Category: Uncategorized

Moving day is often seen as one of the most stressful events in life, and it’s easy to see why. From worrying about packing up an entire household to managing logistics, dealing with children or pets, and making sure nothing is left behind, the day can feel overwhelming. Add in the pressure of time, the physical effort of moving furniture, and the uncertainty of getting everything to the new home in one piece, and you have a recipe for stress.

But here’s the good news: moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With careful preparation and following the moving day checklist, you can drastically reduce the stress of the moving day.

What Happens On Moving Day?

Moving day is the time when all your hard work gives you the final fruit. The professionals start in the morning, and you need to guide them on what belongings need to be moved with specific instructions. Once you get everything loaded into the truck, take a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure you have left nothing behind. Preparing to move house with the right planning can make the process go off without a hitch.

12 Tips to Make Moving Day Stress-Free

How can you make your moving day as stress-free as possible? Let’s find out.

Pack your survival moving box

The number one tip in the moving day checklist is to prepare a moving day survival box. You should do that at least one day before your move. In it, put all the essential items like credit cards, toilet paper, snacks and water, laptops, tablets and chargers, first aid kit, flashlights, bin bags, and toolbox that you might need on the very first night when you arrive at your new home. In addition, after you have packed everything, label all your moving boxes with the correct apartment address so that your belongings reach the right place and don’t get exchanged. Ultimately, it will help make your moving day less stressful.

Start early

The earlier you move for your moving day, the better. Have a good night’s sleep before your moving day actually arrives so that you have the energy needed for your big day. Get up early so that you have the extra time to tie up any loose ends. Eat a healthy breakfast to survive a long and exhausting day.

Essential moving documents

The next in the list of tips for moving day is to keep all the essential moving documents in one safe folder. To do this, gather all the essential documents like moving contracts, insurance documents, lease agreements, IDs, or anything that is crucial in one place. If you don’t have one folder, make one immediately and store all your essential moving documents there. It makes settling into your new home much easier.

Keep your mobile phone charged

Your phone acts as your lifeline on the day of moving. Keep it charged so that movers can easily coordinate with you. There could be many hiccups that can happen throughout your moving day. To tackle them easily, keep your phone’s battery fully charged, or you can even have a portable charger with you.

Prepare a bag of valuables and keep it safe with you

Keep all your valuables, like jewelry, bank cards, etc., in one bag. This bag should be kept safe and not leave your side during the moving day. Don’t leave this bag to anyone except your trusted family members.

Have some cash in your hand

You never know when you will need cash during the move. It’s always good to have some stash of cash with you to tip the movers, grab a quick bite to eat, or pay for tolls. It also helps you to handle unexpected expenses that may pop up during the day. So, keep some cash with you to have peace of mind when you least expect it.

Children’s and pet’s safety

It adds to the moving stress if you have children and pets. If possible, let your relatives and friends watch them during the move. You need to have a quiet space for that where the children and pets can stay out of the way. Some people put their pets in the kennels for the day. Loading and unloading becomes easier when there are no children or pets roaming around.

Clean your current property

Clean your current home is next on the moving day checklist. Clean and empty all the rooms, and collect all the keys. This step becomes all the important when you are moving out of a rental property as it will ensure that you receive a full refund of your deposit. Do a quick walkthrough of your entire house to ensure that you have locked all the doors and keys and that nothing is left behind. It will make your residential moving all the more easy. 

Check the utility meter

Before you put a lock on your current home, check the utility meter for gas, electricity, and water supplies and clear all the bills. Take pictures of all the readings as a backup plan. It ensures that you have the habit of maintaining accurate records of all the utilities before moving out. This small step keeps away any future disputes with your utility companies.

Get your bathroom and bedroom in the new home ready

As soon as you arrive at your new home, set up your bathroom and bedroom. Unpack the boxes that are meant for the bedroom and take the pillows out. Nothing can beat the power of a good night’s sleep to refresh your mind and regain your strength. Also, organize the bathroom so that you can have a nice shower that can help vanish your tiredness.

