Find A Reliable Moving Company In NY

Find A Reliable Moving Company In NY

Moving to a different place adds a new chapter in your life’s book, which can be extremely exciting but challenging at the same time. Now, why are we saying challenging? Because it takes a lot of effort to pack up your belongings and relocate. It reduces a significant load off your head if you decide to choose a moving company, hence ensuring a stress-free move.

If you’re in New York (NY) and seeking professional assistance, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and find a reputable and trustworthy moving company. In this blog, we will decode the secrets of how to choose a moving company. Let’s get started.

How To Find A Reliable Moving Company In NY

Here are some factors to take into account when it comes to how to find a reliable moving company in NY to ensure your belongings are handled with care.

Seek Recommendations

The first step towards choosing a moving company is in NY is to seek recommendations from friends, family, and acquaintances. Personal referrals play a significant role in assisting you with finding a company that can prove excellent for your move. Why seeking recommendations is so important?

Trustworthiness: People you know will never give you unreliable recommendations, and it also carries a level of authenticity that online advertisements or reviews may lack. These individuals provide unbiased opinions and have no vested interest in promoting any company or anyone.

Detailed Insights: Talking to someone who has first-hand experience in moving gives you detailed insights into their experience with the moving company. You can ask specific questions about the company’s professionalism, efficiency, and how they handled any challenges that arose during the move.

Local Knowledge: Ask local people about moving companies operating in the local area. They can suggest companies that provide local moving services in NYC that are familiar with NY’s traffic patterns, parking regulations, and other logistical challenges that may arise during a move into the city.

Customized Recommendations: By understanding your specific moving needs and concerns, those providing recommendations can tailor their suggestions to match your requirements. They may suggest companies with expertise in handling specialty items, long-distance moves, or any other specific services you might need.

Potential Discounts: Some moving companies come up with amazing referral discounts for both the referrer and the referred customers. If someone referred you, you might be eligible for a cost-saving incentive, making it a win-win for both parties.

Read Online Reviews

The Internet has given a boost to all businesses. You can read reviews of the products and services to make informed decisions. Visit websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau to read reviews from previous customers. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to avoid any kind of stress further.

Diversify Your Sources: It would surely be a mistake to rely solely on online reviews from only one website. Research thoroughly and follow various means to find out more about the moving business. Each platform may offer different perspectives and information about the moving companies, providing a more comprehensive view.

Look for Recent Reviews: Recent reviews give you a better idea of the current performance of the company. So, it would be great if you focus on the review from the last six months to a year.

Consider the Overall Rating: A high overall rating is an indication of good services provided by the moving company. Also, sometimes, a few negative reviews among many positive ones might not be a deal-breaker if the negative feedback doesn’t involve critical aspects of the moving process.

Evaluate Responses to Negative Reviews: How a person or a company responds to negative reviews tells a lot about them. A reliable company addresses the concerns of the customers in a professional manner and offers solutions to rectify the situation. On the other hand, an unresponsive or defensive attitude towards negative feedback may indicate a lack of accountability.

Consider Context and Specific Needs: Every move comes with different needs. Find if the moving company you are selecting is aligning with your specific requirements.

Seek Additional Information: If you find a moving company that seems promising based on reviews, you need to put more efforts in uncovering additional information. You can also call the company to ask questions and gauge their customer service.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

The licensing company you should select must have a proper license and insurance to avoid moving scams. A legitimate moving company in New York is the one with appropriate licenses and insurance coverage in place. Having proper licenses ensures that your belongings are safe and you are protected from potential liabilities.

The licensing requirements varies from place to place. As far as New York is concerned, all moving companies here should be registered with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). The registration process involves meeting certain criteria, which often include background checks, proof of insurance, and adherence to safety regulations.

You can’t overlook the aspect of adequate insurance coverage. Despite taking careful steps, accidents can happen during the moving process. Having insurance ensures that you are protected in the event of any unforeseen damage or loss to your belongings.

Get Multiple Quotes

Don’t just select the moving company in the first go. Get multiple quotes and compare moving services of several companies. Find if there are any additional fees associated with the moving companies to strike a balance between quality and affordability.

 Get a quote from Big Apple Moving to know more. 

