Moving Advice

Why You Need Moving Blankets When You Move

Posted on 10/25/202109/15/2026 by BigApple

Quality supplies make all the difference when you’re planning a DIY move – choosing the right moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, packing paper, etc. But you will also need professional tools that help relocation go much smoother and make it safe for you and your belongings, such as moving dolly, straps, and of course, moving blankets.

You don’t want to have your floors and walls damaged while moving and moving blankets will help you accomplish that. In the following text, we’ll cover some basics and reasons why you should use moving blankets when you move.

What Are Moving Blankets?

Moving blankets are thick coverings used to protect your belongings when moving – think furniture, appliances, and other large household items. They’re also known as furniture pads and they look pretty much like a heavily padded quilt. The heavy-duty cloth absorbs shock and helps you avoid damages or scratches during a move. Together with moving straps or tape, moving blankets keep the item in place while moving.

How to Use Moving Blankets?

The procedure is relatively straightforward. Commence by unfurling the blanket and draping it over the object that requires safeguarding. Ensure that the blanket covers as much surface area as possible, and then proceed to affix it in place.

This can be accomplished by utilizing either moving straps or packing tape, depending on your preference or availability. Once you have confirmed that the blanket is securely fastened and will not dislodge, proceed with loading the item. If the item is excessively heavy, employ a moving dolly or another suitable tool to facilitate the process.

Can I Use Alternatives?

Using a proper moving blanket is always the best. It’s designed specifically for this purpose and its heavy-duty cloth will do the job perfectly. However, if you’re unable to find one and you have to protect the item quickly, you can improvise. Use a regular blanket instead or anything else that resembles it.

Why You Need Moving Blankets

Furniture blankets aka moving blankets are beneficial for several reasons. So, let’s go ahead and learn about those benefits in the following section.

Protect Floors

The flooring of a household is frequently subjected to damage during the process of relocation, owing to the ease with which it can be affected. The act of pushing and pulling furniture, utilizing dollies, and carrying and loading boxes or other items can all contribute to this.

Therefore, the primary rationale for requiring furniture blankets during a move is to establish a protective barrier between the floor and the items being transported. This will serve to mitigate the impact of any heavy objects that may fall onto the floor.

Protect Walls

Another area that commonly gets damaged by a move is the walls. Banged-up walls and chipped paint don’t come as a surprise when you’re moving house. That’s because it’s too easy to sideswipe your walls while carrying things out the door or down the stairs.

But the good news is that you can easily leave your walls in perfect condition if you use moving blankets. They’ll prevent any sharp furniture edges from causing damage.

Protect Furniture

In addition to preserving the integrity of your possessions, the utilization of moving blankets can also serve to safeguard and maintain their cleanliness. During the process of relocating to a new residence, it is not uncommon for items to accumulate dust and debris, particularly in inclement weather conditions.

Fortunately, the implementation of furniture blankets can effectively shield your belongings from such contaminants, ensuring that they remain in pristine condition upon arrival at your destination. Moreover, the act of covering items with protective blankets can prevent any shifting or displacement during transit.

Things are prone to shifting while being inside the truck that’s in motion and this can cause scratching but even falling and breaking. Luckily, moving blankets are sort of a buffer between stored items so you don’t have to worry about shifting. Lastly, moving blankets will protect the furniture legs from breaking – wrap the entire item in blankets to keep its legs intact in case the item drops on the floor.

Move Easier

The last reason why you need moving blankets when moving is they allow moving heavy items with ease. While using a moving dolly is usually the best way to move heavy objects, sometimes you’ll find it easier just to slide the item across the floor. Of course, you don’t want to do so and damage your floors. So, what you’ll want to do is place the moving blanket underneath the item.

Where to Get Moving Blankets?

Luckily, finding moving blankets is super easy. They’re often used by professionals and people having DIY relocations. There are two options you can go for when looking to get furniture pads for your move. The first one is to buy it. If you want to purchase protective blankets and have them on hand for future use, check out places like Walmart, Lowe’s, Uboxes, etc.

