Fifteen expert tips from professional movers in Addis Ababa
These tips come from how trained crews actually work on site—not from generic articles. Use them to reduce damage, cut surprise charges, and keep your move day predictable.
Tip 1: One identical brief for every company
Same PDF to three bidders: addresses, floors, elevator rules, parking photo, box estimate, bulky list. Apples-to-apples quotes reveal who estimated honestly.
Tip 2: Measure the worst turn before quote day
King mattresses and wall units fail at landings, not in living rooms. Measure clear width and height on the tightest stair or elevator opening.
Tip 3: Small boxes for heavy things
Books, tools, and dishes belong in small cartons. Large heavy boxes crush, injure crews, and slow everyone down.
Tip 4: Double-tape every bottom
One strip is a spill waiting to happen. Pros tape in an H pattern.
Tip 5: Label two sides plus top
Crews stack vertically; one labeled side hides. Room name plus fragile in large letters.
Tip 6: Open First box is sacred
Coffee, mugs, chargers, toilet paper, wipes, meds, basic tools—not mixed into random kitchen cartons.
Tip 7: Elevator buffer time
Book ten extra minutes. Finishing early beats fighting the next reservation mid-sofa.
Tip 8: Door monitor when doors stay open
Propped doors are theft windows. Rotate a household member or ask the lead for a watch rotation.
Tip 9: Valuables off the truck
Cash, jewelry, passports, and original deeds travel with a person.
Tip 10: Photos before wrap
Serial numbers on electronics and existing scratches on wood—baseline for any claim conversation.
Tip 11: Disassembly only if your contract says so
Stripped screws from owner prep cost time. When unsure, let the crew lead decide.
Tip 12: Hydration and shade for crews
Fed crews pace better. Respect break times—tired people drop things.
Tip 13: One adult speaks to the lead
Conflicting instructions from three relatives create chaos and billable confusion.
Tip 14: Final room sweep ritual
Closets, balconies, storage cages—before lockup. Pros find forgotten items daily.
Tip 15: Sign completion only after walkthrough
Note visible issues on the paperwork. Late claims without same-day notice weaken everyone.
Bonus: what pros wish you did the night before
- Defrost fridge if it moves; wipe dry per manual.
- Strip beds except one linen set.
- Charge phones; pack power strips in personal bags.
Addis-specific: traffic and building rules
Confirm loading hours with management; traffic peaks differ by neighborhood. Share gate pass spelling exactly as on IDs.
When tips conflict with your contract
Follow your written agreement on disassembly and owner-packed liability. Tips supplement, not override, the contract.
Conclusion
Professional movers in Addis Ababa perform best when clients prepare like professionals: clear scope, strong boxes, labeled rooms, and calm communication. These fifteen tips are the shortest path there.
