How To Move Furniture Into An Apartment

Posted on 10/11/201707/31/2023 by BigApple

Moving furniture into a new apartment can be a challenging task, requiring careful planning, physical strength, and the right equipment. As a leading moving company dedicated to providing top-notch relocation services, we understand the complexities of furniture moving and the importance of ensuring your prized possessions arrive at your new home safely and efficiently.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss why hiring a professional moving company is the smart choice when it comes to moving furniture. From expert handling to specialized equipment, we have the experience and resources to make your furniture moving experience seamless and stress-free.

Expert Handling and Care

At Big Apple Moving Company, our team of trained professionals boasts extensive experience in handling all types of furniture, ranging from delicate antiques to bulky sofas. We are well-versed in the best techniques for packing, loading, and unloading your items, ensuring that they remain in pristine condition during transit.

Our team is highly skilled in maneuvering through narrow hallways, stairs, and tight corners, thereby mitigating the risk of accidental damage to your furniture and the apartment’s interior. We take pride in our ability to provide top-notch services that guarantee the safe and secure transportation of your valuable possessions.

Specialized Equipment

Moving heavy and bulky furniture requires the right tools and equipment. As a reputable moving company, we are equipped with a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art tools designed to make the moving process more efficient and secure. Our arsenal includes furniture dollies with pneumatic wheels, furniture sliders for smooth movement on various surfaces, and furniture straps to secure items in place during transportation. Additionally, we utilize custom-built ramps and lifts to handle oversized or awkwardly shaped furniture with ease.

Efficient Packing And Loading

Packing and loading furniture properly is a crucial aspect of any successful move. At Big Apple Moving, we take great pride in our meticulous approach to packing and loading your furniture, ensuring each item is secured for safe transportation to your new apartment.

We understand that every piece of furniture is unique and requires special care. Our expert movers come prepared with a variety of packing materials tailored to different furniture types. From furniture pads and blankets for delicate surfaces to sturdy cartons for smaller items, we use the right materials to protect your furniture during transit.

To prevent items from moving around during transportation, it’s important to use the space in the moving truck wisely. Our movers are experts at arranging furniture in a way that maximizes space and keeps everything safe and secure. This helps to prevent damage from items hitting each other while in transit.

It’s important to secure furniture in the moving truck to avoid it moving during transportation. Our team uses strong straps and tie-downs to keep your furniture in place. This extra protection makes sure your things stay where they should and arrive at your new place in the same condition as when they were loaded.

Saving Time

The process of moving furniture can be both physically demanding and time-consuming. However, by engaging the services of a professional moving company, you can save valuable time and energy, enabling you to concentrate on other crucial aspects of your move. Our team of professionals will expertly manage all aspects of furniture moving, including packing, loading, transportation, and unloading, thereby streamlining the entire process. With our extensive experience and expertise, you can rest assured that your furniture will be handled with utmost care and delivered to your new location in a timely and efficient manner.

Insurance And Tailored Solutions

We know that keeping your furniture safe is very important when moving. Professional movers can give you three benefits that will help you feel better about the move. This will make the whole process easier for you.

Insurance Coverage: We know that accidents are unpredictable, and despite taking every precaution, there’s always a slight chance of unforeseen incidents occurring during the move. That’s why we offer comprehensive insurance coverage for your furniture and belongings. With our insurance policy, you can rest assured that your items are financially protected in the unlikely event of any damage, providing you with peace of mind throughout the relocation journey.

Peace of Mind: Moving can be stressful, but our professional movers can ease your worries. Our team is well-trained, experienced, and careful with your furniture. We take full responsibility for your items’ safety from packing to unloading in your new home. You can focus on settling in while we handle the heavy lifting and logistics with professionalism.

Tailored Solutions: We understand that every furniture moving project is unique, with its own set of challenges and requirements. That’s why we offer tailored solutions to cater to your specific needs. Whether you need assistance with a few delicate antiques or require complete furniture relocation, our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that fits your schedule, budget, and preferences. Our flexibility allows us to adapt to any situation, ensuring a smooth and seamless moving experience from start to finish.