Check for Red Flags

It is important to be aware of the red flags that may indicate an unreliable moving company. These can include demanding a large upfront deposit, lack of a physical address or office, frequent name changes, or unprofessional behavior during communication. Reputable movers will be transparent, communicative, and willing to address your concerns.

Essential Questions to Ask Moving Companies

Before making your final decision, there are some questions to ask the moving company. The answers to those questions will help you get clarifications about their moving policies and how safe is your move. So, here are some questions to ask your moving company –

Is your company licensed and insured?

How many years of experience do you have in handling your move?

How long will it take to complete a move?

Do you also offer packing services?

What is the cost associated with every move?

Do you have any hidden fees?

Conclusion

A smooth and stress-free location depends on finding a reliable moving company in NY that also offers packing services. Take some time and research thoroughly about the moving companies to arrive at the right decision.

Having said that, Big Apple Moving is always there to help you with every kind of move and our professionals will take care of every moving aspect. Get in touch with us for more information.

FAQs

How do I make sure my moving company is legit?

Ensure your moving company is licensed and insured. Read reviews and ask for references to verify their credibility. Also, pay attention to their overall rating and how they respond to negative reviews.

How can you avoid being scammed by moving companies?

Avoid scams by getting multiple quotes, researching the company thoroughly, and never paying large deposits upfront. Always insist on a written contract detailing all services and costs.

How far in advance should I hire someone?

Hire the moving company at least 4-8 weeks prior to your move. This becomes all the more important if it is the peak moving season, to secure your preferred date and time.

How long will it take to move my home?

The time taken to move your home depends on various factors like the size of your home, distance of the move and the complexity of the job. A local move might take 4-8 hours, while long-distance moves could take days.

How and when do I pay the movers?

Typically, payment is made upon delivery of your items, but some companies might ask for a deposit upfront. Payment methods often include cash, credit card, or cheque.

Is there a minimum number of hours for the moving service?

Yes, many moving companies have a minimum hourly requirement, often ranging from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the company and the type of move.

Moving During the Peak Season

Moving during the busy summer months has many advantages like favorable weather conditions, more free time, more buying and renting options, etc. On the other hand, it also means high demand for moving services and higher moving costs.

This post presents a compilation of factual information, along with practical advice and strategies, aimed at facilitating your summer relocation planning. We encourage you to continue reading to gain comprehensive insights into the intricacies of moving during the high-demand season.

What is a Peak Season for Moving?

Peak season is the busiest time in a year when most people are relocating, specifically the summer season. Around ¾ of all moves in the country happen from May to September. Because this is the most demanding period for moving companies, you should always plan and organize well ahead.

Moving services and rental services may be fully booked and unavailable if you wait for too long and decide to hire them when the peak season is already happening. While you’ll probably be able to find some last-minute options, those may not be reliable or experienced, so it is definitely a better choice to find a reputable company in advance.

Moving During Summer

Reasons to Move During Peak Season

School Breaks

Many families are moving with children, so the summer months allow for easier relocation without school activities. Otherwise, moving in the middle of a school year may be really difficult for a child and interrupt their school year.

Rentals

More often than not, the rental lease will begin and end in summer, and more people are moving at this time of the year from one city to another. That makes it easier to find a place compared to the winter season.

Nice Weather

Even though summer months can be extremely hot in some areas, it’s generally much more pleasant to move on a sunny day than deal with snow and blizzards. Winter moves are also possible, but summer just makes it easier because there are no icy roads or unpredictable weather conditions.

More Sales

In most places in the US, home selling happens during the spring and early summer months. That means you’re more likely to find a house for sale during peak season compared to other months.

Tips for Moving During Peak Season

Now that you’re familiar with the advantages of a summer move, let’s learn how to prepare for it. These peak moving season tips will help you have a successful and stress-free relocation.

Start Early

Early planning is often a key to a successful move, but that’s especially the case when it comes to moving during peak season. Book all your services as soon as possible, including flight tickets and moving services. Instead of waiting to do so last-minute, book early and get the company of your choice, rather than being forced to choose from only a few that are left when the moving date comes.

Get Better Deals

When you’re moving during peak season, prices can be a real nightmare. But there are discounts that you can get if you plan wisely and in advance. Again, planning ahead is the key to an affordable move.

