A person in a dark hoodie is methodically packing cardboard boxes labeled "small" in a room with stark white walls. Nearby, a countertop holds a jar as they prepare for storing items for what seems like an impending move to a spacious 6-bedroom house.

Are You Supposed to Help Movers Carry Things?

Manny Sahmbi January 14, 2025

Updated: January 15th, 2025

Moving day can be a whirlwind. There’s so much going on, it’s only natural to feel the urge to jump in and lend a hand. You’ve likely hired professional movers, but that doesn’t stop the nagging question: “Should I be helping them carry things?” It’s a common thought, and thankfully, the short answer is: absolutely not – it’s not expected or required. Let’s unpack that a little bit, shall we?

The Movers Are the Experts

You’ve hired a removals company, like Happy2Move, for a reason: they’re trained professionals. Our teams do this day in, day out. They’re experts in lifting techniques, navigating tricky corners, and getting your precious belongings safely from A to B. We’re not just talking about lugging heavy boxes; there’s a real skill to efficient and safe removals.

  • They are trained and experienced professionals.
  • They have the skills needed to move items safely and efficiently.
  • They do this every day, it’s their job!

It’s important to remember that moving isn’t just about brute strength; it’s about technique, planning, and knowing how to handle different types of furniture and belongings. Our movers are trained to do this work properly, and they work as a team, so it’s best to let them get on with the job you’ve hired them to do.

They’re Insured for the Job

Professional removal companies have insurance specifically designed to cover accidents and damages during the move. If you participate and someone gets hurt or something gets damaged, it can make the insurance situation more complicated. It’s a bit like a footballer getting injured when someone from the crowd wanders onto the pitch – it causes issues and delays.

  • Your involvement can complicate insurance claims.
  • It’s safer for everyone if you let professionals do the lifting.
  • Protect yourself by letting the movers handle their work.

By allowing the removal team to handle the lifting and carrying, you avoid taking on any unnecessary risk. It’s best to let the insured professionals take responsibility, and enjoy the move, safe in the knowledge that your items are being handled correctly.

They Have the Right Equipment

Movers come equipped with dollies, straps, and other specialised tools to move furniture and boxes with efficiency and safety. They know how to use these items and what items to use them on. Trying to move things without the right equipment, or worse using it when you aren’t trained, can actually lead to accidents or damages.

  • They use specialist equipment for efficiency.
  • They’re trained in how to use all of their equipment properly.
  • Using the wrong equipment, or using it incorrectly, can lead to damages and injuries.

This specialised equipment isn’t something the average person has lying around, and you may not be aware of all of the proper techniques involved in moving heavier or awkwardly shaped items. So instead of trying to do things you’re not trained for, it’s best to let the professionals do their work.

Three movers in dark uniforms carefully carry a packing box through an open gate towards a brick 6-bedroom house. Red moving trucks are parked on the street, while surrounding greenery frames the path.

They Work as a Team

Removals crews work together like a well-oiled machine. They have their own system and know what the person next to them is doing. When a customer jumps in to “help”, it can actually disrupt their rhythm and potentially create confusion or collisions.

  • They work as a well-coordinated team.
  • Interfering can disrupt their workflow.
  • It can lead to delays, and could even be dangerous.

Each member of a removals crew has their specific role, and they’re used to working together to move items as quickly and safely as possible. When an outsider tries to join in, it can throw off the whole process and cause more harm than good.

Your Role: Facilitator, Not Forklift

Instead of carrying heavy objects, think of your role as the facilitator. You’re there to help the movers by making their job as smooth as possible, rather than trying to become part of the removal team. There are plenty of valuable ways you can assist that don’t involve risking injury or interrupting their flow.

  • You can help by focusing on logistics.
  • Make sure the removals team have everything they need.
  • Your help should aim to speed things up.

Your role on moving day is best spent ensuring the movers have everything they need, that all pathways are clear, and generally helping to facilitate the move, and answering any questions they may have. There are many other things that need doing, so you can leave the physical labor to the professionals.

A person stacks folded blankets inside an open moving truck parked on a street, preparing for transporting art. Another closed moving truck is nearby, almost ready to make its way to Burlington House. Several cardboard boxes are placed on the ground in front of the trucks.

Clear Pathways are Essential

Make sure that the path to and from the house, and within the house itself, is clear. This means moving any objects, rugs or items that could be tripped over. Ensure there’s a clear run from doorways to the moving van.

  • Remove any obstacles from pathways.
  • Clear routes for moving furniture will speed things up.
  • A clear path makes it safer for everyone.

Clearing pathways is one of the best things you can do to help on the day. By removing anything that might be a tripping hazard, you make it much easier for the movers to move items through the house. You’ll also be avoiding any potential accidents.