Conclusion

Hiring a professional moving company can make moving furniture into your new apartment easier. Our team of experienced professionals and specialized equipment can help you move your furniture with ease. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that your prized possessions arrive at your new home safely and intact. We handle your furniture with care, pack it efficiently, and transport it reliably. You can trust us to be your ideal partner for all your furniture moving needs.

To drive or not to drive in NYC, that is the question

Posted on 09/19/201701/25/2018 by BigApple

Are you moving to New York with your car? Well, we’d advise you to re-think that decision. Sure, at this time, it seems perfect. Your NYC international movers will load everything into the van and you will only drive your family and the absolute necessities to the city. However, once you actually arrive to the Big Apple the mayhem begins. Like with any metropolis, the traffic in NYC tends to get hectic. So, before moving to the city, let’s answer a huge modern-day Shakespearean question: To drive or not to drive in NYC, that is the question…

Before you decide to drive in NYC, there are things you should know

To drive in NYC is a difficult thing... Consider your options carefully. — Before you decide to drive in NYC you should read about the everyday situation on these streets…

Like all things New York, there are special rules for commuting with your car, too. First and foremost, before making your decision, take a look at the public transportation options in the Big Apple. Add up the costs of that vs driving around the city and see which would be more affordable. Long story short, if you’re ready to take on the NYC traffic in hopes of sparing your feet a few blocks of walking, here’s an instruction manual.

Red means no when you’re cruising about NYC in your car

Unlike the rest of the US, the red light is a bit different in New York. Be careful not to fall into your old habits as you’re driving in the city. Seeing a red light may tell you that you can turn right, but not in NYC. At least, not if it isn’t written anywhere near the traffic light.

Traffic signs require a bit of extra attention in the Big Apple

You think that you have all the signs down perfectly? Prepare to be surprised in NYC! Driving here means looking at almost every single one of them, just to be sure. If you’re familiar with the Hogwarts Castle, it’s perfectly alright to imagine those alternating staircases now… Due to a large number of drivers and the numerous traffic jams, the city had to find a solution. So, they directed the cars in a manner that stops the busiest intersections from coming to a standstill. Keep an eye out for the different times when you can make different turns in unfamiliar streets. Believe us, the moment you find yourself making a mistake and doing an illegal turn, one of the boys in blue will stop you.

Don’t stop reading the signs yet if your goal is to drive in NYC…

When you take your car out for a spin be sure that you're reading the signs. — Be sure to carefully read the signs as you’re cruising about NY.

No, the alternating turns of avenues aren’t the only bane of taking your car for a spin around the Big Apple. In fact, the parking tends to take another spot… Whether you’re going to work or grabbing a cup of coffee in NYC, you will need a place to leave your car. So, let us get this out of the way. While you drive about the city, if you see an empty block, it’s meant to be empty. You can’t hit a parking jackpot in NY. Mostly, the reason for the empty space is street cleaning or a loading zone, or something alike. There are even parts of the city where meters won’t allow parking for several hours a day. So, take this in when you’re deciding whether to drive or not to drive in New York.

While we’re on the topic of parking and parking garages in the Big Apple

If you want to drive in NYC, parking tends to be a bit problematic. A free spot is a rare beast to be found in its natural habitat. So, leave early because you’ll be circling the block for a few minutes. Also, be careful of parking garages. They tend to show a very affordable price in large font, while the tiny print underneath says ‘up to half an hour’. Though, a good way to be prepared is by visiting this useful website about parking in NYC.

If you want to drive in NYC get ready for parking tickets

Every minute of every day some unfortunate driver is being left a ticket at their window. It doesn’t matter if you’ve parked illegally or you forgot to feed the meter. Getting a ticket in NYC is the same as getting stuck in a traffic jam – inevitable. We’d suggest considering this carefully before deciding to drive in New York. The expenses tend to pile up. As a tip to avoid the tickets, we’d suggest having an alarm or reminder on your phone if you’ve left your car by the meter.

