How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving

Posted on 12/24/202402/06/2025 by BigApple

Moving to a new place can be exciting, but packing fragile items for the journey is often a nerve-wracking task. Whether it’s delicate glassware, cherished antiques, or electronic gadgets, protecting these items during transit is crucial. With the right techniques in terms of packing fragile items when moving, you can ensure your valuables arrive in perfect condition. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best practices for packing delicate items and why hiring professionals might be the safest option.

Tips for Packing Fragile Items When Moving

How to pack fragile items for moving requires more than just tossing them into a box. It involves meticulous planning, careful wrapping, and strategic placement. Here are the best tips for packing fragile items ensuring your breakables are well-protected –

Use the Right Packaging Material

The first step in packing the breakable items when moving is to gather suitable supplies. Keep the essential packing material handy like bubble wrap, containers, stretch wraps, and packing tape while packing your fragile items. Also, the right techniques should be used to pack the things as different things require different packing approaches. For instance – the method of packing electronic items differs from packing fragile items.

Never Use Flimsy Boxes

The foundation of secure packing lies in how strong your packaging materials are and what kind of boxes you have used to pack your belongings. Don’t use flimsy or worn-out boxes, as they can collapse under pressure. Use reinforced boxes to safely hold your fragile items because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Secure the Bottom of the Box

Reinforce the bottom of the box with extra strips of heavy-duty packing tape. Now secure it with a layer of soft material before placing any items inside. You can use packing peanuts, foam sheets, or crumpled paper to secure it. Start by placing heavier items at the bottom and lighter and fragile ones at the top.

Put Glasses in Small Boxes

When following the steps of packing fragile items for moving, keep glassware in the small boxes. These small boxes are ideal for keeping plates, fragile glassware, and vases. You must pack the glassware properly with bubble wrap or packing paper before putting it into a small box. Fill the box tightly because the tighter you fill it, the less extra space will be there for the items to move during the transit.

Wrap Each Individual Item

For every fragile item you are packing, starting from glassware to plates to any decorative items, you must wrap them individually. Remove their loose pieces, like lids, if any, and wrap them up separately. Use towels and blankets to cover things like picture frames. What to do to be extra safe? Use bungee cords or tape to secure more oversized items. Doing this will keep everything at place.

Disassemble Bulky Furniture

Do you have bulky furniture at your home? If yes, disassemble it before you move. It is easier to transport the detachable piece on and off the moving truck. Once you have disassembled the furniture components, wrap each piece separately and label them for easy reassembly. This makes furniture reassembly easier when you shift to your new home. When handling and packing the mirror, add a large piece of cardboard in the inner and outer layers and secure it with bubble wrap in the middle. Follow the same rule for fragile paintings and artwork. Protect them with padded covers for protection.

Use Plenty of Packing Tape

Have a lot of packing tape with you to keep the wrapping intact and secure the fragile items. You don’t want to experience the things that can go wrong when moving, right? So, use the tape generously to seal boxes, secure wrapping, and reinforce weak points. Properly taped boxes reduce the risk of items shifting or falling out during the move.

Fill Hollow Items with Packing Paper

Hollow items like bowls, glasses, and jars should be filled with crumpled packing paper. This is done to prevent them from collapsing or any breakage due to vibrations. After packing them up with the packing paper, put these items in boxes and fill the empty spaces with towels or packing peanuts to stop your belongings from moving.

Label Fragile Items

You cannot forget to label your belongings when packaging for fragile items. Clearly label all the moving boxes in big letters with “FRAGILE” or “HANDLE WITH CARE.” Make sure you write with bright-colored markers or pre-made labels so that they stand out and movers notice them. Also, indicate which side of the box should face up.

Hire a Professionals to Pack & Move your Fragile Items

Hiring professionals for packing fragile items for moving is one of the best choices you can make to save your time as well as money in the long run. Why is this so? Professionals come with their expertise and equipment when it comes to how to pack fragile items and move them to minimize the risk. Most moving companies also offer insurance options, providing you with peace of mind in case of unforeseen accidents. And who can deny the efficiency of the movers in packing and transporting the items quickly and safely? So, when you hand over your packing and moving tasks to the professionals, you are sure to be in safe hands.

Conclusion

The process of packing fragile items for moving requires careful planning, the right materials, and meticulous execution. From using sturdy boxes and ample padding to labeling and securing every item, these tips can help ensure your valuables arrive safely at your new home. For an extra layer of assurance, hire professional movers from Big Apple Moving and let your move be like a breeze.

Make the move of fragile items stress-free with Big Apple Moving. Contact us today and let our experts handle your fragile items with care and precision!