Be Available to Supervise and Answer Questions

Whilst it’s great to let the movers get on with things, a quick overview every now and again can be helpful. For example, if movers are putting items in a room, you can ensure it’s the correct room by simply being there. Be available to answer any questions the movers might have. They might need clarity on which items are going where, or ask if a particular piece of furniture can be disassembled. This helps prevent delays and ensures your belongings go to the right places.

  • Be on hand to answer any questions the team may have.
  • Ensure your items are going to the right rooms.
  • You can give guidance about fragile items.

Your involvement will be really helpful when the removals team need a quick question answering. Being available means that your items go to the correct room, and it avoids delays. It also helps if you’re available to offer any guidance about fragile items.

Cost of average house removal

Preparation is Key

Before moving day arrives, there are several actions you can take that will make life easier for both you and the movers. These might sound small, but they can save valuable time on the day, ensuring everything goes smoothly.

  • Prior preparation makes for a smooth move.
  • Planning ahead avoids extra work on the day.
  • Proper preparation will save time and money.

By preparing in advance, you help the removals team to work as quickly and as efficiently as possible, which can not only reduce stress, but can also save you money. There’s a lot you can do before the day to help things go smoothly.

Label Everything Clearly

It may seem obvious, but clearly label all of your boxes, not just on the top but also on the sides. Note which room the contents of each box need to go into and also note what the contents are (kitchen, clothing, books) which could also be helpful. This will avoid movers moving things to the wrong place and saving time.

  • Label boxes clearly, including the room they are for.
  • Label the sides of the boxes for easy identification.
  • Include a brief summary of what’s in the boxes too.

Clearly labelled boxes will save a lot of time on moving day and will reduce the chance of movers taking them to the wrong room. This level of clarity also helps when unpacking at your new home too.

Art transport in London

Defrost Your Freezer

If you’re moving a fridge/freezer it will need to be defrosted. Start this the day before so it has ample time to be fully defrosted and completely dry. Empty out the contents of the freezer before the removals team arrive.

  • Defrost your freezer in advance.
  • Ensure it is fully defrosted and dry before moving day.
  • Empty the contents of the freezer prior to moving day.

A defrosted, and dry, freezer is a lot easier for movers to handle. The water that can come from the defrosting process can also be a hazard, so be sure to defrost it well in advance of moving day.

Pack an Essentials Bag

Think about what items you’ll need immediately on arrival at your new place, and pack an overnight bag or box containing these. Things like toiletries, chargers, and tea making stuff can be a great help, and stop you going through boxes to find them.

  • Pack an essentials box or bag for moving day.
  • Include tea and coffee supplies, chargers and toiletries.
  • This means you’ll have key items to hand upon arrival.

Having an essentials box will save time and hassle on moving day. It also means you can easily have a cup of tea and recharge your phone whilst all of your other belongings are being moved into your new home.

A person in a blue shirt is expertly handling a large, rectangular package wrapped in cardboard and tape. The package, ready for export packing, is labeled "Front," "V. Fragile," "Glass," and "Mosaic Picture." The setting appears to be indoors.

Disassemble Furniture

If possible and practical, disassemble larger items of furniture like beds and wardrobes, especially if you can flat pack them. This will make it easier for the movers to move the items. If this is something you can’t do, ensure you communicate this to the removals team beforehand, so they can prepare.

  • Disassemble furniture where practical.
  • Communicate with movers about items that cannot be disassembled.
  • This can make larger items easier to move, and can also avoid damage.

Disassembling larger items of furniture helps the removal team as these items are easier to handle when flat packed. If you are unable to do this, it is important to communicate this with the team so they know what to expect.

Hospitality Goes a Long Way

Moving is hard work, and a little bit of kindness can make a big difference to the movers’ day. Offering a cup of tea or coffee, some water, or even some biscuits is always a welcome gesture. It’s not expected, but it’s a nice way to show your appreciation for their hard work. Consider it a way of saying thanks for handling your belongings with care.

  • A cup of tea and some biscuits goes a long way.
  • Offer refreshments to the removal team.
  • Showing appreciation can help the day go well.

A little bit of hospitality is always welcome, and can be a nice way to show your appreciation. Whilst it’s not essential, offering the team some refreshments can make a real difference to them.

So, Relax and Let the Professionals Do Their Job

The bottom line is, you don’t need to help movers carry items. In fact, it’s often better if you don’t. You hired them for their expertise, and the best way to support them is to be organised, helpful in other ways and to let them do what they do best. By following these tips, you can make moving day much smoother for everyone involved.

  • Let professionals do the heavy lifting.
  • Your main role is preparation and facilitation.
  • Following these tips will help ensure a smooth move.

Moving day can be stressful enough without trying to do everything yourself. By letting the removals team handle what they are trained for, you can relax a little, and focus on your part of the job, which is all the facilitation.

Planning a move to or from London? Get in touch with Happy2Move today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us make your moving day a breeze!

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