Should You Tip Your Movers? How Much?

America is the land of tipping. We tip people for a job well done across all kinds of industries, so it makes sense that you'd also tip your movers.

With that in mind, you probably have a few common questions. How much do you tip movers in Texas? Do you tip movers a flat rate, or does the amount depend on different factors? Here is a handy guide to help you decide how much to tip your local movers in Austin, TX.

Tipping Movers in Austin, TX: How Much Should You Give?

Moving day is already stressful enough, so you don’t want to worry about trying to figure out how much to tip when the big day arrives. Having some information beforehand can help you decide how much to tip movers once they’ve finished the job. Understanding tipping etiquette can also help you safeguard your money and avoid being scammed.

What to Keep in Mind

One thing to consider is the job that you’re asking the movers to do. For example, if you’re only asking movers to move pre-packed items in boxes, the tip might be a bit lower. However, you should tip more for things like:

• Moving through tricky or narrow spots

• Packing

• Moving bulky or fragile items, especially if they have to be disassembled and reassembled

• The size of your home and the distance of the move

• Weather conditions that make the move more difficult

Most of all, your tip for movers depends on your overall satisfaction with the services they provide.

How Much Do You Tip Movers?

You should determine how much you plan to allocate to the budget for your move. There are different ways to tip, taking into account the factors listed above.

• A percentage. Generally, tipping etiquette for a good job suggests tipping movers between 15 and 20% of the overall moving cost.

• An hourly rate. If you like, you can set an hourly rate per mover. This can be anywhere from $4 to $15 per hour, depending on the workload.

• A daily rate. The same as above, except for the day, not the hour. This can range from $20 to $50 per mover per day.

You can also tip less for smaller jobs or for moving single items.

Is Tipping Always Expected?

Do you always tip movers, regardless of the circumstances? Generally speaking, yes, it is customary to tip movers in Austin, TX. You are trusting them with your belongings, and they do their best to make sure that everything arrives on time and in good condition. There’s a lot of heavy lifting and hard work that goes into moving things, so moving crews usually expect some kind of tip for their efforts.

Do you tip movers and packers? Definitely! If you’re asking your moving crew to pack items in addition to moving them, you should not only tip, but tip more than you would if they were just moving your items. Packing stretches the job out longer and requires more time, effort, and planning, so you should adjust your tip accordingly. How much to tip packers relies on many of the same factors.

Why Is Tipping Important?

Tipping is important because it shows appreciation for the effort that your moving crew put in. Like many other service workers, movers in Austin, TX count on tips as a part of their wage, so it’s important to tip unless you’re deeply unsatisfied with the service they provided. 

You can tip in cash, by card, or by writing a check once the move is complete. If you're unsure whether the movers you've hired have a preference, go ahead and ask. Knowing that you respect their hard work will help the mood as everyone works to get you re-settled.

MASH Movers: Your Local Moving Team in Austin

If you’re looking for a moving team in Austin that can get the job done right with a smile, MASH Movers is the team for you. We’re a group of local musicians who help people move in and out of Austin when we’re not jamming. We love our city as much as we love welcoming new neighbors to it.

If you'd like to learn more about us or discover what we can do for you, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to provide a complimentary quote. We look forward to hearing from you!

How To Compare Moving Quotes in Austin: 4 Things To Look For

Let’s face it: moves are expensive! There are certainly ways to cut costs here and there, but the unavoidable fact is that moving your things into a new home can get pricey, so you may want to shop around and find the best deals.

Several factors influence the final cost of hiring movers for your moving day, including your location. Austin has no shortage of moving companies, so we’ve created a handy guide to help you find the one that works for you. Here’s how to start getting moving quotes in Austin and find the best price in town.

What’s in a Quote? 4 Questions You Should Ask

Knowing how to hire movers is an important step in the moving process. While it may seem relatively straightforward, there are some key factors to consider when browsing companies and obtaining moving quotes.

You’ll want to know exactly which services are included in the price. Pricing should be transparent from the beginning so that you don’t have to deal with surprise fees later on. Be sure to ask each moving company:

1. Which services are provided? Find out specifics about the labor and materials each mover uses.

2. Do you charge extra fees for navigating obstacles such as stairs or elevators, or for handling large items? Some companies may charge extra for bulky items, long-distance moves, or moves in tricky areas, such as those involving elevators.

