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.

How To Stay Sane While Moving In Manhattan – 7 Simple Tips

Posted on 04/07/201705/09/2019 by BigApple

If you’re moving soon in Manhattan, you’re probably already freaking out. At the best of times, moving is stressful – but in the confined, crowded, and expensive environment of Manhattan, moving can be a serious ordeal.

But though moving in Manhattan does represent its own unique set of challenges, it’s not impossible. And with this list of 7 great tips, you can make sure your next move is a success – whether you’re moving on your own, or have hired local moving services. Read on, and prepare to rock your next move!

1. It’s Time To Purge! Get Rid Of Your Old Stuff Before You Move

The simplest way to make your move easier is to move less stuff. That’s just a fact. Local movers usually charge by weight and size, so if you have less stuff you won’t pay as much. And if you’re DIY moving, you may be able to get away with a small car rental or a van for your move – instead of a giant U-HAUL.

So ditch your old, worn-out stuff. That recliner you’ve had since college? Toss it out, or regift it to a neighbor. Those records that you never listen to? Sell them on an app like Letgo, or on Craigslist.

You can also put up flyers in your building to let your neighbors know that you’re getting rid of your stuff. You don’t have to get rid of stuff you use, but you should carefully consider what you do and don’t need when you’re moving.

If you can reduce what you’re moving by even 10%, you’ll have a much easier time when you’re moving in Manhattan.

2. Measure Every Door In Your New Apartment

Do you want to know what’s not fun? Moving a sectional couch up 5 flights of stairs – and realizing that there’s no way that you can fit it through the door of your new apartment.

You should measure every door in your new apartment, and in your apartment building. Measure the entrance, if there is one. Measure the elevators, and the staircase doors. Ask if there’s a freight elevator you can use before moving – and measure it! Measure the door to your apartment, and the interior doors.

With these measurements in hand, you can make a more informed moving plan, and decide what you’re keeping – and what pieces of furniture could be replaced, if they simply won’t fit.

3. Get Your Keys Before You Move In

Even if you’re hiring a moving company, you don’t have to move everything at once. In fact, you should ask for the keys to your new place a few days in advance, if you can. This will allow you to move some of your more lightweight stuff or valuables into your new apartment early, simply by taking the subway or hiring a cab.

Extending the moving process by doing this is a fantastic way to minimize stress. If you know that you’ve already moved your most important stuff, and you have less to move all at once, you’re going to have a much easier time on the big moving day.

4. Get A Car – Or A Van – For The Big Stuff

If you’re moving on your own, you’re going to need to rent a car or a van for your larger items, such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture. Ideally, you should be able to fit all of your stuff into a large rental van.

This is because U-HAULS are considered “trucks” – and have to take truck lane routes throughout the boroughs, which can be very time-consuming, and lead to a ticket if you fail to follow the proper routes.

You can use a traditional van rental company like U-Haul, or a newer rental service like Zipcar, which allows you to rent cars by the hour. Regardless, expect to spend somewhere between $100-$150 on rentals throughout your move. You’ll pay more if you need a larger car, or if you need to rent a car for multiple days.

5. Use The Buddy System When Moving – And Avoid Tickets

Parking can be incredibly difficult in Manhattan, even during less-busy times. You’ll often have no choice but to double-park your van, car, or truck while you move your stuff. If you’re not careful, this can lead to some very angry folks – or even tickets from the police.

You should always use the buddy system while moving, and have someone in or around your rental car, truck, or van while you’re moving stuff into your new Manhattan apartment. This way, you’ll always be able to move the vehicle around when you have to, and you can avoid tickets from the police.

6. Move During Off-Hours

Moving during off-hours in Manhattan is a great idea. There will be far less car and foot traffic, and you’ll have an easier time moving your stuff into your new place. Early morning mid-week moves are typically the best. You won’t have to deal with quite so many people, and your move will be much less stressful.

In addition, local moving services will often offer you lower rates for off-peak moving hours. You’ll pay quite a bit less for a mid-week move, compared to a move that’s during a peak time such as a Saturday afternoon.

7. Hire Professionals

If you really want to stay sane while moving in Manhattan, you should hire professional movers. Whether you opt for full-service local movers, or pack up yourself, professional movers are experts at moving your stuff in Manhattan. They’ll come in, grab your stuff, move it across town, and drop it off – quickly and efficiently.

Local moving services aren’t cheap, but compared to the logistical nightmare of DIY moving in Manhattan, they’re a great bargain. So if you’re really looking to streamline the moving process, consider hiring professionals.

Big Apple Moving – Your Trusted Local Movers In Manhattan!

If you’re moving to Manhattan from any other borough – or just moving to a new apartment in Manhattan – Big Apple Moving is a fantastic choice for your needs.

We’ve been in business since 1979, and our professional full-service movers can take care of every aspect of your move. Our well-trained employees are always timely, and are experts at moving even the most delicate items. We offer services such as 24/7 online tracking of your stuff, and reasonable rates for both standard and full-service moves.

