Confessions of a Happy Helper
How a little organization (and a POD) Saved Our Moving Day
This past weekend, I had the pleasure (and biceps workout) of helping my friends move into their brand new home. If you’ve ever been “voluntold” (which we weren’t) to help with a move, you know it can go one of two ways: total chaos with boxes labeled simply “STUFF,” or, as was the case here, a masterclass in organization.
Here’s what made this move practically stress-free (and dare I say, fun):
Labels Are Lifesavers.
Every single box was labeled not just with the room it belonged in (“Kitchen,” “Bedroom 2”) but also with its exact contents (“Mugs + Coffee Maker”—so no one got between us and caffeine). When you can skip the game of “Guess That Box,” your friends will thank you—and so will your lower back.
Pack First, Party Later.
My friends had everything packed before we showed up. There were zero frantic “just a few more things to throw in a box” moments. No one wants to catch a stray spatula while wrestling a couch down the stairs, trust me. Might I add, the POD storage container rental they used to declu
Have a Game Plan.
We did a quick walkthrough of the new house before unloading, so everyone knew which room was which (because calling out “Where’s the den?” gets old fast). Pro tip: blue tape on doors is a mover’s best friend.
Game Changer: The POD Storage Container.
Let’s talk about the real MVP of moving day: a rented POD storage container. They loaded their extra large items and heavier boxes into the POD well before move-in day. This was used to prepare for the staging of their previous home. So when the big moment finally arrived, we just rolled up, the movers unloaded their trucks and some of the unpacking already begun. We were able to move items from the POD right into the new house, and—voila! No wrestling a couch through narrow apartment hallways or playing Tetris with oddly shaped boxes.
Snacks = Motivation.
Seriously, snacks and refreshments are not optional. We had pizza ready for the halfway point and celebratory Krispy Kreme donuts at the finish line. It’s amazing what people will do for food and beer—like moving your entire living room set before noon.
Final Thought:
If you’re recruiting friends for your next move, set yourself—and your helpers—up for success: pack in advance, label absolutely everything, and don’t forget the snacks. A little organization goes a long way. Who knows? Your friends might even say yes next time.
