What Services Do Moving Companies Offer

Posted on December 8, 2021September 6, 2023 by BigApple

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

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

Packing Services

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

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

Removal Services

House Removals

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

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

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

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

Office Removals

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

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

Providing Packing Materials

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

Additional Services

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

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

Storage Services

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

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

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

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

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

Moving from NYC to Seattle

Posted on March 5, 2021September 5, 2023 by BigApple

The primary factors driving people to relocate from New York City are the exorbitant cost of living and the frenetic pace of life. The incessant commotion is understandably unappealing to families and individuals who prefer more tranquil surroundings. If you share this sentiment and seek a more spacious and cost-effective dwelling, we recommend contemplating a move from NYC to Seattle.

We’ll show you the fantastic benefits of living in Seattle. Please read our article below and find out why Seattle is among the most popular cities for ambitious singles, growing families, young entrepreneurs, and retiring seniors. Hire long distance movers NYC and relocate your household to Seattle quickly and without stress.

Those of you that are planning on moving soon and need help deciding whether or not Seattle is the right place, please read the following text.

Moving from NYC to Seattle: Things To Know

Prior to relocating from New York City to Seattle, it is imperative to consider several noteworthy facts. Seattle has been recognized as the fourth fastest-growing metropolitan area in recent years and is the largest city in the American Pacific Northwest, as well as the 15th largest city in the United States.

Situated on a land strip between the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound, Seattle boasts an extensive natural harbor and serves as a significant trade route for most goods between the Americas and Asia.

The economy of modern Seattle is based on the high-tech industry with leading companies like Microsoft and Amazon.com. Costs of living, housing, driving a car, healthcare, everything is more affordable than in NYC. Are you looking for professional moving services? Check commercial movers NYC and choose the best services.

Recently, Seattle was ranked as the 4th fastest-growing metropolitan area, where companies like Amazon and Microsoft have their bases among many other business conglomerates- the main reason why Seattle represents a perfect opportunity for business-driven enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.

More Sunny Days in Seattle

Are you fed up with cold and snowy days in New York? If you’re in doubt about moving from NYC to Seattle, think about the weather. The snowfall rate in Seattle is much lower than NYC’s, and temperatures are more consistent. You’ll be able to enjoy more beautiful and sunny days outside.

The summer days are warm, dry, and mostly sunny. And it doesn’t get as hot as other parts of the country. There can be periods with rain, but many Seattleites argue that the gray days fuel the culture and inspire the people. Before relocating, make sure to discover your rights and responsibilities when you move.

Relocating from New York City to Seattle entails bidding farewell to the inclement and chilly days that were previously despised. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the move to Seattle presents numerous prospects for tranquil weekend leisure, free from the commotion and pollution.

Great and Affordable Neighborhoods

Yes. There are more affordable neighborhoods in Seattle than in NYC. Moving on a budget? You can always find some useful tips and learn how to negotiate cheap rent. But, choosing the right neighborhood won’t be necessary. Whether you’re seeking a stable, family-friendly neighborhood or exciting location, Seattle has something to offer for everyone. We’ll give a few suggestions:

Kirkland – a safe and homey neighborhood with a rent of under $2,000.
Madison Park – a luxurious beachfront community with a monthly rental rate of $3,753.
Queen Anne – one of Seattle’s largest neighborhoods where you can find everything, from houses, multiplexes, condos, and apartments with the median rent of $2,387.

As is evident, the rental rates in this locality are significantly lower than those in New York City, rendering it an ideal option for families seeking a secure and reasonably priced neighborhood. Relocating to Seattle affords the opportunity to select from a plethora of spacious homes at affordable rates, thereby eliminating the need for cramped apartments with exorbitant rents in New York City. Furthermore, for those with a penchant for opulent abodes, Madison Park offers a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle synonymous with New York City.

Crime Rate is Low in Seattle

When it comes to moving from NYC to Seattle, the question about crime and violence is very important, and we have great news. Seattle is considered one of the safest cities in the United States. Seattle has seen a major decline in any criminal activity in recent years.

