When Is The Best Time To Move

Posted on November 23, 2021August 21, 2023 by BigApple

Selecting an appropriate time of year for relocation can enhance the efficiency, affordability, and convenience of the process. Given that the timing of a move is influenced by several factors, such as budget, convenience, urgency, and other considerations, it is imperative to establish priorities before determining the optimal time to relocate.

While peak season during the summer months may suit some individuals, it may prove to be highly inconvenient for others. Conversely, the winter months offer off-season rates, but present their own set of challenges. Further reading will elucidate the most favorable time of year for relocation.

Things to consider when choosing the best moving date

Moving with family: When moving with teenagers or children, you’ll want to move during summer break and avoid disrupting your kids’ schedule.

Tenancy agreement: If you’re on a tenancy agreement, you must consider this before anything else since you’ll be obliged by lease to give notice and perhaps take care of some things before being able to move out.

Moving for work: This is a common reason for moving and it can directly affect your moving date so take it into consideration if you have a specific starting date. In this case, it’s a good idea to talk to your employer and work out a plan and specific date that works for both of you.

Selling or buying: If you’re selling your home you’ll need more time and things get more complex if you also plan on buying a new house. In both cases, you’ll want to give yourself some extra time and make date arrangements with all parties involved.

The Best Time To Move

To find the best time of year to move, you should think about your budget, how flexible your moving dates are, and why you are moving. Now that you know more about what affects the decision, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each season.

Usually, peak season is more expensive but good for moving with a family, while off-season is cheaper but has some disadvantages. Let’s go through each season to see the good and bad sides of moving during that time.

Summer

Summers are extremely busy since peak season usually lasts from May to August. Moving during the peak season is a good choice if you’re selling your home because demand is highest and you’ll get a better price. It also makes an ideal time to relocate if you’re moving with children since it’s a summer break and you won’t have to disturb your kids’ schedules.

You should know that most people move between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which makes it more expensive. This is because there is more demand for moving services during this time. If you live in a hot and humid state like Florida or Texas, it can be even more difficult to move during the summer. It might be better to choose a different time of year to move to avoid extreme weather conditions.

Fall

The great thing about moving in the fall is that peak season is over so you get to find better moving rates and save some money on your move. Also, weather conditions are not so bad since extreme heat is gone and harsh winter has not arrived yet so you’ll probably have a pleasant moving experience.

In most states, you’ll find pretty nice weather during the September through November months so it’s definitely a big advantage to have in mind. Moving in autumn also means you’ll get to settle into your new home just before the holidays start so you can spend Christmas and New Year enjoying your new place.

The downside of moving during the autumn months is that the school is starting so it makes a pretty bad time if you’re moving with kids.

Winter

Winter is considered to be the cheapest of all seasons so it may be the best time to move if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Off-season months mean that demand is low so moving companies will have lower rates and they’ll offer more flexible moving dates.

However, moving in bad weather usually comes with a price. Harsh weather conditions can make your move complicated, unpleasant, delayed, and snow or ice will require extra effort when it comes to packing, loading, and transporting your belongings. Think about all the prep and all the extra gear you’ll need to make the move safe for you and your household items – waterproofing moving boxes, salting the driveway, etc.

Spring

During this time of year, the weather is nice for moving and the demand is not as high as later on. This means you can get a good price for your move and not worry about bad weather.

The cons of moving during the spring months apply if you have to move with kids since there will be lots of exams and end-of-school activities going on. Also, the closer to summer you get, the busier movers will get so you may find fewer options if you wait for too long.

Summary

Hopefully, this guide will give you enough info to choose the best time of year to move. If you’re still not sure about when you should move, go ahead and consult with a professional moving company, such as Big Apple. We’ll be more than happy to chat about your plans and create a personalized moving strategy depending on your specific situation. We’ll also provide free Brooklyn moving quotes for the desired date so make sure you contact us!

Moving Blankets: Why You Need Them When You Move

Posted on October 25, 2021August 22, 2023 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 − go ahead and visit U-Haul, Penske, or your trusted local movers NYC.

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.