How Many People Does it Take to A Move Piano

Posted on 12/12/202402/06/2025 by BigApple

Moving a piano is no simple feat. These majestic instruments, with their intricate components and sheer size, require careful planning and precise handling. While the exact number of movers depends on several factors, understanding how many people to move a piano is crucial for ensuring the process is both safe and efficient. Let’s dive into the details of how to move a piano.

Factors that Determine the Number of Movers

How many people move a piano is influenced by several considerations, such as the piano’s type, weight, path, equipment, and distance. Let’s know them in detail –

Type and Weight of Piano

It can be difficult to know exactly how much does a piano weigh? It comes in various sizes and weights. Let’s talk about some of them –

Spinet Piano

The spinet piano is one of the smallest piano types, about 3 feet high and 4 feet long. And how much does a spinet piano weigh? Its weight is generally between 200 and 300 pounds, and it requires only 2 strong people.

Console Piano

The console piano is a little taller than the spinet piano, and its height is between 3 ft 4 inches to 3 ft 7 inches. When talking about how heavy a console piano is, it is one step up in terms of weight and quality from a standard spinet piano. 2 professional movers are enough to handle and move a console piano if there are no stairs or obstacles. You require more people if there is even one flight of stairs.

Studio Piano

As the name suggests, a studio piano is a heavy-weight piano designed for professional settings that require at least three people to move. Its weight of studio piano is between 400-600 lbs, and its length ranges from 3 ft 9 inches to 4 ft tall.

Classic upright

The next in the list is the classic upright piano. So, how much does an upright piano weigh? The classic upright piano is one of the heaviest types of piano, and it weighs 500 lbs or more. When considering moving an upright piano. You need at least four people to move this piano weight. If the move is complex or it involves stairs or tight corners, it’s better to have 1-2 extra movers with you.

Horizontal piano

Before moving the horizontal piano, you need to disassemble it. And this disassembly process requires the assistance of the movers who come with their own equipment. Horizontal pianos generally weigh over 500 pounds and include models like grand and baby grand pianos. 4-6 movers are needed to move horizontal pianos due to their weight and complexity.

Semi-Concert piano

The semi-concert piano is up to 900 lbs and is nearly 7 ft inches in size. It is massive and specially designed for concert halls. Therefore, it needs expert handling and requires 5-6 or more movers to move it.

Moving Path

The environment plays an important role in determining the complexity of the move. See if there are any tight corners, narrow hallways, or stairs involved. All these things require extra hands for precision.

Equipment

Moving a piano requires the use of the right equipment, like skid boards, piano dollies, etc., to ensure safety. It also influences the number of people needed.

Distance

The distance between the current location of the piano and the destination determines how much effort and movers will take to move it. If the distance is short and it is moving from one room to another or in the same building, then fewer movers will suffice. However, long-distance moves (same room or house) require more people to help with loading, unloading, and securing the piano for transit.

Post-Move Care and Considerations

Successfully moving a piano is only half the battle. Proper care afterward ensures it remains in optimal condition.

Acclimatization

As humans need time to acclimate to a new environment, so does a piano. Changes in the temperature and humidity levels may affect the piano’s wood and soundboard. Allow the instrument to sit in its new environment for at least 48 hours to adjust before tuning or playing.

Tuning

The piano has delicate internal components that might get disturbed during a move. It is advisable to schedule a professional tuning session a week or two after relocation to restore its pitch and harmony.

Exterior Check

Check your piano for any potential scuffs or scratches. This step is important as there could be scratches on the piano which might have occurred during the move. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent long-term wear.

Regular Maintenance

Moving gives you the perfect opportunity to check all your belongings and keep them in the best shape. Periodic tuning, checking, and cleaning your piano at regular intervals ensures its longevity and pristine sound.

Importance of Professional Piano Movers

How to move a piano requires proper planning and help from professionals to make the move seamless. They know the complexities involved in handling the piano weight and its movement and ensure they do no harm to the piano or to the environment while moving.

There is no denying the fact that hiring professional professional piano movers is an investment. Why is this so?

Professional Piano movers have the expertise and training to give you the desired results from your move.
They ensure the protection of your floors and belongings and reduce the risk of injuries to anybody while moving anything.
They streamline the process, saving you hours of labor and stress.

Conclusion

Moving a piano and how many people to move a piano requires careful consideration of its type, the moving path, equipment, and distance. While smaller pianos may need just 2 movers, larger instruments can require up to 6 or more professionals. Post-move care, including acclimatization, tuning, and maintenance, ensures your piano remains in perfect condition.