Affordable moving companies NYC made easy to find

Avoid Weekends

It is advisable to refrain from scheduling a move during the weekend due to the higher costs associated with this time frame. Similarly, it is recommended to avoid the initial days of the week and month, as opting for a mid-month move can result in significant cost savings.

Don’t Go for a Holiday Move

To get the best rate on the move, you should also avoid moving on holidays. Some of them are Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and moving rates on these days are much higher for various reasons – limited labor, more traffic, etc.

Hire a Babysitter

Peak season is challenging enough without adding another important aspect to it such as looking after your kids. Arrange for childcare in advance to make sure your little ones are being looked after on moving day. Hire a babysitter or ask a friend or a family friend to help you out for a day.

Use Moving Apps

While you’re making a plan for your relocation, go ahead and use some of the handy apps. Many of them are free moving apps and will include various tools like checklists, home inventories, reminders, notes, coupons, etc.

Declutter

Getting rid of some household items will lighten up the load and make the final cost lower. The fewer things you have, the less you have to pack, and less to pay. Because moving companies charge based on the total size or weight of the shipment, you’ll benefit from decluttering your home. Plus, you can sell those extra items and make some extra money, or do something good and donate them to charity.

Declutter Your Home

Stay Protected

Don’t forget that temperature can get high and you’ll be exposed to harmful sun rays for a prolonged period. So a cooler with water and some refreshing snacks for the road is a must. Also, dress appropriately and choose comfortable clothing made from natural fabric that’s light-colored. SPF, sunglasses, and a hat are also desirable when moving during the summer months.

Protect Sensitive Items

Heat can damage some of the household items you’re taking with you, so make sure to protect them properly. Things like electronics, candles, or any other heat–sensitive household items should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment and packed suitably.

How to Move a Dresser: Step by Step Guide

Moving big and heavy furniture can be hard. Things like a big dresser can break when you move them because of their size and shape. People often ask how to move these things and make it easier. This guide will show you how to move a dresser step by step.

dresser

Weight and Size of a Dresser

Prior to relocating your dresser, it is imperative to ascertain its dimensions and weight. The weight of the dresser is contingent upon the contents it holds, in addition to the construction material utilized. For instance, solid wood is a denser material that can pose challenges during transportation.

Furthermore, the dimensions of the dresser and the hallways/doorways in your new abode may present an obstacle. Consequently, it is necessary to measure the dresser and disassemble it as required. This will ensure a smooth and efficient relocation process, while minimizing the risk of damage to the dresser or surrounding areas.

Prepare Supplies

Moving requires planning and preparation, including small details. That is why you will need to prepare all the necessary supplies before you start. Here is a list of some supplies that you will need:

  • Measuring tape
  • Tool kit
  • Zip-top bags
  • Tape
  • Paper padding
  • Permanent marker
  • Plastic stretch wrap, furniture blankets,
  • Moving dolly or furniture sliders.

measure items for storage

Taking the content from the dresser or not?

Before you move a dresser, check what kind of items are inside the drawers and separate the ones that you want to keep. If you would like to hold sharp or small stuff inside the drawers, you will need to protect them first. The main reason is that they can be knocking against the dresser and cause damage inside the drawers.

Pay Attention to Small Items

It is advisable to exercise caution when preparing for the transportation of your dresser. It is recommended that you meticulously wrap and remove all items that are situated on or within the top of the dresser, such as cosmetics, jewelry, perfume bottles, photos, books, candles, and other similar items.

This is because such items have the potential to cause scratches and damage to your furniture during transit. Additionally, it is important to note that many dressers come equipped with mirrors that must be removed and securely wrapped in bubble wrap before being packed into a cardboard box. This is to prevent the mirrors from shattering into numerous pieces during transportation.

Should I keep clothes inside the drawers?

When you move a dresser, this is one of the common doubts. Keeping your clothes inside will not damage your drawers, but the weight can be a trouble. In case you prefer keeping your clothes inside the drawers, consider pulling drawers out from the dresser with your clothes. By doing so, you will use drawers as boxes, and carrying your dresser will be easier. Also, the items as towels, bedsheets, and clothes you can pack in the cardboard box, keeping them clean and ready for use.

drawer

Wrap your drawers

In order to safeguard your belongings, it is advisable to wrap and protect the contents of your drawers from any potential damage, regardless of whether you choose to retain them within the drawers or not. Should you wish to utilize the free space within the drawers, it is recommended to employ pillows as they are lightweight and easily transportable, although their size may preclude them from being packed within a cardboard box.