The safety survey has shown that 78% of Seattleites stated they felt safe walking around the city at night, compared to only 43% in New York.

In comparison to Seattle, NYC is known for its high crime and violence rate, especially when it comes to walking around the city at night. For instance, if you have teenagers at home, it would be much better for them to “party” or hang out in a city like Seattle, particularly at night.

Driving a Car is More Affordable

In all honesty, the traffic conditions in Seattle are not markedly dissimilar to those experienced in New York City. However, relocating from New York City to Seattle affords the opportunity for car ownership and operation at a more reasonable cost. It is noteworthy that over 56% of New York City residents do not possess a vehicle, due to the exorbitant expenses, parking difficulties, and severe traffic congestion, which is a comprehensible predicament.

New York City is ranked second in the nation for traffic congestion, whereas Seattle is ranked ninth. The City of Seattle and the State of Washington are actively pursuing enhancements to accommodate the city’s growth, with ample room for improvement. They are endeavoring to alleviate traffic congestion by providing public transportation alternatives and enhancing the efficiency of roads and highways.

Driving a car in Seattle is much affordable than in NYC, but unfortunately, Seattle doesn’t have a subway like New York. Some might argue that the absence of a subway might represent a disadvantage for New Yorkers since they are used to this specific means of transport. However, Seattle is much smaller than NYC, meaning you’ll probably get used to it in a second.

Growing Business & Education Opportunities

New York may be the dream place for fulfilling your dreams and pursuing your career, but Seattle is not far from that, too. Business and education are constantly growing in Seattle, denoting great potential. Did you know that over 50% of Seattleites have a bachelor’s degree or higher? It’s an excellent place for growing startups and young entrepreneurs looking for talents while being fairly cheaper than NYC. The economy of modern Seattle is based on the high-tech industry.

Seattle is home to several prominent corporations such as Amazon.com, T-Mobile, Alaska Airlines, and Microsoft. Additionally, Seattle is renowned for being a significant influencer as the birthplace of the renowned Starbucks Coffee. The city boasts of several thriving industries, including electronics, travel and tourism, aerospace, and food, among others. Furthermore, Seattle is home to one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, the University of Washington.

Students report Seattle is a great city for attending a college since it is quite cheap while owning decent transport ( not that much fuss like in NYC).

Hire Professionals To Move from NYC to Seattle

And the last but not the least important thing to consider before moving from NYC to Seattle is to hire professional movers. Wondering how much does it cost to move? Don’t worry; it won’t cost a fortune.

You can find affordable movers on a budget, but research carefully. There are moving scams and fraudulent movers who offer low prices to attract people’s attention. Unfortunately, there is a bunch of shady companies out there, so make sure you pick a service with decent customer support and work ethics.

Read online feedback and NYC moving companies reviews to avoid rogue movers and moving scams.

4 Useful Tips for Finding a Great Moving Company

Posted on August 5, 2020August 24, 2020 by BigApple

If you’re planning on moving soon, you’ll need to hire a reputable NYC moving company. While it is possible to DIY your move, it’s not recommended. Moving by yourself is a major hassle, and moving furniture and heavy boxes is easier said than done. If your budget allows for it, it’s a better idea to hire a professional moving company. Unfortunately, moving scams are surprisingly common, so it’s important to find local movers who have a good reputation and are properly licensed. Follow these 4 useful tips for finding a great moving company.

1. Ask around in your network to help you find a great moving company

Word of mouth is a coveted (but hard to get) form of marketing. That’s because it has to be legitimately earned through exceptional service. One of the best ways to find a great moving company New York is to ask people you know for a recommendation. Chances are you have a friend, neighbor, or co-worker who can recommend someone. Ask around in your network if anyone has moved recently. If they have a good experience, it is a great reference. Successfully completed move from a close person is a pretty good bet. Remember to do the same for someone after you complete your move by leaving a review.

