How to Create a Moving Inventory List

Posted on 03/08/202208/10/2023 by BigApple

Preparing a proper and accurate moving inventory for your move is of great importance, especially if you have many items. A moving inventory list will help you to be more organized during your relocation process. It will be easier to track your possessions. And it is very significant when you are trying to get an accurate estimate from your Big Apple Movers.

How to Make a Moving Inventory List

When you are planning to move, surely you’ll want to know how much it would cost you. So, one of the first things to do is to get a moving estimate. In order to get an accurate moving estimate, you will need to tell your movers exactly what you are planning to move.

To save money when moving, make a list of all the things you need to move. This will help you get an accurate quote from the movers. It’s important to be as detailed as possible on your list. When looking for a good deal, get quotes from different moving companies.

You’ll want to start by researching and finding several reliable movers in your area. Once you’re sure they’re licensed and allowed to do business in your area, you’ll reach out to at least three of them. Moving estimates should be free of charge so you can ask for as many as you like but three should be your minimum.

Make sure you understand what exactly is included in the price so you would be able to compare properly. You should then use those details to figure out what works best and pick the best offer.

Creating a Moving Inventory List with an Apps

It’s no secret that creating a moving inventory list can be time-consuming. It can also get rather boring, especially if you’re doing it alone. But it is really a necessary thing to do, so there’s no way around it. One thing you can do though is to make it as efficient and as easy as possible.

There are different ways to create inventory. For example, a traditional method is one option. You can write it on a piece of paper while you are going through your stuff. On the other hand, you can use your phone or tablet. There are several fantastic android apps for organizing your items. And that is the easiest way to do it.

These apps are useful for making a list of your things. You can sort them into categories and search for them easily. They are easy to use and have a simple design. You can put all your things in one of these apps.

Every property is divided into rooms, and every room has its own list of items. You can add a closet, for example, and it can have a sub-list of items that are stored inside.

These apps help you create a moving inventory list just as you would on a piece of paper, but much more efficiently. You can add notes, weight, and value of your items. You could even add photos of each item you add to the list.

This comes in really handy in case you need to file a claim later on, just in case any of your items get damaged while moving. Having a “before” picture of the item will serve as proof of its condition before relocation. Overall, using a free phone app is really the perfect and easiest solution for creating a moving inventory list.

Create Your Moving Inventory List

While having everything on your phone is the most convenient solution for most, there’s another type of crowd too. Some people find that using a smartphone is way too complicated. If you have trouble with downloading, installing, and getting around android apps, you can create the moving checklist in an old-fashioned way and write it down on a piece of paper.

In case you decide to go for this option, it’s recommended you make copies. This will be very helpful in case your paper gets lost or mixed in the process.

Please be advised that utilizing a desktop computer to create an inventory list may not be the most practical option in this particular scenario. This is due to the fact that it would require frequent movement throughout the house. While a laptop could be utilized, it is important to exercise caution to avoid any accidental damage while navigating through various items. Therefore, it may be most efficient to utilize a smartphone or traditional pen and paper to complete the task at hand.

Create a Separate Inventory list for Every Room

The smartest way to make an efficient and helpful inventory list is to divide your moving inventory list by room. If you can, you should make a separate inventory list for every room that you have. This will help you to stay more organized.

You can start with large items, the ones that you can easily spot. Then move on to smaller items. In order to have a detailed inventory list, you should add some specifics for every item.

What You Should Note

Areas

To ensure a smooth moving process, it is recommended to begin by categorizing your inventory list according to each room. Focusing on one area at a time is highly advantageous compared to tackling multiple spaces simultaneously. This approach promotes a more systematic approach and facilitates meticulous tracking of all items intended for packing and transportation.

Title

Your first column should contain the item’s name. Simply create titles like “dining table”, “sectional”, “freezer”, and so on.

Weight

Now, you need to guess how much each thing weighs. If it’s small, you can use a scale at home. If it’s big, you can look up how much things like it usually weigh on the internet. You can also use some tools online to help you guess. This is important because how heavy your stuff is affects how much it costs to move it. So, you should have an idea of how heavy your things are.