On the other hand, if you want to stay on budget and not have to store blankets afterward, you can go for the second option – rent. If you choose to rent moving blankets, there are also many options. We’ll give you an idea about where to start − check with your trusted local movers in NYC, as many professional movers provide blanket rentals as part of their service.

Sometimes it’s best to let professional movers take care of your move. If you’re worried that your DIY relocation will not go without damaging the property or your items, then you should definitely consider hiring a professional moving company. The moving crew has the experience to make the move fast and efficient but they also have professional tools such as moving blankets. If you’re searching for a licensed and reliable mover, Big Apple is at your service – contact us anytime and receive the most accurate free moving quotes.

How to Use a Moving Dolly

Posted on 09/20/202104/10/2026 by BigApple

Whether you plan to use a small dolly cart, a large dolly, a collapsible dolly, a four-wheel cart dolly, or any other type of moving dolly, it sure will make your moving process way easier. All dollies work great for moving heavy or bulky items and they’ll not only make relocation more efficient but also much safer. These platforms on wheels are arguably the handiest piece of equipment available for professional and commercial uses out there. You should, however, learn how to use a moving dolly before moving. There are so many advantages of using dollies that it’s really not a question of whether you should use one – the only question is which one to choose and how to use it properly.

You can choose an all-purpose dolly, such as an upright utility dolly, or you can opt for an appliance dolly, or even a furniture dolly, there are many types of dollies available and it’s up to you to see what suits you best. More good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money and buy a dolly for your commercial relocation, you can visit your local movers NYC instead and rent one. The only downside of a moving dolly is that it can’t help you down the stairs, but it will still make everything easier. Of course, hiring professional movers is always the safest and most convenient way to move, but if you plan on using a dolly yourself, make sure to follow our tips and learn how to use a moving dolly safely.

Make sure the path is clear

The first step of using a dolly safely is making sure the pathway is clear and free of obstacles. Check the entire exit route and see if anything is on the way, it can be furniture, home décor, even leaves of the porch, or ice on the sidewalk next to a moving truck. Since you’ll be using a moving dolly from your home to the moving vehicle, it’s also important that the outside is clean and safe to pass.

Don’t overload

Besides having a clear exit route, you’ll obviously have to be able to see the way, so don’t pace anything too high on the dolly because it will obstruct your view. A good idea is to have one person help you by navigating the dolly from the front part while you’ll be on the back of the dolly pushing.

Use furniture blankets

If you’re using a moving dolly to move furniture pieces, heavy appliances, or other fragile things, you should warp them in moving blankets for protection. Make sure to leave enough space between the item and a dolly so that you could get a proper grip.

Tie up loose pieces

If you’re moving anything that has cords, plugs, wires, secure them in place, otherwise, you may trip over those loose pieces and end up with injuries. The same goes for any other parts of furniture that could get loose, such as doors, drawers, etc. For example, if you’re moving a dresser with drawers, use plastic wrap to wrap the entire piece and prevent drawers from falling out, or doors from opening.

Load the item

To properly apply your household item to a moving dolly, you’ll want to tilt the dolly slightly forward. Then, you’re going to slip that bottom front part of the dolly under the item you want to load. Next, tilt the dolly back while holding that item in place so the physics would do the job for you.

Man Pulls Dryer Onto Moving Van Using a Moving Dolly

Stack properly

When you’re moving boxes or multiple items on your dolly, make sure to follow proper stacking techniques. This is quite simple but it will make using your dolly much easier and safer. To do so, pack the heaviest items on the bottom and place those lighter ones on the top. Otherwise, you’re risking the light items being crushed by the weight on top, and that’s certainly something you want to avoid. Always make sure that the whole stack on the moving dolly is balanced.

Move slowly

Even though a dolly will make your move faster, that doesn’t mean you should rush things. Rushing is often the first reason for injuries, so take your time and move slowly and with caution. Hold the top of the cargo with one hand and navigate with your other hand, or even better, have one person help you steer the dolly and check for safe passage.

