Have you ever rented a lorry to make moving houses so much easier, and have them load and unload the many furniture, appliances, trinkets, and other stuff you’ve accumulated over the years to your new home? If you have, there’s a high chance what you remember most from your experience was how well (or unwell) they did their job.
Sometimes however, we need to stop and think about how we have treated them during their pickup. Were we nice to them? Did we attempt small talk? Did we offer any refreshments for their efforts? Certain professionalism is always expected, but we do need to consider the hardworking humans we call movers and lorry drivers.
Story of a friend’s brashness
There was once a friend who had rented a lorry to help him move. A call to the tauke of the road side sign spelled LORI SEWA notifies him that they also provide manpower to help loading and unloading. That coupled with the quoted price, was a good deal in his eyes.
Now this is a friend who can be accurately described as a hot-head. It is unfortunate that on the day of the move, the movers came in a bit later than what was agreed.
So the first thing he did once they arrived was to ask why they were late, in a not so nice way, with the same intensity as Ivan Drago punching Apollo Creed to death in Rocky IV.
This friend defended himself by explaining how hard of a time he had all morning packing and wrapping his things. He was stressed as he did not plan his move properly. So it is safe to say he is not in a particularly good mood to start with.
The day advances and the movers are now in his house picking up the boxes, wrapped furniture and appliances. One thing the friend failed to do during this time was to at least help them a bit.
It is common consensus that when one is to hire movers, the movers’ job will then be to pick up all the things in need of moving.
The fact does not, however, throw the idea of helping them with the loading out the window. They had already came in late, so putting them under more stress to move your things can make for a sloppy job at best. Broken goods at worst.
The friend’s attitude toward his movers were unsavory, and it wouldn’t be listed on a collection of funny moving mishap stories any time soon.
The day turned from morning to noon, and it was almost 1pm when the movers finally got all of the friend’s things into the lorry. Catching their breath and having a quick smoke, they grouped around the back of the lorry and talked among each other.
It was clear as day that they did not take any of the friend’s rudeness and brashness kindly. The movers nevertheless held their professionalism all throughout their task with class, in one’s humble opinion.
We should be nice to our lorry drivers and movers because it shows our gratitude to the work they are doing. The experience was an eye-opener, and it brings along a valuable lesson to us. And there are certain points need to be highlighted from the friend’s whole moving story.
Being mean can backfire
Being a big meany to them doesn’t help anyone, particularly yourself. Movers in general operate on a certain rule of professionalism. It doesn’t mean we can be rude to them when they are helping you move.
Plus, there will always be the risk of unfortunate accidents during the moving process. So why put more stress on yourself and the movers?.
Lookout for signs of distress from them
If the movers comes a bit later than they should, wearing long-faces and looking weary, they might not be in such a good mood. Maybe one of them are facing terrible family matters, or maybe things at work are not ideal.
The worst thing you could do is to start berating them about how late they are. Welcome them with open arms and let them do their work.
They are professional enough if they can arrive and still do their jobs, regardless of surliness.
Hospitality is key
As mentioned, if the movers you hired looked like they just witnessed their pet died, being rude to them should be the last thing on your mind.
Even though they are there exclusively to pick up your stuff for moving, it shouldn’t deter you from offering them light refreshments (lemonade and biscuits maybe?), toilet use, and some good ol’ words of gratitude.
You should make them feel welcomed, because they will be coming into your home to help you move. And they will most probably be the ones to drop your stuff to your new home as well.
Offer help can help
Getting back to the point of the movers being movers, they are hired by you to load your things into their lorry and bring it to your new home. This is a fact. It shouldn’t however, stop you from helping them out a bit.
If you have labeled your boxes, let them know and help them organize during loading. Also tell them which items to carry and which does not. It will help fasten the process tremendously, no?
Make small talk
Some of the questions you can try when garnering small talk can be;
- “Dah lama buat kerja ni?”
- “Dulu buat apa?”
- “Satu hari berapa trip boleh dapat?”
Simple questions coupled with friendly gestures works wonders in helping your mover enjoy themselves while lifting heavy objects.
Why it’s nice to be nice
Now, you may be thinking after reading this that moody lorry drivers and movers doesn’t always happen. In fact it rarely does. The fact shouldn’t discourage you however, to be nice to the people you hire.
If you’re looking for movers and lorry drivers in Singapore with the best professionalism, TheLorry provides 5-star moving services no matter rain or shine.
The work of a lorry driver and mover can be a stressful one. They are tasked to hard labor on top of dealing with customers of various mannerisms. If we can be nice to them, the movers will sure to be 100% committed to serve you to the best of their ability!
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