Moving Blankets: Why You Need Them When You Move

Posted on October 25, 2021August 22, 2023 by BigApple

Quality supplies make all the difference when you’re planning a DIY move – choosing the right moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, packing paper, etc. But you will also need professional tools that help relocation go much smoother and make it safe for you and your belongings, such as moving dolly, straps, and of course, moving blankets.

You don’t want to have your floors and walls damaged while moving and moving blankets will help you accomplish that. In the following text, we’ll cover some basics and reasons why you should use moving blankets when you move.

What Are Moving Blankets?

Moving blankets are thick coverings used to protect your belongings when moving – think furniture, appliances, and other large household items. They’re also known as furniture pads and they look pretty much like a heavily padded quilt. The heavy-duty cloth absorbs shock and helps you avoid damages or scratches during a move. Together with moving straps or tape, moving blankets keep the item in place while moving.

How to Use Moving Blankets?

The procedure is relatively straightforward. Commence by unfurling the blanket and draping it over the object that requires safeguarding. Ensure that the blanket covers as much surface area as possible, and then proceed to affix it in place.

This can be accomplished by utilizing either moving straps or packing tape, depending on your preference or availability. Once you have confirmed that the blanket is securely fastened and will not dislodge, proceed with loading the item. If the item is excessively heavy, employ a moving dolly or another suitable tool to facilitate the process.

Can I Use Alternatives?

Using a proper moving blanket is always the best. It’s designed specifically for this purpose and its heavy-duty cloth will do the job perfectly. However, if you’re unable to find one and you have to protect the item quickly, you can improvise. Use a regular blanket instead or anything else that resembles it.

Why You Need Moving Blankets

Furniture blankets aka moving blankets are beneficial for several reasons. So, let’s go ahead and learn about those benefits in the following section.

Protect Floors

The flooring of a household is frequently subjected to damage during the process of relocation, owing to the ease with which it can be affected. The act of pushing and pulling furniture, utilizing dollies, and carrying and loading boxes or other items can all contribute to this.

Therefore, the primary rationale for requiring furniture blankets during a move is to establish a protective barrier between the floor and the items being transported. This will serve to mitigate the impact of any heavy objects that may fall onto the floor.

Protect Walls

Another area that commonly gets damaged by a move is the walls. Banged-up walls and chipped paint don’t come as a surprise when you’re moving house. That’s because it’s too easy to sideswipe your walls while carrying things out the door or down the stairs.

But the good news is that you can easily leave your walls in perfect condition if you use moving blankets. They’ll prevent any sharp furniture edges from causing damage.

Protect Furniture

In addition to preserving the integrity of your possessions, the utilization of moving blankets can also serve to safeguard and maintain their cleanliness. During the process of relocating to a new residence, it is not uncommon for items to accumulate dust and debris, particularly in inclement weather conditions.

Fortunately, the implementation of furniture blankets can effectively shield your belongings from such contaminants, ensuring that they remain in pristine condition upon arrival at your destination. Moreover, the act of covering items with protective blankets can prevent any shifting or displacement during transit.

Things are prone to shifting while being inside the truck that’s in motion and this can cause scratching but even falling and breaking. Luckily, moving blankets are sort of a buffer between stored items so you don’t have to worry about shifting. Lastly, moving blankets will protect the furniture legs from breaking – wrap the entire item in blankets to keep its legs intact in case the item drops on the floor.

Move Easier

The last reason why you need moving blankets when moving is they allow moving heavy items with ease. While using a moving dolly is usually the best way to move heavy objects, sometimes you’ll find it easier just to slide the item across the floor. Of course, you don’t want to do so and damage your floors. So, what you’ll want to do is place the moving blanket underneath the item.

Where to Get Moving Blankets?

Luckily, finding moving blankets is super easy. They’re often used by professionals and people having DIY relocations. There are two options you can go for when looking to get furniture pads for your move. The first one is to buy it. If you want to purchase protective blankets and have them on hand for future use, check out places like Walmart, Lowe’s, Uboxes, etc.

On the other hand, if you want to stay on budget and not have to store blankets afterward, you can go for the second option – rent. If you choose to rent moving blankets, there are also many options. We’ll give you an idea about where to start − go ahead and visit U-Haul, Penske, or your trusted local movers NYC.