3. How much does moving insurance and valuation coverage cost? Movers are required to provide some valuation coverage for damaged, destroyed, or lost items. Depending on the level, you’ll have to pay extra. 

4. Does the company provide packing materials, disassembly, and assembly? Furthermore, what are the extra fees for each service? Many companies offer services and materials, so be sure to inquire about prices for “extra” stuff.

Austin moving company prices typically include fuel, labor, transportation, and a small maintenance cost per mile (CPM). Beyond these basics, many companies offer additional services, which may or may not be included in the initial price quote.

How To Compare Moving Quotes in Austin

How much does it cost to hire movers in and around Austin? On average, moves can cost anywhere from $300 to $6,900, depending on the size of your home and the services you need. Most charge by the hour for local moves, but you’ll often get a flat rate for longer distances.

Find Out When the Clock Starts

When you hire movers by the hour, the time usually starts as soon as the team arrives and finishes once the move is complete. Ask each mover for specifics, including the hourly rate and the exact times when the job starts and ends. Ask them to clarify everything that’s included in the price.

Types of Estimates

You’ll also want to compare the types of estimates that each company provides. A nonbinding estimate doesn’t guarantee the quoted price and is typically used for longer-distance moves. The quote is based on the estimated weight of your belongings, but the final price is determined after your belongings are loaded onto the truck.

A binding estimate, on the other hand, is a guaranteed rate that isn’t affected by weight. Instead, the quote is based on an hourly or flat rate, as well as a visual survey of what you’re moving. Some companies might charge an extra fee for a binding estimate.

After shopping around for quotes, consider creating a chart to compare each one’s services, additional fees, and overall estimated costs. Seeing the numbers side by side can give you a visual aid and help you start weighing the pros and cons.

Choosing the Best Movers for Your Budget

While you can’t control the prices each company charges, you can control your budget. Consider the prices and create a realistic budget, taking into account what you can comfortably afford. If things are tight, look for a company that doesn’t charge extra for things like assembly and disassembly. The same applies to other extras, such as packing and materials.

Find the Best Price in Town With MASH Movers

Finding a quality moving team for a price that works with your budget has never been easier in Austin, thanks to MASH Movers. We’re a team of local artists and musicians who moonlight as movers and have a genuine passion for our hometown.

Helping people settle into their new place with speed and efficiency is our goal in every job. As you start looking for moving company quotes, be sure to add our name to your shortlist. Drop us a line and get your free quote today!

Moving into Your First Apartment: A Checklist for Savvy Movers

Moving into your first apartment is a huge step for adults—young and old alike. It’s normal to feel excited about this leap toward independence, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking if you’ve never lived on your own before.

If you’re in this situation right now, you probably have a ton of questions. How do you pack? What do you need? Where do you even begin? To make things easy, we’ve made a handy Moving into First Apartment Checklist to help you get ready for the big day. 

Creating Your Space: Make Your Apartment Your Comfort Zone

One of the coolest things about moving out for the first time on your own is creating a space that truly reflects your personality. Moving into your new home is like decorating a blank canvas: it’s yours to decorate, style, and breathe life into.

However, moving into an empty apartment can start to get pricey when you think of all the things a first-time apartment renter needs. One of the best moving out for the first time tips is to start by making a first apartment checklist to help you classify items that are first-day priorities and items that can wait. 

Some items you can put into categories include:

• Furniture

• Kitchenware (such as plates, utensils, cups, pots, and pans)

• Bedroom essentials

• Bathroom essentials

• Cleaning and maintenance supplies

• Items for your living area

Once you map out what, exactly, you’ll need for your apartment, make a budget. To keep things reasonably priced, look for secondhand items in good shape that you can snag for a fraction of the price. You can often find good deals at many discount home goods stores.

Plan For the Place You Have: Tips for Avoiding Clutter

Moving for the first time means that it’s also probably your first time packing and going through all of your belongings. In this case, it helps to make a list of what you might need to get rid of in order to avoid clutter.

Go room by room and start sorting through your items. Place each item into one of three groups: must keep, donate or give away, and trash. While parting with some items might feel difficult, it will save you a lot of hassle once you’re in your new place. You won’t have as much clutter in your new place, giving you more space to decorate and make it your own.

