How to Create a Moving Inventory List

Posted on 03/08/202208/10/2023 by BigApple

Preparing a proper and accurate moving inventory for your move is of great importance, especially if you have many items. A moving inventory list will help you to be more organized during your relocation process. It will be easier to track your possessions. And it is very significant when you are trying to get an accurate estimate from your Big Apple Movers.

How to Make a Moving Inventory List

When you are planning to move, surely you’ll want to know how much it would cost you. So, one of the first things to do is to get a moving estimate. In order to get an accurate moving estimate, you will need to tell your movers exactly what you are planning to move.

To save money when moving, make a list of all the things you need to move. This will help you get an accurate quote from the movers. It’s important to be as detailed as possible on your list. When looking for a good deal, get quotes from different moving companies.

You’ll want to start by researching and finding several reliable movers in your area. Once you’re sure they’re licensed and allowed to do business in your area, you’ll reach out to at least three of them. Moving estimates should be free of charge so you can ask for as many as you like but three should be your minimum.

Make sure you understand what exactly is included in the price so you would be able to compare properly. You should then use those details to figure out what works best and pick the best offer.

Creating a Moving Inventory List with an Apps

It’s no secret that creating a moving inventory list can be time-consuming. It can also get rather boring, especially if you’re doing it alone. But it is really a necessary thing to do, so there’s no way around it. One thing you can do though is to make it as efficient and as easy as possible.

There are different ways to create inventory. For example, a traditional method is one option. You can write it on a piece of paper while you are going through your stuff. On the other hand, you can use your phone or tablet. There are several fantastic android apps for organizing your items. And that is the easiest way to do it.

These apps are useful for making a list of your things. You can sort them into categories and search for them easily. They are easy to use and have a simple design. You can put all your things in one of these apps.

Every property is divided into rooms, and every room has its own list of items. You can add a closet, for example, and it can have a sub-list of items that are stored inside.

These apps help you create a moving inventory list just as you would on a piece of paper, but much more efficiently. You can add notes, weight, and value of your items. You could even add photos of each item you add to the list.

This comes in really handy in case you need to file a claim later on, just in case any of your items get damaged while moving. Having a “before” picture of the item will serve as proof of its condition before relocation. Overall, using a free phone app is really the perfect and easiest solution for creating a moving inventory list.

Create Your Moving Inventory List

While having everything on your phone is the most convenient solution for most, there’s another type of crowd too. Some people find that using a smartphone is way too complicated. If you have trouble with downloading, installing, and getting around android apps, you can create the moving checklist in an old-fashioned way and write it down on a piece of paper.

In case you decide to go for this option, it’s recommended you make copies. This will be very helpful in case your paper gets lost or mixed in the process.

Please be advised that utilizing a desktop computer to create an inventory list may not be the most practical option in this particular scenario. This is due to the fact that it would require frequent movement throughout the house. While a laptop could be utilized, it is important to exercise caution to avoid any accidental damage while navigating through various items. Therefore, it may be most efficient to utilize a smartphone or traditional pen and paper to complete the task at hand.

Create a Separate Inventory list for Every Room

The smartest way to make an efficient and helpful inventory list is to divide your moving inventory list by room. If you can, you should make a separate inventory list for every room that you have. This will help you to stay more organized.

You can start with large items, the ones that you can easily spot. Then move on to smaller items. In order to have a detailed inventory list, you should add some specifics for every item.

What You Should Note

Areas

To ensure a smooth moving process, it is recommended to begin by categorizing your inventory list according to each room. Focusing on one area at a time is highly advantageous compared to tackling multiple spaces simultaneously. This approach promotes a more systematic approach and facilitates meticulous tracking of all items intended for packing and transportation.

Title

Your first column should contain the item’s name. Simply create titles like “dining table”, “sectional”, “freezer”, and so on.

Weight

Now, you need to guess how much each thing weighs. If it’s small, you can use a scale at home. If it’s big, you can look up how much things like it usually weigh on the internet. You can also use some tools online to help you guess. This is important because how heavy your stuff is affects how much it costs to move it. So, you should have an idea of how heavy your things are.

Condition

Note the current condition of your items. It is very important to note the state of your items before the move.

Value

The next step is to add the monetary value of the item you’re inventorying. This doesn’t have to be an exact price − you can add the estimated value of items instead.

Designated spot

Think about where will you place your item in your new home and write it down. This will be very helpful during a moving truck unload and unpack. Once you know where each item is supposed to go, the process will go much smoother and faster.

Extra notes

Leave a place for additional notes and ideas that you might have. That can include anything from the fact that an item holds emotional value to the info that it should be packed or stored in a specific way. Additional info could be anything extra that’s not covered in regular sections of the inventory list.