Speaking of reviews, the online era gives you the freedom to do a complete check on the company you are eyeing to hire. Go online and search for NYC moving companies reviews. Read impressions from their previous customers to see how many of them were satisfied with a service. Search for comments relatable to your situation. For example, if you are moving long-distance, read comments specifically addressing that type of move. Don’t get discouraged if you come upon one bad comment. However, pay attention if movers respond to the complaint in a professional manner and if they are searching for ways to solve the issue. The way they handle problems will tell you a great deal about how they run their business.

2. Look up moving companies on the USDOT website

Interstate movers are regulated by the US DOT. They maintain an online database of moving companies, which lets you see their previous consumer complaints and safety performance records. You can view their US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to verify that they’re registered with the federal government. You can also look up the company on other resources like the Better Business Bureau. That is a non-profit organization that works to protect consumers and expose fraudulent or poor service. Each company needs to go through a vetting process to become a BBB member.

You can also check the company’s license and insurance number to make sure they operate in a legal manner. Furthermore, get in touch with movers. Give them a call and speak to the representative that can answer your questions about the company’s credentials. Feel free to ask them if they can provide proof of their license number, and pay attention to the person you speak if they are polite and open to answering your questions. It will give you some more insight into the way they operate and if you want to make arrangements with them.

3. Get estimates from more than one moving company

Shady or illegitimate moving companies often give suspiciously low estimates. If you’re not even sure how much your move should cost, you may not realize that you’ve been given a low-ball quote. It’s a good idea to get estimates from more than one moving company, to get a better idea of reasonable pricing. All reputable movers will offer an on-site estimate to determine the price. Take this with a grain of salt because it might be easier to get an online estimate due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever the case might be, keep in mind that movers have to see your property in order to provide a quote. Compare quotes from a few different movers to find the average price. After you decide what works for you regarding the budget, you can proceed to details regarding the services they are offering.

4. Don’t go with the lowest bidder

It’s only natural to look around for the best deal. But be careful because an abnormally low estimate can be a sign that something’s not right. It could be that the company doesn’t do good work, or it could even be a scam where they’ll bill you for a lot more on moving day. Normally, your final cost won’t be more than 110% of your original non-binding estimate, but some companies will pull a bait-and-switch that lures you in with a lowball estimate. You already got several quotes, so it’s easy to see whether one of them stands out. If the price seems too good to be true, it most probably is. Be very careful not to hire the lowest bidder in case it differs extremely from all the others.

Also, check if proper paperwork is following because you should always get a signed contract with your movers. It can be binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed, it depends on your preference which you will choose. But if your amazing-low-price movers are not providing a written and signed contract, you are better off finding another one.

Moving Companies in NYC

Moving in NYC? At Big Apple Movers, we provide residential and commercial relocation services for both local moves and long-distance moves. To find out more, call us anytime, or get in touch today to get a free moving quote.

Your Moving Rights and Responsibilities

Posted on August 9, 2019August 21, 2023 by BigApple

If they are not moving by themselves and not using DIY tips, people consider hiring a professional moving company to deal with the relocation of their households. Moving for the first time, and moving generally if you’re not experienced, can be more difficult if you don’t know your rights and responsibilities when you move.

Although this may sound boring and unnecessary, accidents and bad situations often occur, and you know the famous statement: better safe than sorry! If you are curious to find out everything about this topic, you can read “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”, a booklet prepared by the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration to explain to customers what are their rights and what they can expect from hiring professional movers.

Consider moving with your family soon? Take a look at Brooklyn moving quote and get to know your rights when you move.

The Most Important Information Summary

Many people who move for the first time or do not have the experience, seek to know important information. If you want to know Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, before we go to details, we’ll give you a short summary of the most important things, according to a booklet we mention in the beginning, stated by Federal Law. They are:

Movers must give written estimates.
Movers may give binding estimates.
Non-binding estimates are not always accurate; actual charges may exceed the estimate.
If your mover provides you (or someone representing you) with any partially complete document for your signature. You should verify the document is as complete as possible before signing it. Make sure the document contains all relevant shipping information, except the actual shipment weight.
You have the right to request from your mover the availability of guaranteed pickup and delivery dates.
You have the right to ask mover, and request an explanation of the difference between valuation and actual insurance.