Use straps

One final necessary step for safe dolly use is securing the cargo in place. You’ve gone through all the measures of precaution, so don’t skip this one and risk damage or injuries. You don’t want to risk your items falling and breaking and injuring you or your helper, so use furniture straps to make sure your items will stay in place and won’t fall from the dolly, especially if you plan to keep the dolly inside the moving truck together with cargo on it.

A moving dolly is often the most important piece of equipment for a successful move – it makes a move faster, smoother, safer, and reduces the strain on your body. Hopefully, our simple tips help you use a dolly properly, but if you’d rather let professional movers take care of your relocation, we’ve got you covered. We provide professional moving services Brooklyn. Our well-trained moving crew will have all the professional equipment and experience necessary to handle your residential or commercials relocation so that you can sit back and relax while your move is being taken care of. Whether you’re moving to another state or just around the block, the Big Apple movers are at your service! Let’s connect and chat about your upcoming relocation. We’ll be more than happy to provide a tailored plan for your move and give you a Brooklyn moving quote completely free of charge.

What To Do If Movers Are Late

Posted on 08/30/202108/04/2026 by BigApple

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

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

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

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

Why Are Movers Late?

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

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

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

Keep Your Cool

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

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

Double-Check the Deal

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

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

Call Movers

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

Ask for an Explanation and Specific Info

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

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

React Depending on the Info

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

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

Take Action

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

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

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

How to Avoid Property Damage When Moving Out

Posted on 08/25/202110/09/2025 by BigApple

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

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

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

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

Protect Floor And Walls

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

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

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

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

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

Protect Stairs And Doors

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

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

Plan Ahead

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

Clear the Space

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

Take Your Time

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

Empty and Dismantle

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

Avoid Heavy Lifting

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

Nominate a spotter

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

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

Where To Donate Your Stuff Before Moving

Posted on 07/28/202108/22/2023 by BigApple

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.

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.

9 Items That Require Climate-Controlled Storage (and What New York Weather Does to Them)

Posted on 07/03/202109/14/2026 by BigApple

When belongings go into storage between New York homes, nine categories need climate control rather than an ordinary unit: electronics, wood furniture, leather and upholstery, artwork and antiques, books and documents, photographs and media, musical instruments, wine, and medications. The reason is the calendar: Central Park’s normal July high is 84.8°F and its normal January low is 27.8°F, so anything stored across seasons here gets both the heat damage and the freeze damage in a single lease year.

Most storage decisions in New York get made in a hurry — a lease gap, a renovation, a sudden downsizing — and the climate-control question gets answered by price. The unconditioned unit is cheaper, and on the day you book it, the weather outside is fine.

The problem is that storage is not a day; it is seasons. Below are the nine categories that do not survive a New York year in an ordinary unit, what specifically goes wrong for each, and the honest list of what you can safely skip the upgrade for.

The New York problem

One Storage Year, Two Kinds of Damage

Self-storage companies publish the temperature bands their climate units hold — 55–80°F at one national chain, 65–85°F at another. The number that matters more is what happens outside those bands in this city: by NOAA’s Central Park normals, a typical July day tops out at 84.8°F and a typical January night falls to 27.8°F. An unconditioned unit tracks the weather, which means the same stored sofa gets a humid mid-80s summer and a below-freezing winter before you see it again.

That is the test for everything on this list. Heat and humidity warp, rust and mold; freezing makes materials brittle and cracks what heat loosened. A city with mild year-round weather can gamble. New York cannot.

The nine

The 9 Items, and What Goes Wrong for Each

Item	Heat and humidity do this	Freezing does this	Verdict
Electronics	Corroded boards, warped plastic	Cracked screens, dead batteries	Climate control
Wood furniture	Warping, glue-joint failure	Splits along the grain	Climate control
Leather and upholstery	Mold in the padding	Shrinking, stiffening	Climate control
Artwork and antiques	Bubbled paint, warped canvas	Brittle paper and paint	Climate control
Books and documents	Mold, ink deterioration	Brittle pages	Climate control
Photos and film	Warping, fading, sticking	Cracking	Climate control
Musical instruments	Swollen wood, failed glue	Cracked soundboards	Climate control
Wine	Cooked flavors	Pushed corks	Climate control
Medications and cosmetics	Lost potency, separation	Lost potency	Climate control or do not store

New York seasonal extremes per NOAA Central Park normals.