Condition

Note the current condition of your items. It is very important to note the state of your items before the move.

Value

The next step is to add the monetary value of the item you’re inventorying. This doesn’t have to be an exact price − you can add the estimated value of items instead.

Designated spot

Think about where will you place your item in your new home and write it down. This will be very helpful during a moving truck unload and unpack. Once you know where each item is supposed to go, the process will go much smoother and faster.

Extra notes

Leave a place for additional notes and ideas that you might have. That can include anything from the fact that an item holds emotional value to the info that it should be packed or stored in a specific way. Additional info could be anything extra that’s not covered in regular sections of the inventory list.

Photos

While creating an inventory list, make sure that you take photos of all important details concerning the condition of your items. Even better, you can make a video, it’s faster than taking photos and you can easily record your thought and notes, too. As mentioned before, this will serve as proof in case you need to file an insurance claim.

Boxes

When you are packing for a move it is very important to use the right moving boxes and label them properly. You should also create an inventory list of your boxes. That way you can easily track your shipment and quickly check your items when they arrive at your destination. Label your boxes by colors, for example, and you will easily know the number of boxes and in which room are they going.

Storing Items In a Public Storage

If you plan to move some items to a self-storage, make a separate inventory list for storage too. When you are storing your items in a public storage New York, it will be good to have a list to be certain about the location of your items if you can’t find something during unpacking. So before you chase your movers and accuse them of missing items, check your storage inventory list. It will be of great help in these kinds of situations. If you need affordable moving and storage NYC company, Big Apple Moving is at your service.

Top 6 Packing Materials You Need When Moving

Posted on 12/14/202109/06/2023 by BigApple

The amalgamation of packing supplies and uncomplicated packing techniques is a crucial aspect of a seamless packing procedure and a relocation process devoid of stress. Appropriate packing materials serve to safeguard your possessions and facilitate their transportation to your new abode in an undamaged state.

If you aspire to pack like a professional but are uncertain about the process, we are here to assist you. Continue reading to discover the six most essential packing materials required for a successful move.

Containers

The first part of your packing supplies has to do with containers – they’re necessary since you naturally have to pack your items into something in order to move them. There are a few options here, the first one being the most often one, which is − regular cardboard moving boxes NYC. This is the most affordable option.

If you are seeking free cardboard boxes, they can be readily obtained. Numerous establishments, including local grocery stores, bookstores, home improvement stores, and various other retailers, often have surplus boxes that they are willing to part with. It is advisable to conduct a thorough search if you are in need of a cost-effective solution. While moving boxes are typically sufficient, it may be necessary to procure particularly robust boxes depending on the nature of your items.

Your second option is to ditch the cardboard and go for recycled plastic instead. In that case, you’ll want to look into places to rent plastic storage containers. If you’re wondering why anyone would want to spend money on something like that, the reason is that they make your move greener and there’s no chance of them breaking.

Thanks to the recycled plastic they’re made of, these containers can hold any weight without trouble. Plus, you can rent them and bring them back after you’re done so you don’t have to deal with unnecessary clutter in your home after you unpack.

Bubble Wrap

The second packing material you need is the ever-entertaining bubble wrap. You can use it for packing and have fun popping it after you’re finished with your move. While everyone loves the fun part of bubble wrap, the main reason why it’s used so often is that it’s one of the best ways to protect your belongings, whether you’re moving glass, ceramic, porcelain, or other sensitive possessions.

Besides wrapping household belongings, you’ll also use bubble wrap to create soft padding inside moving boxes before packing and you will add a bit extra to fill in empty spaces before you seal the box.

Packing Paper

This is another must-have packing supply because it’s irreplaceable when it comes to protecting sensitive items from scratches. When you’re packing fragile or sensitive items, you’ll get the best results by using packing paper first and bubble wrap second.

You can also use it to fill in voids after you’ve packed all your items inside the box to avoid them from shifting or scratching one another. Get plenty of packing paper and don’t worry about the cost because it’s pretty affordable.