Choosing a professional moving company

The first to know among main rights and responsibilities when you move is to choose a reliable and licensed moving company. If you want to stay safe and don’t risk, don’t hire a company with day laborers or contract suspicious employees. They usually don’t have any insurance. In case some injury happens you need to pay for it.

Besides, they are not professionals and don’t know how to deal with equipment properly. Which can lead to damaging and losing your items? Before you choose one, have at least three moving companies evaluate the items being moved and provide a detailed estimate.

Check for their registration and license and make sure to read feedbacks from other users. If you’re looking for a reliable moving company to relocate your household check amazing services from Big Apple Movers and relocate without stress.

Moving Rights and responsibilities

Inventory

Prior to commencing the process of relocation, it is imperative that you acquaint yourself with your rights and responsibilities. Failure to do so may result in undesirable consequences. It is noteworthy that local movers typically do not conduct an inventory of your belongings. Conversely, full-service movers typically undertake the task of documenting the items to be transported prior to loading them onto the delivery vehicle.

This entails a joint inspection of your residence with the mover, during which a numbered sticker is affixed to each item to be moved, accompanied by a corresponding description. The description should include the current condition of the item, as well as any preexisting damage, if applicable. It is incumbent upon you to ensure that the mover has accurately and comprehensively recorded the relevant information pertaining to your belongings.

In the event that the descriptions provided are unclear or inaccurate, it is advisable to seek clarification prior to the commencement of the move. Additionally, it is recommended that you obtain a copy of the inventory list and contract for your personal records.

Estimates and Contract

Your rights and responsibilities when you move refer also to estimates. The licensed moving company need to provide a cost estimate to you based on several things. The first one is the type of relocation. Local movers are typically charged on an hourly basis. These charges are subject to the number of mover’s personnel provided and a minimum charge.

This means you should ask your movers about the price by the hour. Distance movers charge with a base on distance, and weight of the shipment. There are also some additional charges if the movers do services such as packing and unpacking if they move specific items such as piano or safes if they need to carry items upstairs and other.

Before you sign a contract you should know your mover must supply an estimate and contract, in writing. The contract must possess a signature by both parties. Also, be aware of the risks of hiring cheap movers.

Liability for Loss/Damage

In regards to the rights and responsibilities associated with relocation, individuals typically express concern regarding the liability for loss or damage of their belongings. It is important to note that moving companies are obligated to assume a certain level of liability, which is typically established through legal liability valuation and insurance coverage.

As per legal requirements, professional movers are required to provide motor vehicle coverage, which includes combined bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. The law also stipulates a minimum limitation on the release of the mover’s liability for the value of a shipper’s goods, which is set at no less than 60 cents per pound, per article.

This constitutes the basic moving insurance coverage. However, if one desires additional protection for their belongings, they may opt for either full value protection or third-party options. In the event that a claim is filed under full value protection, the movers are presented with three options for fulfilling the claim.

Packing Your Household

It’s important to know your rights and responsibilities when you move, especially before you start to pack your household. Why is this important? It’s because most moving companies don’t allow you insurance if you pack things by yourself.

If you want to have moving insurance, you should let a moving company does the packing. Not to stay in doubt, ask your mover if a do-it-yourself packing guide is available. If it’s not and your movers have to pack your household, this will be done before the moving day, or on the last day, if it’s about last-minute moving.

You have the right to know that delays can occur. Your responsibility is to, before you sign the packing order, check if all items you want to be move are ready for packing. When looking to save more on your budget make sure to investigate properly. Investigate when is the cheapest time to relocate.

Risks Of Hiring Cheap Movers

Posted on July 16, 2019August 2, 2023 by BigApple

Everyone is aware that if you want to get professional help on moving day, you need to pay some extra money. A crucial part of moving is defining a budget. If moving company fit into your budget, you can start looking for the company that suits you best.

If your budget constraints prevent you from allocating a substantial amount of funds towards a moving company, you may encounter a predicament. Given the multitude of expenses associated with moving, you may need to make some cost-cutting decisions.

