Ask Your Movers

Where To Donate Your Stuff Before Moving

Are you currently contemplating a relocation? It is highly probable that you will soon come to the realization that you possess a surplus of items that are not in use. This predicament is not as significant as the ultimate cost of your move, which will be determined by the quantity of items you choose to relocate to your new abode. Specifically, the cost of relocation is typically based on the weight of your possessions, among other factors.

Consequently, the more items you intend to relocate, the more exorbitant the cost of your relocation will be. To circumvent this issue and extend a helping hand to those in need, it is advisable to donate your belongings prior to your move. You may be wondering where to donate your possessions before relocating. Numerous organizations are willing to accept your items and utilize the proceeds to aid those in need. The subsequent text will provide you with information on where to donate your belongings before your move.

donate move

Goodwill

Goodwill accepts new or like-new furniture, cars, dishes, accessories. This organization has partnered with Dell so they accept electronics as well. Their main purpose is to fund education and training, so they will sell the items you donate at their auction sites and use them for this purpose.

The fact that they have more than 3,200 stores all around the country makes it convenient to donate to this non-profit organization. Just make sure to check whether your nearest Goodwill store offers a pick-up service or you have to drop off your items.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that endeavors to construct new homes for individuals who are in dire need. They welcome donations of furniture, household items, cars, electronics, building materials, appliances, and other similar items. Nevertheless, to ensure that all categories of items intended for donation are accepted, it is highly recommended to contact the organization beforehand and locate the nearest ReStore outlet.

They offer a free pick-up which is again quite convenient as you won’t have to go through any trouble finding them. They are present in 50 states, so once you decide to donate to this organization it will not be hard to reach them. Not only will you reduce the cost of your relocation by donating stuff before you move, but you will also actively participate in building someone else`s home.

Baby2baby

Watching your kids grow is perhaps the most beautiful thing in the world. Years go by so quickly and we are often unaware of just how many items they have outgrown during that time. If you don`t have anyone around you planning or expecting a baby, donating to the Baby2baby organization is one of the noblest things you can do.

Your child`s crib, clothes, car seats, blankets, chairs, and other items will become the most favorite things of some other child in need. These items will go directly to shelters and families in need. Every child deserves to have all that it needs for a happy childhood and your kids` items may be just that.

Pickup Please

With this organization, you can rest assured that someone will come and pick up your items within 24 hours. Not only this by they will give you a receipt for a tax deduction as well. By donating your household items to this organization, you will help Vietnam Veterans of America. Just know that they don`t accept large furniture, rather small items such as nightstands or chairs.

But, as we mentioned before, the best thing you can do is to call them and check which items they do and do not accept, then schedule your donation via Pickup Please.

The Arc

The Arc is a charitable organization that provides assistance to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. It is possible to make donations of books, clothing, electronics, kitchen appliances, and other items to this organization, which offers a complimentary pick-up service. Disposing of unwanted or unneeded items presents a significant opportunity to aid those who are unable to care for themselves.

By engaging in philanthropic activities, one may experience a heightened sense of motivation to assist others in their daily lives. The possibilities are limitless, and contributing items is an excellent way to begin.

Shelters for Homeless

Shelters for the homeless people are places where you can donate your stuff before moving. They accept furniture, household items, appliances, and other items you have and want to donate. The items will go straight to the ones in need, and you will certainly provide a better commodity for people who don`t have homes. There are many organizations with noble causes, but if you have a homeless shelter nearby, you should donate the items you have right there.

Donate to Theaters

Theatres, especially amateur theaters, are often in the need of furniture or other household items to set up a realistic scene in their plays. This is a great contribution and encouragement to young people who want to act and give their public the best experience they can. It would be fun to see your items in a play knowing that they got a new purpose.

Schools and Libraries

If you have books or electronic devices, visit nearby schools and libraries. Ask whether they would accept donations and state which editions of books you have. If they are in good condition, most libraries and schools will accept them.

Donate to Friends and Family

Finally, you don`t have to always donate to a certain organization. Or you can choose to donate some of your items to some charity, and others to another charity. The possibilities are countless here, but we suggest you don`t forget your closest ones. Perhaps some of your friends or family members would be thrilled to have some of your books, or plants. Consult with them about the items you don`t need or use anymore and you will be surprised about the answers.

What About the Items You Are Sentimentally Attached To?

There are plenty of items in your home that you are sentimentally attached to. We understand this, but you should only keep the items you will be using and get rid of non-functional items as soon as possible. We live in a materialistic world, where you can easily replace your items. Your memories will be alive in you and your dear friends, there is no need to hold onto the mere objects so much. Instead, let others enjoy them.

We hope you will find this guide helpful when deciding where to donate your stuff before moving. If you have any questions or need any help from the professional Brooklyn movers, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Importance of Moving Companies Reviews

Finding the right moving company in NYC can be a challenge with so many options available. Reputable movers should be your ally during relocation and make it a convenient and stress-free experience. If you are wondering how to make a choice, keep reading to learn about moving companies reviews in NYC.