NYC fire hydrants and crosswalks should be evaded at all costs

Tickets are a normal thing is you're driving around NYC. — If you decide to drive in New York get ready for tickets.

Fifteen feet is the magical number for fire hydrants in the Big Apple. As we’ve already mentioned, tickets may be a 24/7 thing in the city. But, you shouldn’t try and collect them all, like the Pokémon. Another way to avoid a ticket is to stay off the crosswalks. Be sure that your tires are completely clear of the markings, too.

It’s essential that you remember where you parked in the Big Apple

New York is a huge city. So, get familiar with the neighborhoods where you’ll be parking your car as soon as possible. It’s a common thing to forget where you’ve left your vehicle. However, in NYC, this can be a terrible mistake. Luckily, we’ve got some tips for you to avoid this trouble:

If you’re parked in a garage, the ticket will usually have an address on it
Take a picture of the parked car if you’re leaving your vehicle on the street
Text yourself the street and number where you left your car
If you’re worried that you have been towed, call 311

Before you decide not to drive in New York, consider these questions

There are perks about driving in NYC, too. — But, before you decide to forgo driving in the Big Apple forever, there are still some perks to consider…

After going through the list of things which may persuade you to leave your car behind, there are still some things to consider. While owning a vehicle in New York is expensive, it can also be worth it. So, think about these things before leaving the car behind:

Are you ready to commute to work by public transportation?
How will you go on your weekend trips outside of the busy city?
Are you the only one among your friends who drives?
Do you need to drive your kids around NYC?

So, do you have your answer? To drive or not to drive in NYC, that is the question…

The Biggest NYC Moving Mistakes

Posted on 07/22/201703/16/2020 by BigApple

Moving to NYC can be an exciting task and unforgettable time in your life. But, also can be very difficult. Most people feel the stress from the moment they make a decision, pack the first box and hire movers. In fact, moving is one of the top stressors in life. Maybe you know how hard can be if you ever made a mistake during the move. So, how can you make moving a little less stressful? To avoid all the biggest NYC moving mistakes you should read our guide and learn how to prevent them. Continue reading “The Biggest NYC Moving Mistakes”

Guide to job relocation in NYC

Posted on 07/12/201708/01/2017 by BigApple

Have you come to the point where every day at work is a torture? You no longer know the people you’re working with and everything annoys you. Well, that would be far from an ideal work environment. So why not do something about it? Why not find a new job that you will enjoy for a change? And what better place to do that than NYC – the very core of capitalism. And in case you are required to do job relocation in NYC or to it from your current residence, it’s important to know how to approach that task.

Knowing what to look for in a job relocation in NYC is important. — Job relocation in NYC can be tough, but with a little, help, we’ll get you there easy.

Tips on how to handle job relocation in New York City

In today’s competitive world, and especially when talking about the big cities, moving away for a job is not that unusual. It is actually one of the main reasons why people move to begin with. You have a planned career schedule you need to follow. And that next step in life would be going to a different city or state for work. Climbing that professional development ladder is one of the benefits of job relocation in NYC. Moving for a new job opportunity has its pros and cons. There are a number of questions you should ask yourself before deciding on relocating. This guide should help you decide if relocating for a job is worth it.

Expenses of job relocation in NYC

The Big Apple moving cost of your job relocation, no matter in NYC or to NYC, is no simple matter. Asking for your relocation expenses to be covered is always advisable. This goes especially if your current employer is asking you to relocate to a different place. And if your employer is the one moving you to a new location, then it is compulsory that at least a part of your moving expenses be covered by the company. If it isn’t, check you contract and re-negotiate the terms and conditions of the job relocation.

Knowing your moving costs means understanding what it will cost you to relocate to NYC. — It is important to calculate moving costs before proceeding with any other relocation steps.

