Anyone moving will sooner or later have to ask themselves how to get all the furniture, boxes, and personal belongings from point A to point B. Often, it’s the moving helpers who make the crucial difference between chaos and a smooth process. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to choose the right helpers, what costs to expect, what you can expect from them, and how to ensure a good working relationship.
Friends and family members are often the first people who come to mind when you need help moving. They’re usually happy to help and often expect only a small token of appreciation in return. This could be a home-cooked meal, an invitation to dinner, or a small gift. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone can handle the physical strain of a move, especially when dealing with heavy furniture or multi-story apartments.
Student movers are another popular option for moving. They often offer their services through online platforms or local classifieds and are willing to help for about 9–15 euros per hour. This solution is often cost-effective and can be a win-win situation: the students earn some extra money, while the person moving receives help with the physically demanding work. When selecting helpers, it’s important to ensure that the students are physically capable of handling the move and transport, and that they have any necessary driver’s licenses if a van or truck is required. Additionally, you should discuss and agree on whether the helpers will also take on additional tasks such as disposing of bulky waste or performing renovation work.
If you want to ensure that these tasks are taken care of, you can hire professional movers independently of a moving company. They not only handle the transport of your furniture and its assembly and disassembly, but also arrange for no-parking zones on moving day and provide moving boxes. However, professional movers charge more than student moving helpers.
If you want to be sure that all tasks are carried out professionally by experienced staff, you’re best off hiring a moving company.
At Intermove, our services include everything from optimal, damage-proof packing of your belongings to their transport and insurance coverage, as well as unpacking, assembly, and assistance with settling in. This way, you can be sure that everything will go smoothly, and you’ll have a single point of contact for all tasks—saving you a lot of stress!
If you hire outside moving help, the cost can vary depending on the type and scope of services provided. For student movers, you can expect an hourly rate of between 9 and 15 euros, while professional movers will typically charge between 20 and 30 euros per hour, depending on the region and the specific requirements of the move. It is advisable to obtain several quotes in advance and compare them carefully to get the best value for your money.
Under certain conditions, the Jobcenter may cover some of the costs associated with a citizen’s allowance recipient’s move, including a flat rate for moving helpers and their meals. In the case of a voluntary, non-mandated move, costs are generally covered only if the move is carried out independently and without the use of a moving company. However, if the person moving is unable to do so due to health reasons, the Jobcenter will pay the lump sum for moving helpers. In any case, it is important to notify the Jobcenter of the move well in advance so that it can be approved and an application for cost coverage can be submitted.
Providing adequate food for moving helpers is important to keep them energized and show your appreciation for their work. A simple lunch that’s quick to prepare and high in energy—such as sandwiches, salads, or pasta—is ideal. You should also have plenty of drinks on hand, such as water, juice, or soft drinks, to keep the helpers hydrated. Small snacks like fruit or energy bars are also ideal during short breaks—this helps keep motivation high!
After a long and tiring day of moving, it’s customary and polite to show your appreciation, especially to the family and friends who helped with the move. Small gifts like gift cards for restaurants or online shops are a great way to thank the helpers for their efforts; alternatively, most people also appreciate homemade treats like cake or cookies. Here, a personal touch is key—private helpers usually appreciate a nice little something more than impersonal cash.
Choosing the right moving helpers can make the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one. Whether you opt for student helpers or professional movers—both have their pros and cons. With the right information on costs, pay, meals, and tokens of appreciation, you can now plan and execute your move perfectly.
Global Move Management
Parsdorfer Weg 10
85551 Munich / Kirchheim
Germany