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Moving is a life-changing event that involves a ton of work. Although it is possible to do it alone, it can feel like an overwhelming task. This is why it's important to recruit any help that you can to get through this season. Between hiring movers, getting convenient storage units near your new home, or having a team of friends to help haul boxes onto your rental truck, you need to do everything you can to get the job done. If you have friends that are helping you move, it's important to show them appreciation. Not only do they go into this with no expectation of pay, but they are giving you the gift of their time and physical labor for a day or two. Here are 4 simple and effective ways to thank your friends for helping you move.

1 Gift Cards & Cash

Gift cards are easy, crowd-pleasing gifts that don't take up a lot of space. Since they have high value but are compact, they can easily fit into a pocket or purse without any issue. On the day of the move, hand out evenly-valued Visa gift cards to your friends as they arrive to assist you. Or, If you know the specific taste of your friends when it comes to restaurants, hand out evenly valued restaurant gift cards to each person. Gas cards are also welcome, as well as cold hard cash. Though they may politely refuse at first, assure them that this is something from your heart, and you want to give them a little something to show them that you appreciate their time and help.

2 Free Food

There's nothing more satisfying than a delicious meal after a day of hard work. When you invite your friends to help you move, let them know about a free meal that you will be ordering in the middle of the day or after the day’s work is done. You can either get pizza and wings delivery for a free lunch that everyone will enjoy. Or, you can treat your friends to an evening out at a delicious restaurant after they've placed all the boxes in your new home.

Though it's hard to make the timing perfect, order the meal when all or most of them will be present. If they plan to be in and out during the day, it's best to order a free lunch instead of dinner so that everyone can fuel up during the move. However, if your friends are free all day, a fantastic night out at a sit-down restaurant is a wonderful way to express your appreciation.

• Tip: If anyone can only show up for a fraction of the time and can't make it to you for either meal, hand them a gift card to their favorite restaurant. This ensures that they get something for their time and that you've been able to give thanks tangibly.

3 Return the Favor

If your friends are not the type to accept money or free food, then you can still return the favor in other ways. You may have friends that have needs that are difficult for money to buy. In that case, you can fill in the gaps and help your friends when they are in need. Here are some great ways to show them some love!

• House sit/pet sit: Since many moves happen in the summer, it's also right smack in the middle of the vacation season. This means that you have an opportunity to help your friends in a variety of unpaid ways such as house-sitting for them when they go on vacation or are watching their dog or cat while they go abroad.
• Offer free babysitting. Have a friend who's a parent of young kids? If they're helping you out today, they are absolute gems. Not only are they already stretched for time because they are parents, but they are giving you a whole day of free moving labor. Return the favor by offering to pay for their next date night out or be the babysitter yourself.
• Offer free lawn care: Sometimes friends can get behind on their lawn care if they are sick or if they are in a challenging season in their life. If this friend has helped you move, you can offer to swing by and mow their lawn to save them time during the week. This is a great way to give your friend back the time that they gave you.
• Help them move: This is one of the simplest ways to help a friend who's helping me. When it's their turn, sign up and show up early to give them all the help they need!

4 Thank You Notes

Expressing your thoughts in words is a wonderful way to help your friends feel appreciated after a long day's work. You may give them a thank-you note alone or place a gift card within the thank-you note itself. It's also fine to send a meaningful “Thank You” email or text message so that they know how much their help matters. If you prefer to go the digital route with all your gifts too, you can also include a digital gift card along with it thank you text.

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Storage Rentals of America is your convenient self-storage solution. So come into our office or give our storage experts a call at 1-800-457-5678. Our call center is available 7 days a week and can help determine which storage unit size best fits your storage needs.