Where To Donate Your Stuff Before Moving

Posted on July 28, 2021August 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.

Moving During the Peak Season

Posted on April 4, 2021August 2, 2023 by BigApple

Moving during the busy summer months has many advantages like favorable weather conditions, more free time, more buying and renting options, etc. On the other hand, it also means high demand for moving services and higher moving costs.

This post presents a compilation of factual information, along with practical advice and strategies, aimed at facilitating your summer relocation planning. We encourage you to continue reading to gain comprehensive insights into the intricacies of moving during the high-demand season.

What is a Peak Season for Moving?

Peak season is the busiest time in a year when most people are relocating, specifically the summer season. Around ¾ of all moves in the country happen from May to September. Because this is the most demanding period for moving companies, you should always plan and organize well ahead.

Moving services and rental services may be fully booked and unavailable if you wait for too long and decide to hire them when the peak season is already happening. While you’ll probably be able to find some last-minute options, those may not be reliable or experienced, so it is definitely a better choice to find a reputable company in advance.

Reasons to Move During Peak Season

School Breaks

Many families are moving with children, so the summer months allow for easier relocation without school activities. Otherwise, moving in the middle of a school year may be really difficult for a child and interrupt their school year.

Rentals

More often than not, the rental lease will begin and end in summer, and more people are moving at this time of the year from one city to another. That makes it easier to find a place compared to the winter season.

Nice Weather

Even though summer months can be extremely hot in some areas, it’s generally much more pleasant to move on a sunny day than deal with snow and blizzards. Winter moves are also possible, but summer just makes it easier because there are no icy roads or unpredictable weather conditions.

More Sales

In most places in the US, home selling happens during the spring and early summer months. That means you’re more likely to find a house for sale during peak season compared to other months.

Tips for Moving During Peak Season

Now that you’re familiar with the advantages of a summer move, let’s learn how to prepare for it. These peak moving season tips will help you have a successful and stress-free relocation.

Start Early

Early planning is often a key to a successful move, but that’s especially the case when it comes to moving during peak season. Book all your services as soon as possible, including flight tickets and moving services. Instead of waiting to do so last-minute, book early and get the company of your choice, rather than being forced to choose from only a few that are left when the moving date comes.

Get Better Deals

When you’re moving during peak season, prices can be a real nightmare. But there are discounts that you can get if you plan wisely and in advance. Again, planning ahead is the key to an affordable move.

Avoid Weekends

It is advisable to refrain from scheduling a move during the weekend due to the higher costs associated with this time frame. Similarly, it is recommended to avoid the initial days of the week and month, as opting for a mid-month move can result in significant cost savings.

Don’t Go for a Holiday Move

To get the best rate on the move, you should also avoid moving on holidays. Some of them are Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and moving rates on these days are much higher for various reasons – limited labor, more traffic, etc.

Hire a Babysitter

Peak season is challenging enough without adding another important aspect to it such as looking after your kids. Arrange for childcare in advance to make sure your little ones are being looked after on moving day. Hire a babysitter or ask a friend or a family friend to help you out for a day.

Use Moving Apps

While you’re making a plan for your relocation, go ahead and use some of the handy apps. Many of them are free moving apps and will include various tools like checklists, home inventories, reminders, notes, coupons, etc.

Declutter

Getting rid of some household items will lighten up the load and make the final cost lower. The fewer things you have, the less you have to pack, and less to pay. Because moving companies charge based on the total size or weight of the shipment, you’ll benefit from decluttering your home. Plus, you can sell those extra items and make some extra money, or do something good and donate them to charity.

Stay Protected

Don’t forget that temperature can get high and you’ll be exposed to harmful sun rays for a prolonged period. So a cooler with water and some refreshing snacks for the road is a must. Also, dress appropriately and choose comfortable clothing made from natural fabric that’s light-colored. SPF, sunglasses, and a hat are also desirable when moving during the summer months.

Protect Sensitive Items

Heat can damage some of the household items you’re taking with you, so make sure to protect them properly. Things like electronics, candles, or any other heat–sensitive household items should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment and packed suitably.

