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Should I provide breakfast for the removals people?

84 replies

CarolineTheChemist · 06/06/2019 15:39

Help! I'm panicking and need some advice/a reality check!

On Monday we have a removals firm arriving to pack our top floor flat into their lorry and move it to our new house about 80 miles away.

They're planning to do the unload on Tuesday evening and I'm already worrying cos our drive is too narrow for their lorry, so they will have to carry everything up the 20 metre drive too. Blush

When I mentioned this to one of my close friends, she casually remarked that I'd better be ready with the bacon sarnies for them on Tuesday morning. I asked her if this was expected by them and she said she thought it was normal practice. I pointed out that we don't have a cooker yet so I can't make bacon sarnies... nor a fridge or a kettle, or microwave, or mugs, plates, knives etc - you get the picture.

I've prepared by borrowing a cool box and I bought cans of coke and bottles of water. I intend to put them in with some ice in case anyone wants a cold drink, but I don't know what to do about food?!? Sad

I mentioned it to some colleagues today and they unhelpfully agreed that providing breakfast was the done thing... one also suggested we "pop to Greggs for some bacon sarnies" until I reminded him it's a rural location and the nearest town is a 40 minute drive away.

I've moved many times, but this is the first time we've used an actual removals firm. What does mumsnet think is appropriate/expected??

OP posts:
MrsCasares · 07/06/2019 16:55

Last move we did my dh went to subway and bought a platter of assorted subs. Was very appreciated.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 07/06/2019 17:01

@DobbyTheHouseElk hope you provide a range of milk and wheat free biscuits for lactose and wheat intolerant people Dobby!

darjeelingisrank · 07/06/2019 17:52

And Dobby, what about the vegans Grin?! Seriously! Just pay up, provide some drinks and biscuits and a good cash tip. You are rural, not near all these caffs and Greggs and moving.

DobbyTheHouseElk · 07/06/2019 18:36

Haha, very funny. I’m vegetarian so I never cook bacon. I do biscuits, probably custard creams, take it or leave it.

MiniMum97 · 08/06/2019 19:32

Why on earth do people provide meals and tips and god knows what else. I don't get meals or tips when I go to work!!! I prepare and provide meals myself. And why should o get a top when I am just doing my job! Tea and biscuits is ok. Nothing more otherwise we will become like America when everyone expected tops for everything.

MiniMum97 · 08/06/2019 19:37

Loads of people work very hard, away from home and/or for very little money. Why do removals men deserve a tip and their lunch and not other workers!

Leggyfrog · 08/06/2019 19:39

No

You do not have to feed removal men - you are paying them to do a job.

darjeelingisrank · 08/06/2019 19:40

Because they're men, Mini. On MN you're not supposed to tip the person who hauls your shopping up 3 flights of stairs and puts it in your kitchen but you have to tie yourself in knots over builders, plumbers, sparks and removal men on top of paying top whack as that's 'polite'.

Undies1990 · 08/06/2019 19:47

Ridiculous idea to give removals people breakfast! They eat their own breakfast before they start work like any other human Hmm

You'll have more than enough stress to deal with so don't burden yourself with more to do!

You are paying them to do their job.

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