How many movers do you need?

Scope of this page: This page is about estimating the size of a moving crew. To hire a crew in Dammam see moving crew in Dammam, to estimate truck size see choosing a moving truck size, and for homes in general see residential movers.

The first question: how many movers do you really need?

Many people ask about the number of movers before they ask about the duration, and the two are linked: a bigger crew usually shortens the job, but only up to a point. A big crew in a small flat with a narrow hallway gets in its own way, while a small crew in a two-storey villa will need long hours and may get tired and make mistakes. The aim is a balanced crew for the size of the move.

Remember also that big heavy items such as a full wardrobe, a side-by-side fridge or a corner sofa need at least two people, depending on weight and shape, not one person however strong.

The factors that set crew size

These are what we weigh before suggesting a number:

• Number of rooms and furniture: a one-bedroom flat is not a villa with several rooms and a majlis.
• Floor and lift: a high floor with no lift adds a lot of effort and time.
• Truck distance from the entrance: the further the parking, the longer every item has to be carried.
• Heavy and fragile items: fridges, built-in wardrobes, glass and mirrors.
• Dismantling and wrapping: how many beds and wardrobes need taking apart and how much crockery needs wrapping.
• Your deadline: if you must finish before a set time we may enlarge the crew.

A general guide, for illustration only

These are not a commitment or a price, just examples to picture the crew size, and we confirm the number after seeing photos:

• A studio or small flat with a lift: usually a small crew of two to three.
• A two- or three-bedroom flat: often three to four movers.
• A large flat or a floor in a house with no lift: four or more depending on the floor.
• A two-storey villa with several rooms and a majlis: a larger crew and often a long day.

A bigger crew or more time?

A smaller crew may cost less but can mean more hours, which may not suit your situation: flat handover times, compound entry hours, neighbours' tolerance and street closures. A bigger crew finishes faster but needs enough room in the hallways. We discuss both options with you and recommend what suits your date.

The role of the supervisor

Any crew needs someone to run the job: arrange the load, watch the fragile pieces and talk to you. Having a supervisor prevents many small errors. When you ask for movers, ask who will be responsible, which matters more than the number alone.

How to reduce the need for extra movers

Simple steps cut time and effort:

• Empty wardrobes and drawers of heavy items before the move.
• Prepare small boxes that can be carried, not giant ones.
• Keep hallways clear and open the doors and the lift.
• Decide which items will be dismantled or sold before the date.

Ask for an estimate

Send us your home type, number of rooms, floor and photos of the large pieces, and we will suggest the number of movers and the expected duration. For pieces that need dismantling see moving beds and mattresses and furniture assembly.