Top 10 Problems When Moving House

Smooth relocation is everybody’s dream – we all hope to get to our new home without hassle and mishaps. You don’t have to deal with some major issues to have your moving experiences spoiled, as there are so many details that can bring stress. It only makes sense that moving house is often described as stressful and challenging. While some things you can’t control, like weather conditions or bad traffic, you can work on figuring out the best way to deal with moving issues and keep your composure. The more you’re aware of what can go wrong, the more prepared you’ll be to handle it. To help you get ready for any mishaps, we’ve created this helpful list. Carry on reading to find the top 10 problems when moving house and how to prevent them.

A Sad Couple With Boxes On Their Heads During Moving

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.

An Hourglass That Shows You're Late

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.

Spotting Moving Scams

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.

Movers Are Trying To Lift A Piece Of Bulky Furniture

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.

A Girl's having a Back Injury

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

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.

Moving Dolly

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?

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.

A black and yellow clay vase with Egyptian symbols, placed on a white surface. This vase is expensive, so packing antiques by yourself can bring a financial loss.

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.

Plenty of bubbles in the ocean, probably seen by the eyes of a diver.

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.

Packing Supplies - Bubble Wrap and Tape

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.

 

A lot of white jugs put without a specific order.

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

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

reuse moving box

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

diy project with box

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

donate moving box

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.

What To Do If Movers Are Late

Relocating can be a multifaceted undertaking that necessitates meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a hassle-free experience. Ideally, your move will proceed without any unforeseen complications. Nevertheless, certain circumstances may be beyond your control, resulting in unfavorable outcomes. One such challenge that may arise during the relocation process is tardiness on the part of the movers during pick-up or delivery.

Whether you’re waiting for your things to be picked up or your belongings are being delivered, waiting for movers is certainly not pleasant. In general, it’s more frustrating if movers are late for delivery because you won’t have your things with you.

movers are late

But, steps to handle the issue are pretty much the same with delivery and pick-up delays. When your movers are late, it’s very important that you stay calm because you’ll need composure in order to solve the issue.

 

You’ll have to call them and hopefully, you’ll reach them quite quickly – we hope you did your homework and hired a licensed and reliable NYC moving company.

Why Are Movers Late?

There are various reasons why movers may experience delays. Traffic congestion can cause unforeseen delays, and technical issues with the moving vehicle can also contribute to tardiness. Additionally, misunderstandings regarding the correct address or unexpected flat tires can further exacerbate the situation. Despite the best efforts of movers to exercise due diligence and professionalism, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise.

Late movers are not a reason to hit the panic button straight away. Consider the human factor as well – one of the crew members may be sick. There may be an emergency or an accident. So, remain calm at least until you learn what’s holding them back.

If movers are late with delivering your items to the new address or they’re not on time to pick up your belongings, be proactive and follow the simple steps below. If you’re wondering what to do when movers are late, we’ve got you covered.

Keep Your Cool

The first thing to do is to stay calm. Of course, this may not be exactly the easiest thing to do when things don’t go as planned but you should try and remain calm because you still don’t know what the reason for the delay is and how long until the problem is resolved.

You’re much more likely to solve the issue if you keep your composure than if you panic. This easier said than done step may not sound like much. But, it’s definitely helpful once you’re stressed and have to handle the issue.

Double-Check the Deal

The second thing to do when your movers are late is to take your contract and check if the arrival time is estimated or not. Why should you do this? Because your contract may state that movers will arrive, for example, between 10 am and 11 am, while you may be waiting for them at 9 am.

Always check the time you agreed to in the contract to make sure they’re really late and it’s not about the misunderstanding. In case your contract clearly states the timeframe but your movers are nowhere to be seen, go ahead and follow the next step.

Call Movers

call movers

After you’ve made sure that your movers are indeed late, it’s time to give them a call and find out what’s holding them. In case you don’t have their number saved, just check their website and find a phone number. As long as you’ve hired a reputable mover (and we sincerely hope that you did), reaching them shouldn’t be a problem.

 

Ask for an Explanation and Specific Info

Upon contacting the moving company, it is imperative to request pertinent information regarding your move. Begin by introducing yourself and providing a detailed explanation of the situation. It is recommended to inquire about the specific arrival time of the movers, without placing too much emphasis on the rationale behind their schedule.

Obtaining this information is of utmost importance, and it is advised to remain on the line until a definitive time frame has been established for the arrival of the moving crew.

React Depending on the Info

Once you have a new expected time of crew arriving, it’s time to improvise and use that extra time depending on the info you get. For example, if your movers are arriving in the next 15 minutes, there’s no need to change your plans or move to another task. But in case they’re arriving in a couple of hours, you can get back to your things and make a few checks.

See if your essentials bag has everything you need. Check if your valuables are separated from the rest of your belongings. Check if pathways are clear, if everything is ready to go, etc. In case movers won’t be arriving until the next day, even though it’s highly inconvenient, you’ll still have to improvise and adjust your schedule.