To make the process of how to move a piano seamless and stress-free, trust the experts. Big Apple Moving offers professional moving services with experienced movers who treat your belongings and instrument with the care it deserves. Contact us today for a hassle-free piano moving experience! Get a free quote now and let your move begin.

How Much Does a Piano Weigh & How to Move it?

Posted on 11/14/202402/06/2025 by BigApple

When you think of a piano, you probably imagine elegant melodies filling the air. But behind that enchanting sound is an incredibly heavy and complex musical instrument. Whether you’re considering moving your piano or just curious about its weight, it’s important to understand just how heavy these instruments can be. Not only is this knowledge practical, but it also helps you appreciate the craftsmanship involved. Let’s dive into the details of how much does a piano weigh, how its weight varies depending on its style, and some helpful tips for moving a piano.

How Much Does a Piano Weigh?

Pianos are known for their beauty and grandeur, and their average weight depends on several factors like their size, type, brands, style, and the materials used in the construction. And moving a piano is not easy because it is made of various heavy parts like a lid, rim, pedals, and prop stick. That being said, the average weight of most pianos falls between 300-1200 pounds.

Let’s understand this aspect in more detail.

Average piano weight by style

If you are wondering how heavy is a piano, here we have classified them on the basis of their styles –

Upright Piano

The most common type of piano is the upright piano, which doesn’t take up much space compared to the other ones. And many people prefer to keep them in their homes. But here is the catch: they are not as lightweight as it seems. They often weigh between 300-500 pounds. Also, the taller the upright piano is, the heavier it is to move. So, you need to hire a piano moving service for upright piano moving.

Baby Grand Piano

The next on the list is the Baby grand piano, having a curved design and is larger than the petite or miniature grand piano but still quite hefty. Their length can be up to 5’7″ with a weight between 500-650 pounds. It takes 3 to 4 people to move the baby grand piano once its legs and pedals have been removed. They are ideal for living rooms and smaller performance spaces due to their balance between size, sound, and quality.

Grand Piano

Now comes the concert grand piano. They are the heaviest of all in the piano family, which you may have often seen in professional concert halls. They weigh somewhere between 900-1200 pounds. Due to their larger size, they have more resonant sound. But moving them is a greater challenge. It is said that lighter semi-concert grands weigh somewhere around 900 lbs, whereas bigger concert grands are somewhere near 1300 lbs.

Tips for Moving a Piano

When it comes to piano moving, many people underestimate the challenge. Moving such a heavy, delicate, and expensive piece of equipment requires thoughtful planning, the right tools, and a whole lot of muscle. Before you attempt to relocate your piano, consider the following tips –

Ask for help

If you are someone who believes in doing everything alone, you have to change your philosophy here for some time. Handling it all by yourself without the help of professional movers can pose a serious risk of injury. Ideally, you must hire professional Piano Movers to tackle this job without getting overwhelmed by this task, as the professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle the heavy lifting without damaging it.

Collect the Right Moving Supplies and Materials

Gather the right moving supplies and materials before executing your piano moving. The most important materials you will need for cushioning your piano are dollies, moving blankets, straps, and piano boards. Now, how to move a piano? For the smaller ones, use thick towels or blankets and packing tape to wrap them securely. Then, use a heavy-duty dolly for an upright piano and a piano board for a baby grand or grand piano. Using these supplies will make moving a piano much safer and help ensure that neither the instrument nor your home suffers damage.

Keep a Measure Before Your Move

Do you know where you are going to place your piano in your new home? If yes, measure the spaces where you want to put it. These spaces include doorways, hallways, and staircases where you have to pass through your piano without any issues. Plan your route and see how many sharp turns, low ceilings, and tight corners you will come across to navigate this piano-moving process easily. Moving a piano need not be difficult if you take all the necessary steps, and it keeps away the frustration of moving day.

How to Hire a Moving Partner?

Given the complexity and physical effort required, it’s often best to hire professionals to move a piano. Professional piano moving services specialize in moving, and their staff is equipped with the skills, tools, and know-how to relocate your piano safely and efficiently. Here’s how you can get in touch with the right team of Big Apple Moving and what to expect in terms of cost –

Find a moving partner

When you come across professional movers like Big Apple Moving, visit their website and find their contact details to contact them. Also, read about their experience and reviews to have proper knowledge about them before hiring them for your move.

A general idea says that you need 2-4 movers for upright pianos, 3-4 for baby grand pianos, and 4-6 movers for concert grand pianos.

How Much does it cost to Move a Piano?