Measure Twice, Hang Once

When you get to your new place, it’s time to start taking measurements to see where everything is going to fit. Don’t rush through this part! Take your time to measure spaces like your walls and floors carefully, write down the measurements, and then do it all over again to double-check the accuracy. 

This is especially important for things like cutting wallpaper or carpet to fit perfectly. You don’t want to measure, cut, and then discover the material doesn’t fit. That can be an expensive mistake!

The same goes for wall-adorned items. Measure each spot on your wall twice before you start hammering into the walls to hang up items like photos and artwork. Take accurate measurements and make sure they are level before you start affixing or hanging things. It’s always better to take extra time to get it done right the first time and avoid costly mistakes.

Consider Hiring Professionals

Your first time moving into an apartment is a special time, and you deserve to have an enjoyable experience. To minimize the hassle and ensure the process goes smoothly, it might be worth calling in professionals. 

While there are definitely steps within the process that you can conquer yourself, professional movers for first-time apartment renters know what they’re doing and can get the job done quickly and efficiently. This is a huge bonus, especially if you’re moving by yourself and don’t have as many pairs of hands as you need on moving day. Movers can even help with packing, depending on the type of services that you’re looking for. It really doesn’t get any easier!

Make Your First Time Moving Out Easy with MASH Movers

First-time movers who need a helping hand can find it with MASH Movers in Austin. We’ve helped numerous people move in and out of Austin, a city that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Our workers pursue art and music in their free time and have a passion for our unique city. 

We quickly shift into mover mode when there’s someone who needs a few extra sets of hands for the big day. Drop us a line today to learn more about our services and receive your risk-free quote!

5 Reasons to Hire a Moving Company

If you’re moving soon, you have a lot on your plate. There’s a lot to get done and many decisions that need to be made. One of the big decisions on your mind might be whether to handle the move yourself or hire movers to get the job done.

There are pros and cons to each approach, but hiring professional movers and packers can offer significant benefits, and it’s not as expensive as you might think. Here’s why you should hire a moving company in Austin to make your moving day as easy and stress-free as it gets.

Who Needs Professional Movers?

Why hire a moving company when you can pack boxes and rent a truck yourself? While moving yourself can be done, it’s not always the best idea.

You may want to consider hiring movers for various situations—whether you’re short on time, trying to stick to a budget, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the process. Additionally, older individuals, those with limited mobility, or people with certain health conditions may have more difficulty safely moving heavy or bulky items.

If any of this sounds like you, here are five reasons why you should call in the professionals.

5 Reasons You Should Turn to the Pros

You still might be thinking, “Why hire professional movers when I can save time and money doing it myself?” You’d be surprised to know how fast and cost-efficient pro movers really are.

Some people hire movers to get the whole job done, while others hire movers for one item — something particularly heavy or fragile — that they need a hand with. Whatever you need to move, professionals are sure to get the job done right. 

1. Pro Movers Work Quickly

If you need help with both packing and moving, professionals can get it done fast. They already have all the necessary materials on hand and are familiar with the best tips and tricks for packing a wide range of items efficiently.

When you consult with your movers, they’ll ask about the specifics to determine the size of the truck and how big a moving team they’ll need. The more hands that are on the project, the faster your moving day will go.

2. It’s (Surprisingly) Cost-Effective

Many people think that the DIY approach will save them money, but hiring movers usually turns out to be the more cost-effective option. When you consider packing supplies, a truck rental, and insurance for your items, the costs stack up fast.

Instead, shop around for quotes to see how much local movers in your area charge. You’ll probably be surprised by how reasonable the prices are once you take all of the moving day costs into account.

3. Reduce Your Risk of Injury

Some people are at an additional risk of injury when moving big or bulky items, but that risk is present for everyone. With one wrong lift or trip, you put yourself at risk for pesky yet painful injuries like a pulled muscle, sprained ankle, or strained back. Skip the risk and leave it to the professionals who do it every day.

4. Pros Know How to Handle Things with Care

Professional packers and movers are experts at handling all kinds of delicate items that need just the right treatment. They have the equipment to disassemble items like instruments and furniture, strong tape and boxes for breakable items, and the best packing techniques to make sure everything arrives in one piece.