But if you are moving because you are changing jobs from one company to another, the rules are different. When moving for work, the relocation costs will often fall on you. This goes even if you are moving to another city for the job in question. This means that before relocating for a job you have to do two things:

Plan a budget for your moving and prepare for the possibility that your expenses may not be reimbursed. Make sure that you can pay for your moving as many employers are unwilling to cover moving expenses. This goes double for potential employees coming in from a different state or city. This is a situation that is taking place due to the hard economic conditions in last years.
Look for cheaper movers. Be prepared if it does turn out that your new company will not cover the job relocation expenses. This means looking to save costs wherever possible. And securing the services of a professional moving company at lower costs is one of them.

NYC job relocation as a wild card

What are the chances that you will find a job in New York? The main factor would be the job market in the area. Given that the Big Apple is quite the competitive market – the employer might not look for personnel from another city. You need to bear this in mind if there are jobs available for your skills. In this case, you shouldn’t move without securing a job – get one first to secure your incomes for your new life in New York. If you have your mind set on working in the capital of the world, you need to make sure that you have something unique to offer.

Tax deduction for job relocation

Is moving for work tax deductible? Yes, it is. And you have the right to ask for a tax write off when you are moving for a job. There are two main requirements to fulfill according to the IRS:

Firstly, you need to be relocating on a distance larger than 50 miles away from your current location, and
Secondly, you need to work at least 39 weeks in the first 12 months after you have moved.

When it comes to forms that need to be filled out, you can find everything you need here. And if have the time and interest in learning more about tax deductions, there are plenty of sources.

SEcuring tax deducations can boost your relocation budget a lot. — The tax deduction can help out a lot when you are relocating for new work opportunities.

Job relocation to-do-list

As you are deciding on moving to a new job, you should make your job relocation to-do-list. Because if there is something we’ve learned up until now, it’s that proper organization leads to care-free relocation. So let’s continue in that manner, okay?

1. Composing an inventory

Before doing all else, you need to plan out your move. And the very first step is making an inventory spreadsheet. Movers you plan on hiring will base their estimate on your inventory sheet.

2. Giving notice of job relocation

Next step would be changing your address – there are a number of institutions and the people around you that need to be notified for your relocation. If you own the business, think about your customers and the people that you work with. They should also be included, otherwise, you risk on losing them to hungry competitors.

3. Hiring a proper and reliable moving company

You can get great help from NYC movers when relocating for a new job. Hiring one saves a lot of time and money for you and can make your job relocation in NYC a whole lot smoother. Since you’ve already made your mind in NYC, you need to find a local moving company in New York. Do a background check before deciding which NYC mover is the appropriate one to move you to your new home. Reviews can tell a lot about a company’s ways, so don’t ignore them. Don’t forget to check on the licenses of your movers. All these details may look small or insignificant, but they can end up saving you from frauds and scams while saving you money.

Hiring an ideal moving company is the second most important thing to do after securing a new job in the Big Apple. Let the professional worry about your relocation while you focus on what’s really important – your career and a new job.

NYC movers negotiation guide for rookies

Posted on 06/23/201703/19/2020 by BigApple

Stating that moving is an expensive process would be quite the understatement. Claiming that moving to New York is cheap could be considered the understatement of the year. Which is why it is so important to do your homework and calculate the NYC moving cost before sailing into moving company waters. If you look at estimates from the Census Bureau, more than 36 million Americans relocate each year, and the average person will move nearly 12 times during their lifetime, which is a lot if we’re being honest. And given the financial toll it takes on your budget, you need to cut costs on every corner. Which is why our NYC moving professionals are here to offer you an insight into NYC movers negotiation talks and realization.

NYC movers negotiation 101 tutorial

Getting the best deal on the moving services and saving on professional movers is a significant accomplishment when organizing a household move. Relocating happens to be a very expensive undertaking and negotiating for a better deal and cheaper moving costs may be beneficial for you. There are several criteria that influence the overall cost of your relocation to New York:

Use of professional movers vs. rental truck vs. friends with pickups
Moving distance covered
Need for packing supplies and extra moving services
Size/weight of the household moved
season of the year

If you want to put your negotiating skills to the test, you should know that moving companies’ rates are usually not firmly established and that difficult to influence. Besides, you have nothing to lose if you try to lower the price of moving services.