How to Find for Moving Companies Reviews

Online

In contemporary times, a majority of corporations acknowledge the significance of social media networks as a potent tool for online information retrieval. Utilizing one of these platforms, one can easily locate and evaluate potential movers for hire by perusing customer reviews.

Established moving companies are likely to have a substantial number of comments on their pages on popular networks such as Facebook and Instagram, where previous customers share their experiences. Additionally, official websites of such companies often feature a dedicated section for customer feedback and reviews.

Ask around 

An effective approach to obtaining a review is to request recommendations from acquaintances regarding a moving company. It is advisable to seek a referral from someone who has had a positive experience with the company recently. It is recommended to approach friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and other individuals within your network to suggest a company.

Inquire about their experience and the specific aspect that they found most satisfactory. Obtaining feedback from actual individuals may provide sufficient insight to assist in making an informed decision and ensure that a reliable company is hired.

Negative comments 

If you see one bad comment, don’t let it discourage you, as no service will ever satisfy every single person equally. As long as most of the reviews are positive, that can be a good sign. However, pay attention to how movers respond to those negative comments.

This will tell you about their customer service. Check if their replies are focused on finding a solution rather than blaming a customer or being rude and disregarding a problem. Also, check if those comments seem reliable and relevant to the service you are looking for.

Importance of Moving Companies Reviews

With many choices in NYC, it can be easy to overpay for services that are not the best. If not checking ratings and credibility, you might easily get caught up in a scam. For those reasons, you want to make sure that movers have satisfied customers to prove their services are up to standards

Online Moving Companies Reviews Can Help You Choose the Right Mover

What to Look for in Moving Companies Reviews

Start from the big picture 

Commence by obtaining a comprehensive impression from the customer. Was their experience convenient and stress-free? Are they content with the final outcome? The ultimate result of their collaboration with the movers is of utmost importance as it will provide pertinent feedback and aid in the search for comparable services.

Situation 

Check if there is a description of the situation. Consider information such as destination, the size of the household, time of the year, etc. This will help you identify your needs in their comment. For instance, they might be writing about long-distance while you need a local move service, so it’s easier to look for comments relevant to your situation.

Customer service 

This is a very important aspect for many customers. Everyone wants to get great customer service and trust the company they are paying. Check if there were any particular situations included in the review. Pay attention if they pointed out things like good communication, taking time to answer questions, being polite during the interaction, etc. 

Issues 

Search for comments that are describing any incidents that occurred during the moving process. It is important to find out the way that movers handled the incident because it will explain their customer service and their expertise.

What to Do After

After you have done your research and found a company that has good reviews it is time to give them a call. Speaking with a representative will give some insight into the way they operate.

Even when other people are satisfied, it is always best to see for yourself. Ask your movers as many questions as you need to understand their services and credibility. It is also a good time to see how their customer service is.

If they are not open to answering your question, search for a different company. They should also ask questions to understand your needs and meet them accordingly.  

Questions to ask your movers

1. License number

Ask if they can provide proof of their license and insurance number? Check websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), requiring a company to go through the vetting process before being BBB accredited. Another great organization is the American Moving & Storage Association whose membership confirms that a moving company is credible and trustworthy.

2. Experience

Ask your moving company how much experience they have. Check for how many years they have been in business. Not necessarily a rule of thumb, but it is much easier to confirm credentials if movers have been operating for years.

3. Hidden costs

It’s crucial to understand what is included in the price and which services they are offering. Always opt for movers that support a transparent payment system. That means that you know exactly what to expect and no unexpected costs will appear after the move. 

4. Paperwork

Reliable movers will make sure both parties involved are protected. That means that you and they have a signed agreement with details about your move. 

5. Estimate

A very important question to ask is how they provide a moving estimate. A reputable moving company will always offer to visit your home. They should also offer to do a walkthrough over a video call. Most companies will have measures of precaution for moving during the coronavirus outbreak, so online estimates can be more convenient for you. 

If you are searching for a reputable moving company with good reviews, Brooklyn movers and storage might be the right fit for you. Big Apple Moving is an NYC based company with over 40 years of experience. Contact us anytime to get free moving quotes.

Important Questions To Ask Your Movers

Relocation is always exciting, and it can be one of the best decisions you have ever made, but we all know that moving to a new place is not an easy job and you will need all the help you can get. If you want your moving day to be perfect, without surprises and problems, you will want to hire a professional moving company. Finding a moving company that fits your needs is first and one of the most important steps.

Before hiring a moving company, you will want to know that you have chosen the right one, and you will need to ask a lot of questions about paperwork, moving costs, estimates and about the company itself. Here is a thorough list of questions to ask your movers, knowing answers to all of those questions will leave no place for surprises and last-minute changes.

