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Step 1
Before you even start asking your friends try to determine the move date. This should be based around the time you have from when you can move into your new home and when you have to leave the old home. So it's good to think about this when your closing on your house. The more flexible your move date the more likely you will find Friends to help you out.
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Step 2
Unless you have a lot of friends who are in between jobs or in flexible jobs your stuck with moving on a weekend. So give them at least two possible dates for your friends to help you move and give them as much notice as possible. You know your friends if they have a heavy social calendar you may need to get on it two months before the move. If you can get them to agree to a date then remember to choose a time to start that will give you enough time to finish and will also ensure your friends are coherent. A night owl isn't much help if you start at 6:00 a.m..
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Step 3
You also need to take into account environment conditions. You won't know the weather that far in advance so make sure you have a backup date. Don't wait until the last weekend you can move. Also look out for holiday traffic or even regular traffic you don't want to drive a U-haul truck through the middle of rush hour.
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Step 4
You have a date and people lined up now it's time to reserve the truck. First you have to determine the truck size so you need to get a feel for how much stuff your moving. Check out the truck rental sites to get an idea of how many rooms of furniture you can move in different size trucks. You're probably moving locally if your getting help so figure out the driving time by test driving the weekend before in your car. Will you be able to get more than 2 truck loads? Are there any tight turns a truck won't be able to make? Any construction on the route? Once you've estimated the size truck you need then add 30% unless you move all the time. Everyone I have known underestimates the truck size needed and if it's too big that just makes it easier.
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Step 5
Now reserve the truck and plan for keeping it a full day possible into morning of the next day. You don't want to rush you're people to getting the job done by 7:00 p.m. when the rental place closes. However most places allow you to return the truck later if needed.
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Step 6
The weekend prior do a dry run in your car to make sure you know the easiest way from your old house to your new house. Map quest and Google work great for printing out some maps to give to moving friends.
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Step 7
To be fair to your friends you want to have everything packed and ready to go when they walk in the door. So start packing at least 2 weeks before you move, you really don't need those sweaters in the middle of the summer. The only exceptions should items that you need their help to take apart or last minute items like kitchen cutlery, a couple changes clothes, etc. While your packing make sure to label the boxes with the location they should be moved to and if there fragile.
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Step 8
The week before the move send your friends a quick note by mail, email, phone, passenger pigeon whatever works thanking them in advance and reminding them of the move date and time. If needed add in some instructions for getting to your house or if they can't make it until later directions to the new house.
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Step 9
If your moving Saturday which is usually the best to start moving in case you need Sunday to finish then take Thursday and Friday to wrap up packing and getting ready. You want to have everything in easy to lift boxes, a dolly if possible for moving multiple boxes, all the boxes labeled where they are going in the new house and supplies. Supplies should include water, drinks, gloves, tape, twine, marker, screwdriver, ratchet set and any other tools you think will be useful. Also make sure you have an idea of the best way to move various items from your house. Big items through the sliding doors in the back, boxes through the front, etc.
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Step 10
Make sure to confirm the night or day before the move that it's still on the weather looks good and hey we really appreciate the help. If the weather looks iffy prepare for it with a tarp, and keep some umbrella's with you. You don't want your help getting sick or they may never come back.
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Step 11
In the morning get the truck as early as possible and get backed up to the house and setup. If you have time start moving some items down to a staging area like the garage. Start getting an idea how you want to pack the truck. There's nothing worse than you're help waiting 10 minutes for someone to figure out where things go. Have a plan big items first, boxes around them, pillows and blankets for support. One person needs to be the designated packer that should be either someone with experience or someone who can't help moving things as well.
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Step 12
When they get there take them around to see everything so they have an idea of wants going. If you have items you want to leave make sure they are put a specific area and marked clearly. Then walk through the game plan of how you want to load. Also tell them to go at their own pace there's no rush you planned for plenty of time. Then let them know who is going to be directing the packing.
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Step 13
Having help is great, but it means you have three jobs; moving things, keeping the movers happy and uninjured, and finally supervising. So don't worry about moving more stuff than your friends, help out but more importantly keep the flow going. You'll have to adjust as yours friends will certainly all work at different paces, but after the first hour it certainly starts to move.
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Step 14
Throughout the day keep an eye on your watch. You want to make sure your friends have plenty to drink and know they can take a break anytime. Also keep your eye out for lunch time. Have it arranged ahead of time for someone to order pizza, or go get subs, anything quick and easy.
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Step 15
Use a dolly as much as possible. It may even be worth it to have two dollies. It will keep your friends going longer and they will be less likely to hurt themselves. When moving big items take charge and let them know where everyone should go and when to lift. It makes a big difference having one person communicate instructions.
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Step 16
Once the trucks loaded make sure to provide directions to the new house even if they are planning to follow you. A cell phone is also a great idea in case something happens those trucks do break down sometimes (knock on wood).
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Step 17
Once your at the new house unloading will fly the key here is to make sure someone let's them know where everything goes. One way to do this is try and pack rooms together in the truck and of course you've labeled the boxes. Also let them know if you don't care about marks because you're repainting or you'd just prefer they go slow and not mark the walls. Although it will probably happen and your friend will be really sorry so try not to make a face.
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Step 18
Keep that watch if it's getting late make sure they don't mind continuing or that you can finish it tomorrow, etc. If it's near dinner provide them something to eat remember they burning up those calories.
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Step 19
You're all done, whew what a day. Have something for them to celebrate with if like good beer have some six packs available, non-drinkers even sparkling cinder can be fun and of course water. To thank them you can give them cash, but a lot of people won't accept it. So try an get them a gift certificate or tickets to something they'd enjoy. The money's spent so they have to take it.
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Step 20
After a week in your house make sure to send them a quick thank you note and if they wouldn't take something the day of the move as a thank you you can send them something then. Keep them happy odds are you'll either have to help them move or you may need to move again.