Sometimes it’s best to let professional movers take care of your move. If you’re worried that your DIY relocation will not go without damaging the property or your items, then you should definitely consider hiring a professional moving company. The moving crew has the experience to make the move fast and efficient but they also have professional tools such as moving blankets. If you’re searching for a licensed and reliable mover, Big Apple is at your service – contact us anytime and receive the most accurate free moving quotes.

How to Find Affordable Movers in New York

Posted on October 5, 2021November 3, 2021 by BigApple

There are a few things in life that are as stressful as moving, especially in New York City. And the everlasting question – are there any affordable movers in New York that are not a scam? You should be ever vigilant when it comes to fraudulent moving companies, but it actually is a mistake to consider that every cheap one is a scam. Being suspicious is one thing, but considering that they are all scammers is wrong. There can be a repertoire of reasons why they are cheap, one of which being the fact that they might be trying to start their business against the tremendous competition. Continue reading “How to Find Affordable Movers in New York”

Bad weather conditions

The first problem people often face when moving is bad weather. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with extreme cold, snow, and ice, or heavy rain, you won’t be too happy about it because it will make your relocation much difficult. Sometimes, your move can even get delayed because of the weather. Of course, you can’t affect bad weather. But, you can learn how to prepare for moving to a cold climate and make it easier for yourself. For example, prepare rain gear and furniture covers if it’s raining. Clean your pathway if it’s full of snow. Rent a climate-controlled moving truck if it’s too hot for your sensitive items, etc.

The next issue is how to avoid property damage when moving out? Whether it’s your current home or the one you’re moving to, property damage can bring unnecessary costs and stress. To prevent damage, protect the most affected areas of your home, including floors, walls, doors, and stairs. Use cardboard to cover your floors, wrap items in moving blankets so they wouldn’t damage your walls, use a moving dolly so you wouldn’t scratch hardwood floors, etc.

Running late

One of the pretty common problems when moving is realizing there’s not enough time for you to prepare everything and meet your movers ready to go. Sometimes, you’ll learn about your move last minute, perhaps it will be a change of job, a sudden opportunity, or maybe you just won’t think there are so many things to do and you’ll find yourself running late. Not being on time and not packing everything before moving day can cause you many issues.

So, how can you prevent this? More often than not, lack of time is a direct result of poor organization, so make sure you start packing well in advance. Book your movers a few months before the move (if possible), download a moving checklist, and don’t delay your planning. Start making a moving plan as soon as you learn about the move. In case you have to move on short notice and there’s not enough time for you to pack, check out professional packers because they’ll be able to pack your entire household in a day.

Movers are late or unreliable

Another problem that can totally ruin your experience when moving house, is dealing with unreliable movers. Unfortunately, this happens more often than we’d like to believe – your moving crew may be running late, they could be rude or unprofessional, etc. To prevent this problem from happening, make sure to do research beforehand and hire the best service your budget allows. Do your homework, read reviews, check license numbers, speak to a representative, and always get at least three different quotes from reliable movers in your area. Only by reaching out to several movers, you’ll be able to compare their prices and level of customer service.

Dealing with a scam

This problem can happen to anyone, especially with so many scammers operating nowadays. However, don’t rely on your luck when it comes to picking a mover, but protect yourself from fraudulent companies. There are many useful tips for spotting moving scams, so make sure to find out more about them. For a start, check their USDOT number. Also, check if they have a physical address you can visit. Fraudulent movers will often provide a quote without inspecting your home. They will also request a large cash deposit in advance, so don’t ignore any of these red flags.

Poor packing or overpacking

Another common problem when moving is packing poorly or packing too much. Your movers charge based on the overall weight of the shipment or the space the shipment takes up in the moving truck, so you must understand how to pack properly in order to spend less. Also, packing too many things, especially those you don’t use leads to overcrowding your new space and unnecessary clutter.

Furniture is too bulky

When you’re moving bulky or oddly shaped items, you may come across one common problem – furniture is too big to fit through the doors. Instead of removing doors on moving day and slowing down the entire process, it’s better to prevent this. In order to do so, measure your doors, corridors, and other spaces from your home to do a moving truck, then measure the piece of furniture you want to move.