Subsequently, it is imperative to take measures to protect your dresser. The most effective approach is to envelop both the drawers and the entire dresser with multiple layers of stretch wrap, thereby shielding it from scratches, dust, and moisture.

What about high dressers?

There are different sizes of furniture in your household, and the biggest problem that you will come across during your move is the transport of huge furniture pieces. That is why the best solution on this occasion will be to disassemble them. If you are wondering how to do that on your own, here are some tips that can help you.

First of all, protect your floors before placing the dresser on the ground. The next step will be removing all the screws and bolts and carefully moving every side of the dresser. Cover and secure the bigger parts of the dresser with stretch wrap or a moving blanket to protect from damage.

All screws, bolts, and small pieces should be packed together in a plastic or zip-top bag. If there is no need to disassemble your dresser, then only use one or two moving blankets, cover from all sides, and secure with packing tape, but be careful not to place the tape on the surface because that will leave sticky marks on a dresser.

Continue wrapping with tape a few times, following directions; from top to bottom. When you are done with this, lift the dresser up and tape padding under the bottom too. To do so, set another furniture blanket on the floor and place the dresser in the middle of the blanket and fold it upwards, ensuring it in place with tape.

Moving a dresser

All previous preparations are over, and you are only a few steps away from completing this heavy job. The next thing you should do is to plan a route and clear your way from obstacles. The simplest way to transfer your dresser will be using a moving dolly. Like this, the only thing that you need to do is to tilt your dresser and use straps to secure it to the dolly to prevent shifting. If you decide to carry a dresser by yourself, do not forget to take proper posture position − bend your knees (not the waist) and keep your back straight and upright.

Lift a dresser carefully, keeping it close to your body while carrying it. Make sure to take all the necessary precautions, otherwise, you can harm yourself and the furniture too. The safest option will be to hire professional movers who have more experience in this field to move a dresser, so you can avoid moving injuries. If you need any help or professional advice, our moving and storage NYC is here for you.

Finding Affordable Moving Companies In NYC

Moving companies offer a huge variety of discounts for the military, veterans, senior citizens, and students, and on various occasions, for long-distance moves, off-peak season, and with coupons. It doesn’t have to break the bank – there are plenty of affordable moving companies in NYC that deliver quality service on a budget. Let’s explore how to secure the best affordable movers in NYC while maximizing savings.

What to Look for When Searching For Best & Affordable Moving Company in NYC?

Moving as an activity brings a lot of burden and baggage. And the one thing you need to always think of is your budget. However, there are plenty of ways to save money when moving – from getting second-hand moving boxes to hiring movers in NYC to do all the work.

These would be cases where you have the upper employer’s hand, and you have the opportunity to even ask for more! In case you’re clueless as to how to go ahead with the residential moving while looking for low-cost movers in NYC, how about following some of the experienced advice below?

Reading Reviews Can Save You Money

Conducting research on reviews can result in significant cost savings when seeking a reputable moving company. At Big Apple Moving, we offer an extensive selection of top-tier NYC movers, accompanied by feedback from satisfied clients. This firsthand insight into the performance of various New York movers can inform your decision-making process and enable you to select the most suitable option for your needs.

Military Discounts

Risking your life for your country is one of the most honorable acts known, and everyone appreciates this. Moving companies are no exception to this. Military discount is the least they can do considering the sacrifice one makes for his family and country. These would be your type of movers that offer the maximum level of service and punctuality. Transporting anything from back home to the nightmare of a military base is ludicrous.

They protected us over there, so we have their backs back home.

There are reliable moving companies in NYC that give discounts to veterans too. So this is another opportunity for you to save some money. These are discounts given as a percentage of the price that can go up to 50% and more on long-distance moving. This discount will also reduce the cost of storage and extra insurance for your belongings during moving.

Moving companies that extend this discount typically furnish a moving specialist who will address all inquiries pertaining to the relocation procedure. Additionally, you will be provided with a reduced rate estimate for the moving expenses. You may be curious about how you can take advantage of this opportunity.