5. Pros Offer Extra Protection and Peace of Mind

Most movers require or offer insurance options in case something gets damaged or misplaced during the move. Having this extra bit of protection gives you added assurance and one less thing to worry about on moving day.

Meet MASH Movers: Your Professional Movers in Austin

If you’re looking for one of the best moving companies in South Austin with the most heart, look no further than MASH Movers. We’re a team of local artists and musicians who help people move in and out of our favorite city each day, handling each box with care and a smile. Drop us a line today to learn more about us and get a free quote!

How to Prep for Movers in Austin, Texas

You’ve already started packing up boxes, figuring out how to move large items, and planning your moving day. Now that the big day is almost here, you might be wondering what steps you should take before your local movers in Austin, Texas, arrive. This is where a checklist can really help! Here are some tips to help your moving day run smoothly.

Before the Big Day: Prepping for Movers

In the days leading up to your move, take a walkthrough of the house to determine what needs to be packed (and when), what needs to be cleaned, and identify any items that might require special attention during the move. 

Hiring professional movers in Austin, Texas, can make the entire process significantly easier. They know how to pack and load even the most unwieldy items quickly and efficiently, and they handle everything with care. Full-service movers in Austin can even assist you with packing, so it’s best to be organized before they arrive. Let’s look at what you can do to help out both you and your movers.

Declutter & Clean

Start going through your belongings a few weeks before your move, if possible. As you sort through your belongings, start making lists of items to be discarded, donated, or packed. It’s easiest to do this by going from room to room and organizing items accordingly rather than trying to tackle the whole house at once.

As items are put or thrown away, you can also start cleaning and getting ready for your Austin, Texas, movers. Take note of items left in the rooms you’ve sorted. Jot down the serial numbers of electronics so that your movers can record them in their inventory on moving day. Creating a personal inventory can help you stay organized when packing and unpacking.

Arrange for Appliances to be Disconnected

While most Austin moving companies are prepared to handle whatever you throw at them, there are some things you should take care of beforehand. Not all movers are permitted to disconnect appliances connected to water lines, so it's best to schedule this task ahead of time. Your refrigerator and washing machine are two examples of appliances that may need to be disconnected. The same applies to appliances connected to gas lines.

Give your fridge time to completely defrost. You’ll need a couple of days for this, so don’t wait until the last minute, if possible.

Arrange Care for Kids

Make the day easier for yourself (and your Austin movers) by keeping kids and pets out of the way. This ensures both your belongings and the people in your home stay safe, as children or pets running around can be hazardous.

Instead, make plans early and arrange care for your kids and pets so they’ll be out of the home on moving day. Hire a sitter or arrange for them to stay with a family member or friend.

Take Care of Safety Hazards

Make sure that moving day is safe for both you and your movers. Start by clearing the walkways and stairs so that nobody trips while carrying heavy loads. Also, be aware that movers can’t take everything, so if you have items that could be potentially dangerous or flammable, you should either get rid of them or prepare to move them yourself.

Set Aside Important Items

Even though your moving team is trained to handle fragile items, there might be some antiques or valuables you want to transport yourself. You may want to pack and move items such as jewelry, valuable artwork, or essential medications yourself to avoid the possibility of damage or loss during the moving process.

MASH Movers, Your Austin Area Movers

As you begin searching for moving companies in Austin, Texas, look no further than MASH Movers. We are a team of locals who love this city and its people and look forward to helping each client with their move to the area. We’re artists and musicians who come together to create one of the most eclectic moving services in Austin.

MASH Movers aims to be the go-to team for helping both newbies and long-time residents of Austin move in and out of the city. Drop us a line to learn more about who we are and what we do, and we’ll hit you back with a free quote! 

How to Pack for a Move in One Day: A Brief Guide

For many, packing is one of the most intimidating parts of moving. However, with a few tips and tricks in mind, you can pack everything up in no time. In fact, you might even be able to do it all in just a day! If you have to pull off a quick or last-minute move, here’s a handy guide about how to pack for a move in one day.

How to Pack for a Move in One Day: 4 Tips for Last-Minute Movers

One thing many people want to know is when to start packing for a move. If you have a lot of time before your move, you can chip away at it little by little. If you’re short on time and want to get things done quickly, here are some tips for moving and packing in a pinch.