Damaged goods

Another common example of problems when moving house is finding your items slightly damaged or even totally broken. Only a few things can ruin your move like opening a box and finding broken goods inside. To prevent this and transport your items safely, pack properly, use professional packing materials, or consider hiring NYC professional packers (packing/unpacking services). Of course, a certificate of insurance for moving is a must.

Injuries

Back strains, muscle injuries, hurting toes or hands, are all common examples of personal injuries that are among the top 10 problems when moving house. To avoid injuries while relocating, take all measures of precaution, including safe lifting techniques, using moving equipment, wearing closed-toe shoes, etc. You can also hire full-service movers and skip lifting and carrying entirely.

Spending too much

The last in the list of the problems when moving house is overspending. Every little thing counts when you’re moving and it all adds up, so be careful not to overspend. The best way to do so is to plan a budget and set a limit on it before you start planning. Then you can use it as a guideline when booking moving services, buying moving supplies, etc.

The best way to avoid all these problems is to hire professional Brooklyn movers and let them take care of everything for you. Here, at Big Apple, we offer a great experience with moving a house. We are always glad to help, so contact us for any help with relocating your household.

How to Use a Moving Dolly

Posted on September 20, 2021November 4, 2021 by BigApple

Whether you plan to use a small dolly cart, a large dolly, a collapsible dolly, a four-wheel cart dolly, or any other type of moving dolly, it sure will make your moving process way easier. All dollies work great for moving heavy or bulky items and they’ll not only make relocation more efficient but also much safer. These platforms on wheels are arguably the handiest piece of equipment available for professional and commercial uses out there. You should, however, learn how to use a moving dolly before moving. There are so many advantages of using dollies that it’s really not a question of whether you should use one – the only question is which one to choose and how to use it properly.

You can choose an all-purpose dolly, such as an upright utility dolly, or you can opt for an appliance dolly, or even a furniture dolly, there are many types of dollies available and it’s up to you to see what suits you best. More good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money and buy a dolly for your commercial relocation, you can visit your local movers NYC instead and rent one. The only downside of a moving dolly is that it can’t help you down the stairs, but it will still make everything easier. Of course, hiring professional movers is always the safest and most convenient way to move, but if you plan on using a dolly yourself, make sure to follow our tips and learn how to use a moving dolly safely.

Make sure the path is clear

The first step of using a dolly safely is making sure the pathway is clear and free of obstacles. Check the entire exit route and see if anything is on the way, it can be furniture, home décor, even leaves of the porch, or ice on the sidewalk next to a moving truck. Since you’ll be using a moving dolly from your home to the moving vehicle, it’s also important that the outside is clean and safe to pass.

Don’t overload

Besides having a clear exit route, you’ll obviously have to be able to see the way, so don’t pace anything too high on the dolly because it will obstruct your view. A good idea is to have one person help you by navigating the dolly from the front part while you’ll be on the back of the dolly pushing.

Use furniture blankets

If you’re using a moving dolly to move furniture pieces, heavy appliances, or other fragile things, you should warp them in moving blankets for protection. Make sure to leave enough space between the item and a dolly so that you could get a proper grip.

Tie up loose pieces

If you’re moving anything that has cords, plugs, wires, secure them in place, otherwise, you may trip over those loose pieces and end up with injuries. The same goes for any other parts of furniture that could get loose, such as doors, drawers, etc. For example, if you’re moving a dresser with drawers, use plastic wrap to wrap the entire piece and prevent drawers from falling out, or doors from opening.

Load the item

To properly apply your household item to a moving dolly, you’ll want to tilt the dolly slightly forward. Then, you’re going to slip that bottom front part of the dolly under the item you want to load. Next, tilt the dolly back while holding that item in place so the physics would do the job for you.

Man Pulls Dryer Onto Moving Van Using a Moving Dolly

Stack properly

When you’re moving boxes or multiple items on your dolly, make sure to follow proper stacking techniques. This is quite simple but it will make using your dolly much easier and safer. To do so, pack the heaviest items on the bottom and place those lighter ones on the top. Otherwise, you’re risking the light items being crushed by the weight on top, and that’s certainly something you want to avoid. Always make sure that the whole stack on the moving dolly is balanced.