Take breaks

Moving can take a toll on your health. So, it is important to take breaks in between. You can have short water breaks or grab some quick snacks to recharge. Pushing yourself beyond your ability will only lead to burnout. Hus, give yourself some break time to recuperate throughout the day.

Use a reputable moving company

One of the most important things to do when you move is to hire professional flat-rate movers to make your day stress-free. A professional moving company helps you with tasks like packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, and moving to ensure a seamless move. This frees up your valuable time to manage other important tasks as well.

Conclusion

Moving day can be stressful, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. Big Apple Moving is the answer if you are looking for expert help for your moving day. Our professional team helps you prepare and stay organized for a move. We handle the heavy lifting so you can enjoy a seamless transition into your new home. With the right team by your side, moving day can be the start of an exciting new chapter. So, get a free quote here, tailored to your needs, and let your moving journey begin smoothly and stress-free!

Moving is a task full of challenges, adventure, and new beginnings. A moving change of address checklist can come as the guiding light in the chaos of a move. When you are hustling with the moving tasks, it is important to remember to update your address and notify the relevant parties of this change. Here we have come up with the address change checklist to notify the necessary entities ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

Government Agencies

Updating your address with government agencies is critical to ensure that important documents, notices, and benefits reach you without delay. Here’s a checklist of essential government services to notify of your change of address change notice – 

1) United States Postal Service (USPS)

Inform the United States Postal Service about your change of address. What you have to do is to go to the post office and fill out a form, which is free. Another way is to fill it out online by visiting the Official USPS® Change-of-Address portal and paying a very small amount of verification fee. 

2) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The next government agency to notify of the change of address is the Department of Motor Vehicle. The change of home address affects your things related to driving like your ID card, registration, driver’s license, and vehicle title. So, get your driver’s license updated with the new address to receive important notices about your vehicles. 

3) Social Security Administration

If you receive government benefits like Social Security, it is vital to update the Social Security Administration on your address change. You can fill out their free online form to update your contact details. You need to update the address if you receive disability, medicare, retirement, supplemental security income, and survivor benefits. Even if you receive the benefits through direct deposit, SSA can stop these benefits if they can’t contact you by mail. You can read their guidelines on there website.

4) Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

You must send address change notifications to the tax authorities so that you don’t miss any important letters and avoid any kind of fraud. Let the IRS get your change of address notice through phone or letter. You should know that the government can’t send you a tax return if your current address is not on file. So update it as soon as possible. Link your tax return electronically to your bank account so that you can get money instantly from the IRS.   

5) Voter Registration:

Get your voter ID updated with the new address to ensure you can vote in local, state, and federal elections.

Financial Institutions

You don’t want to entangle yourself in the web of missed payments, fees, and other financial complications. So inform your financial institutions about your new address. But who to notify when you move? Here is the list of financial entities that you should inform. 

1) Banks and Credit Unions

Let your bank or credit union know about your current address to receive new checks, statements, and other important correspondence.

2) Loan Providers

If you have taken any loans like auto loans, home loans, or student loans for your necessities, it is important that you let your loan providers know of your new address to avoid any missed payments and penalties.

3) Investment Accounts

Do you have any accounts with brokerage firms, insurance companies, or retirement account providers? If yes, ensure to update them to receive any kind of important notice.

4) Accountants and tax advisors

Inform your advisors, tax advisors, and accountants of your current address as soon as possible.

Utilities and Service Providers

Updating your address with utility companies and service providers is crucial to avoid interruptions in service and ensure smooth billing transitions. Here’s a change of address checklist to follow for essential utilities and service providers –

1) Gas and Electric

Nobody wants to pay the energy bills of their old house if they have moved to the new house. If you are thinking “How can I change my address”, explore energy solutions by state and the information on changing your energy bill’s address online. Also, terminate the services at your old address so that the utility services at your new address can start promptly.

