Moving Out of State Checklist

Posted on 10/18/202009/05/2023 by BigApple

Relocating across the country is a complex undertaking that demands meticulous forethought and preparation. It is imperative to have a comprehensive overview of the task at hand and ample time to organize the move. To facilitate a smooth transition, we offer some practical suggestions to enhance productivity during the relocation process and create a comprehensive checklist for moving out of state.

Organize the Budget

Prior to commencing the process of planning, organizing, and engaging a moving agency, it is imperative to undertake a comprehensive budgetary analysis. Moving expenses can be exorbitant, particularly when relocating to another state or across the country.

Therefore, it is recommended to document all anticipated expenses and allocate an additional 10% of the total cost to cater for any unforeseen expenses that may arise.

Visit the New Place or Do Research

It is advisable to inspect the new apartment and neighborhood, and ascertain the proximity of essential facilities such as a police station, hospital, or school. This information will prove beneficial when organizing the relocation in its entirety.

Research Educational Places

Cancel the Utilities

When you relocate to a new state, there is nothing worse than entering an apartment without electricity and water. Therefore, contact your utility company before you move into the new apartment and arrange from which date everything should be ready.

You may not have to worry about it if your estate owner takes care of these things. However, if that is not the case, then you will need to think for both sides- to inform the previous utility company, and cancel their further services from your old apartment, and to arrange for your new one.

Take Your Medical and Other Records with You

Medical documentation probably is not on your priority list at this moment when you are moving to another state, but you need to consider bringing with you all copies of necessary documents that you might need for a fresh start in a new place.

Get a New Driving License

Moving from one part to another in a new town is easier when you have your vehicle. Especially if you have children, using public transportation can be a little hectic. For that reason, you should check state laws and get a new driving license with a specific time window after moving. In some states, you will need to register your vehicle, and that will require some documentation like proof of residency, proof of identity, social security number, etc.

Forward Your Mail

Prior to commencing the relocation process to a new city or state, it is highly recommended to acquaint oneself with the new living environment by means of a visit. A tour of the future town or acquisition of a guide book can facilitate exploration of the area. It is advisable to inspect the new apartment and neighborhood, and ascertain the proximity of essential facilities such as a police station, hospital, or school. This information will prove beneficial when organizing the relocation in its entirety.

Establish a New Residence

Once you move into a new house and get all your properties, you need to establish a domicile in your new place. The reason why it is important to establish a legal domicile is for tax and vote purposes. Otherwise, you can end-up owning taxes in more than one state and be in huge problems with the law. Each state has varied guidelines, so the best way is to contact the state official website for more information.

Make a Plan for Packing

Prior to commencing the sorting and boxing of your belongings, it is imperative to devise a comprehensive plan. It is recommended to determine the starting point and prioritize the items to be packed, as relocating to a different city can be a daunting task.

Commencing with the packing of non-essential items is advisable. In the event that you have the luxury of a few weeks before the scheduled move, it is prudent to utilize this time to pack all items in a timely manner.

It is recommended to pack items such as home decor, books, and electronics in a separate box, ensuring that any empty spaces are filled with packing paper or bubble-wrap to prevent damage to your possessions.

Never forget to label moving boxes with the items inside! With time getting closer, you can start with the packing of your essential items, but keep in mind to prepare one small suitcase with personal stuff. During shipping, very often there can be a delay, and the moving truck can arrive after 2-3 weeks, so it is better to be ready for sudden situations and have necessary things with you, including your uniform or clothes for a couple of days. One small tip, always keep your wallet, passport, charger, or medications close to you.

Use Moving Company Services

Finding a good and trustworthy moving company requires research and time. When you are researching long distance movers NYC, always check moving companies reviews from previous customers because their experience can tell you a lot about customer service and the professional work of the company.

Contact 4-5 different companies to obtain a quote. Every company has their estimator who will come and check the size and weight of your possessions. After checking, he will tell you approximately the charge of their services. If movers give you moving quotes NYC without previous checking, then you should think about other options because there is a possibility to be involved in a moving scam.