Move slowly

Even though a dolly will make your move faster, that doesn’t mean you should rush things. Rushing is often the first reason for injuries, so take your time and move slowly and with caution. Hold the top of the cargo with one hand and navigate with your other hand, or even better, have one person help you steer the dolly and check for safe passage.

Use straps

One final necessary step for safe dolly use is securing the cargo in place. You’ve gone through all the measures of precaution, so don’t skip this one and risk damage or injuries. You don’t want to risk your items falling and breaking and injuring you or your helper, so use furniture straps to make sure your items will stay in place and won’t fall from the dolly, especially if you plan to keep the dolly inside the moving truck together with cargo on it.

A moving dolly is often the most important piece of equipment for a successful move – it makes a move faster, smoother, safer, and reduces the strain on your body. Hopefully, our simple tips help you use a dolly properly, but if you’d rather let professional movers take care of your relocation, we’ve got you covered. We provide professional moving services Brooklyn. Our well-trained moving crew will have all the professional equipment and experience necessary to handle your residential or commercials relocation so that you can sit back and relax while your move is being taken care of. Whether you’re moving to another state or just around the block, the Big Apple movers are at your service! Let’s connect and chat about your upcoming relocation. We’ll be more than happy to provide a tailored plan for your move and give you a Brooklyn moving quote completely free of charge.

Packing Antiques by Yourself – Is It a Good Idea?

Posted on September 16, 2021August 22, 2023 by BigApple

Even the flies on the wall know by now that moving is a tough ordeal. The process of relocation is one of the most stressful events in a person`s life. What makes moving so stressful is the fact that there are so many different things one should worry about.

For instance, what is your strategy for the transportation of your belongings? In the event of any damage, what measures have you taken? Have you considered engaging professional movers or opting for a do-it-yourself approach? The relocation process is fraught with numerous concerns and potential pitfalls. Packing valuable antiques independently may prove to be a particularly perplexing and uncertain undertaking.

These items are valuable, so is it a good idea to try to pack them by yourself? Let’s answer the question straight away − packing antiques by yourself is never a completely safe procedure.

But let’s get some more info to learn why it’s not the best option and what to do instead.

Packing Antiques by Yourself vs. Hiring Movers

Hiring relocation professionals is always the best idea. This especially applies if some challenging items need to be packed and transported. And, when we say challenging, we do mean antiques. Be honest, are you aware of how beneficial it would be to hire antique and fine art movers NYC for your relocation? Well, you are about to find out.

Antique and art movers have a lot of experience

When it comes to packing antiques, the challenges that one may encounter are effortlessly handled by a professional moving crew. Their daily experience in dealing with valuable and fragile art pieces ensures that your precious items are prepared for transportation without any difficulty.

Opting for a do-it-yourself approach would require you to source packing materials, determine the best method to pack and secure your antique pieces, as well as find a suitable means of transporting them safely to your new residence. Such a process can be exhausting for an individual, but not for professionals who are accustomed to handling delicate and valuable items.

Professional movers are quick

Things that will take you one week to do, they could do in a day. Just think how much time and planning it takes to move antique possessions. Think about all the small tasks, like going to the store to buy professional packing materials, the time it takes it actually pack it, and eventually time for loading, driving, and unloading from the moving vehicle. Chances are you’ll have to spend a couple of days on this process.

On the other hand, fine art movers will do everything in one day, so it’s the most efficient way to move your goods. Because they’re used to this type of work, their skills are far beyond a regular individual trying to DIY. Time efficiency is one of the top benefits of hiring professionals to handle your antiques.

Professional movers are insured

In the worst-case scenario, where some of your items got damaged or broken, they would reimburse you. Art and antique movers will provide insurance so you’ll be covered in case anything gets damaged along the way. On the other hand, if you choose to move antiques alone, you’ll end up having a damaged piece and no way to be reimbursed for it.

Of course, this all sounds great. However, affordable movers NYC – based are not so easy to find. Their fees are often steep, which is why people decide to relocate and pack by themselves. In case you are not in an envious financial situation and you cannot afford to hire movers, let us help you with this challenging task that is in front of you. These are some simple steps to follow in case you decide to move antiques on your own.