Photos

While creating an inventory list, make sure that you take photos of all important details concerning the condition of your items. Even better, you can make a video, it’s faster than taking photos and you can easily record your thought and notes, too. As mentioned before, this will serve as proof in case you need to file an insurance claim.

Boxes

When you are packing for a move it is very important to use the right moving boxes and label them properly. You should also create an inventory list of your boxes. That way you can easily track your shipment and quickly check your items when they arrive at your destination. Label your boxes by colors, for example, and you will easily know the number of boxes and in which room are they going.

Storing Items In a Public Storage

If you plan to move some items to a self-storage, make a separate inventory list for storage too. When you are storing your items in a public storage New York, it will be good to have a list to be certain about the location of your items if you can’t find something during unpacking. So before you chase your movers and accuse them of missing items, check your storage inventory list. It will be of great help in these kinds of situations. If you need affordable moving and storage NYC company, Big Apple Moving is at your service.

How to Wrap And Move a Couch

Posted on 02/03/202207/31/2025 by BigApple

Are you planning to move a couch to a new residence without the assistance of professional movers? If so, it is imperative that you prepare and adhere to the straightforward, step-by-step guide we have compiled. Couches and sectionals are notoriously challenging to transport due to their unwieldy size and high cost. Given that a couch represents a significant investment, it is essential that it be relocated with great care.

Before you start wrapping your couch for moving, you may want to take a second and consider if it’s worth moving. Sometimes, it pays off more to leave your furniture behind, especially worn-out items and something you’ve been thinking of changing for a while.

Figure out how much it will cost and then decide what goes with you to a new home and what stays. If you’re having a DIY move and you’re wondering how to transport your furniture safely, read on to learn how to wrap and move a couch.

Take Off Cushions and Decorative Items

When relocating a couch, it is advisable to begin by removing any detachable components. This entails starting with the throws, decorative pillows, and any other items that enhance the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the couch. Subsequently, proceed to remove the cushions individually, and if the cushion covers are removable, detach them as well.

You’ll want to pack all of these items together so they wouldn’t get lost or mixed up with other household items. You can use stretch wrap to wrap each cushion individually or you pack them in boxes. If you’re looking to save space, vacuum bags are a handy solution. As cushions and pillows take up so much space, vacuum bags are an easy fix.

Disassemble the Couch

Once you’re down to the bare couch, go ahead and check which parts can be removed. Some couches allow for removing legs and arms so if that’s the case, unscrew and pack them properly. Moving smaller parts will make the whole process much easier so disassemble everything you can.

Modular couches can be taken apart and most sectionals come into at least two separate parts. For reference on how professionals handle such bulky items, you can look into how experienced furniture movers typically disassemble and wrap couches for secure transport.

In case you’re moving one of these models, you’ll want to move each piece separately and wrap it into protective materials. In case your couch is not designed to be disassembled, don’t try to force it but leave it as it is. Since you’re going through the trouble of moving such a bulky item, you don’t want to deal with damages.

Follow these easy tips for disassembling furniture. When you have to move a couch without disassembling it, make sure you pack it properly. You can read more about the packing process in the next section of this article.

Pack the Couch

Before you transport your couch to the truck, you should pack it to avoid any damages in transit. Check out some of the best places to find packing supplies, or contact your local movers. Depending on the fabric your couch is made of, go for a stretch wrap or moving blankets.

When it comes to upholstery, utilizing plastic stretch wrap to envelop the couch is an effective measure for safeguarding the fabric. However, for leather couches, it is recommended to employ moving blankets to prevent any potential scratches during transit. It is imperative to ensure that the entire couch is wrapped and, if necessary, secured in place with packing tape, regardless of the chosen packing material.

When you’re moving a disassembled couch, you’ll want to follow this process for each individual piece. If you think you can’t do this task yourself, hiring NYC professional packers is for the best.

Transport the Couch to the Moving Truck

Having made all necessary preparations for loading, the next step is to determine the most effective means of transporting the couch to the moving vehicle. If the couch is lightweight, it can be easily carried to the truck with the assistance of another person.

However, if the couch is large or heavy, it is advisable to utilize one of the available moving equipment options. A moving dolly is a particularly useful tool in this regard, as it facilitates the easy transportation of even the bulkiest items to the truck.

There’s no need to spend extra since you can rent a moving dolly from your local mover. Another convenient solution is to use furniture sliders. Furniture sliders will help you push the coach along the floor without damaging it and without you making too much effort.

Make sure you have a clear exit path before moving your couch to the truck. You’ll want to remove any miscellaneous items, furniture pieces, home décor, and anything else you could trip over. Pay attention to your patio and driveway too because there might be some things you could slip on such as fallen leaves, snow, mud, etc.