Make a List

The key to packing in one day is preparation! As soon as you know you’re moving, start making a list of what you must take with you to the new place. Walk through your apartment and note down what you need to pack, what gets trashed, and what you can donate or give away.

Gather Supplies

After you’ve made your lists, start getting supplies. This includes things like:

• Moving boxes

• Tape

• Labels

• Trash bags

Last-minute movers can pack up pretty quickly if they have these things ready to go when they start the packing process.

Start Early

The best tip for how to move in one day is to start early! Set your alarm and start packing room by room. This way, you can declutter, clean, and pack up each room of the house, checking them off as you go.

Repurpose Your Things

Instead of buying bubble wrap, use clothing or towels to wrap fragile things in. Try the Russian doll technique of packing smaller items into larger ones to save space in boxes. This way, you can maximize the space you’re working with.

Make a Last-Minute Moving Checklist

If you’re a last-minute mover, make a checklist of things to keep track of on moving day. You should think about:

• Time

• Your budget

• Recruiting help

• Needed supplies

• Transportation

As you work through these things, you can start formulating and executing a plan for tackling your packing. 

Where to Find Last-Minute Professional Movers

Even if you know how to pack for a move quickly, sometimes you just need some pros to get the job done without the stress. A quick search for reputable movers in your area will often show you at least a few options. If you’re looking for house or apartment movers in Austin, Texas, finding a team of professional movers that works quickly is easy—you’ve already found us!

Contact MASH Movers for Professional Packing and Moving Services, No Matter the Size of Your Space

MASH Movers is a team of professional movers in Austin, Texas, that can handle any move, no matter the size. Our expertise helps us manage home and office moves on tight schedules. We have a passion for our city and getting the job done right, whether you're moving in a week or a day.

With just a few clicks or a phone call, you’ll have your last-minute move sorted in no time. Reach out to us today to get a free quote and get started with your move!

How To Pack China for Moving: 5 Tips from Professionals

The biggest task to tackle when moving is packing. Some items, like clothes, bedding, and linens, are fairly easy to pack, but other items can be trickier to figure out how to box up and transport. Fragile items, like glass, ceramics, and china, need to be packed and moved with extra care and attention.

To make your move as seamless as possible, we have five pro tips on how to pack china for moving. From packing materials to methods, here’s how to start packing your most delicate items for moving day. 

How To Pack China for Moving

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, more than 40 million Americans move every year. If you’re one of them, you want to make sure your most delicate pieces make it to your new home safe and sound. 

When you’re getting ready to pack china bowls, cups, plates, and more, there are some things that you’ll need to gather ahead of time to make the process easier.

1. Get the Right Supplies

Before you start packing fine china, you need to collect your supplies. If you don't already have these things on hand, you can head to an office or craft store. You’ll need:

• Packing paper to wrap china

• China moving boxes

• Packing tape

• Packing peanuts and bubble wrap

• Markers 

All of these things will help you begin when you start thinking about how to pack fine china, since you’ll be prepped and ready to roll.

2. Inspect Your China Before Packing

Find a spot in your home with plenty of space where you can spread out. Bring all of your materials to your workspace and lay out all of your fragile items that need to be packed. 

Take a good look at each one to check for existing cracks and damage. Pieces that are already cracked or chipped aren’t likely to survive the move, so do yourself a favor and leave them out. Less work for you!

3. Learn How to Wrap Each Piece

If you’re looking at your lovely dish collection and wondering how to pack china for moving, know that different pieces need to be wrapped in different ways to make sure they stay safe during the journey.

Place the plates and bowls in the middle of a piece of packing paper. Pull each corner to the center and tape them in place. Do this with three more plates or bowls of the same size and then stack them all together. Wrap all four items together into a bundle and secure them with packing paper or bubble wrap and tape.

The first step to packing cups and glasses is to fill them with crumpled-up packing paper for cushioning. Then, wrap each item individually with packing paper and tape. 

4. Pack the Heaviest Items First in Sturdy Boxes

The best boxes for packing fine china are sturdy ones that can support a heavy load. Make sure that you reinforce each box properly with tape. Put the heaviest items, like plates and platters, in first. Stack them vertically to prevent damage. You can put extra bubble wrap in the boxes for padding. 

