Moving is something that almost everyone will have to go through at some point in your life. It is easier to do when you are younger and don’t have much furniture, but moving grows in difficulty as you start to accumulate more household furnishings.

If you have a lot of things to move you are probably gearing up to ask your friends and family for help. Because it is such a chore to move though, you may be nervous about asking and unsure if they will be willing to help you. If you aren't sure that you have the support that you need, here are some ways to get your friends and family on board.

Follow these six easy steps to boost your chances of having your family or friends help you out with this move.

Six Simple Steps to Take So That Friends And Family Will Help You Move

1. Ask People Who Owe You A Favor
2. Ask Well in Advance
3. Choose A Time When Friends and Family Are Available
4. Offer to Feed Them
5. Show Them That You Are Thankful
6. Offer Them a Few Dollars

When you are getting ready to move and need help your best chances are to ask people that owe you a favor. If you helped your dad with his computer or helped your best friend move you should call them first. In general, you should try to only ask people that you have a reciprocal relationship with. Basically, this is a time to lean on the people that you would support in the same situation.

Regardless of who you ask, you need to ask well in advance. Trying to schedule people to help you move 24 hours before you move is a risky move because you risk alienating your loved ones and increase the chances that no one is available. Take some time to schedule a day that most people won't be busy and try to be flexible so that if people can't make your first date there is a second choice for them to choose.

Another way to ensure that you have ample support on moving day is to offer to feed those who are willing to come. You can offer simple food like pizza, soda, and beers or you could spend some of the days grilling between breaks moving heavy furniture. You can also see if anyone wants to do a potluck with you providing the main dishes (and paying the most) and your friends and family bringing easy sides that don't stretch their budgets. Additionally, you can take everyone out for food after the move is complete and you are ready to unwind.

It's also important to remember that the best way to get someone to help you with a move is to show your gratitude. People are much more willing to help someone who acknowledges the time and energy sacrifice that helping you move costs. Make sure that you are sincerely grateful while you are asking and then back that up by being understanding with their time and their needs on moving day. You don't have to go over the top with your thanks, but it should be obvious that you appreciate their help. 

Finally, if none of these steps work, you can always offer to give your friends and family a few dollars. While this is not the most appealing offer to most, sometimes it becomes your last option before having to hire a moving company or do it alone. Instead of offering your friends money for their work, you can offer to give them some gas money or bus fare for their time and energy.