2) Water and Sewer

Water is a necessity without which nobody can live. You don’t want your water and sewer service providers to transfer your services and bills to the wrong address. So, update your address as soon as possible and let the bills come to the right place.

3) Internet, Cable, and Phone

You have paid attention to the utilities. Now, let’s talk about the add-ons. Internet, cable, and mobile forms essential parts of today’s lives. If you are the one who works under the work-from-home model or stream instantly, get your internet and cable connection transferred to your new address before you make a final move. We advise you to get a professional appointment two to three weeks before your move date.

4) Trash and Recycling

Get in touch with your local waste management company to enquire about trash and recycling services near the new address and ensure proper billing for your new home.

Subscriptions and Memberships

To avoid missed deliveries and communications, update your address with any subscriptions and memberships you have. So where to change your address when you move, as far as subscriptions and memberships are concerned?

1) Magazines and Newspapers

If you have signed up for any magazine or newspaper publication, notify them of your address change by calling their customer service department or by simply emailing them. This will help you continue receiving these publications without any interruption.

2) Online Retailers

When it comes to updating addresses, update it with online retailers like Amazon to receive the packages at your new home.

3) Gym Memberships

Let your gym know about your address change so that you can continue your gym membership at your new home.

4) Streaming services

Update your address with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to ensure your account information is current.

Personal and Professional Contacts

Updating your address with personal and professional contacts is crucial for maintaining relationships and ensuring you receive important communications. Here’s an address change checklist to follow –

1) Family and Friends

Update your loved ones with your new address to keep in touch with them.

2) Employer

Ensure to update your employer with your new address. This way, they can maintain your records professionally. Also, your payroll and other benefits will reach the right address.

Healthcare Providers

Maintaining continuity of care and ensuring timely delivery of medical information requires updating your address with healthcare providers. Here’s a change of address checklist to guide you –

1) Primary Care Physician

Give the address of the change notice to your primary care physician to keep your medical records and communication updated.

2) Specialists

If you consult any specialist for your treatment, let them know about your address change.

3) Pharmacy

Notify the pharmacy of your new address to receive their prescription at the correct location and avoid any delays in receiving medication.

Final Words

You should not overlook the step of updating the address while making a move to a new place. Follow the above checklist and save yourself from potential headaches when settling into your new home.

And if you want someone to help with your big move, Big Apple Moving is here to streamline your moving process. Our team will develop a customized plan for you as per your moving needs, and provide professional packing, unpacking and reliable transportation services, ultimately ensuring your satisfaction.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact Big Apple Moving for more information and for a seamless move.

What is the most difficult room to pack when you plan to move your home? The answer is your kitchen. With the whole lot of stuff placed there, like utensils, pots, appliances, and whatnot, you get stuck in thinking about how to pack kitchen items for moving. 

Without making any plan for packing the utensils and moving things, you might end up in trouble and could be making a major moving mistake. This mistake may cost you broken glassware, oddly shaped appliances, damaged utensils, and whatnot. So, we have come up here to save you from all the hassle. Let’s find out the best way to pack kitchen items and how you can move forward with the kitchen moving process to make residential moving easy.

Gather Packing Supplies

The first step in packing kitchen items is to gather all the packing supplies at one place and then start with the packing process. Collect different sizes of boxes for packing kitchenware, small appliances, and dish racks. For instance – large boxes are suitable for lightweight and hard-to-pack items like dish racks and plastic kitchenware, and heavy-duty boxes are perfect for packing fragile items like glassware, canisters, etc. 

You can buy these boxes from various retailers. After collecting boxes, gather packing tapes, glass dividers, markers, and labels to keep everything sorted.

Declutter and Organize

Getting rid of your belongings is not an easy task especially if you are someone who likes to collect coffee mugs. However, decluttering things before moving is an important step, as it makes unpacking much easier. The rule of thumb says the items that you don’t notice are gone in a week are probably not of any use to you anymore. So discard, sell, or donate the worn-out or unused items from your kitchen to tidy it up. 

