What To Do When Your Movers Work Slowly

Many people hire movers because professionals simply know how to do it better and faster. Or at least that’s what most people think. That’s not also the case, however. Understandably, you may struggle with what to do when your movers work slowly.

The best thing to do when movers seemingly work too slowly is to be patient, pay attention, and observe their work. You can even help them to make the process go by faster, and that helps save money. Talk to the moving crew’s foreman to explain your concerns, then call the company if nothing else helps.

Make sure to be nice to your movers, as it’s a hard job, and they may not be moving as slowly as it seems. Moves can take 2 to 10 hours depending on distance, volume of belongings, and how challenging it is. Follow along as we explore what to do when your movers work slowly.

How Fast Do Movers Work?

It takes between 2 and 10 hours for movers to work on most homes, depending on the size. For example, a studio apartment move may only take 2 hours, whereas a 3-bedroom house can take 4 to 6 hours. It takes an average of 4 hours to move a 2-bedroom home, but it depends on how much stuff you have.

You must factor in the volume of your belongings as well as travel time. Local moves are defined as moves that are under 50 miles. Long-distance moves start at 50 to 100 miles, but there’s no cap to them. 

How To Tell Your Movers Are Working Too Slowly

Frequent Breaks

While all workers need breaks, moving crews typically operate on tight schedules and don’t take too many. They deserve to take breaks, but it’s a red flag if they frequently take breaks to eat, smoke, and chat on a simple move.

That’s especially true if the move was quoted at 3-4 hours. However, you must be patient and allow them time to take breaks to eat, stretch, and use the restroom.

They Sent The Wrong Truck

Moving companies typically have many trucks that they send out to different homes. The truck they send to your home varies in size based on the volume of your belongings. Sometimes, movers underestimate your belongings or make a mistake and send the wrong truck.

In that case, they must pull one or two people from the crew to return the old truck and get a new one. This can add a long time to your move, depending on where the truck is located.

Inadequate Equipment

It’s up to your movers to show up with all the equipment they need. This includes dollies, ratchet straps, boxes, bubble wrap, and more. Naturally, they will slow down if they show up without some of these important items. That is a sign that they are unprofessional, and the move may take too long.

They’ve Already Reached The Time Estimate

Moving companies provide time and cost estimates during consultations. These estimates aren’t ironclad, but experienced movers typically know how long most things take. You can tell that movers are working too slowly if they’ve already reached the time estimate and haven’t made much progress.

How To Deal With Slow-Working Movers

1. Exercise Patience

It’s easier said than done, but you may need to stay patient if it seems your movers are working too slowly. Moving takes a long time, even if you have a 3-4-person moving crew. For example, it takes up to 6 hours to move a 3-bedroom house, if not longer.

Other factors, such as staircases, hallways, long walks, and poor parking can also make the process take longer. You must also consider which moving services you paid for as that can add to how long it takes. Services such as full packing and unpacking can make a move take much longer.

You can save money and time on your move if you opt to pack your belongings without professional help. Other services, like white glove service and furniture disassembly, can add a lot of time as well. That said, it is worth getting frustrated if your movers are sitting around without working.

2. Help Them

Even though you’re paying them, it may be worth it to help them move a few things. Not only does this speed the process up, but it’s also a chance to direct them about how to handle your belongings. This can also help you save money if your movers are working at an hourly rate.

You can even help by simply stacking some of the moving boxes closer to the door. This should help them load the truck faster, and that means the truck will head to your new home sooner.

3. Document The Day

It’s a great idea to document the day if you believe your movers are working too slowly. This is especially true if your movers are working at an hourly rate. Some people worry that the moving company will intentionally work slowly to get the most out of the hourly rate.

Create a log of time stamps on your phone to document how long the process takes. Make notes of how much the movers have accomplished by certain times. Don’t take pictures or record them, as that’s illegal to do without their permission.

4. Talk To The Foreman

Much like construction sites, moving crews typically have a foreman. The foreman is in charge of the project, and they typically direct the crew and assign tasks. This is the person you must first talk to when your movers work too slowly.

Make sure to be polite, as this conversation could backfire if they are cranky or simply bad at their job. Explain that you are concerned that the move is taking too long compared to the quote you were provided. Hear them out as they may have an explanation as to why the process is taking too long.

However, you should be concerned if they make excuses or assure you that they will hurry, but nothing changes. In that case, it’s a great idea to call the moving company and take the issue to the top.

5. Call The Moving Company

If the foreman is unable to help you, then maybe their supervisor can. Call the moving company and let them know that you’re concerned about the time frame. They may explain that things sometimes take longer than expected, and that’s legitimate.

Keep in mind that your concerns are legitimate too, so it’s worth it to advocate for yourself. Let them know that you’re worried about having to spend more than the estimate because of how slowly they’re moving. This may not help the situation, but it’s at least worth it to get an answer from the top.

6. Provide Online Feedback

It’s disappointing when your movers finish the job hours after they were supposed to. However, hindsight is 20/20 and there’s nothing you can do about it anymore. You can at least use your experience to inform others about what to expect from that moving company.

There’s no reason to make personal attacks or insult anyone specifically. Instead, write a review that explains your expectations compared to how it went. Highlight the ways it inconvenienced you or made the experience negative.

Summing It Up

Give your movers a little bit of time to see if they change their pace during the move, as it can take time. Help them move boxes and disassemble furniture if you’re worried about overpaying at an hourly rate. Call the moving company to voice your concerns and leave a negative review if they take hours longer than the original estimate.

Related Guides:

• When Is It Worth It to Hire Professional Movers?
• Best Ways To Save Money On Movers