Tips for Moving in Bad Weather

Posted on 08/23/202009/05/2023 by BigApple

It is universally desired that the process of relocation transpires with utmost ease. The success of the execution is contingent upon various factors, including the proficiency of the movers, our level of forbearance, our degree of motivation, and other such variables.

Inclement weather conditions can prove to be a significant impediment to the moving process, as no one wishes to transport cumbersome items amidst a downpour. To mitigate the impact of unfavorable weather, we offer the following recommendations to facilitate a seamless relocation experience.

Clear the Path for Moving in Bad Weather

Whether you are making a DIY move or decided to hire a NYC movers, you should make sure that the driveway is clear. Imagine carrying a piece of furniture and you slip and fall because the driveway is slippery from snow or rain. First, put salt all around to prevent ice from forming. The next tool you will need is a shovel, and you should keep it ready in case it starts snowing heavily.

Make Arrangements

When engaging the services of a relocation firm, it is advisable to engage in a discussion with them regarding their policies in the event of inclement weather. It is imperative to ascertain the modifications that may be implemented in the event of extreme temperatures to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Prepare in Advance

Although it is beyond one’s control to influence the weather, there are certain measures that can be taken to ensure preparedness. In the event of high temperatures, it is advisable to stock up on an ample supply of refreshments and to remember to bring along sunblock, hats, and lightweight clothing. Conversely, if one resides in an area that is characterized by low temperatures, it is prudent to have a winter jacket, gloves, hats, and non-slip boots at the ready.

In anticipation of rain, it is recommended to have a rain jacket and sufficient umbrellas for all parties involved. Additionally, it is important to safeguard personal belongings and indoor flooring from potential water damage.

Pack Wisely

If you know that bad weather might happen on your moving day, be extra careful when packing items. Add an extra layer of protection, and consider using plastic covers and moving pads for anything that can be affected by extreme weather conditions.

This is extremely important if you have high-value items. Those should have an extra layer of bubble wrap or similar material that will protect it from scratches as well as from snow or rain. If you are not sure how to pack and protect your items, you can always hire packing services.

Get Waterproof Containers

When relocating, the majority of individuals opt for conventional cardboard moving boxes. Nevertheless, there exist alternative container options that are suitable for inclement weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Rather than utilizing customary moving boxes, it is advisable to procure waterproof containers via online channels. These containers are particularly useful for safeguarding items that are highly susceptible to water damage, such as books.

Floors

Movers or your helpers will have to go in and out of your home to transport furniture to the moving vehicle. If there is a lot of mood and rain outside, it will make a mess in your home. Cover all the paths in your home with blankets or any old cloths. You can use moving pads or old towels as well.

Stay Flexible

If weather conditions are too bad, movers may cancel the move for another day. It is extremely important to keep your cool and arm yourself with patience. It is anyone’s best interest to stay safe and avoid injuries. Moving companies have a lot of experience and they are the best to make a call to keep everyone safe.

Hire Professionals

If you are worried about your move and if you will be able to execute it under extreme weather conditions, go for full-service movers. They will take care of everything related to the move, including packing, carrying, and transporting. It might be more pricey than DIY, but it will save you a lot of time and nerves.

There are a lot of advantages of professional movers over DIY moving. Imagine heavy snow and yourself carrying a heavy item with a slippery driveway. Besides potential injury, it is also possible that it will cost a lot of nerves to get things done. Only getting around the city when it’s raining is difficult enough, let alone carrying things to and from the moving truck. Another thing worth mentioning is driving in bad weather.

If one happens to reside in New York City, they are well aware of the arduousness of traffic during inclement weather. However, by enlisting the services of professional movers, one can alleviate the burden of navigating through congested roadways and encountering anxious drivers. Moreover, such experts are equipped to handle any unforeseen complications that may arise in such circumstances.

Take Pictures

Making a home inventory before moving is a must. Hopefully, you did that already. The next step to take is taking pictures of your belongings. There is always a chance that some of your possessions will get damaged, especially when dealing with bad weather. Pictures serve you as proof in case you have to get insurance for damaged items. It only takes a few minutes, but having proof of your item’s condition can be really valuable.

Be Fast with Unpacking

Leaving damp boxes unattended can lead to unfavorable outcomes. It is advisable to unpack them as soon as possible. Although the process of relocation can be exhausting, it is crucial to expedite the unpacking process to ensure a successful outcome.