Take Action

Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with an issue in this manner. But, if you’re unable to get in touch with movers for a few days, it’s time to react and notify authorities about your situation. Go ahead and contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888- 368-7238) Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time to seek advice on what you are expected to do next. In case your mover is asking for cash to deliver your items, you’ve clearly been a victim of fraud. You should contact the police before calling FMSCA.

 

In case you’re involved in a moving scam but you’re not happy with the service, make sure to leave a moving review. Be honest and describe your situation with all the details. Your review can help another customer know about your inconvenience. MyMovingReviews and Yelp are some of the reliable moving company reviews websites.

If you’re looking for a licensed and reliable moving company, check out Big Apple movers. We’re at your service and we’ll provide a Brooklyn moving quote completely free of charge.

How to Avoid Property Damage When Moving Out

Different moving strategies are an important part of safe relocation and combining safe techniques with moving equipment will bring you the best results. There’s no reason to pay for repairs after you move out – it’s much better to protect your house and avoid property damage.

Taking precautionary measures is a must when you’re moving house, and in the following text, we’ll guide you through a few easy steps you should take to avoid damage. To guard your home against harm, you’ll combine simple techniques with affordable materials.

In general, floors are usually affected the most by moving because they’re subject to scratching and scraping and they’re instantly damages if an item is dropped. While protecting your floors is the first step to avoid property damage when moving out, there are other things you should do to make sure your home is intact.

If you’re wondering how to do so, we’ve got you covered. Carry on reading to learn how to keep your home intact when moving.

Protect Floors and Avoid Property Damage When Moving

Protect Floor And Walls

It only makes sense that floors are the most damaged surface of your property because it’s inevitable to push things across the premises and often drop something. Thus, it’s important to protect floors when moving.

Hardwood floors are especially sensitive if they’re polished and repairing them is very expensive, so it’s a much better option to cover them. Plastic films are the most efficient covering, but you can also use cardboard – use flattened moving boxes and tape them together to create efficient floor protection.

If you don’t have professional materials or cardboard boxes, be creative and cover your floors using anything in your household you can spare – consider old blankets, towels, sheets, clothes, etc. The only thing you need to pay attention to is that your floors are not slippery because you want to prevent accidents.

Besides covering your floors, you should also take precautions and avoid sliding furniture across the floor − you should always use a moving dolly instead. It will save you the trouble of carrying heavy items but it will also be greatly beneficial to your floors.

Walls make such a big part of any apartment so protecting a large surface like that is a must when you want to avoid property damage. Go ahead and tape thick paper, towels, blankets, or clothes to screen the walls and keep them from getting damaged. Also, your corners should be protected, so check out corner guards for a quick and effective solution.

Avoid Scratching Floors And Property Damage When Moving Out

Protect Stairs And Doors

The next area of your home you should protect when moving are stairs and banisters. Banisters often get damaged when big items are being carried down the stairs, so you have to use moving blankets or another material to wrap them. Stairs should also be covered for property protection but for your safety as well – make sure that covers are anti-slippery.

Next, you should pay attention to doors because frames often get damaged while taking things out. To make sure you don’t harm any doors while moving, go ahead and use door frame guards or foam paddings for best results.

Plan Ahead

Before you start taking boxes and bulky items to your moving truck, take some time to make a plan. To do so, you’ll have to measure your space and your furniture pieces and plan the exit strategy. The reason for that is because you want to make sure that your furniture can fit through the doors, otherwise, you may need to consider taking the doors out until you pass with bulky items.

Clear the Space

Once you’re sure your furniture fits through the doors, you have to take a look at the rest of the space and check for obstructions. Your way out should be clear because you don’t want to trip over something, so make sure to remove any objects that could get in your way while you’re lifting and carrying your household items.

Take Your Time

A golden rule that will help you protect property and your health – never rush! Even though you certainly want to complete the moving process as fast as possible, there’s no use in rushing things and risking an injury. It’s was better to take your time and make slow but safe steps.

Empty and Dismantle

To make moving easier and minimize the risk of damage when moving out, dismantle and empty whatever possible. That means taking apart your bulky pieces of furniture, emptying drawers and moving them separately, etc. You’ll have smaller and lighter pieces which makes them safer for transportation.

Avoid Heavy Lifting

Eventually, it’s not only about protecting the property when you’re moving out, remember that you’re the most important part of your relocation. Never try to lift an item that’s too heavy for one person, otherwise, you may risk a serious injury and nothing is worth that. Wear protection including gloves, a hat, closed-toe shoes, and always make safety your top priority. If you’re performing a DIY move, always find a few helping hands and hire moving labor in case you don’t have any available friends.

Calling Friends to Help You With Packing and Lifting

Nominate a spotter

Last, but not least, you should have a person watch you and warn you in case you’re about to do something unsafe or cause damage to your property. They can quickly remove the obstacle you’re about to trip over or tell you how many steps you have left.

Hopefully, our tips will help you prevent property damage when moving out. Leaving your place in good condition is much cheaper than finding time and money for repairs, so you better guard your home against harm. If you don’t have the time or energy to deal with additional moving tasks, hiring an NYC moving company may be the best solution. Professional movers have the experience and necessary equipment to keep your home intact while moving. Big Apple is at your service – contact us anytime to get a moving price.