5. Don’t Rush

While you can probably move other items quickly, take your time moving china. Handle each box with care and make sure to find a safe spot in your car or truck the day of the move to make sure that everything arrives all in one piece.

When To Consider Hiring Professional Packing Services

Even with the best pro tips, it’s sometimes easier to hire professional packers who know all the best hacks for packing for a move. Packing china can be difficult since the task itself requires a soft hand, and making sure that it survives the moving process is another thing altogether.

Hiring professional packers can save you time since they already know what they’re doing. This can be especially helpful if you’re on a time crunch for your move. Professional packers prep things like china and other fragile items often, so they know what they’re doing when it comes to handling tricky-to-pack items.

Contact MASH Movers for Professional Packing Services and Moving Help in Austin and Throughout TX

Even with all these tips, you might still be struggling to pack your china quickly and easily. That’s when you need one of the top moving companies in Austin to help you get packed and organized in no time.

If you’re looking for Austin area movers and packers, MASH Movers has you covered. We’re a team of artists and musicians who have a passion for this city, and we love helping people make it their new home, too. When we aren’t playing music, you’ll find us hauling boxes across Austin and helping people get their move done right. Drop us a line today, and we’ll get back to you with a free quote in no time!

What is the Best Way to Move a Mattress?

When people start the moving process, they usually begin by thinking about how they will pack up their things in boxes and load them into their vehicle or moving truck. But what about those big, bulky items that aren’t so easy to fold neatly in a box and carry out the door?

Bulky items, like mattresses, can be trickier to move but are definitely doable with a little planning and the right techniques. MASH Movers is here to give you the top pointers you need to know when considering the best way to move a mattress so you can get ready for the big day like a pro.

Mattress Moving Checklist

As you start to think about how to transport a mattress, there are a few things you need to know and have on hand to make the process a lot easier.

Tools

Having some basic supplies will be a huge help. You’ll probably need:

• Measuring tape

• Scissors

• Heavy-duty tape

• Cardboard or a mattress bag

• Hand truck

Getting Started

The first thing that you should do is strip your bed and then measure your mattress. You might know the size offhand, but it’s best to have a precise measurement. This will help you decide how to carry a mattress and then load it up. Not only that, the measurements will let you know if you can fit your mattress through tricky areas like doorways and around corners.

You should also think about the type of mattress you have, as different materials have varying weights and could move differently when you carry them. Some have more flexibility than others. For example, it’s typically easier to move a foam mattress because it’s lighter to carry than latex or hybrid mattresses.

Ways to Move a Mattress: Techniques and Strategies

So, what is the best way to move a mattress? For most, the best option is the mattress bag method. A bag keeps the mattress clean and usually has handles on the sides to help you get a good grip. Some bags may even fold or vacuum-seal so that your mattress takes up less space.

After gathering all of your materials, lie your mattress flat and then slip it into the bag. You’ll need to then tape the bag closed. We would not recommend moving a mattress by yourself; it usually takes more than one person. 

Clear any obstacles from your path, then carefully carry the mattress using the bag’s handles out of the bedroom.

The other way to move a mattress is by reinforcing it with cardboard. Spring or coil mattresses can be easy to move by placing cardboard both on the front and back to make them sturdier. You can then use straps to reinforce the cardboard and make the mattress easier to carry.

How to Move a Mattress By Yourself

In truth, no one should move a mattress by themselves, even if it’s a small one. You don’t want to drag it and risk it getting dirty or damaged. You also don’t want to risk getting hurt. Moving a mattress is a two-person job.

When to Call Professional Mattress Movers

If you need to move a mattress and don’t have an extra set of hands, hiring movers might be the way to go. Moving heavy objects, like a mattress, can overwork your muscles and put you at risk for injury or muscle strain. This is especially true if you have to move a mattress up and down stairs or through tight doorways and corners.

Moving a mattress to a new corner of the room is one thing – but if you’re planning to move a mattress out of your home and into a new space, it’s best to trust the pros. A team like MASH Movers that has the right equipment and plenty of practice moving heavy objects can ensure that your mattress gets moved without causing any damage or injuries.

MASH Movers, Your Neighborhood Professional Movers

While you now have some tips for moving a mattress, make the experience as stress-free as possible by hiring a professional team like MASH Movers. If you think that MASH stands for Mattresses Are So Heavy, give us a call!