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.

How to handle relocating from Long Island to Manhattan

Posted on 02/11/2020 by BigApple

Every relocation is unique and unpredictable. That’s because many little tasks may involve hard labor. Keep in mind that you have to think thought all these minor processes and make decisions that can be crucial for relocation. Situations like this can be frustrating, but if you had a proper preparation, this might not be the case. Your goal must be to concentrate at relocating from Long Island to Manhattan in an efficient way and with minimal fluctuations in the final investment of money. All those tasks carry great responsibility, and this can look like a too heavy burden on the average person, but the reward is outstanding. Once when you are aware of all the benefits of living in Manhattan, you will accelerate your relocating process significantly! Continue reading “How to handle relocating from Long Island to Manhattan”

Moving from New York to Texas

Posted on 08/25/201909/05/2023 by BigApple

Are you dissatisfied with the fast-paced lifestyle of New York? Are you experiencing ennui due to the crowds and traffic, inclement weather, and exorbitant cost of living? If so, it may be worthwhile to contemplate relocating from New York to Texas. Furthermore, you are not alone in this endeavor, as individuals throughout the United States are relocating for various reasons, including employment prospects, reasonably priced housing, reduced living expenses, low crime rates, and agreeable weather conditions, among others.

Prices and costs of living in Texas are much lower than in New York. For example, you can find big apartments in Austin only about half as much as small apartment price in Manhattan. And if you’re fed up with crowds and traffic, you’ll feel more space to breathe on the streets of Texas.

Think about your preferences before you consider moving from NY to Texas. If you’re moving from NY to Texas, consider hiring NYC interstate movers to move your belongings quickly, efficiently and safely.

Why More People are Moving from New York to Texas?

We’ll try to give an answer. According to a new U.S. Census Bureau report, of the 15 fastest-growing cities larger than 50,000 people, seven are in Texas. This also includes the top three: Frisco, New Braunfels, and Pflugerville. San Antonio is one of the cities with the greatest population by adding some 66 citizens every day!

San Antonio now has more than 1.5 million people and ranks as the nation’s seventh-largest city, just behind Philadelphia. But don’t worry, there are no such crowds on the streets like in NY. Houston is America’s fourth-largest city and is also the most diverse large city in the nation.

No taxes and lower costs of living are the reasons why more people are moving from NY to Texas. Texas expanded its housing supply by 10.3 percent for every household during the period, more than double the rate of New York.

Low Taxes

If you are considering relocating from New York to Texas, it may interest you to learn that despite New York having the highest tax burden of any state, Texas does not impose any state income taxes. The majority of Texas’ tax revenues are derived from taxes on businesses, property, and retail sales. The effective property tax rate throughout the state is 1.7%.

This means – more savings! Compared to NY where the state collects $7,400 per resident, Texas collects $3,500! What do you need to pay? If you want to start a small business in Texas, expect to pay employment and sales tax. You’ll also pay taxes on retail purchases. In Dallas and Austin, you’ll pay 8.25% in retail tax, while in Zavalla, you’ll pay a combined sales tax rate of 6.75%.

Costs of Living

Consider the prospect of expending a mere $7 in Texas for a commensurate brunch that would otherwise cost $20 in Manhattan. It is a well-established fact that New York is a city of exorbitant expenses, with a high cost of living and prices. In contrast, Texas boasts of a significantly lower cost of living, with affordable housing and gasoline prices.

Furthermore, Texas is among the top five most affordable places to reside in the United States, owing to its lack of income tax. The availability of reasonably priced housing is a significant draw for individuals, with the added benefit of larger homes.

The average 1 bedroom apartment is 870 square feet – that’s at least 40 sq feet larger than you’ll find in Manhattan. When it comes to cost, consider the risks of hiring cheap movers, you don’t want bad service. The median home price in Texas varies because the state is large. El Paso, Laredo, and Beaumont have median home prices of around $151,000. The median household income is $59,295, which is $2077 lower than the US average.

Job Opportunities

When considering the abundance of employment prospects, New York City stands unparalleled. However, it must be noted that the cost of living in this region is significantly higher than that of Texas. In recent years, Texas has witnessed the addition of over 300,000 job opportunities, which accounts for 12% of the total jobs added across the nation. In comparison, the private job sector in New York has only increased by 113,000, indicating that Texas has more than twice the number of job opportunities.

When it comes to the unemployment rates, Texas wins with 5.5 percent against New York’s 6.9. Texas’ major industries include energy, agriculture, petrochemicals, higher education, tech, aerospace and other. According to recent research, the energy sector and higher education are Texas’ biggest employers.

There are many large companies in Texas such as Exxon Mobil, Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips, Sysco, Kimberly Clark, AT&T, American Airlines and other. Also, a quick reminder to seek where to find free packing materials as well.