Avoid scams during NYC movers negotiation

Getting a reasonable price is great – but so is making sure that you are getting quality service. That is why you need to consider the New York mover you are looking to hire for your relocation. A good rating is formed by happy and satisfied customers which mean positive reviews. This is why you need to read some reviews first.

Stay away from extremely low moving quotes and suspicious companies. Conduct a background check on every moving company so as to identify their business goals and policy. The unusually low moving estimate should be considered as one of several warning signs of a moving scam.

Cross compare cost estimates before going through NYC movers negotiation

Hiring a top-rated relocation company in New York will help you reduce inevitable stress that comes with moving house. But what if the cost of their services is holding you back from making the right decision?

Yes, moving can be quite the expense, but the good news is that moving rates will vary from mover to mover (especially in a deep pond that is NYC) even when your moving parameters remain the same. And this basically means that before you take a stand in your NYC mover negotiation, understand what you have been offered first.

To work out the best deal for a moving service, start by getting and comparing at least 3 estimates from licensed and accredited professional moving companies. Request in-house estimates from moving experts. This is done to guarantee that the written estimate you receive will be as close to the final bill as possible. Keep in mind that the more estimates you have from movers, the larger your bargaining power is.

Understand what you are pying for before attemtping to lower it. — Consider all extra expenses before NYC movers negotiations.

Consider additional costs before getting deep into NYC movers negotiation

While you’re getting the moving estimates, address the following pointers to eliminate potential last-minute moving company fees and charges:

Determine the nature of extra services that you will need from your movers. The majority of those charges for additional services are negotiable. So go through each one with the moving company and see whether you really need to use them. Your mover will be motivated to lower their prices if you give up on any of the offered extra services. After all – less work for them.
Decide on the task of packing/unpacking – will it come to you or your movers. Best case scenario – a beneficial joint effort where you will pack up all your stuff except large furniture, heavy appliances and specialty items. This will save you money while still ensuring ultimate protection for your most prized possessions.
Discuss any additional charges that could increase the moving expenses even more. You might not believe the unplanned fees your NYC mover could charge you for. From extra fees for loading/unloading the moving truck to disassembling/re-assembling some of your furniture pieces. Make sure to negotiate these terms with the moving company you choose before the actual moving day.

Time to put your NYC movers negotiation skills to the test

Can you negotiate with moving companies? Absolutely! Once you gathered moving quotes from different reputable New York moving companies, time to take advantage of those same quotes. The goal – to get the best deal possible for yourself. Here are some tactical scenarios to help you understand and negotiate a lower price with your moving company.

The custoer is always right! — Remember that New York is a big pond, with lots of competing moving companies.

Playing the competitor card

Under normal circumstances, the majority of moving companies would rather lower the price they have quoted you than to lose your business to their competitors. Unless you’re right in the middle of the moving season, use this as bargaining leverage.

By this point,you should already have a mover that you’ve got your eye on hiring. If that professional NYC moving company has offered you the best price, then you have little to worry about. If not, contact the company to inform them that you were offered a lower price by their competitors. Give them your lowest bid and ask them if they would be willing to:

price-match or
outbid the competitors.

If they are serious about securing you as a customer, they will try to do so.

Going with the fearless “I’ve got nothing to lose attitude”

It never hurts to negotiate with movers simply because you’ve got nothing to lose. The key to a successful NYC movers negotiation is to reach an arrangement that will be beneficial to both parties. You need to be open to certain compromises and flexible about some of the relocation terms (booking early, choosing a good moving date). In that case there won’t be a single reason for the relocation company not to meet you half-way.

Taking the indecisive and insecure stand to reel them in

In case the mover is unwilling to lower its original price, try negotiating again in a day or two. The reason? You may contact another moving representative who may be more willing to accept your terms. Or maybe he might at least offer you a price discount that will be closer to your wishes.