How to prepare your antiques for moving?

The preparation is just as important as the packing itself. Before we dig into the rules you should follow when packing antiques, let`s first mention the proper way to prepare your valuables for such a move.

Make an inventory list

You should take a day or two to go through your house and make a list of every antique you have in your possession. This will be important for the future days when you are unpacking your things and checking whether everything is where it`s supposed to be. We are experienced Big Apple Movers, so trust us when we tell you that you do not want to skip this step.

It may be a bit time-consuming if you have many antique pieces but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming at all – so many different home checklist apps are available that can even make it a fun experience. If that’s not your cup of tea, just go the traditional way and use pen and paper to write down your antique items.

Clean your antiques

Just like you plan on cleaning the rest of your furniture before packing it, you should do the same with your antiques. However, make sure to use only water and avoid any strong chemicals. You do not want to damage your priceless pieces. Moreover, if you possess any antique furniture that you plan on transporting, make sure you empty it before the moving day. Take out all the contents, such as doors, legs, knobs. This will protect your antique furniture from any additional damage. Don’t forget that each piece of furniture should be wrapped individually and secured for maximum protection.

Purchasing insurance is a must

If we could set apart only one thing that you must do before transporting your antiques, it would be this one! By purchasing insurance, you are making sure that even in the case of any damage, you would not suffer a big financial loss. Yes, this will not exactly save you money in the Big Apple, but it will give you a sense of security.

How to pack antiques?

Now that your antique furniture is ready for packing, it is time to deal with the finishing touches. This is the time to be even more careful when handling your antiques. So, what are the common rules you should abide by when approaching this task?

Use quality protective packaging materials

In most cases, the packaging is what affects the most a condition in which your items will arrive at a new location. Moreover, it is advisable to add at least two layers of protective materials. Don’t try to save money at this stage, as quality bubble wrap, moving blankets, and other professional materials will play an important role in keeping your antique items safe.

Secure your antiques tightly

If you are moving antique furniture, make sure to use plastic wrap, which will hold your items in place. If you are dealing with breakable antiques, make sure to fill in the extra space in the moving box with foam peanuts – you want to avoid shifting inside the box. Also, the tape is a must and you should use it to secure everything in place and prevent anything from falling out during transit.

Never forget to properly label the boxes

This especially goes for fragile antiques, such as vases. You need to let everyone know that the box in question needs to be handled with utmost care. Even though you will clearly mark each box, always verbally inform your helpers about extra fragile content.

Everyone should know how to pack fragile items, which antiques are. They cost a lot of money, which puts them in a special category.

When to call in for professional help?

If you had an expensive piano in your possession, would you attempt to relocate and pack it by yourself, or would you call piano movers NYC to handle this task? That`s right, you would, in 99 percent of the cases, be wise, and call in for professional help. The same rule applies to your antiques. In case you own some very expensive, or rare antiques, be smart. There will be no refund that could make up for that one-of-a-kind vase. And, if you attempt to move such expensive antiques by yourself, you are taking an unnecessary risk. A huge one, if we might add.

Packing antiques by yourself – is it a good idea?

The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question; which, we are sure, you have realized by now. However, if you own some antiques which are of extreme importance, please think carefully about them! Packing antiques by yourself can only be advisable in those situations when you can imagine parting with the items in question. In every other situation, the risk is too great. Of course, the best way to move antiques is to get professional antique movers to help you. Specialized NYC movers may not seem like the most affordable option at first, but in most cases, it’s worth it. If you’re eyeing to hire a reliable moving company to assist with moving your precious belongings, Big Apple may be the right fit. Contact us and get free moving quotes Brooklyn.

What To Do With Used Moving Boxes

Posted on September 9, 2021July 27, 2023 by BigApple

Congratulations on the successful completion of your relocation to a new abode. You may now find yourself encircled by numerous stacks of previously utilized moving boxes. Although it may seem appealing to dispose of them, there exist numerous eco-friendly and imaginative methods to grant these boxes a second chance.

In this article, we shall delve into some pragmatic and enjoyable concepts to maximize the utility of your used moving boxes.