Packing Tape

One essential item to include on your packing materials list is packing tape. Its primary purpose is to reinforce the box by ensuring that all seams are covered, thereby minimizing the risk of the box breaking during transportation.

Once the boxes are packed and ready for moving, it is imperative to use the tape again to seal each box correctly. While it may seem unnecessary to spend money on packing tape, it is crucial to invest in quality tape to avoid the risk of boxes containing valuable items opening up during transit.

Stretch Wrap

This particular packing material proves to be highly advantageous when relocating furniture pieces such as cabinets, chests of drawers, and similar items. To prevent doors or shelves from dislodging during transit or handling, it is recommended to utilize stretch wrap and ensure a secure fit.

Additionally, cutlery or utensil trays can also benefit from the use of stretch wrap to contain loose items. When packing toiletries or liquids, stretch wrap can be employed to envelop the entire bottle and prevent spillage with ease. Furthermore, stretch wrap does not leave any residue, making it a versatile option for any household item.

Sharpie Marker

The last item on your must-have packing supply list is a colorful sharpie marker. Chances are you have one if your home already so just keep it aside until you need it. A sharpie is crucial because you’ll need it to label moving boxes after the packing. The process of labeling may be a bit boring and time-consuming but it is very helpful when you’re loading and unloading your belongings, not to mention unpacking which can turn into a nightmare without labels.

Summary

Hopefully, our list of top packing materials will help you have the most successful move and pack your belongings properly. By using professional packing materials and following simple packing strategies, you will protect your items and have them arrive safely at your new address. Don’t forget that you can also go for additional tools to make your life easier.

For example, if you’re moving extremely heavy or bulky pieces, you’ll want to visit your local mover and rent a moving dolly. They’ll explain to you how to use a moving dolly. Or you may benefit from furniture sliders or furniture straps. While we listed all of the basic materials, your specific situation may require additional materials, especially if moving artwork or extremely valuable or fragile items. Of course, in this case, the best is to hire reliable fine art movers.

How to Move Heavy Appliances

Posted on 12/05/202008/10/2023 by BigApple

If you are moving locally, there is no reason why you should leave large appliances at your old place. You can relocate them safely, and if they are in good condition, use them in years to come. The only trick here is that you should follow our step-by-step guide in order to do this right.

Damaging large appliances during relocation is quite common. Luckily, this can easily be avoided and you can relocate your appliances like a pro by preparing large appliances for a move in advance. Of course, if you don`t want to risk any damage or simply do not have time, you can always rely on a reputable moving company to assist you.

A Man Pulls Dryer Onto Moving Van Using a Dolly — The furniture dolly can save large appliances from damage during the move

Prepare Heavy Appliances for a Move Like a Professional

In order to do this right, you will need the following equipment:

Detergent
Cleaning gloves
Tape
Moving boxes
Furniture dolly

Once you have assembled what you need, you can start preparing your items for relocation.

Take Photos First

Take pictures of your big appliances before and after moving. Capture all angles and the inside too. You can also make a video. This helps you see if anything got damaged during the move.

If you are hiring movers NYC, after the move you will check whether the items are in the same condition. If not, you will need to file a claim, and photos are the best way to prove your point.

Call the manufacturer or read the manufacturer`s guide

When you bought larger appliances, they came in with the manufacturer’s guide. Most likely you threw this away after you have learned how to use the appliance in question. However, these guides contain important suggestions as to how to prepare them for relocation.

Our suggestion is to check the guide from the manufacturer for instructions on how to move the product. If you don’t have the guide, you can find it online quickly. If you can’t find it online, you can call the manufacturer for help.

Find the original moving boxes

Your fridge, stove, washer, dryer, and dishwasher came in original packaging. If you did not throw this away, now is the perfect time to use it again. This will enable you to prepare your larger appliances for relocation in the best way possible. However, don`t worry if you don`t have these. Your professional movers will know how to deal with them, and you can always order custom moving boxes.