All you need is your DD Form 214 – bring it to the office of the moving company. In case you do not have it, a discount is still an option, but the mover will have to provide you with detailed instructions.

Look for the Services You Need

Nowadays, you can find discounts anywhere, and the moving industry is no exception. While some companies will advertise a 10% discount, for example, others will require that you contact them for more information. The purpose of such discounts is, again, customer satisfaction – moving companies today strive to provide a stress-free move, and give discounts  on services like moving senior citizens, moving military personnel, commercial moving services, etc. Always keep a check on the kind of moving services you’re looking for before signing an agreement with any moving company.

The discount may apply to decluttering, packing, transportation, unpacking, and more – see which kinds of promotions are active when you decide to move. Look for a professional moving company who has experience in moving different commodities like moving piano, moving fine arts in addition to other services like packing, unpacking, and junk removal. Such companies are good because they know how to move things without damaging the flooring of your home.

Student Discounts

Moving companies provide exceptional student moving promotions through the use of coupons. They assure clients that opting for full-service moving will result in the highest quality of service.

For college students or those planning to attend college, these coupons offer a percentage reduction in expenses for moving labor and transportation services, as well as packing materials. To activate the discount, simply mention the code on your coupon when booking with a discount moving company.

 

Coupons give the opportunity to get moving companies discounts with a particular mover with special codes. First, you need to request a coupon online, and as you receive it, keep it. It will grant you an exclusive discount on a percentage of the rates – it could be for truck and trailer rentals, packing supplies, or moving labor and transportation services. 

In order to get the advantage of this opportunity, when you contact the mover on the phone, state the code on your coupon, and that’s it! Just find the inexpensive moving companies in NYC that offer coupons and decide which promotion to take advantage of.

Students should always be embraced with the best deals.

Off-Season Moving Discounts

Usually, the summer months are the time when the majority of people move. Weekends, holidays, and the beginning and end of the month are the days when the movers are busiest and thus charge higher. You can avoid that by moving during the week, between the days of the month, and during off-peak seasons, like in winter. That’s how moving on a budget in NYC becomes easy.

These periods receive more discounts than the peak season and weekends. Movers may even charge extra if you ask for a particular day of delivery in summer! Don’t agree to that and negotiate.

How to Get Discounts from Movers?

  • Ask the affordable moving companies in New York for a free NYC moving quote if they offer discounts and what type. Some of them may just offer great deals.
  • Long-distance moves are often discounted, so there’s another option.
  • When you negotiate the date and time for moving, agree that the movers do the move at their convenience – provided that they offer you a discount.
  • Ask for a discount on the packing and moving material from the company you’re hiring.
  • Secure part of your money back in case the movers are late on moving day.
  • Bulk moves should be made cheaper and more appealing, after all. If you are moving to a large house and/or long-distance, ask for a discount on the moving labor and transportation.
  • If you ask for a number of services from a mover like piano moving, furniture moving, commercial moving, and whatnot, ask for a discount on one or more of them.
  • In case you are not moving for the first time with a particular mover, ask for a discount as you are already a regular customer. Don’t hesitate to negotiate for lower prices as an established and reliable client.
  • When the move is over, if you have missing or broken boxes, contact the mover immediately and try to work it out with them. If they refuse to cooperate, explain to them that you can file a complaint against them.

Affordable moving companies NYC made easy to find

Which is the Best Time of the Year to Move?

Timing is everything when talking about when the best time to move is. Starting to look early for affordable moving companies in New York will enhance your chances of finding excellent movers that fit into your moving budget.

Proactively strategizing your move can facilitate the attainment of your desired outcome and alleviate undue stress. Even individuals who excel in high-pressure work environments may struggle to manage the burden of overdue and overwhelming moving responsibilities. Time is a precious commodity that rapidly dwindles and is often insufficient in such circumstances, regardless of perceived availability. Therefore, it is prudent to preemptively plan your move to avoid unnecessary complications and difficulties.

Also, if you have the luxury of choosing your moving day, you should know it is exactly the thing that can help you save a lot of money. Maybe it hasn’t even crossed your mind, but there is the cheapest and most expensive time of the year, month, week, and even a day for your relocation.

