Helping a friend move house is one of the most generous ways to help them out. Moving is hard work and stressful, so doing it with a friend always lightens the load. There are many ways you can help a friend move house, even if you aren’t carrying furniture or boxes. Let’s look at all the ways you can help a friend during this challenging time.
When we consider helping people to move, we generally think about packing boxes, carrying boxes or helping to move furniture. But moving is a more complex job than the physical work alone. Think back to your last move and ask yourself how many things you had to do. Wouldn’t it have made life easier if someone had done them for you?
How to help without lifting a box
Food and water
In the flurry of activity that happens in the buildup to moving and on moving day, many people forget to eat or drink enough water. There’s just so much to do. Staying fed and hydrated is essential for keeping your energy up and not getting fatigued. Take care of this part for your friend.
Tips:
Avoid cooking at their new home so you don’t leave them with dishes or a mess to clean up, even if you’re a tidy cook. Their home will be in disarray, so keep the chaos to a bare minimum.
Instead, bring takeaways or prepare an easy-to-eat meal at your home. Consider bringing the cutlery and plates to eat it and take them away with you when you leave. Either before your friend leaves their old home or when they arrive at the new one, this gesture will make a huge difference to their move.
Pets
Pets dislike moving as much as people, and it’s worse for them as they don’t understand why their home and life are getting turned upside down. A stressed pet may bolt if there are open doors or gates, or present a safety risk for all if they get in the way of people carrying furniture and boxes.
Tips:
If your friend has pets, offer to take care of them on moving day to reduce stress for everyone. You can take the dogs for a walk, play with pets in a safe place, or even take them to your home until your friend is ready to receive them again.
Mental health
There is no one more qualified than a good friend to take care of keeping spirits up on moving day. You’ll know what helps your friend out, from organising some music to getting supplies or running errands. Most often, offering them your company will dramatically ease the mental burden of moving.
Moving is a difficult time. All help is welcome until people get settled again, especially from friends that care. And if you know your friend is in way over their head with moving, suggest they bring in the pros to make the move much easier.