provide lunch to packing people (The Woodlands, San Diego: movers, home, college) - City-Data Forum

Houston_2010 · 10-06-2010, 04:45 PM

I had my packing done by the moving company. Because the job was going to extend until 2 or 3pm, I planned to bring the packing ladies some lunch. They were so appreciative and told me that never before they've had lunch provided by the mover. I thought it to be strange...They didn't bill me for the time, they stopped the clock and started it again after finishing.

Anyway, it actually worked to my benefit - they billed me for less boxes and packing material than they actually used...definitely worth the Subway lunch I got for them.

So if you are moving soon and you have a big place to pack (over 4 hours)...please consider lunch. At the very least they will treat your things nicely!

Happy moving!

Txgal33 · 10-06-2010, 04:50 PM

That is weird they never had that before. We always provide lunch for our packers and the loaders. Seeing as it does not take as long to unload we usually just tip the unloaders depending on how they do. We will even tip the driver if they did a good job directing it all and getting us where we need to be on time and with all of our things in tack. This last time we did not tip. She was awful!! We pretty much headed up the move and packed the living room up!

crazyworld · 10-06-2010, 04:56 PM

I haven't had packers and movers but anyone that is working in my home gets fed as well as a cooler filled with non-alcoholic cold drinks. We are all human and need to eat/drink.

lhafer · 10-06-2010, 04:58 PM

I've never had packers before, but we've always fed our movers. We give them the option of breakfast or lunch, and they usually take lunch.

Oildog · 10-07-2010, 08:28 AM

My moves havent taken more than a few hours. But I always have some cool drinks available.

Sampaguita · 10-07-2010, 08:38 AM

We've always provided cold drinks & snacks but they've always wanted to leave & take a break for lunch except for the friend groups that packed/unpacked us during our move from San Diego to The Woodlands (we brought in food).

TexasCatherine · 10-07-2010, 08:42 AM

It took three full days to offload, uncrate, and unpack our overseas shipment when we moved to Texas. We provided coffee in the morning, lunch at mid-day, and drinks whenever our movers wanted them. We also tipped them when it was all done. I thought this was fairly standard, but perhaps not. It certainly should be, though!

HoustonRonnie · 10-07-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasCatherine

It took three full days to offload, uncrate, and unpack our overseas shipment when we moved to Texas. We provided coffee in the morning, lunch at mid-day, and drinks whenever our movers wanted them. We also tipped them when it was all done. I thought this was fairly standard, but perhaps not. It certainly should be, though!

Me too. I always feed and quench.

LostInHouston · 10-07-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasCatherine

I thought this was fairly standard, but perhaps not. It certainly should be, though!

It's not standard, but it does happen around a third of the time. I worked summers during college for one of the big moving companies, and when we received a tip, it would usually be around $10-20 per person for a days work. Occasionally we would also receive lunch. Much more common than tips/meals was the offering of water/cold drinks.

It's definitely worth it to tip/buy meals. I recommend when the movers get there, let them know you have drinks for them and take a lunch order. Not only will they more likely work harder and be more careful... you may save on some of the "extras" added in to the moving price (like the OP did). Tipping at the end of the loading will also pay dividends during the unload if it ends up being the same crew/driver. Plus it's just the right thing to do... it's one of the most physically grueling jobs.

Houston_2010 · 10-08-2010, 10:30 PM

OK good...I just wanted to make sure. Like I said I thought it would be strange not to at least offer some sort of refreshment or break or something!!! By the way...the movers the next day were great too. They enjoyed sub,chips, drink and water for the road. In addition to tip to each of them, I also gave them some furniture I wasn't going to take. They were reaaaally happy!