Not every negative experience has to necessarily be a scam. It could simply be unpleasant in any way – poor communication, tardiness, quality of service, etc. The prejudice is that this usually happens with new movers in NY. However, in some cases, it’s not unpleasantry but actual deception, regardless of whether you are moving to New York, or within it. You may be deceived by the price, for instance. You’d agree upon one price and during the moving day, the price would change, leaving you cornered and in despair. There are also scenarios where the movers would keep your belongings hostage until they received a better price from you. Continue reading “New movers in NY – How to check their reliability?”
Tag: Moving guide
A Complete Checklist for Moving: Things You Should Know Before Your Move
Moving is a journey full of excitement, anticipation, and, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos! From packing up all your belongings to saying goodbye to familiar places, moving can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and to-do lists. But what if we told you that there’s a way to take the stress out of the equation? Picture this: a complete, foolproof checklist for moving that guides you every step of the way, transforming the moving process into a smooth, organized experience.
Whether it’s ensuring your fragile items are safely packed or keeping track of those easy-to-miss details (hello, address change!), having a solid game plan can make all the difference. Ready to turn your moving game? Let our ultimate moving checklist become the roadmap to your successful move.
Moving Checklist/List To Do Things You Should Remember While Moving
The moving checklist has been organized chronologically, with a comprehensive timeline culminating in the actual moving day. This timeline serves as the basis for a detailed checklist of things to do when moving, which outlines tasks that require attention within specific timeframes.
To streamline the process, the timeline is divided into categories such as tasks to be completed two months prior, one month prior, one week prior, a few days prior, and on the day of the move.
You want to start your move ahead of time, it is one of the keys to a successful move. If you procrastinate and delay the things that need to be done way ahead of time, you will face utter failure.
Two Months Before
The two months before period should start lightly and without any dangerous deadlines. Here is the two weeks before moving checklist for you.
Find a Moving Company
Ignorance is a choice in the age of the internet. So choose wisely. There are numerous moving tips on what to look for when finding movers. To avoid any kind of moving scam, select legally registered movers with insurance, have good online (or word of mouth) reviews, and have a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number.
Check the experience of the moving company and see if they are professional enough to conduct any type of move. If you need help selecting a trustworthy company, check out this helpful guide on how to find a reliable moving company in NYC.
Get an Estimate from Moving Company
Shortlist a few movers and get estimates from them. It is advisable to find at least 3 moving companies and obtain a quote. Ensure that movers perform an in-person inspection or a video survey before giving you the actual estimate. Check out Big Apple Moving’s quote for a quick and easy way to obtain a moving estimate and let your mind be free from moving worries.
Set a Budget for Moving
You need to have a budget for moving out before hiring a moving company. Make a list of your expenses and set aside some money to meet unexpected expenses. The budget should include the expenses for movers, packing materials, storage spaces, and much more. Look for affordable moving companies in NYC and see how well they can meet your requirements to make your move easy.
What’s more? You can even get precise moving rates by requesting quotes from several moving companies. All this will help you stay within the budget and hence choose the right company for moving.
Declutter Items You Don’t Need Anymore
The next tip in the checklist for moving is decluttering. Eliminate anything that you don’t need or use. You can also consider selling or donating them. Knowing how to declutter your moving makes your move much easier by reducing the number of items you need to move. So, declutter before moving to make your home more organized.
6 Weeks Before Moving
The time is coming near when you will have to move. So, finalize some details. Let your friends and family know that you are planning to relocate. Plan some get-togethers if you haven’t seen them for a while. Let’s see what more should you do six weeks before moving –
Book a Moving Van
You are getting closer to your moving date. Book a van for moving in advance. Choose or rent the one that can fit all your belongings. You can read more about the benefits of renting a moving van here. Furthermore, keep in mind that you should choose the one that doesn’t have huge extra space that you don’t need as you will have to pay extra for it.
Choose the right size of boxes for moving
You have to choose moving boxes to store your belongings. So, how do you choose the right size moving box? A general rule says to use small boxes for heavier items like books and larger boxes for lighter items like pillows. What’s more? Save some money by recycling used containers. You can look for such boxes in liquor stores, groceries, restaurants, and other local businesses.
Learn Some Packing Hacks
Is any move complete without packing? Obviously not. Start by packing the non-seasonal and non-essential items first. When it comes to how to pack an apartment, go room by room. Pack fragile items with extra care and keep the valuables and important documents separate. Many professional movers help you with packing and helps you reduce the packing stress. Get packing services from Big Apple Moving Today.
Label Your Boxes Correctly
The most important thing when packing your boxes is to develop a habit of labeling everything. This way, you’ll know what boxes contain your needed belongings. Some tips on how to label moving boxes like a pro are to color code them, maintain an inventory, and use larger fonts.
Write Old & New Both Address Correctly
When filling out your moving paperwork, make sure both your old and new addresses are written accurately. An incorrect address can cause delays or lost mail. Know how to write an apartment address correctly in this helpful guide.