Just remember that even when if cannot get the price down – the quality of the service is more important. Better to pay an average price for quality moving rather than get the lowest possible quote and risk having a disastrous moving experience.

How To Reduce Moving Costs In NYC

Posted on 06/13/201705/23/2024 by BigApple

Relocating to the bustling metropolis of New York can be a thrilling adventure, but it is widely known that moving within the city can be accompanied by substantial costs. Expenses such as hiring expert movers, transportation, and packing materials can accumulate rapidly.

Nevertheless, by employing strategic planning and prudent decision-making, it is possible to minimize moving expenses while maintaining the quality of the move. This guide will provide an array of tips and tricks to assist you in saving money during your move within NYC.

How To Calculate Moving Cost

Before delving into ways to reduce moving expenses, it’s essential to understand how the moving cost is typically calculated. The cost of a move can vary based on several factors, including the distance of your move, the size of your household, the number of movers required, and any additional services you opt for, such as packing or storage. Most moving companies offer free moving cost estimators, so it’s crucial to request quotes from multiple companies to compare prices accurately.

Additionally, consider the timing of your move. The demand for moving services can significantly impact the cost, so try to avoid peak moving seasons if possible. Planning your move during the off-peak periods can help you secure better rates and more flexibility with your chosen moving company.

What Are the Hidden Costs of Moving

Beyond the apparent expenses of hiring movers and renting a truck, several hidden costs can catch you by surprise during a move. Being aware of these potential expenses will enable you to budget more effectively and avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Packing Supplies: While packing materials may seem insignificant individually, the cost of moving cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and other supplies can quickly add up. To reduce this expense, consider sourcing free boxes from local stores or friends who have recently moved. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives like using towels or blankets as padding for fragile items.

Insurance and Liability Coverage: Moving companies generally provide basic liability coverage for your belongings. However, it may not be enough to cover the full value of your items in case of damage or loss during transit. Consider purchasing additional insurance or checking your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it covers moving-related damages.

Utility Setup Fees: When moving to a new apartment or home, you might encounter setup fees for utilities such as electricity, gas, and internet services. These costs can be easily overlooked but can significantly impact your initial expenses. Research different utility providers and inquire about any setup fees or introductory offers to find the best deals.

Storage Costs: If you can’t move all your belongings into your new place immediately, you may need to rent a storage unit. Storage costs can vary based on the size of the unit and the duration of use. To save on storage expenses, declutter before your move and consider selling or donating items you no longer need.

Smart Strategies to Reduce Moving Costs

Now that we’ve identified some hidden costs, let’s explore effective strategies to reduce overall moving expenses:

Declutter Before You Move: When you move, it’s a good time to get rid of things you don’t need. You can give them away or sell them. This will help you use less packing materials and maybe need a smaller moving truck.

Pack Yourself: While hiring professional packers may save time, doing the packing yourself can significantly cut down on expenses. Start well in advance and enlist the help of friends and family to make the process more manageable.

Utilize Free Moving Supplies: As mentioned earlier, try to find free or low-cost packing supplies from local stores or online platforms. You can also ask friends or family who have recently moved if they have any boxes you can use.

Consider DIY Options: If you’re moving locally and have a small amount of belongings, renting a truck and moving yourself may be a cost-effective option. However, for long-distance moves or larger households, professional movers might be more efficient and offer better protection for your items.

Time Your Move Wisely: As previously mentioned, timing your move during the off-peak season can lead to better rates. Additionally, consider moving during the middle of the month when demand is typically lower.

Negotiate with Your Employer: If your move is work-related, check if your employer offers any relocation assistance or reimbursement. Many companies have policies in place to cover some of the expenses associated with employee relocations.

Conclusion

Moving in NYC doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By calculating your moving costs accurately, understanding the potential hidden expenses, and implementing smart strategies, you can significantly reduce your overall moving expenses. With proper planning and budgeting, you can focus on embracing the excitement of starting a new chapter in the city that never sleeps without breaking the bank.