Load and Secure the Couch

Now the only thing left is to load the couch into the moving truck and secure it in place. You could lift it up with someone’s help and place it inside directly from the ground. If it’s too heavy for that, check if the truck has a built-in ramp. The loading ramp will help you load the couch with ease.

If your moving truck doesn’t have one, there’s an easy fix. Make your own ramp by using several pieces of plywood. Once your couch is inside the truck, find the best way to keep it secured in transit. Placing it in an upright position may be the best option since it will leave lots of space to pack your other belongings.

Hire Moving Experts

In case you read through this guide and decide that DIY relocation is not for you, you can always hire professional Brooklyn movers. After all, they have the best materials and tools, let alone the experience needed to move a couch safely. If you’re looking for a trusted mover, check out Big Apple Movers. We provide great packing services for your convenience. You’ll also get complimentary estimates and we’ll create a personalized plan for your relocation. Go ahead and contact us to receive your free in-house or online Brooklyn moving quote!

Top 6 Packing Materials You Need When Moving

Posted on 12/14/202112/10/2025 by BigApple

The amalgamation of packing supplies and uncomplicated packing techniques is a crucial aspect of a seamless packing procedure and a relocation process devoid of stress. Appropriate packing materials serve to safeguard your possessions and facilitate their transportation to your new abode in an undamaged state.

If you aspire to pack like a professional but are uncertain about the process, we are here to assist you. Continue reading to discover the six most essential packing materials required for a successful move.

Containers

The first part of your packing supplies has to do with containers – they’re necessary since you naturally have to pack your items into something in order to move them. There are a few options here, the first one being the most often one, which is − regular cardboard moving boxes NYC. This is the most affordable option.

If you are seeking free cardboard boxes, they can be readily obtained. Numerous establishments, including local grocery stores, bookstores, home improvement stores, and various other retailers, often have surplus boxes that they are willing to part with. It is advisable to conduct a thorough search if you are in need of a cost-effective solution. While moving boxes are typically sufficient, it may be necessary to procure particularly robust boxes depending on the nature of your items.

Your second option is to ditch the cardboard and go for recycled plastic instead. In that case, you’ll want to look into places to rent plastic storage containers. If you’re wondering why anyone would want to spend money on something like that, the reason is that they make your move greener and there’s no chance of them breaking.

Thanks to the recycled plastic they’re made of, these containers can hold any weight without trouble. Plus, you can rent them and bring them back after you’re done so you don’t have to deal with unnecessary clutter in your home after you unpack.

Bubble Wrap

The second packing material you need is the ever-entertaining bubble wrap. You can use it for packing and have fun popping it after you’re finished with your move. While everyone loves the fun part of bubble wrap, the main reason why it’s used so often is that it’s one of the best ways to protect your belongings, whether you’re moving glass, ceramic, porcelain, or other sensitive possessions.

Besides wrapping household belongings, you’ll also use bubble wrap to create soft padding inside moving boxes before packing and you will add a bit extra to fill in empty spaces before you seal the box.

Packing Paper

This is another must-have packing supply because it’s irreplaceable when it comes to protecting sensitive items from scratches. When you’re packing fragile or sensitive items, you’ll get the best results by using packing paper first and bubble wrap second.

You can also use it to fill in voids after you’ve packed all your items inside the box to avoid them from shifting or scratching one another. Get plenty of packing paper and don’t worry about the cost because it’s pretty affordable.

Packing Tape

One essential item to include on your packing materials list is packing tape. Its primary purpose is to reinforce the box by ensuring that all seams are covered, thereby minimizing the risk of the box breaking during transportation.

Once the boxes are packed and ready for moving, it is imperative to use the tape again to seal each box correctly. While it may seem unnecessary to spend money on packing tape, it is crucial to invest in quality tape to avoid the risk of boxes containing valuable items opening up during transit.

Stretch Wrap

This particular packing material proves to be highly advantageous when relocating furniture pieces such as cabinets, chests of drawers, and similar items. To prevent doors or shelves from dislodging during transit or handling, it is recommended to utilize stretch wrap and ensure a secure fit.

Additionally, cutlery or utensil trays can also benefit from the use of stretch wrap to contain loose items. When packing toiletries or liquids, stretch wrap can be employed to envelop the entire bottle and prevent spillage with ease. Furthermore, stretch wrap does not leave any residue, making it a versatile option for any household item.

Sharpie Marker

The last item on your must-have packing supply list is a colorful sharpie marker. Chances are you have one if your home already so just keep it aside until you need it. A sharpie is crucial because you’ll need it to label moving boxes after the packing. The process of labeling may be a bit boring and time-consuming but it is very helpful when you’re loading and unloading your belongings, not to mention unpacking which can turn into a nightmare without labels.