In the case of cardboard boxes, particularly those with tears or rips, it is imperative to unpack them immediately. It is also recommended to remove all moving pads and blankets to allow for proper ventilation of your belongings. Failure to do so may result in further damage if left damp and covered.

4 Useful Tips for Finding a Great Moving Company

Posted on 08/05/202008/24/2020 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.

Importance of Moving Companies Reviews

Posted on 07/24/202009/05/2023 by BigApple

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.

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.

8 Things People Forget To Do When Moving

Posted on 06/15/202009/05/2023 by BigApple

Moving is a long process during which you need to be concentrated and focused all the time. If you happen to be thinking about something else, you may forget to do some things and only figure out when it is too late. That is why we have composed this list of things people usually forget to do when moving.

Go through it carefully, and then print it and place it on your fridge. In this way, there is no chance that you will forget to change your address on time or redirect your main, for example. For everything else, we can recommend great movers and storage.

1. Making Moving Checklist

It usually takes between 8 and 12 weeks to properly organize and perform a local move. For an interstate move, it takes even longer, up to 16 weeks. Whether you are moving locally or internationally, you need to have a guide in the form of a moving checklist. At the beginning of your preparations, put all the things that you need to do on a simple checklist, and check it out on a daily basis. This will be your anchor when you get lost amidst all the tasks ahead of you.

2. Pack an Essentials Box

It is common for individuals to overlook the importance of preparing an essentials bag during a move, leading to regret and inconvenience. Simply hiring affordable movers in Brooklyn does not guarantee a stress-free relocation. To ensure a smooth transition, it is imperative to have an essentials bag readily available. This bag should contain essential items required during the move and within the first 24 hours after it.

Pack all of your essentials in this box, so that you do not waste even a minute of your time searching other boxes. Phone and laptop chargers, clean clothes, toiletries, your kids` favorite toy, or a blanket. You can place keys, personal information, and your toothbrush here. This is a savior bag that you will love.

3. Label the Boxes

Moving boxes are a major part of your packing supplies. Find out where to get free boxes for moving in NYC and save some money. After you obtain moving boxes and fill them up with your household items, do not forget to label them. Labeling moving boxes is an essential part of moving, as it can literally save your items from being damaged. If you write fragile on your boxes, your movers will handle them differently, so they won`t break. Plus, it will save you a lot of time once you start unpacking in your new home.

4. Pick Up Items from Dry Cleaner’s and Return Books to the Library

It is understandable to overlook the task of picking up and returning items, as it can be a simple oversight amidst a busy schedule. The absence of visual cues and a multitude of other responsibilities can contribute to this mistake.

It is recommended that immediate action be taken to retrieve the items from the dry cleaners and return borrowed books to the library. Alternatively, adding these tasks to a moving checklist can serve as a helpful reminder.

5. Hire a Babysitter on a Moving Day

Moving day is usually the day when you can just feel the tension in the air. While you are waiting for your affordable movers, wondering if they will be late or not, checking the forecast and monitoring those clouds, remember that your kids should be out of the house, enjoying themselves. It will be a lot easier for them to play rather than be under stress inside the house.

Your movers will greatly appreciate it if you arrange for your children to be supervised during the move, as they often carry heavy items and children can impede their progress. The same consideration should be given to your pets. If feasible, it is advisable to enlist the help of someone to care for your children and pets on moving day, as this will alleviate stress and facilitate a smoother transition for all parties involved.

6. Change Address

Moving is not just about moving your items. There are so many administrative things that you need to do, that it is easy to forget all of them. Luckily, we are here to remind you.

Change your address – And inform your bank, friends, relatives, etc.
Redirect your mail – Once you change your address, you need to notify the post office as well, so that you do not miss out on your mail due to an administrative mistake
Turn utilities on and off – Remember to turn off the utilities at your old house and turn them on at your new house. You do not want to enter your new home and find out there is no water or electricity.
Cancel subscriptions – Magazine subscriptions are cool, but you do not want to lose both money and the magazine if it arrives at the wrong address.
Cancel gym membership – Or any other membership for that matter. Since you will not be living in the neighborhood anymore, it is only fair to cancel all the memberships and search for new ones in your new neighborhood.

