers helping clean? Putting together a cleaning bucket with supplies in advance can go a long ways. Having all the supplies out and ready to go gives volunteers the permission they need to get busy as soon as they arrive.

*/ Have a list ready and a 'go to' person stationed in each location. If you are making trips back and forth with boxes it's really a good idea to have someone specific in charge at each location. Leaving a list of desires or work details at each spot will help the work flow naturally and it'll be  less likely for details to be missed.

*/ Move the pets out for the day. Pets are awesome, but like kids... they just don't always understand what's going on. Instead of creating a tense atmosphere for the animals why not just ship them off to a friend for a day. That frees up your time and thoughts and gives them freedom to enjoy.

*/ On that note? Hire a babysitter. Even if the kids are with you during the moving process and involved why not assign someone just to their needs. Someone who can focus and help them pack their own room and can specifically take care of their needs.

*/ For the most involved workers? Sending them a gift card for their help can be a real blessing. Perhaps a gas card for those that did the driving and delivering? Or dinner cards for couple/families that sacrificed a great bulk of time? Some coffee cards for the early risers?

*/ A move in party celebration. Not necessarily the day you move in, but a couple weeks later when everything is settled. Why not have everyone over for some fun! A night of entertainment and rest. No pressures. No work for the attendees. Just a night to enjoy the hard work. Guaranteed everyone will have a blast as it's their hard work that helped the home look so great!

If moving is on your radar, but you haven't gotten started give me a call! Moving is big business and I'd be happy to lend my services in helping you find that new home. Even though it's a big job... having your own home to enjoy is certainly a great idea!