Moving in the Autumn or Winter

The best way to find affordable movers in NYC is to book your relocation for the colder months. Summer and spring are the most pleasant months to move because of the nice and dry weather, but at the same time, it is the very peak of the moving season. This means the movers will have the most business and won’t lower their rates. As a matter of fact, the prices in the industry goes up during that period.

On the contrary, when the cold wind starts to blow and the day gets shorter, the conditions to find reliable yet cheap movers will present themselves. The more the temperatures drop, the more the price of moving services falls.

For the biggest savings, move in January or February. Those are the slowest months for all service industries, including the moving one. With discounts flying all around, you can also find premium additional moving services for very affordable prices.

Move-in Middle of the Month and Week

If you have no power regarding the season when you’re moving, at least try to control the day. Regarding the time in the month, the ideal moving date for moving in a budget in NYC will be between 11 and 20 days.

The reason for that is quite logical – rent leases usually expire at the beginning or at the end of the month. It is also a less busy time for moving companies, which tend to lower their rates at that time. Not always, but it doesn’t hurt to try and ask for discounts.

When considering the optimal day for relocation, it is advisable to choose a workday as it is the most cost-effective option. Typically, weekends are reserved for leisure activities for the working class, resulting in a higher demand for moving services during this time.

Consequently, moving during weekends can be more expensive due to the increased demand. Opting to move during the week, however, can significantly reduce the cost of relocation. This is particularly beneficial when searching for affordable moving companies in New York.

How to Be Sure that Moving Agency Is Trustworthy?

It isn’t easy judging who is deserving of your trust these days. The same goes for when you are choosing movers. It isn’t a deep bond, but it is an important detail to pay attention to. Trusting your gut is the best way to avoid moving scams. Right beside it is the research on the affordable moving companies you should conduct.

tes of Other Affordable Movers in Town

One of the ways to find a reliable yet affordable moving company is to compare moving quotes. First of all, you should choose at least three moving companies of your liking. Then, ask them for a moving quote. A moving quote is free, and you will be able to determine which of the moving companies is the most affordable one. A moving quote depends on several factors, one of which is a moving estimate. The estimate can be done in several different ways, and we will now explain all of them.

Over-the-phone Estimate

This type of estimate is the type you should avoid if you have a lot of items to relocate. A member of the moving company will ask you a series of questions about your inventory and will determine the price of the move. However, there is a lot of room for mistakes here, and you may end up with a completely different price in the end.

In-house Moving Estimate

This is the better option when it comes to moving estimates. A crew member will come personally into your home and determine the total weight of your items. Based on the weight and potential additional services that you will need, they will conduct a price. Since they have much more experience in estimating the weight, the price will be more accurate.

There are also several types of moving estimates that you can choose from. When looking for affordable moving companies in NYC, you should be familiar with different types of moving estimates.

Non-binding moving estimate 

This type of moving estimate is only suitable again if you don’t have many items to relocate. The movers will estimate the price, but they will not guarantee that this will actually be the final moving price. So, you may end up with a bill that is higher than expected.

Binding moving estimate  

This is a better option when it comes to moving estimates. Movers will estimate the price, and that price will be on your final bill. However, if your items end up weighing less than expected, you will have to pay for the agreed price. And if your items end up weighing more than expected, you would be protected by the agreed price.

Binding not-to-exceed 

This is the third and perhaps the best moving estimate option. If your items weigh less than expected, you will not pay extra money. And if they end up weighing more, you would not pay for that as well. But be careful not to add items on the very last day, as your movers will make a new contract with you on the spot.

Once you compare the moving companies, you will know exactly which one is the best for you. These are the right steps you should take when looking for the most affordable moving companies in NYC.

Conclusion: Affordable Movers, Stress-Free Relocation

Finding the best affordable movers in NYC doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By timing your move wisely, leveraging discounts, and conducting thorough research, you can secure low-cost movers in NYC for a smooth, cost-effective relocation.

Whether you’re moving long-distance, just across the borough, or need same-day moving services, planning and informed decisions will ensure a hassle-free transition. Ready to make your move? Get a free quote today and make your move easier than ever before.