Piano moving service charge an average of $150-$1000, depending on how heavy is a piano. How much does it cost to move a piano take into account the size, complexity and distance of the move. It is important to contact a reliable and professional moving company for an accurate piano moving estimate.

Having said that, Big Apple Moving is your trusted moving partner when it comes to moving heavy items or heavy musical instruments with intricate designs. We assure you that we will handle your piano moving with utmost safety. Our team will bring all the needed equipment and services like packing and transportation with us and will handle the weight and size of different piano models seamlessly. Let our expert NYC Movers handle your piano moving and ensure your peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

A piano is not just a musical instrument but a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its weight indicates the complexity of the move, and moving one is no easy task. Whether you choose to tackle the move yourself or hire professionals, knowing how heavy a piano is and planning accordingly can make all the difference.

If you decide to hire a piano moving service, be sure to get a free piano moving estimate and find experienced movers who know exactly how many people to move a piano safely. With the right preparation, your beloved piano can be relocated without a hitch. Did I forget to mention the expertise of Big Apple Moving in moving your things? Well, contact us to know more and we will make piano moving a breeze for you.

How to Dispose of a Couch

Posted on 10/16/202402/06/2025 by BigApple

Couches are a staple of comfort in our homes, offering the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. But what happens when your beloved couch becomes worn out, or you simply want to upgrade? Whether your couch is still in good condition or has seen better days, disposing of it can be more complicated than just tossing it on the curb. And disposing of an old couch becomes more important while residential moving. After all, you want to get rid of the old and unnecessary items and make a hassle-free move.

Fortunately, there are multiple ways when talking about how to dispose of a couch, ensuring you make the most of its value while minimizing waste. In this blog we will walk you through several effective methods to get rid of an old couch, from selling and donating to recycling and hiring professional services.

How to get rid of an old couch?

What steps should you follow as far as “how to get rid of an old couch” is concerned? Let us know.

Assess the Condition of Your Couch

Before disposing of your couch, assess its condition. Make a note of whether the couch is still usable or the damage is in such a way that it is beyond repair. After assessing its condition, choose whether you want to sell it, donate it, recycle it, or dispose of it completely.

Selling Your Couch

Looking for a way to make some decent money while disposing of your couch? Consider selling it. It is not only a financially rewarding option but also an eco-friendly way. In this manner, you also tend to promote a culture of reusing. You can consider selling it to online marketplaces, at a garage sale, or to second-hand furniture stores.

Donating Your Couch Locally

The next in the list of how to dispose of a couch is by donating it. Throwing away a couch and donating it is actually a great way of making some space in your home and, at the same time, helping others in need.

You can contact charitable or non-profit organizations to check whether they accept a couch donation or not. Some organizations even offer free pick-up services, which is a really convenient option. However, before donation, ensure that your couch is in clean and sensible condition.

Recycle the Couch

A sofa as a whole may not be recyclable. But some parts of it may be. Its wood, metal, and fabric can be repurposed and reused. Look for junk removal services or specialized furniture recycling programs in your city to recycle sofas.

Hire a professional upholstery cleaner

If your couch is in decent condition and you don’t want to sell it, but it still needs a deep cleaning, it’s time to get in touch with a professional upholstery cleaner. They clean and sanitize your couch, rejuvenate it, and ultimately make it more attractive to potential buyers. This trick becomes especially useful if your couch has stains or accumulated dirt from prolonged usage.

Rent a Dumpster

If you are thinking about how to get rid of an old couch in addition to multiple things, renting a dumpster might help you in a great way. It acts as an excellent disposal option, which allows you to work at your own pace. It is an appropriate method to get rid of numerous items in one go, but it can also be costly.

Repurpose or upcycle it

Bring your inner creativity out and repurpose your sofa into something useful. Watch some DIY videos, follow them, and upcycle your couch to make something new and unique. Give your sofa a second chance by adding a personal touch to it and transforming your home décor.

Hold a yard or garage sale

Do you have more than 3-4 items that you want to get rid of? If yes, you can organize a yard or a garage sale. It is a fun way to gain some extra cash while decluttering your home. What more can you do? Get a couple of neighborhoods together for a larger sale so that there are better odds of success and you will attract more buyers.

Check with your local waste management facility

Local waste management facilities are your next stop if your couch is damaged beyond repair. But some waste management facilities ask you to pay a small fee for the same. Also, some offer bulk trash pick-up and drop-off services for large furniture items. Check with your local regulations and see how you can make this trick work for you.

Contact local recycling centers

Recycling centers accept a number of items, not just cans and bottles. So, if you are thinking about where to dump old couches, contact your local recycling centers to reduce the waste responsibly.