What To Do With Boxes After Moving

Once you finish moving and unpacking, you may have extra boxes. Don’t let them take up space or create waste. Try these ideas to make use of them.

Use For Storage

Moving boxes can be repurposed for storage to help you keep your home organized. You can designate boxes for seasonal items like decorations or clothing. Additionally, they can be used in the garage or attic to store tools, sports equipment, or other items that are not frequently used. Label the boxes clearly for easy identification, and you’ll have an efficient and budget-friendly storage solution.

Reuse

A good way to handle used moving boxes is to reuse them for your next move or give them to friends and family who are moving. Flatten the boxes and keep them in a dry place until you need them again. Reusing boxes saves money and helps the environment by reducing the need for new boxes.

Fun/useful DIY projects

Using your creativity and a few basic crafting supplies, you can transform your used moving boxes into exciting and practical DIY projects that serve various purposes. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:

Cardboard Playhouse: Give your kids a delightful surprise by transforming large moving boxes into their very own cardboard playhouse. Cut windows, doors, and even a small chimney for added charm. Let your children decorate the exterior with paints, markers, or stickers, turning the playhouse into a blank canvas for their imagination to run wild. This DIY playhouse will provide hours of fun and entertainment.
Cardboard Pet Bed: Your furry friends deserve a cozy spot of their own, and a cardboard pet bed can be an inexpensive and comfortable solution. Cut out an appropriate-sized section from a box, ensuring it’s large enough for your pet to curl up comfortably. You can line the inside with soft blankets or old pillows to make it extra snug. Your pets will love having their personalized space to relax and rest.
Cardboard Picture Frames: Add a personal touch to your walls by making picture frames out of cardboard. Cut the boxes into desired frame sizes, paint or decorate them, and insert your favorite photos. It’s an excellent way to showcase memories while also being environmentally friendly.
Cardboard Desk Organizer: Keep your desk clutter-free by crafting a cardboard desk organizer. Cut and arrange the boxes to create compartments for holding pens, pencils, notepads, and other stationery items. You can also add dividers to keep everything neatly organized. This project is not only practical but also a fun way to personalize your workspace.

Remember, the key to successful cardboard DIY projects is using sturdy boxes and ensuring they are clean and free from any debris. Additionally, always prioritize safety when working with cutting tools or paints, especially if involving children in the crafting process.

Sell

Hey, if your boxes are still in good shape and you don’t need them anymore, why not sell them? Lots of folks who are getting ready to move would love to snag some used boxes at a cheaper price than brand new ones. You can post them on online marketplaces or community groups so buyers can easily come pick them up.

Donate

Donating your used boxes can be a wonderful way to give back to the community and help others who may be in need of packing materials. Several options are available for donating your boxes, and it’s a win-win situation for both you and the recipients.

Local Charities and Nonprofits: Reach out to local charities or nonprofits in your area to see if they accept donations of moving boxes. Organizations that assist people transitioning from homelessness to stable housing, disaster relief agencies, or those supporting families in need during difficult times might greatly appreciate your contribution. These groups often rely on donations to provide necessary resources to those they serve. By donating your used boxes, you’re helping these organizations save on expenses and direct more of their resources towards their core missions.
Community Centers and Schools: Cardboard boxes can be used in many ways by community centers and schools. Art programs can use them for crafting, while educators can use them for organizing materials or setting up classroom displays. You can contact local community centers, schools, or youth organizations to see if they need your boxes.
Online Platforms: Consider using online platforms specifically designed for donating items to individuals in need. Websites and apps that connect donors with people seeking free items can be an excellent way to find someone who requires moving boxes. By utilizing these platforms, you can directly assist someone who might not have the means to purchase new boxes.
Environmental Impact: Giving away your old boxes is good for the environment. When you donate them, they won’t end up in landfills where they can take a long time to break down. This means less need for new cardboard, which saves natural resources and reduces pollution from making new boxes.

Conclusion

If you don’t know what to do with your old moving boxes, there are many ways to use them again that are good for the environment. You can use them for your next move, make something new with them, or give them away or sell them. By doing any of these things, you help reduce waste and show that you care about the planet.