Prepare your refrigerator for a move

First of all, you need to take all the food out of the refrigerator. Then use the mild detergent to clean the fridge thoroughly. You don`t want any mildew or unpleasant smells coming out of your fridge. At least 24-48 hours before the move, you should completely unplug the appliance. Refrigerators have a few racks, that you need to take care of. You can either remove them from the fridge or secure them with tape. What is important is that they do not fall out and break during transport.

Stove preparation

When it comes to preparing the stove for relocation, it is important to determine whether you have a gas stove. These types of stoves should be prepared by the professional crew member. This is because you need to disconnect the gas line from the stove, which can be dangerous for an amateur. Once you have this covered, you can clean the stove with a detergent. Just like with the fridge, you need to take out the rack and pack it separately to avoid any damage.

The dishwasher is fairly easy to prepare for moving…

When you want to prepare a dishwasher for moving, you need to remove all the dishes from it first. You should clean the dishwasher by running a circle while it is empty. All that you need is some detergent and hot water. Leave the doors open and let the unit dry completely before relocation. The next thing you want to do is to disconnect the hose from the unit. Now you can tape the hose on the side or the back of the unit. Tape it as many times as you need to make sure it won`t fall off. Another option is to wrap it in packing paper and place it inside the dishwasher machine.

…just like the washer and dryer machines are

Just like with the dishwasher, make sure there are no items left inside these machines. Clean the washer machine by running a cycle while it is empty. The dryer machine can be cleaned with some detergent and a sponge. Disconnect the hoses and tape them on the side of the machines. You can also choose to pack them inside the machines, as well. It is best if you can use the original packaging for these units.

Use the furniture dolly for transporting your items

Once you have prepared your large appliances for relocation, it is important not to damage them on their way to the moving truck. You can rent, or buy a furniture dolly. This item has saved many large appliances from damage. Not to mention wooden floors, carpets, and stairs. It is easy to make a scratch, dent, or any other damage to these fragile surfaces. So, instead of pushing heavy appliances, place them on the furniture dolly and carefully take them to the moving truck. Move heavy items with ease.

Hire professionals to protect your large appliances

Once you have prepared your large appliances for relocation, you can leave them in the safe hands of professionals. Heavy and bulky items are prone to damage when not handled properly. This is why we recommend that you hire professional Brooklyn movers to relocate your appliances in the safest way possible. Plus, if the items get damaged you will always have moving insurance, so it is a win-win situation. Good luck!

11 Frequently Damaged Items During a Move

Posted on 09/16/202008/02/2023 by BigApple

Without proper organization and planning, moving to another place is always a challenging process. Despite your thinking about every detail, there is some chance to have some unexpected damages. There are a lot of different reasons why this can happen. Some of them we can control and avoid but some, unfortunately, we can’t. Here is a list of the most frequently damaged items during a move and how we can protect them.

Drinking Glasses

You need to be extra careful when packing glassware. These kinds of items are very delicate because they are very fragile, and in case they crack or broke this can cause deep cuts and injuries. Except for this, you need to be extremely careful and not to hurt yourself during packing.

It is important to take note of the appropriate storage method for the glasses within the box. The key factor is to select a box that is of the appropriate size and to wrap each glass in paper prior to placement. The paper should be folded on the side and the glasses should be positioned vertically within the box. Once the first layer of glasses has been arranged, it is recommended to place packing paper on top and in between each glass, if space permits.

Plates

Usually, during a move, you can hear and feel how they shake in the box because we didn’t pack them completely. Packing the plates is very simple, place them vertically with paper between the plates and on the side to make them more secure, and choose the right moving boxes to pack them in.

Lampshades

Lampshades can pose a challenge when it comes to packing due to their size and shape, making them susceptible to breakage if not handled with care. To ensure their safe transportation, it is recommended to utilize bubble wrap as a protective measure. This involves covering all sides of the lamp with the wrap, while also placing packing paper in any empty spaces. Additionally, it is advisable to insert more paper between the wrap and the box to prevent any shifting during transit.

