The practical reality of the moving industry is that, unless you opt for a full-service relocation, you are making a commitment to being fully packed and prepared; at the same time that the moving company is making a commitment to delivering your goods in a safe and timely fashion. Because there is typically a reciprocal obligation, I thought I would take this opportunity to spell out what it takes to be a great (and ultimately satisfied) Olympia client.
PLANNING: Take this time to plan your approach to your upcoming move. We understand that you have closings and a host of other issues to contend with, but waiting until the last minute leads to unwanted surprises on move day. Effective planning also saves time.
PREPARATION: Use the resources at your disposal, including the literature, website, and Olympia personnel to help understand what it means to be fully prepared for moving day. The concept of being “fully prepared” is a somewhat nebulous one, but here are some basic suggestions:
- Eliminate unwanted items before move day
- If you are doing your own packing, get a free delivery of packing supplies well in advance of your move
- Make sure that all boxes are labeled and fully sealed
- Stack boxes one tier deep against the walls so that the movers can access all items in a given room
- Set aside items that you will need in a separate area that is clearly marked (keys, passports, documents) to ensure that they do not get packed
- Set aside cleaning items that will be needed after the moving crew has departed
- Identify where furniture will be placed at the new locations so as to avoid delays during the delivery
- Additional preparation tips are available HERE
PACKING: Label carefully and consistently. Do not wait until the last minute and, if you think you are going to need some additional help, contact your Olympia move coordinator as soon as possible so that we can schedule a packing crew. If there are items that you are not comfortable packing (lamps, lamp shades, stemware, paintings), make sure that you also notify your coordinator so that the crew has the requisite materials and equipment with them on the day of your move.
COMMUNICATION: Our best customers are those who understand the importance of details and of communicating those details. You need to keep us abreast of any new developments, not make any assumptions, and be available to the crew throughout the process. It is imperative that you are physically present during both the loading and unloading of your items.
PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS: The movers work incredibly hard on a daily basis and are there to help you relocate to your new home. They are not your adversaries and should be treated with respect.
REVIEW: We spend countless hours on training and process-related issues. We work hard to ensure that your experience is a positive one, and would hope that you would take the time to provide feedback and offer suggestions. Ultimately it is these suggestions that provide the foundation for our ongoing training and allow us to improve.
TIPPING: Tipping is really at your discretion and there are no minimum requirements. If you choose to tip the movers, take the time to explain what they did to deserve the tip and/or any suggestions that you might have. You can also demonstrate your appreciation by providing drinks or making water available. These small signs of encouragement recognize how hard the crew is working and, while not mandatory, are indicative of a great customer.