7. Change the locks after you move

This is one of those things that you should always keep in mind. Whether you are moving into a new home, or just renting it, remember to change the locks. Just think about how many of your friends might have the keys to your old home that they did not return to you.

In your new space, you will never know who might have the keys to the front row, and you do not have to. Just change the locks once you move in, and you will not have to worry about it ever again.

8. Relax

No matter how stressful the moving process may seem, remember to relax as much as you can. This is also something that people tend to forget when moving. Always leave an hour or two just for yourself. Take a long bath, watch your favorite music, play some loud music, and just enjoy yourselves.

The moving professionals from Big Apple Moving hope that list of those things people forget to do when moving can help you become more organized in your move.

10 Home Improvements You Need to Make Before Moving In

Posted on 03/20/202004/03/2020 by BigApple

You have just bought a new home, and you will be moving soon. You are already making plans for the move day, organizing your belongings. You have hired a professional moving company and now you have an endless list of pre-move tasks to do. Renovating your new place can be the last thing that you have on mind right now, but it should not be. Some home improvements can be done after relocation but there are several projects that you will want to finish while the home is still empty. We have prepared the list of 10 home improvement projects that you will want to finish before you move in.

1. Major Renovations

If you already know that some room requires major renovations, you should work on them before you move in. There is no need for you to move all your furniture in your new home only to have to move it out and in again. Bathroom and kitchen renovations are the most common projects that will occur before the move, and you definitely want to have a functioning bathroom and kitchen before you start living in your new house. Those are big projects that will require a lot of time, you will need to make preparations and there will be a lot of cleaning up to do after they are finished, so it will be much easier to work on them while your home is free from furniture and family members.

2. Remove the “Popcorn” Ceiling and Walls

The heavily-textured ceiling and walls treatment is otherwise known as “popcorn” treatment usually contains asbestos. You can test it and if it contains this toxic material you will need to remove it, you will need to hire licensed professionals for this task due to the toxicity. This is one of the most important tasks to finish before the moving day. You don’t want to start a new life in a toxic environment. This is an easy project but it can be really messy and you will need to clean up after it is finished, it is much easier to do so when there is no furniture.

3. Replace All Major Appliances

All major appliances like heating and cooling systems that need to be replaced can be replaced after the move but it will be much easier if you do it before. Some of the appliances can be replaced easily, but some of them may require additional ducting, ventilation or plumbing works. Stand-alone appliances, like washing machines or dryers, can be replaced once you move in.

4. Painting

If you are a homeowner, you know that it is much easier to paint the walls and ceilings of a room that has no furniture in it.

5. Closet Shelving Upgrades

If your new home has one of those big closets that are already installed you need to redo the shelves and upgrade them before you transfer your items. Closest are the first things that will be filled with your stuff on your moving day. You don’t want to work on that on the day of the move. You will have too many tasks on moving day.

6. Baby-Proof Your New Home

All of the home improvement projects are even more tricky if you have toddlers. You will want to baby-proof your home before you move in. You will need to work on this after the move too, you will need to baby-proof your furniture, but you can child-proof locks, windows, closets and set up baby-gates before you move in.

7. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are two things that are often forgotten. You will want to put fresh batteries and services the alarms in order to make sure that they are working before the day of the move.

8. Exterior Locks Replacement

You need to make sure that your new home is safe, and you can never be sure who the previous owner gave keys to. Replace all the locks and alarm systems codes before you move in.

9. Securing the Mailbox

It may even be easier to purchase and install a new mailbox for your home, and you shod do so before you move in, you will organize address transfer before you move in and there is a chance that some mail will be delivered before your moving day.

The last one you will want to do twice, once before you move in and once after the moving day.

10. Cleaning Your New Home Inside-out

After all of the renovation and home improvement projects are done you will want to clean your house completely, you don’t want to clean on your moving day, you will be exhausted from the travel, loading and unloading your furniture and setting up your new home. You should repeat this task after the move to, your home will get dirty during the unpacking process but it will be a lot less work if you have already cleaned it before the moving day.