4 Weeks Before Moving
Things are getting spicier here. Now you need to do more tasks as you are just 30 days away from the moving day.
Buy Moving Insurance
Buy moving insurance to protect your belongings if something gets lost or damaged. You can skip this step. But here is the catch: Buying one will give you peace of mind that your items are covered. Additionally, check if your moving company has a certificate of insurance or not, as it ensures that the company has a license to operate in that particular area.
Get Rid of Perishable Items
If you have any perishable food items in your pantry or fridge, start using them. You don’t want to transport food items that may spoil during the move with you. So, plan your meals accordingly to eliminate the food that could turn bad.
Gather All Your Records
Before your move, gather all the important financial, legal, medical, and insurance records. Keep them secured in a folder and at such a place where you won’t forget them.
File for Change of Address
Change of address takes time. Notify your post office, banks, and other service providers about your change of address. Make sure your mail gets forwarded to your new home without any issues. Most post offices let you file for a change of address online for convenience.
2 Weeks Before Moving
It feels like two weeks is a lot of time, but you have to gear up as still there is a lot more to do. Update all your accounts and records for the smooth sailing of your move.
Create a Bag or Folder for Bills and Slips
Creating a digital folder is fine. But that doesn’t replace the importance of a physical folder where you can keep all your receipts, bills, and important documents you need when moving.
Recycle or Dispose of Poisonous Items.
Do you own any flammable, corrosive, or toxic materials? If yes, remove them safely, as these cannot be moved by professional movers. Dispose of them in a correct manner. Check local recycling centers for proper disposal methods
Update your driver’s license
Many places require you to update your driver’s license within a specific time window after moving. Visit the DMV website to check the requirements and ensure that your license reflects the new address. Important documents to get an updated driver’s license are – residency proof, proof of social security number, and an additional form of identification.
1 Week Before Moving
Finally, the time to move has arrived. Organize what’s left and clean your old home. The earlier you finish all the tasks, the less things you have to manage on the day of the move.
Clean Your Old Home`
Just because you are moving to a new home does not mean you can leave the mess in your old one. Take some time and show some love to your old home by cleaning it before you make a move. If you want to get back your rental deposit, you must clean your current home like a pro and repair any tiny damages. Leaving your old home in spotless and clean condition ensures that you get your security deposit back.
Unplug Your Fridge
Unplug your fridge at least a day before to give it time for defrosting and cleaning. Because any lingering water can create trouble while moving. So, you must know the right process of moving a refrigerator to your new home and keep yourself out of any mess.
Cancel or Redirect Pending Deliveries
Have you ordered anything recently? If yes, you must ensure that all your deliveries arrive before your move. Or else, redirect them to your new address. Another idea is to cancel them entirely to avoid any confusion.
Check the Weather & Withdraw Some Cash
Check the weather forecast for your moving day and plan accordingly. Take extra precautions if the weather is going to be harsh or it’s going to rain. Withdraw some cash to tip the buyers or to buy any last-minute items.
Moving Day
The day for which you have been waiting has come. If you have followed the checklist of things to do when moving, the move will be a breeze for you. So, wake up and start with the move as soon as possible.
Work With the Movers
Answer the movers any doubts or questions they ask you. Communicate effectively with them. Let them know where each box should go as soon as they arrive at your new home. Don’t forget to tip them up at the end.
Unpack the Essentials
Some people get overwhelmed with the process of unpacking. If you are one of them, start unpacking the essentials like kitchen necessities, toiletries, and other essentials to make them easily accessible. After unpacking the important items, go for the unopened boxes. Need help with unpacking? Consult Big Apple Moving.
Verify Everything
Double-check all your belongings before the movers arrive. Take inventory of your boxes and furniture to ensure nothing is missing or damaged. It’s always better to address any issues immediately with the movers on-site.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to fill you up with stress if you follow a solid plan and a moving checklist. Following the above-mentioned tips will let you do everything in order and organize your move strategically.
Let Big Apple Moving’s professional and reliable movers ensure a smooth transition to your new home and find the answer to why we are considered number one in the industry. It’s time to make your move one of the best experiences of your life. Contact us to know more.
How to find reliable office movers NYC
Moving an office is a totally different ball game when compared to moving an apartment. The stakes are higher, the amount of things being moved is usually higher and the time is all that matters. Businesses can’t take waiting too long for the relocation since if they do – the business suffers. This is why it is imperative to find reliable office movers NYC. The word reliable is key since they have to be dependable, accurate and punctual. Also, a high level of professionalism needs to exist. Continue reading “How to find reliable office movers NYC”
Best Suburbs to Buy a House in NYC
Are you looking to go to the suburbs to buy a house in NYC? You’re basically done with all the city noises and the ridiculously large crowd always being in a hurry? Right you are, it can be annoying. Usually, people deal with this by moving out of the city entirely, but this is not the only way to deal with it. Continue reading “Best Suburbs to Buy a House in NYC”
Moving from Brooklyn to Jersey City
Are you prepared for a significant change in your life? If you are considering relocation, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options and the associated stress. However, in my experience, the most challenging aspect of the process is making the decision of where to move.
