Household Movers

Movers spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, loading and unloading their cargo. They may find themselves moving furniture in extreme heat, below-freezing cold, snow, or rain. The work itself is physical and fairly strenuous, requiring the lifting of heavy and bulky objects, like couches and pianos. Movers have to learn techniques for lifting that minimize the chance of muscle strains and other injuries. Household movers may also spend large amounts of time packing and unpacking small fragile items like glassware, which can become tedious.

In much of the country, the summer months are the busiest times for household movers. Although the standard workweek for full-time employees is about 40 hours, they may work longer during this busy period, receiving overtime pay for extra hours worked.

Van drivers commonly work at least 50 hours a week, often under tiring and stressful conditions. Federal regulations limit their hours to no more than 60 hours on duty in any seven-day period. Also, after drivers have driven for 10 hours, they must be off duty for at least eight hours before they can drive again.

Interstate household movers, including van drivers, spend a considerable amount of time away from home.