Conclusion

The process of how to dispose of a couch doesn’t have to be complicated. From selling and donating to recycling and hiring professionals, you have plenty of options that align with your couch’s condition. Big Apple Moving allows you to get rid of an old couch easily as it handles every aspect of your relocation and moving needs.

We provide top-quality services when it comes to picking up your sofa and getting it to the desired place, whether it’s your new home or the recycling center. Contact us at (212) 365-0707 to know more.

10 Home Improvements You Need to Make Before Moving In

Posted on 03/20/202004/03/2020 by BigApple

You have just bought a new home, and you will be moving soon. You are already making plans for the move day, organizing your belongings. You have hired a professional moving company and now you have an endless list of pre-move tasks to do. Renovating your new place can be the last thing that you have on mind right now, but it should not be. Some home improvements can be done after relocation but there are several projects that you will want to finish while the home is still empty. We have prepared the list of 10 home improvement projects that you will want to finish before you move in.

1. Major Renovations

If you already know that some room requires major renovations, you should work on them before you move in. There is no need for you to move all your furniture in your new home only to have to move it out and in again. Bathroom and kitchen renovations are the most common projects that will occur before the move, and you definitely want to have a functioning bathroom and kitchen before you start living in your new house. Those are big projects that will require a lot of time, you will need to make preparations and there will be a lot of cleaning up to do after they are finished, so it will be much easier to work on them while your home is free from furniture and family members.

2. Remove the “Popcorn” Ceiling and Walls

The heavily-textured ceiling and walls treatment is otherwise known as “popcorn” treatment usually contains asbestos. You can test it and if it contains this toxic material you will need to remove it, you will need to hire licensed professionals for this task due to the toxicity. This is one of the most important tasks to finish before the moving day. You don’t want to start a new life in a toxic environment. This is an easy project but it can be really messy and you will need to clean up after it is finished, it is much easier to do so when there is no furniture.

3. Replace All Major Appliances

All major appliances like heating and cooling systems that need to be replaced can be replaced after the move but it will be much easier if you do it before. Some of the appliances can be replaced easily, but some of them may require additional ducting, ventilation or plumbing works. Stand-alone appliances, like washing machines or dryers, can be replaced once you move in.

4. Painting

If you are a homeowner, you know that it is much easier to paint the walls and ceilings of a room that has no furniture in it.

5. Closet Shelving Upgrades

If your new home has one of those big closets that are already installed you need to redo the shelves and upgrade them before you transfer your items. Closest are the first things that will be filled with your stuff on your moving day. You don’t want to work on that on the day of the move. You will have too many tasks on moving day.

6. Baby-Proof Your New Home

All of the home improvement projects are even more tricky if you have toddlers. You will want to baby-proof your home before you move in. You will need to work on this after the move too, you will need to baby-proof your furniture, but you can child-proof locks, windows, closets and set up baby-gates before you move in.

7. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are two things that are often forgotten. You will want to put fresh batteries and services the alarms in order to make sure that they are working before the day of the move.

8. Exterior Locks Replacement

You need to make sure that your new home is safe, and you can never be sure who the previous owner gave keys to. Replace all the locks and alarm systems codes before you move in.

9. Securing the Mailbox

It may even be easier to purchase and install a new mailbox for your home, and you shod do so before you move in, you will organize address transfer before you move in and there is a chance that some mail will be delivered before your moving day.

The last one you will want to do twice, once before you move in and once after the moving day.

10. Cleaning Your New Home Inside-out

After all of the renovation and home improvement projects are done you will want to clean your house completely, you don’t want to clean on your moving day, you will be exhausted from the travel, loading and unloading your furniture and setting up your new home. You should repeat this task after the move to, your home will get dirty during the unpacking process but it will be a lot less work if you have already cleaned it before the moving day.

Affordable tricks for boosting your home’s curb appeal

Posted on 02/09/202002/08/2020 by BigApple

Calling a house a home doesn’t always come easy. It is the place where you spend most of your day in, and of course, you want it to feel comfortable. Once you move to a new house, you’ll probably get super excited about getting to plan out its design. However, most people tend to focus mainly on the interior. That is understandable – you don’t really look at the exterior of your house much. On the other hand, that’s all many people see! Especially the neighbors that live around you. So, it is important to take care of your “outside look” as well. Boosting your home’s curb appeal doesn’t always have to happen before you sell a house! By making your home seem nicer, it will give your neighbors a better first impression about you. Continue reading “Affordable tricks for boosting your home’s curb appeal”