Top 6 Packing Materials You Need When Moving

Posted on 12/14/202109/06/2023 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.

What Services Do Moving Companies Offer

Posted on 12/08/202109/06/2023 by BigApple

In order to alleviate the challenges associated with relocating, a majority of individuals opt to enlist the services of professional movers. Undoubtedly, a moving specialist will mitigate the stress associated with the process.

However, it is imperative to ascertain the specific measures they will undertake and the extent of coverage provided by the moving invoice. Continue perusing to gain insight into the array of services proffered by moving firms.

Packing Services

The majority of relocation experts provide packing services to accompany your residential move. To furnish you with an estimate, the movers will conduct an assessment of your residence. This entails verifying the number of bedrooms and the quantity of items you intend to transport.

Based on this information, they will determine the duration required to pack your entire household and the number of personnel necessary for the task. Moving firms typically offer a complete or partial packing service, allowing you to entrust them with the packing of all your possessions or only a portion thereof. Alternatively, if you prefer to pack your belongings yourself, you may opt for the removal service only.

Removal Services

House Removals

One may economize and undertake a portion of their relocation independently. Specifically, one may opt to pack their belongings themselves and enlist the services of movers solely for transportation. Moving companies possess their own fleet of vehicles and drivers, thereby ensuring the secure conveyance of one’s possessions to their new abode.

This is the most prevalent service offered by movers, sparing one the inconvenience of driving and the expense of professional packing services. The cost of this service is typically determined by the size of the shipment or the duration of the task.

Distance also plays an important role. Local movers NYC usually charge an hourly rate while long-distance movers NYC form a price based on the overall size or weight of your shipment. Keep in mind that packing is the most time-consuming part of any relocation. It can also be downright boring.

So, many people prefer to pay for the full service moving than lose time packing. However, if you have enough time and you decide to pack by yourself, moving companies also offer packing materials for moving house.

Office Removals

Besides helping you move house, movers can usually help you move your office too, or any other type of business. To complete the job safely and efficiently, they use specialized moving vehicles. They also have certain procedures and practices for transporting fragile items or confidential documents.

They will likely be able to prepare and transport your electronic equipment and other office equipment safely. So if you’re planning commercial relocation, it’s a good idea to reach out to several movers in your area and inquire about the price of office removal.

Providing Packing Materials

Go ahead and check some of the best places to find packing supplies and use them to make sure your items are well-protected. Your local mover will likely be able to provide packing materials such as moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape, etc. But maybe the most important thing is that movers also have professional moving equipment for rent which is greatly beneficial. Consider asking about a moving dolly, furniture sliders, furniture straps, etc.

Additional Services

Moving companies offer special services for heavy, bulky, fragile, or valuable items. If you need to move a piano, bathtub, or pool table, you will need to pay extra for these services. Some items may need to be taken apart and put back together, which will also cost more.

If movers have to carry items up or down stairs or over long distances, there will be additional charges. Movers will also charge extra to disconnect and reconnect appliances. There are many other additional services available, but they all cost more money. It’s important to ask questions and understand the costs before agreeing to any services.

Storage Services

Sometimes, your move-out date is a bit earlier than your move-in date, so you have to wait for a while until you move into your new home, having nowhere to store your household items. Other times, you’ll decide to downsize and you’ll wonder what to do with all the things you’re not ready to get rid of yet.

Or there may be a completely different reason why you can’t move our items to your new home so you’ll need a safe place to keep your things. Whatever the reason may be, storage units will be a solution.

Moving companies offer storage services too so go ahead and find an affordable moving and storage company. These facilities let you keep your belongings for any length of time and they can be of the traditional type or more advanced, such as a climate-controlled storage unit.

This is, of course, charged additionally, so don’t expect this service to be included in your standard removal cost. The price is calculated depending on the size and type of storage you need, and also the length of time you plan to store your items.

As a licensed and insured moving company NYC, Big Apple provides professional service, top-quality materials, and efficient removals. Our moving crew has the experience and skills necessary to complete the job safely and have your possessions handled with the utmost care. Make sure you get your free moving quotes Brooklyn while planning a house move. Reach out to us to create a personalized moving plan together!

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 10/25/202108/22/2023 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 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”

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.