Wine and Liquor Bottles

Moving a wine collection is very difficult because most of the bottles are glass bottles, and if you do not store them correctly, there is a big chance to damage them. Therefore, roll every bottle in 4-5 layers of paper, secure with tape (especially on the bottom side), and make sure there are no loose ends. Always use the divided or cell box with a smaller size, because caring a big cardboard box can be very heavy and unsafe. If you have some open bottles, make sure to seal them properly before rolling in paper and place in the box.

Mirrors and Glass Pictures

The common mistake people make when packing mirrors/glass pictures is- they don’t cover the items enough with packing paper and protect them in the box. After opening, as a result, we have broken or scratched stuff. When you are doing packing alone, the best option to protect them is using a bubble wrap before setting into the appropriate box. All gaps, pad with crumpled paper inside the box. When you finish, close the box with tape and mark FRAGILE with packing labels or write with marker on the cardboard box, from both sides.

Artwork

Collecting art requires a lot of love and affection. There is not only about the material value, usually, is some private feeling connected with a particular piece, and seeing them broken or damaged can make you very disappointed or sad. Well, if you would like to prevent this kind of situation, a better option is to hire professional packers. However, if you decide to do these alone, line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper, cover the picture with bubble wrap, and place it in the box. Make sure the box is full of the packing paper without space inside.

Books

We think packing books is an easy and fast job, but the surprising fact is, we don’t consider how these simple things can cause damage to our precious possessions. For that reason, when you are packing books, place heavier and bigger books on the bottom of the box, and put them flat and horizontally in the box to avoid folding the pages and their damage.

Electronics

Today electronics are taking a massive place in every home, except that, can be a bit expansive too. Generally, the most common mistake while packing electronics are people forgetting how these objects can be fragile and stuff a couple of items together in the same box and damage them. Packing electronics is not too different from packing other things from your home. Take precautions every time when you are moving larger sizes of electronics (TVs, computers, etc.) they can slip easily. To protect them, you can use anything, a blanket, pillowcases, towels, or if you feel safer, you can use anti-static bubble wrap too. Don’t forget to place some packing paper inside the box to prevent potential movements and damage during transportation. When you wrap and pack everything, mark on the box THIS SIDE UP and FRAGILE.

Sporting Equipment

Similar to electronics, moving this kind of item requires to be done very carefully because replacing them can be a little costly. Moving a treadmill or rowing machine can be hard. The best way is to read the guidance for oversized and sensitive equipment before you start.

Furniture Edges

When you are lifting a heavy object, there is always a possibility to damage them. The best way is to disassemble furniture in smaller pieces. Otherwise, it will be hard to take them out, and there is a possibility to get broken or damaged. All smaller disassembled items, wrap them and pack in one box before you lose them. If you need help to disassemble your furniture, call your friends or hire experienced movers to help.

Liquid Cleaning Supplies

People forget very often to protect bottles with cleaning liquid, which can make issues if they start to leak inside the box. Before stuffing them in the box, make sure you closed the bottles because the liquid can spread out and damage other items too. Every bottle you should cover with plastic or paper, and wrap with tape before placing them in the box. Again, write on every box what sort of liquid is inside the box, and do not pack flammable items!

We hope this list of the most frequently damaged items during a move can help prevent some damages. If you are at all unsure about packing the fragile items listed above and your packing skill, ask for help. Do not hesitate to call full service moving NYC today to request moving quotes NYC.

8 Tips for Relocating a Wine Collection

Posted on 05/28/202008/21/2023 by BigApple

Each relocation presents unique challenges. Some individuals may require the transportation of a hot tub, while others may need to move their prized wine collection. In either scenario, meticulous preparation and organization are essential for a successful outcome.

Timely initiation of preparations is crucial to avoid undue stress and anxiety. With the appropriate knowledge and expertise, any relocation can be accomplished with ease. We offer invaluable advice on relocating a wine collection that is sure to be of great benefit to you.

Check the State Laws

If you are moving internationally, always check whether there are some restrictions on alcohol. Most countries have regulations about the amount of alcohol that can be imported. Do not let this discourage you, just contact the department that is dealing with alcohol and ask them what should you do in order to relocate your wine collection. If you do not do this, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise at the border.