Allow me to offer a potential suggestion: consider relocating from Brooklyn to Jersey City, the sixth borough of New York City. While there are both positive and negative aspects to this option, this is true of any neighborhood. Often, a lack of familiarity with a location can lead to a decision not to move there.
Costs Drop
You will be amazed! Everything and I mean everything in Jersey City is cheaper. Something unheard of – I went out with 3 friends for dinner, into an American style pub. We ate our soul out and the check for all of us was no more than 100 bucks. You won’t see that in Brooklyn.
I have experienced a significant decrease in my monthly expenses, including a reduction of nearly $50 in my internet and cable bill. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Jersey City is designated as an urban enterprise zone, which provides entrepreneurs and investors with government incentives. Notably, the sales tax rate in this zone is only 3.5%.
Even the standard necessities are cheaper. My standard shopping for hair shampoo and food costs quite less than it did in Brooklyn. Housing is also cheaper. Granted, there are million dollar condos located on the water, but there are condos in Midtown that would normally go for 7 digits in Brooklyn but would go for much less here.
My two bedroom, two bathroom apartment that goes even with a concierge and a movie theater goes for $400.000 while being FHA approved. You won’t find that in Brooklyn.
Still Close to Manhattan
Despite Jersey City being located in a different state, the proximity to Manhattan is remarkably close. My daily commute to my office at 35th and 5th Avenue typically takes between 30-40 minutes. In comparison to some of my colleagues who reside in New York City, their commute to the same location takes approximately 20-30 minutes, indicating that the distance I travel is not significantly greater.
It’s a Fun Place
One of the most popular products of ignorance about Jersey City is the misconception that there is nothing to do there. Quite the contrary, Jersey City is full of restaurants, big and small, expensive and cheap. There are numerous boutiques and countless NYC spin-off home furnishing shops.
On top of this, there is the Liberty Science Center, performance venues, movies, ice rinks, etc. We also have the Liberty State Park from which you can access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Strong Sense of Community
Jersey City has a very high level of diversity within its neighborhoods. The historic downtown area resembles like Brooklyn a lot. the Waterfront area is entirely different grasping Paulus Hook and the Harborside Financial Center. Additionally, Little India is located in the Journal Square area. Regardless of the diversity, you will want to connect with your new neighbors after the move.
The diversity present in Jersey City does not hinder the strong sense of community that exists within the area. The community is actively engaged in various events, such as craft fairs, farmers markets, and festivals, including the highly popular All About Downtown Street Festival, which receive significant support.
Do You Miss the Beach?
For those who yearn for frequent visits to the beach, Jersey City offers a convenient option with a travel time of just over an hour by car or train to reach the sandy shores of Asbury Park. A mere twenty-minute extension of your journey will bring you to Seaside Heights. Furthermore, the absence of bridges and tunnels ensures a more enjoyable travel experience.
A Few Negative Aspects of Moving From Brooklyn to Jersey City
Even though Jersey City is awesome, if you’re going to make a decision – you need to know both sides of the story. Here are a few negative aspects of moving to Jersey City.
Few People Will Come to Visit
New Jersey has a poor reputation with New Yorkers. I’m not sure what it is. It may be the misconception of the distance to it or the wrong idea about what can be done over there. Whatever it is, people will rarely spend the time to come and visit. What’s worse, if they do end up visiting they will make it sound like they are doing you a favor. Not sure what’s worse. Just try to make new friends locally.
Public Transport
Even though there are numerous ways to go around, the route that takes you around Jersey City is very inconvenient. If you need to go around for a couple of miles, it will usually be just easier to catch a cab or walk to the distance. When compared to the transportation you’ve had in New York, this will greatly fade in comparison.
Don’t Stay Up Open Late
This goes even for something as simple as ordering a pizza. After a certain hour, the place goes to sleep and it is difficult to find anything open. It simply won’t be the 24/7 New York that you’re used to. Places will often not work on major holidays and Sundays. Plus, pubs and places to go out to usually close around 1 am or 2 am.
There Are Some Growing Pains in This Place
The population of this place is on the rise. Many people are relocating there for its obvious qualities. This rise in population dictates that the infrastructure of Jersey City is not yet fully accommodated to the rise in the population. Roads are blocked at rush hours, people argue about new constructions and so on.
All of these factors need to be considered when deciding whether you should move from Brooklyn to Jersey City. Oh and one more thing, moving just like any other, you need to be careful. Picking a long distance moving company is key.
Moving to Brooklyn without a job
Moving to Brooklyn without a job may seem like an impossible task for you. But, thousands of people do it successfully every year. So, if you decide to relocate to Brooklyn without a job you need to have a plan how to survive the first month in your new home and how to pay the bills. Continue reading “Moving to Brooklyn without a job”