Wine deserves its own footnote: it is the only item on the list with hard published thresholds, and we keep them — with the packing method — in our guide to moving a wine collection.

The honest inverse

What Does NOT Need Climate Control

Garage-grade items

Tools, sports gear, outdoor furniture, holiday decorations in plastic bins. The storage industry’s own rule of thumb: if it lives in a garage, it can live in a standard unit.

Short stays in shoulder seasons

A few weeks in April or October exposes belongings to little of either extreme. It is the summer and winter months that do the damage, not the days.

The easily replaced

If the contents are worth less than the annual difference in unit cost and carry no sentiment, the upgrade is not for them.

Everything else — the nine above — earns the conditioned unit every time the stay crosses July or January.

The full-service difference

Between Homes, the Handling Matters as Much as the Room

The nine items on this list are also the nine most likely to be damaged getting to storage — which is why the version of this service that works between New York homes is full-service: the same crew that packs and wraps at your old apartment delivers into the conditioned space, and back out to the new place, in one handling chain with one inventory.

Our climate-controlled long-term storage exists for exactly this gap — renovations, lease mismatches, downsizing decisions that need another season to make. The wrapping, the inventory and the certificate your building wants are part of the job, not add-ons.

Big Apple Moving crew wrapping furniture in NYC apartment for long-term storage collection

Questions

Climate-Controlled Storage — Frequently Asked Questions

What needs it, what skips it, and what New York weather changes.

Do I really need climate-controlled storage in New York?+

If the stay will cross a July or a January and the contents include anything from the nine sensitive categories, yes. Central Park’s normal July high is 84.8°F and its normal January low is 27.8°F, so a cross-season stay in an unconditioned unit delivers both heat and freeze damage in one lease. Short shoulder-season stays of durable items can skip it.

What temperature is a climate-controlled unit kept at?+

The major operators publish their bands — 55–80°F at one national chain, 65–85°F at another — with humidity held down alongside. The exact number matters less than the ceiling and floor: the unit never bakes and never freezes, which removes both failure modes at once.

What happens to electronics in a regular storage unit?+

Humidity corrodes circuit boards and connectors, summer heat warps plastic housings, and hard freezes crack screens and kill batteries. Back up the data before anything is boxed, store devices in their original packaging where it survives, and put them in a conditioned unit if they are worth plugging in again.

Can wood furniture survive non-climate-controlled storage?+

Across a New York summer or winter, usually not unscathed — humidity swells and warps panels and fails glue joints, then dry winter cold splits wood along the grain. A season-crossing stay for solid wood, veneer or antiques is the clearest case on the whole list for the conditioned unit.

Is climate-controlled storage worth the extra cost?+

Price it against the contents, not the unit. If replacing the electronics, the sofa and the books would cost more than a year of the upgrade — or if anything in the load is irreplaceable — the conditioned unit is the cheaper decision. For garage-grade contents, the standard unit wins honestly.

What should never go into storage at all?+

Anything alive or perishable, fuel and hazardous materials, and in most cases medications you will actually need — potency does not pause while a unit bakes. Original documents you may need on short notice (passports, deeds) belong in the apartment or a bank box, not a unit in another borough.

What is the difference between climate-controlled and full-service storage?+

Climate control describes the room; full-service describes the handling. With full-service storage, the moving crew packs and wraps at your home, transports, stores in the conditioned space, and delivers back when you are ready — one chain of custody and one inventory, instead of a rented truck and a drive-up door.

How should items be prepped for a long storage stay?+

Clean and bone-dry before wrapping — trapped moisture is how mold starts even in a good unit. Wrap wood and upholstery in breathable covers rather than plastic film, keep electronics in original boxes where possible, and photograph everything against the inventory the day it goes in.