4 Free Moving Apps to Help You Move

To help you find the best tools for your relocation, we looked into features of 4 free moving apps to help you move in 2021.

moving app

Move Advisor

Move advisor is the first free moving organization app on our list. This amazing app is helpful during the entire process, and it offers some incredibly important tools. It helps you with various tasks while preparing for relocation. There are four different tools based on the stage of your move:

Before you move, it’s a good idea to make a plan. Move Advisor can help you with a checklist that you can customize. You just need to enter your moving date and how you plan to move. Then, you’ll get a list of tasks to do. You can learn more about each task by tapping an icon on the screen. You can also add notes and set reminders. The app can even help you find rental companies if you need to rent a moving truck.

Making a list of your things can be boring and take a long time. But Move Advisor made it fun! First, you choose a room or make your own and name it. Then, you can add things to the room by selecting and dragging them. The list has everything you need, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything. When you’re done, you can save it and add another room. The app will even tell you how heavy your things are and how many boxes and what size truck you need for moving.

This app helps you find a good moving company near you. It shows you all the options and their contact details. You can read reviews and get a free quote without any obligation. This saves you time and helps you choose the best mover for your needs.

Unpakt

Our second choice for the best free moving apps to help you move is Unpakt. This user-friendly app lets plan and book a move by finding a trustworthy moving company and making a home inventory. Let’s break down the process to get an idea of how this app works:

To get started, you only need a few basic information about relocation, including date, destination, and household size, and Unpakt will then guide you through the next steps.

A necessary step with each move is making an inventory list, and the one you’ll find in Unpakt is pretty easy and straightforward. You can add custom rooms and items, specify their dimensions, and you can even add moving or specialized boxes. You can edit any of this info anytime.

inventory moving app

Once you have all of your household items on the list, the next step is to confirm the date and time, as well as to add any additional stops during transit. The app will also ask you whether you need to rent storage or not.

The app finds good movers near you when you give it information about your move. You can learn about the moving company, like how long they’ve been working and what people say about them on Yelp. Unpakt makes sure the price you see is correct and shows you how it’s calculated. This helps if you decide not to move something after seeing the cost. You can change your list of things to move and check everything before you book the movers through Unpakt.

movers

Google Keep

The next free app on our list is Google Keep. This app can help you make notes and set up reminders not to forget your ideas. This amazing app lets you keep track of your thoughts in any of the following ways:

  • Voice notes – If an idea comes up while you’re busy, just record a voice note with Google Keep. The app will transcribe it into a text, and you’ll have a written note.
  • Ordinary notes – As simple as writing a text message, just tap the plus on the screen and write your thoughts. You can add a title for each note as well.
  • Photo notes – Another great way to organize a move is to keep photo notes. Photos can serve as proof later if you need insurance for damaged items.
  • Handwritten notes – If none of the above works for you or you prefer to write by hand, Google Keep also gives that option. Use a stylus or your finger to write your notes on the screen.
  • Organizing – Google Keep will also help you organize your notes after you’ve made them, and it can turn any note into a checkbox so you can mark it once it’s completed.

Sortly

The last app on our list helps you make a visual inventory list and get a list of reliable moving companies.

  • Inventory – Instead of making a traditional inventory list, you can use Sortly to step up your moving game. It allows you to create a visual inventory by adding photos to each item you add. You can add several photos for each item in your household and add other information, such as serial numbers, warranty dates, etc.
  • Checklist – You will also find a week-by-week checklist where you can add tasks and mark them as done. However, keep in mind that, even though this app is free, not all the features are available without purchasing a Premium account. It costs $4.99 a month. The good thing is that you can get the free app and see if you like it before getting additional features with a premium account.

How to Protect Floors When Moving

If you’re planning to move, chances are that you wondered how to protect floors when moving. During a relocation process, the damage is possible at any moment. Even if you have a lot of moving experience, mistakes can still happen.

Doing moving on yourself can create more damage and more expenses than hiring professional movers in Brooklyn. One of the most common accidents is scratched, chipped, or dented floor. We prepared a handy guide to help you protect your floors when moving.

Why is it so substantial to protect the floor from damage before you move?

The reason is simple. In case of any damage, you will not take your deposit back. Maybe you forgot about this, but every owner will request a security deposit before you enter the new place, and in case something is not right before you leave the house or apartment, you can say “Goodbye” to your money. Apart from that, you will need to pay for all further repairs in your old home too.