4 Free Moving Apps to Help You Move

Posted on March 10, 2021August 22, 2023 by BigApple

To help you find the best tools for your relocation, we looked into features of 4 free moving apps to help you move in 2021.

Move Advisor

Move advisor is the first free moving organization app on our list. This amazing app is helpful during the entire process, and it offers some incredibly important tools. It helps you with various tasks while preparing for relocation. There are four different tools based on the stage of your move:

Before you move, it’s a good idea to make a plan. Move Advisor can help you with a checklist that you can customize. You just need to enter your moving date and how you plan to move. Then, you’ll get a list of tasks to do. You can learn more about each task by tapping an icon on the screen. You can also add notes and set reminders. The app can even help you find rental companies if you need to rent a moving truck.

Making a list of your things can be boring and take a long time. But Move Advisor made it fun! First, you choose a room or make your own and name it. Then, you can add things to the room by selecting and dragging them. The list has everything you need, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything. When you’re done, you can save it and add another room. The app will even tell you how heavy your things are and how many boxes and what size truck you need for moving.

This app helps you find a good moving company near you. It shows you all the options and their contact details. You can read reviews and get a free quote without any obligation. This saves you time and helps you choose the best mover for your needs.

Unpakt

Our second choice for the best free moving apps to help you move is Unpakt. This user-friendly app lets plan and book a move by finding a trustworthy moving company and making a home inventory. Let’s break down the process to get an idea of how this app works:

To get started, you only need a few basic information about relocation, including date, destination, and household size, and Unpakt will then guide you through the next steps.

A necessary step with each move is making an inventory list, and the one you’ll find in Unpakt is pretty easy and straightforward. You can add custom rooms and items, specify their dimensions, and you can even add moving or specialized boxes. You can edit any of this info anytime.

Once you have all of your household items on the list, the next step is to confirm the date and time, as well as to add any additional stops during transit. The app will also ask you whether you need to rent storage or not.

The app finds good movers near you when you give it information about your move. You can learn about the moving company, like how long they’ve been working and what people say about them on Yelp. Unpakt makes sure the price you see is correct and shows you how it’s calculated. This helps if you decide not to move something after seeing the cost. You can change your list of things to move and check everything before you book the movers through Unpakt.

Google Keep

The next free app on our list is Google Keep. This app can help you make notes and set up reminders not to forget your ideas. This amazing app lets you keep track of your thoughts in any of the following ways:

Voice notes – If an idea comes up while you’re busy, just record a voice note with Google Keep. The app will transcribe it into a text, and you’ll have a written note.
Ordinary notes – As simple as writing a text message, just tap the plus on the screen and write your thoughts. You can add a title for each note as well.
Photo notes – Another great way to organize a move is to keep photo notes. Photos can serve as proof later if you need insurance for damaged items.
Handwritten notes – If none of the above works for you or you prefer to write by hand, Google Keep also gives that option. Use a stylus or your finger to write your notes on the screen.
Organizing – Google Keep will also help you organize your notes after you’ve made them, and it can turn any note into a checkbox so you can mark it once it’s completed.

Sortly

The last app on our list helps you make a visual inventory list and get a list of reliable moving companies.

Inventory – Instead of making a traditional inventory list, you can use Sortly to step up your moving game. It allows you to create a visual inventory by adding photos to each item you add. You can add several photos for each item in your household and add other information, such as serial numbers, warranty dates, etc.
Checklist – You will also find a week-by-week checklist where you can add tasks and mark them as done. However, keep in mind that, even though this app is free, not all the features are available without purchasing a Premium account. It costs $4.99 a month. The good thing is that you can get the free app and see if you like it before getting additional features with a premium account.

A Guide to a Hassle-Free Move

Posted on November 18, 2020August 22, 2023 by BigApple

When you are moving, packing your stuff doesn’t always need to be stressful, especially if you have a guide to a hassle-free move. Here are some tips which may help you to make moving easy and less turbulent.

Analyze Loan Option

Taking a loan from the bank may be a good option if you have a stable financial side, but if it’s not too bright, or if you live alone, maybe you should consider sharing your space and expenses with someone.