Summary

Hopefully, our list of top packing materials will help you have the most successful move and pack your belongings properly. By using professional packing materials and following simple packing strategies, you will protect your items and have them arrive safely at your new address. Don’t forget that you can also go for additional tools to make your life easier.

For example, if you’re moving extremely heavy or bulky pieces, you’ll want to visit your local mover and rent a moving dolly. They’ll explain to you how to use a moving dolly. Or you may benefit from furniture sliders or furniture straps. While we listed all of the basic materials, your specific situation may require additional materials, especially if moving artwork or extremely valuable or fragile items. Of course, in this case, the best is to hire reliable fine art movers.

When Is The Best Time To Move

Posted on 11/23/202108/21/2023 by BigApple

Selecting an appropriate time of year for relocation can enhance the efficiency, affordability, and convenience of the process. Given that the timing of a move is influenced by several factors, such as budget, convenience, urgency, and other considerations, it is imperative to establish priorities before determining the optimal time to relocate.

While peak season during the summer months may suit some individuals, it may prove to be highly inconvenient for others. Conversely, the winter months offer off-season rates, but present their own set of challenges. Further reading will elucidate the most favorable time of year for relocation.

Things to consider when choosing the best moving date

Moving with family: When moving with teenagers or children, you’ll want to move during summer break and avoid disrupting your kids’ schedule.

Tenancy agreement: If you’re on a tenancy agreement, you must consider this before anything else since you’ll be obliged by lease to give notice and perhaps take care of some things before being able to move out.

Moving for work: This is a common reason for moving and it can directly affect your moving date so take it into consideration if you have a specific starting date. In this case, it’s a good idea to talk to your employer and work out a plan and specific date that works for both of you.

Selling or buying: If you’re selling your home you’ll need more time and things get more complex if you also plan on buying a new house. In both cases, you’ll want to give yourself some extra time and make date arrangements with all parties involved.

The Best Time To Move

To find the best time of year to move, you should think about your budget, how flexible your moving dates are, and why you are moving. Now that you know more about what affects the decision, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each season.

Usually, peak season is more expensive but good for moving with a family, while off-season is cheaper but has some disadvantages. Let’s go through each season to see the good and bad sides of moving during that time.

Summer

Summers are extremely busy since peak season usually lasts from May to August. Moving during the peak season is a good choice if you’re selling your home because demand is highest and you’ll get a better price. It also makes an ideal time to relocate if you’re moving with children since it’s a summer break and you won’t have to disturb your kids’ schedules.

You should know that most people move between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which makes it more expensive. This is because there is more demand for moving services during this time. If you live in a hot and humid state like Florida or Texas, it can be even more difficult to move during the summer. It might be better to choose a different time of year to move to avoid extreme weather conditions.

Fall

The great thing about moving in the fall is that peak season is over so you get to find better moving rates and save some money on your move. Also, weather conditions are not so bad since extreme heat is gone and harsh winter has not arrived yet so you’ll probably have a pleasant moving experience.

In most states, you’ll find pretty nice weather during the September through November months so it’s definitely a big advantage to have in mind. Moving in autumn also means you’ll get to settle into your new home just before the holidays start so you can spend Christmas and New Year enjoying your new place.

The downside of moving during the autumn months is that the school is starting so it makes a pretty bad time if you’re moving with kids.

Winter

Winter is considered to be the cheapest of all seasons so it may be the best time to move if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Off-season months mean that demand is low so moving companies will have lower rates and they’ll offer more flexible moving dates.

However, moving in bad weather usually comes with a price. Harsh weather conditions can make your move complicated, unpleasant, delayed, and snow or ice will require extra effort when it comes to packing, loading, and transporting your belongings. Think about all the prep and all the extra gear you’ll need to make the move safe for you and your household items – waterproofing moving boxes, salting the driveway, etc.

Spring

During this time of year, the weather is nice for moving and the demand is not as high as later on. This means you can get a good price for your move and not worry about bad weather.

The cons of moving during the spring months apply if you have to move with kids since there will be lots of exams and end-of-school activities going on. Also, the closer to summer you get, the busier movers will get so you may find fewer options if you wait for too long.

Summary

Hopefully, this guide will give you enough info to choose the best time of year to move. If you’re still not sure about when you should move, go ahead and consult with a professional moving company, such as Big Apple. We’ll be more than happy to chat about your plans and create a personalized moving strategy depending on your specific situation. We’ll also provide free Brooklyn moving quotes for the desired date so make sure you contact us!

Moving Blankets: Why You Need Them When You Move

Posted on 10/25/202112/11/2025 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 10/05/202111/03/2021 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”