Destroyed Laminate Floor - Remember to Protect Floors When Moving

The most common types of floor materials

Choosing the right style and type of floor in your house with the correct interior design plays a significant role in this process. The most common types of material are carpet, hardwood, vinyl/linoleum, or tile.

Carpet: This kind of material is mostly used in the living room and bedroom. Usage of carpet in the kitchen or bathroom is not an advisable option. As a result, contact with water or other liquid may get the carpet wet or stained and ruin its structure.

Hardwood: This flooring material is made from cherry, walnut, or oak, but it’s not limited to those three options. Hardwood flooring may also come pre-finished, or it may need to get finished with the following installation for a smooth, shiny look.

Vinyl/Linoleum: This kind of material is the best option for kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms because of its flexible structure.

Tile: This flooring material is traditionally used in bathrooms but is now frequently used in dining areas, kitchens, hallways, entryways, and laundry rooms.

Pack fewer items in the box

When you are packing your belongings, try to arrange them nicely inside the box, so in that way, they will not be too heavy. One of the biggest mistakes during packing is trying to fit a lot of items inside the box. In this manner, there is no other way to carry all items except to drag them, which can cause damage to your floor. The first thing you can do to keep your flooring intact is to transfer not too heavy boxes by your hand.

How to protect floor from damage?

Before you begin with packing, you need to understand there are different floor materials inside your home, which may require another approach for protection. For that reason, here are some tips that may help you in that process.

Scratched Floor During the Move

Measure your bulky furniture

Planning and measuring your furniture is a perfect way to stay organized and avoid common mistakes during your move. For example: Trying to pass bulky furniture through a narrow hallway or door can damage your place, and at the same time, it can damage furniture. To avoid these situations, disassemble your heavy furniture if possible, or place some cardboard boxes that you do not need under heavy items and slide them.

Cover your furniture

To prevent damage to your furniture, you may use some methods as:

Wrap the edges and feet of tables, chairs with furniture blankets, or old pieces of clothes. Also, for this purpose, you may use furniture sliders. The only thing you have to do is to lift the corner of the object you are moving and set sliders underneath.

Supplies that may help you to protect your floor

As we said before, it is important to keep your belongings intact and to leave your old place in perfect condition. Therefore, on the market, you may find supplies as:

  • Floor protection film;
  • Carpet protection film
  • Floor and carpet protection with plywood.

Floor protection film

This polyethylene film is covered with a movable adhesive that stays securely in place once it is down. The film is resistant to any tears or punctures from any tools, heeled shoes, or other sharp objects that come in contact with it, making it excellent for floor protection.

Carpet protection film

The film is transparent and self-adhesive. Carpet protection film doesn’t move and is flexible, which will protect carpets in your home from dirt, dust, foot traffic, spills, or any leftover construction trash. Same as a floor protection film, the carpet protection film is safe to stay on your carpet for up to 45 days and doesn’t leave any sticky residue behind after removal.

Floor and carpet protection with plywood

Plywood sheets have a purpose as a second floor over your current flooring in your new home. However, it is not advisable to use plywood as furniture sliders in any circumstance. The primary use of plywood is like another floor. In case of any unexpected situation during the moving process as scratches, dents, or scrapes, using this kind of protection will damage only layers of the plywood sheets, but not the floor.

Man Loading Heavy Items in the Moving Truck Using Furniture Dolly

Use a specialized wheel to transfer your stuff

Sometimes the best way to transfer boxes with your belongings is with specialized wheels, such as a dolly. When you hire an affordable moving company, there is no need to think about this stuff, because they will have all equipment to make this work easier. This is especially important when moving bulky or delicate items, such as a piano — in such cases, consider working with experienced Piano Movers who know how to handle heavy instruments safely and efficiently. However, if you decide to do all work alone, you will need whole necessary help. There are many different types of dollies, but they all have the same purpose- to transfer heavy household and furniture. For that reason, here are some models:

  • Furniture dolly: this is a basic four-wheel model with four spinning castors and a 1,000 lb. load capacity, but you cannot use them on stairs.
  • Utility dolly (Hand truck): this handy model can slide a thin but strong metal platform under the furniture. Utility dolly is not stable as four-wheel dollies but can move heavy items up and downstairs.
  • Appliance dolly is more modern dollies, which may be a little more expensive for your budget than ordinary dollies for DIY use.