Transportation Costs

Transport is really expensive in New York. Transportation costs are about 52% higher in New York than in Texas. Traffic and crowds in NY are a real nightmare, but you can also meet with it in large metropolitan cities like San Antonio, Austin, Dallas or Houston. The difference is, you can easily drive your car, while more than half New Yorkers don’t own their car.

Simply, it’s not affordable. It’s expensive and you can’t find a place to park. This is why they are using the metro, taxi or UBER. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the second largest in the nation, while rail system doesn’t quite match up to New York standards, but Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin have bus and light rail systems. Amtrak can take you around Texas, Chicago, Los Angeles, or some other place.

Moving from Manhattan to Jersey City

Posted on 08/08/201909/05/2023 by BigApple

In recent years, many people are deciding to move from Manhattan to Jersey City. But, why would anyone want to leave Manhattan or even NYC? Well, when you are moving from Manhattan to Jersey City you won’t get that feeling you are leaving New York.

Even though Jersey City is in another state, it is so close to NYC that some people are referring to it as a New York City’s sixth borough. Manhattan’s proximity and still affordable rents make it a new target for people who are sick of living in Manhattan’s tiny apartments with astronomical rents.

But, with many newcomers who are migrating from NYC to Jersey City, the rents here, are starting to get pricey, too. So, before others beat you to it, hire Manhattan movers and start packing today.

Moving from Manhattan to Jersey City Becoming Popular

Jersey City is the second-most populous city in the state of New Jersey. It has around 280 000 people according to the 2022 population estimate program. They also found that from 2010, Jersey City had an increase in population for almost 10%. That is the largest population increase in the state of New Jersey in this period.

This means, that Jersey City has become a popular destination for many people. And it is not hard to see why. Jersey City is actually a part of the New York metropolitan area. So, you can still feel like a New Yorker, but with a larger apartment and with lower rent.

That does sound very nice, but as you can see, Jersey City is becoming very popular And, rent prices are starting to go up. But, if you hire cheap movers NYC, you can save some cash, at least for first-month rent.

Learn about the neighborhoods before Moving

When relocating from Manhattan to Jersey City, the initial step is to secure a suitable apartment. However, given the numerous neighborhoods in Jersey City, it can be challenging to determine where to begin your search. It is therefore advisable to familiarize yourself with the various neighborhoods in Jersey City before embarking on your apartment hunt. This will enable you to make an informed decision when selecting your preferred apartment. Presented below is a concise list of some of the trendy neighborhoods in Jersey City.

Newport, this is the first neighborhood you will see when you are moving from Manhattan to Jersey City and crossing the Hudson River.
Grow Street area, sits next to Newport. A place with many bars and restaurants that were opened in recent years.
Paulus Hook is a neighborhood with many young families. Beautiful streets are full of trees, greenery, and red brick apartments.
Hamilton Park is considered to be one of the safest and most enjoyable neighborhoods in Jersey City.
Exchange Place is a great neighborhood if you are a striving professional looking for luxury residential complexes.

Moving from Manhattan to Jersey City because of location

The best thing about Jersey City is its location. It is so close to so many great places. And Manhattan is just a bridge away. Some locations within Manhattan are just 15-20 minutes away if you are using the Path train. Financial District is even closer. It will take you just 5 minutes to reach it. You cannot get much closer than that.

It is widely acknowledged that a short commute to work is of great significance. In addition to Manhattan, Jersey City is in close proximity to a plethora of other desirable locations. One can enjoy a day at the beach or embark on a hike through the many trails in the surrounding area, such as Bear Mountain or the charming small towns nearby. Living in an urban environment can be taxing, and having the option for a quick escape is invaluable. Fortunately, Jersey City offers an abundance of such opportunities.

Get new furniture before Moving

If you decided that you are moving to Jersey City you need to start thinking about packing and hiring movers. The first thing to think about is what things are going to your new place and what you want to get rid of. When you are moving from Manhattan to Jersey City you are probably moving to a larger apartment. That is the whole point of your move, right. Therefore, you will probably need to buy some new furniture to fill up the larger space. But if you decide to sell your old furniture, you will get some money for it, but you will also lower your relocation cost. That is the most effective way to move and to have only new furniture in your new apartment.

Think About Hiring Packing Services

Packing on your own is not such a great idea anymore. Packing and unpacking services are not expensive these days. And if you count in the prices of packing supplies and effort you will have to invest into packing on your own. It is more than obvious that hiring a packing service is the right choice.

The packing crew will come to your home with all materials needed for quality packing of your items. You just need to give them some directions, so they are aware of fragile or valuable items that need special attention during packing and transportation.

They will also unpack your items when they arrive at your destination home. Just make sure that you are present during packing and unpacking. You want to inspect your items and report possible damage to the head of the moving crew.