Prepare and Make a Plan

When one is required to relocate to a different location, whether it be a different city, town, or country, the primary objective is to adequately prepare for the entire moving process. The act of changing one’s place of residence is a challenging undertaking that can cause both mental and physical stress. However, with sufficient time allocated to prepare all necessary details, the process can be completed with minimal difficulty.

Set Up Your Moving Budget

Prior to commencing the process of relocation, it is imperative to undertake a thorough assessment of one’s financial resources. This entails a meticulous scrutiny of one’s account balance, particularly in instances where funds are limited. It is noteworthy that relocation is a costly undertaking, with the expenses escalating significantly when moving across state lines or to a different country.

It is advisable to document an estimate of the projected expenses on paper, with an additional 10% buffer to cater for unforeseen expenses. This approach ensures that one has adequate financial resources to facilitate a seamless relocation process.

Visit New Surrounding

The best way to get familiar with your new living place is to go and visit it. Make a tour through your new neighborhood or new town to explore the surroundings and get familiar with it. Also, check vital places like a grocery store near you, coffee shop, pharmacy, hospitals, kindergarten, schools, etc.

Get rid of items you do not need

There is no better time to get rid of unnecessary items than during a house move. The best method to declutter your home is to start from the attic to the basement. Take everything out and start to classify things into three piles. Using this method is a perfect solution for items that you do not need anymore, and you would like to sell, throw, or donate them.

Small tip, always go room by room and do not jump around. Follow your moving plan and try to stay on track if you want a hassle-free move. Otherwise, there is a possibility you will be in the middle with all stuff around with no way out, which will make more stress and hassle.

Make an inventory list

When you are moving, things can be a little intense with all fuss around, and that is a reason why you should make an inventory list of the possessions you have in your home. Every inventory list should have details like:

item name (and description of the item too)
the item number (SKU number or serial number)
item cost (approximate value of item or receipt)
quantity (how many pieces you have in total of that item)
photos of your high-value items

The best time to make a moving inventory list is in the first phase before you start to pack items inside the box. In this way, you will avoid double work, plus you will save extra time which you may use for some other activity. Having an unexpected accident or loss during transportation may appear at every moment. The main benefit when you have an inventory list in your possession is an insurance claim in case you need it.

Label your boxes

Packing always requires a lot of different boxes with a lot of varied items inside them. To make your work easy after, and to help movers who you hire, label every box when finished with packing. The best method is to write on the cardboard box more details as the content is inside the box, in which room it should be, and it is significant to mention if something inside is fragile.

Pack your survival kit

Moving companies sometimes need more time to deliver your shipment. For that reason, all essential things that you will need on a journey like a passport, driving license, charger, money, clothes for a couple of weeks pack in a suitcase or carry on, and keep it with you. Also, do not forget to double-check the validation of your passport, driving license, and other important documents before you go.

Hire professional movers

Finding a good and reliable moving company requires research and time. When you are researching Brooklyn moving and storage companies, always check the NYC moving companies reviews from previous customers because their experience can tell you a lot about customer service and the professional work of the company. Always take caution from online scams, which are common these days. If you are looking for a trustworthy moving company with efficient and reputable workers, Big Apple movers are here for you.

Switch your utilities

Before you relocate to another town or country, do not forget to cancel utilities from the old place and to rearrange for the new one. Connect utility company before you move into the new apartment and arrange from which date everything should be ready to start.

Change your address

With USPS, you can replace your address online. The whole process is simple, and you do not need too much time to finish it. Besides, you can choose a different paying plan per month. The monthly plan is starting from $1 to $20, where you will have several options included in your fee.

Establish a new residence

When changing the living place, you will need to establish a new residence as soon as possible. The reason why this is important is to establish a legal residency for tax and vote purposes. Contrarily, you can end-up owning taxes in more than one state and be in enormous difficulties with the law. Each state has varied guidelines, so the best way is to visit the state’s official website for more information.

We hope that these tips for a hassle-free move can help make your move highly-efficient and cost-effective. Good luck!