Questions About the Moving Company

big apple moving company

1. Is Your Moving Company Licensed and Insured?

Firstly you need to make sure that you are not dealing with a fake moving company in order to protect yourself from moving frauds. Check is your moving company in compliance with all laws and regulations. Almost all of the legitimate moving companies are licensed and insured with the US Department of Transportation, and their USDOT number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), you can check this number online to make sure that your moving company is working legally.

2. How Many Years Has Your Company Been in the Business?

Ask about history. New moving companies can be great too, but if the company has been in the business for a long time and it is still competitive that can show you that they have provided their customers with satisfactory results in the past. Moving companies keep their track records and those records are great evidence of the quality of their services.

3. Are All Your Movers Experienced or You Hire Temporary Employees?

Many moving companies will hire temporary employees during busy months and moving season. Those workers can lack experience and make many mistakes that experienced movers would never make. You should always request a professional moving crew.

4. Your Company Responsible for All the Services or Are There Any Third Parties Included?

You have the right to request information about any third parties or subcontractors. In many cases, some services will be transferred to someone else, and you want to make sure that all of the services are handled by professionals. Ask your movers who will be responsible for packing, unpacking, delivery, storage, and even paperwork.

5. Can You Show Me References and Recommendations?

If your movers are providing great services, they will be satisfied with their previous work and they will be glad to show you some reviews and recommendations. You should definitely look for online reviews before making any contact with the company and if you like what you see you should ask them to provide you with some references by request.

6. How Often Are Your Vehicles Serviced?

This may not seem as important as other questions so far but proper vehicle maintenance is a great sigh of an eminent moving company. Apart from that, if the vehicles are serviced on a regular basis it is much less likely that any accident will occur and you can be much calmer knowing that your belongings are safe.

7. You Guarantee the Dates?

Ask your movers can they guarantee the dates of pickup and delivery or will they provide you with some delivery window? If they can guarantee the date, you need to make sure that they will take responsibility if they miss it.

8. What is Your Policy for Handling Claims and Complaints?

You need to check how will your moving company handles claims and complaints, are they willing t work on them until the compromise is reached and will they try to find the way to resolve the problem in a way that will be satisfactory for both sides.

9. What is Your Cancelation Policy?

Always ask about the cancelation policy, ask is the deposit refundable if you need to cancel and ask how it works if you need to change the date of the move.

Questions About Moving Documentation and Estimates

Moving Documentation and Estimates

1. Is Your Company Insured and Liable for Damage?

Basic liability protection covers only $0,60 per lbs per item. A professional moving company should provide you with full protection, and you should ask if you can pay an extra fee to ensure your belongings by their cost.

2. What Kind of Estimates Do You Offer? Learn About Binding and Non-binding Estimates.

There are two types of moving estimates, binding estimates guarantee the total price of your move while non-binding estimates can be increased based on several factors. Make sure you know what type of estimate will your movers provide you with.

3. What Documentation Will I Need to Sign?

Ask your movers about every document before you sign anything. You should also ask them will they be able to provide you with all of the necessary documentation.

Information About Packing and Delivery

Packing and Delivery

1. Do You Have the Necessary Gear and Equipment?

Every moving job is different, make sure that your moving company owns tools, gear, and equipment for your particular situation.

2. Do You Provide an Inventory List?

You can request a full inventory from your movers, that is the only way to know that they have measured your items properly. You should also have your own copy and many pictures of the content of the boxes.

3. Do You Provide Packing Services?

Check what types of packing services your movers offer, how much they cost per type and is there anything you will need to prepare.

4. Can I Do the Packing by Myself?

You need to check what is the liability policy if you are packing by yourself, also, ask your mover do you need to label the boxes in some specific way.

5. Do You Offer Property Prevention?

You have already asked about the protection of your belongings but what about your property. You need to check will your movers protect the walls, floors and door frames.

6. What Happens if Some of My Stuff is Broken or Missing?

This question is connected to the insurance plan and value protection plan, but you should always check are your mover ready to reimburse your broken or missing items and will they resolve those kinds of problems in a peaceful manner.

7. How Long Will the Moving Take?

You should always ask how long will the job take, you will have a lot of preparation to do and you will need to know how to organize your time.

8. What Happens if the Moving Truck Arrives Before Me?

Ask the movers will they organize additional storage if your belongings arrive before you and how much will you need to pay for that. Ask your movers can they offer available storage facilities.

Questions About Fees and Charges

fees and charges

Lastly, here is the list of the most important payment and moving cost related questions to ask your moving company. Moving can be really pricey, and you will want to know every single detail about moving costs, our list covers it all:

1. Do You Request a Deposit and How Much is It?

2. How Do You Determine the Cost of the Moving Job?

3. What Do You Consider Extra Services and How Much Do They Cost?

4. Do You Charge for the Travel Time to and From My House?

5. Are There Any Fees for Oversized Items?

6. What About the Fuel Charges?

7. Are There Any Extra Fees I Should Know About?

8. Are There Any Promotions or Discounts Available?

9. What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

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