However, it is important to exercise caution when considering hiring a cheap moving company, as doing so can pose significant risks. Prioritizing your needs and assessing the potential hazards of hiring inexpensive movers is crucial. The following are some of the risks associated with engaging the services of low-cost movers.

Low-Quality Service

Of course, paying a lot of money for something does not guarantee better quality. However, that doesn’t mean that the price and the quality of the services aren’t connected at all. Good moving services usually cost more than a low-quality service. If the movers are poorly paid, they might care less about relocating your things.

So, one of the risks of hiring cheap movers is the possibility of their services being of lower quality. Maybe you should research where to get moving boxes for moving, instead of saving your money by hiring cheap movers. After all, you want your things to stay secure and damage-free during the move, so you should really consider investing in a good quality moving company. If your priority is hiring movers who are professional and reliable, you should probably pay some extra money.

Lack Of Experience

It’s pretty understandable that you want to lower your moving costs and save some money when you’re moving house. You probably have a long list of expenses and you want to reduce the amount of money you’re spending. However, hiring cheap movers is risky as they might be inexperienced. It could be a brand new moving company that isn’t charging a lot because they want to attract customers. However, you probably don’t want to be one of their first clients.

It is imperative that individuals entrusted with the transportation of personal belongings possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to handle the relocation process with utmost care. Opting for inexpensive movers may pose a significant risk to the safety of one’s possessions during transit.

In the event of any damage to furniture, walls, or doors, the cost of repair may be equivalent to that of a reputable moving company. While it is possible for low-cost movers to possess adequate experience, the potential for subpar service remains a valid concern.

Scam Possibilities

The biggest risk of hiring an inexpensive moving company is that it could be a fraudulent company. This is one of the worst things you could encounter during a move. If the company is charging way too little, research it thoroughly and make sure that it is indeed legitimate. Some moving companies do offer discounts or special deals sometimes, but their regular prices don’t really differ a lot from other companies.

After all, every company needs to pay the staff, insurance, the moving truck, and gas. So, if you run into a company whose prices are suspiciously low, maybe you should move on to a different one.

Do the Research Before Hiring

In order to make sure you don’t get scammed by a moving company, you should do your research. Learn everything you should know about a moving company and find out how to recognize fraudulent companies.

When you’re hiring movers, the price isn’t the only thing that matters. In fact, here are some of the things you should pay attention to.

A legitimate moving company has to have a USDOT number. Find a moving company’s USDOT number in order to evaluate it better
Read the reviews of a company you are researching. If the reviews are mainly good, you know that you’ll be in good hands with that company. However, if you stumble upon a company with horrible reviews, move on to a better one. Listen to what the customers have to say.
See if there is enough information on their website and consider talking to the movers in person. If they seem professional and serious, that’s a good sign.

Avoid the risks of choosing cheap movers by being careful and informed. Don’t give them an opportunity to scam you because you’re uninformed.

Hiring Cheap Movers

In conclusion, the risks of hiring cheap movers could cost you a lot more than paying a regularly priced company. It is important that you think about the safety of your belongings. The low price might be a sign that the movers aren’t capable of executing the relocation as well as you hope. For that reason, your better option is saving your money on other things. After all, if you want the job done well, you need to pay for it. So, consider that when you’re thinking of hiring a cheap moving company. Don’t let the low price trick you, be careful and do your research.

Everything to know about life in Brooklyn

Posted on May 20, 2019 by BigApple

What it’s like living in Brooklyn? If the crime stories from the 80s and 90s are all you know about life in Brooklyn you need to know that those times have changed. Today, living in Brooklyn, the most populated of 5 NYC boroughs, can be very fulfilling. With many parks, restaurants, organic grocery stores, bookstores you will find that living in Brooklyn can be a great experience. If you are thinking about moving to NYC and you are considering Brooklyn movers to help you, you are on the right track. Brooklyn is the most populated part of NYC and moving companies from this area are among the best in business. Continue reading “Everything to know about life in Brooklyn”