Appraise Your Wine Collection

Please contact a nearby wine merchant and request their recommendation for a suitable wine appraiser. A wine appraiser will provide you with an accurate valuation of your wine collection, which will determine the appropriate transportation and handling methods.

For instance, if your wine collection is not of significant value, you may transport it in your personal vehicle. However, if the value is substantial, engaging the services of specialists is advisable.

Take Photos Of Your Wine Collection

Before the relocation, and before packing your wine bottles, photograph them. Photograph each bottle of wine that you own. This is even better than making an inventory list, which we also highly recommend that you do. Taking photos of the inventory is beneficial because in case of loss and damage, you will know exactly what happened. The photos are excellent evidence for a claim that you will be able to make if you hire professionals.

Right Temperature

During the process of relocating wine, it is important to note that the bottle may be susceptible to breakage. However, even if the temperature is maintained at an appropriate level, the wine itself may still undergo changes in taste. Specifically, if the temperature is too high or too low, the quality of the wine may be compromised, potentially ruining a collection that has been carefully curated over the course of several years.

To ensure optimal conditions for wine relocation, it is recommended that a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit be maintained. While certain types of wine, such as white wine and less expensive varieties, may be able to withstand lower temperatures, 55 degrees Fahrenheit is generally considered to be the ideal temperature.

If transporting wine in a personal vehicle, it is important to take measures to regulate the temperature accordingly. Alternatively, if enlisting the services of professional movers, they will possess the necessary expertise to ensure that the wine is transported under optimal conditions.

Furthermore, the best period of the year when you should relocate wine is in spring or fall. This is because the temperatures are not extreme in these periods, and the wine will not suffer from sudden temperature change. If possible, you should not relocate your wine collection in summer or winter.

Pack Wine Bottles Correctly

To increase the likelihood of your wine bottles surviving the relocation, it is imperative that they are packed appropriately. The initial step in this process is to procure suitable moving boxes specifically designed for wine transportation. One may contact a nearby wine store or inquire with their chosen movers regarding the availability of such boxes. These boxes are equipped with Styrofoam cell dividers that provide optimal protection for the bottles.

If your bottles have corks, make sure that they are placed upside down. It is important that the cork is wet at all times. Packing services are high-quality and we can recommend them for absolutely everything that you need, including your wine bottles. Additionally, if you have already opened bottles, do not pack them. It is not safe and can cause damage to other bottles as well.

Label Moving Boxes

Labeling your wine boxes is the best thing that you can for your wine collection. It is important that the labels Fragile, This side up, and This side down are clearly visible. Label at least three sides of the moving boxes in order to protect your wine collection. You can download the labels on the Internet, completely for free. Of course, you can use a permanent marker, that is waterproof and write the label on the boxes.

Hire Moving Company To Move Wine Collection

If your wine appraiser has determined that you have a valuable wine collection, the safest thing you can do is to hire professionals. Your moving company can connect you to a company specialized in wine transportation. There is no reason to risk your wine changing taste, or bottles getting damaged, especially if your collection is too big to fit in a car.

Another great thing about hiring movers is definitely moving insurance. Even if something does happen to your inventory, you will be compensated for any damage or loss of it. Just make sure to inform your movers if the item value exceeds $100 per pound. It will be necessary to fill in a High-value form, but these are just formalities and they will inform you if anything else is needed. You will be at peace knowing that you are ensured from any accident.

After the Move Avoid Bottle Shock

The last tip is concerned about the period after the move. Once you get your wine bottles safely to your new home, do not open it right away. There is a rule that says that for every day the bottles were in transit, they should rest for seven days.

So, if you were on the move for two days, you should not open the bottles for at least 14 days. This is simply because the wine can lose flavor after being in transit. Since it is easy to avoid this situation, let the wine rest for as much as possible, and enjoy it later.

Moving your wine collection does not have to be stressful. Follow our useful tips, and soon you will be able to enjoy your fines bottles of wine.