So if you’re in Manhattan, don’t go crazy trying to plan your move. Let Big Apple Moving take care of your moving needs, and preserve your sanity.

Tips To Avoid Theft When Moving

Posted on 04/01/201710/12/2023 by BigApple

Relocating can pose challenges, whether it’s within a specific city like NYC or in different locations. The process of moving can be unsettling, costly, and time-intensive, and safeguarding your belongings is a top priority.

Moving can be a total mess and sometimes we forget to keep our stuff safe. We might forget to lock doors or make sure our things are secure during transportation. Plus, there’s always a chance of hiring sketchy movers which can make things even more stressful.

In this article, we will outline straightforward guidelines to ensure the safety of your belongings throughout the moving process, regardless of your destination.

1. Never Leave Your Stuff Unattended

One of the most important things to remember is to never leave your stuff unattended. Moving can be super stressful and distracting, so it’s easy to forget about your valuables. Even though you wouldn’t normally leave your expensive stuff just lying around, moving can make you forget.

And when you’re not paying attention, someone could totally snatch your stuff. If you’re doing a DIY move, make sure someone is always keeping an eye on your things. Whether they’re in your house or being loaded into a truck, having someone there will make it way less likely that someone will try to steal your stuff.

2. Hire A Legitimate Moving Company

Opting for a trustworthy moving company is vital. Although the majority of moving companies are reputable, there are a few that might mishandle your belongings. To steer clear of such issues, follow these guidelines:

Research Online Feedback: Take the time to explore online reviews of the movers you’re considering. Pay attention to negative reviews and any mentions of lost or stolen items. These indicators could signal a company to avoid them.
Arrange a Face-to-Face Meeting: Before you decide, ask to meet with someone from the moving agency in person. This lets you see how they do things and make sure they’re really a trustworthy company.
Demand Documentation: Verify the licensing and insurance of your chosen moving service. Ensure their contracts outline specific legal remedies in case of theft, loss, or damage to your possessions.

These 3 simple steps will eliminate almost every shady moving company out there – and help you choose a legitimate, above-board company for your moving needs.

3. Leaving It Alone? Lock It Up

Security measures such as the locking of doors and vehicles are universally applicable, regardless of one’s location, be it any place. It is imperative to secure your van, truck, or car with its built-in locks whenever it is not in use. This practice is essential in deterring potential theft.

Similar to your vehicle, the security of your apartment is of utmost importance. It is recommended to develop a habit of locking all doors and windows when you are away. Although this may cause some inconvenience, it is the primary method to prevent unauthorized access and protect your belongings.

It may be inconvenient to constantly lock and unlock doors and windows, but doing so is the only way to prevent a thief from simply walking into your unlocked apartment, or stealing something from your rental.

4. Conceal Valuables During Relocation

Concealing valuable items is a prudent measure. Follow these steps to safeguard your possessions:

Secure Valuables: Prioritize safeguarding valuable possessions such as laptops, jewelry, and medications. Pack them inconspicuously within boxes and consider covering them with blankets or fabric.

Minimize Visibility: By ensuring your valuable items are not readily visible, you diminish the likelihood of attracting unwanted attention from potential thieves. This proactive approach significantly lowers the risk of theft during the moving process.

Employing these strategies will help you mitigate the chances of theft, enhancing the security of your belongings throughout the moving endeavor, regardless of your destination.

5. Minimize The Total Time

The longer it takes you to move, the more opportunities there will be for thieves to take your stuff – it’s just that simple. The best way to avoid this is by minimizing the total time you spend moving. Here are a few easy ways to do so:

Move some stuff in advance – If you can move clothes, small items, and valuables to your new apartment before your lease begins, you should do so. You can simply take public transport or hire a cab with a few suitcases, and unload them at your new place. This will reduce the amount of stuff you have to move all at once, and ensure the safety of your most valuable items.
Get help if you’re doing a DIY move – Got favors to call in with friends and family? Good! Many hands make light work, and if you have a few people to help you move, you can reduce your total time spent moving by quite a bit. Consider bribing friends and family with beer, pizza, and wine after the move – they may be more likely to help out, if you do!
Take only one trip – If you pack wisely and rent the right-size truck or van, you should be able to get all of your stuff moved in one trip. This is ideal – you don’t want to leave anything behind, or have to spend a bunch of time unloading and reloading your rental.
Hire professionals – Hiring professional local moving services is expensive – but it’s the best way to minimize the time you spend moving. Local movers will be able to quickly and expertly move your stuff, and full-service companies can even pack it for you. If you’re truly concerned about theft, this is the best way to minimize the time you have to spend moving.

6. Avoid Identity Theft

You shouldn’t just be worried about your physical stuff – moving is the perfect time for identity thieves to get their hands on your personal information. When you’re moving, you throw a lot of stuff away. Bills, bank statements, credit card notices, old tax documents – much of this waste has valuable personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, and more.

If you throw away these sorts of items during your move, you should shred them – it’s the only way to be sure that you’re protected. You should also file a change of address ASAP with the USPS, to minimize the loss of important mail.

Category: NYC moving tips