Gone are the days when you could get moving help from friends with the promise of pizza and a beer. That might have worked when you were moving from one dorm room to another. But now you're moving to a new "grown-up" home, and that means moving couches, dressers and other "grown-up" furniture.

If you want help this time, you'll need to plan ahead and be aware of friends' willingness and their availability. Be prepared to do a little strong-arming, too. Sometimes when people find out you're moving they magically disappear. Here are some moving tips to successfully have friends help you move.

1. Schedule the moving date.

Obviously, if you want your employed friends to help on moving day, you'll need to schedule it on the weekend. Stay away from long holiday weekends; you're not going to get a positive response when you ask for moving help then. Build some flexibility into your move date unless you have to schedule a rental moving truck. Even then, pick a couple different dates based on your friends' plans.

2. Call in the I.O.U.s.

Most of us don't like to think we're the kind of people who do a favor expecting a favor in return. But if you're a willing friend who is always helping out your pals, you can feel good about asking for a little moving help from friends. Don't be above piling on some guilt. You'll need all the help you can get for this moving adventure.

3. Now you owe them.

If you have a proven friend track record, offer a BIG favor for their help with the move. If they have a wedding or important event coming up, volunteer to do whatever they need. And mean it.

4. Plan ahead and give your helpers notice.

Ask your moving crew for a firm commitment at least three weeks before the scheduled day. Don't be insulting, but have them write it on their calendars. At this point, you also need to give them a start time to be there, an estimate of the time (add a couple hours for unplanned events) it will take to move, and some time to unload.

5. Do a dry run and plan your route.

Don't wait for move day to find the best route from your old place to the new. Try a couple different ways. Then map it online and email a mapped route to your helpers. With the map, include a brief reminder of date and time.

6. Be ready on move day.

If friends help you move, be ready to go on that morning. Don't leave any packing until the last minute; that's not fair and not what they signed on for.

7. Have the right tools available.

Rent a dolly if you need it for heavier items. Buy a few pairs or work gloves for folks that didn't bring theirs. Don't overload boxes so they are too heavy for most people to lift. Your pals might be strong, but they aren't professional movers. Have bottled water, soft drinks and snacks available when friends help you move.

8. Be a supervisor, not a tyrant.

Even if you're stressed on move day, go easy on your free labor. Be directive, but be nice.

9. After it's over…

After you've moved and settled in somewhat, throw a party for your moving crew. They'll appreciate seeing your new place sans boxes and they'll like the thank-you gesture.