Check every cabinet and drawer to take a look at everything you have. Separate the essentials. These will be the things that you will need immediately before and after your move. Also, keep all your utensils and items clean before you put them in a packing box.

Packing Fragile Items

The next thing in the kitchen packing tips is packing fragile items. You need to be extra careful while packing fragile stemware and glassware so that they don’t break in transit. Wrap the glasses individually, place them in the glass dividers, and fill any gaps in the boxes with crumpled papers to protect each row from pressing against the other during transportation. 

When it comes to the plates, pack them individually and use bubble wrap to protect them. Stack them vertically in a box. For bowls and cups, place them in the boxes with plenty of cushioning around them.

Packing Small Appliances

The answer to how to pack kitchen appliances for moving is – it is ideal if you have original boxes of the appliances. But if not, you don’t have to worry. Get small boxes and pack these appliances in as small a box as you can. Before doing that, clean and dry them and remove any detachable parts. You can even refer to the manual for these appliances to learn more about their packing style. Use packing paper to completely secure them and fill any gaps to prevent them from breaking. 

Secure the loose parts with tape and place them in labeled bags. If still you feel the slightest bit of trouble, you can even take the help of full-service movers to keep the things in their best shape.

Packing Pots, Pans, and Utensils

The kitchen packing list is incomplete without packing pots, pans, and utensils. So, how do you pack these kitchen furniture items for moving? Similar kinds of utensils should be wrapped together in the packing paper and then put in the small boxes. Moving on, keep one all-purpose pot to treat it as an essentials box and pack the rest of the items, including crockery and lids. You may need large boxes of different sizes depending on the size of the pans. 

Using towels around the pots and pans is a great technique to provide them with accurate support and padding. Wrap glass lids separately and place them on top or in separate boxes.

Packing Pantry Items

Another thing that you cannot overlook when it comes to how to pack kitchen items for moving is the pantry items. Start the process with the oils and spices. So how to pack spices for moving? Use sealed jars and bottles with plastic wraps to keep the leaks at bay, and then place them in sturdy boxes with ample cushioning. Stuff paper between glass jars of spices. 

Don’t move the canned goods unless you are moving your belongings all by yourself. Tape up opened food packages. Check the expiration date of every food item and throw away the expired ones.

Labeling and Final Checks

Knowing how to label while packing kitchen items for moving. The more detailed you make the list of the items in each box, the easier it will be for you to find it once you reach your destination. 

For instance – “kitchen – pots/pans”. You can even add handling instructions like “To be opened from this side.” Labels and final checks will make the move much easier.  

Conclusion

The process of how to pack kitchen items for moving requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. Also, you need to write the right apartment address to let your things be delivered at the right place. By following the above-mentioned steps and using the right supplies, you can ensure that your kitchen items are well-protected and ready to use in your new home.

Trust the professionals at Big Apple Moving to support your moving needs. We offer packing and moving services to help you have a pleasant moving experience. We have been in the moving industry since 1979 and manage everything about your move down to the tiniest detail. Want to know more? Shoot your queries at contact@bigapplemoving.com and get all the answers.

Moving can be stressful, especially when it comes to handling large, cumbersome items like a mattress. A mattress is not only one of the bulkiest furniture items to transport, but it’s also something you use daily, making it essential to keep it clean, safe, and damage-free throughout the moving process. 

Whether you’re relocating across town or moving cross-country, knowing how to move a mattress properly can make a world of difference in keeping your mattress in top condition. In this blog, we will walk you through the steps for assessing your mattress, gathering supplies, packing it securely, and safely moving it to your new home.

Assess Your Mattress

The first step is to consider the mattress type and its condition before moving. The general rule is that if the mattress is more than 8 years old, it is nearing its end in terms of usability. You can discard or donate it and buy a new one. Also, you need to know the type to correctly wrap the mattress for moving. Some types are memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and hybrid mattresses. Memory foam mattresses are heavier and more flexible, so pack them carefully to avoid their bending. Latex mattresses are also similar as they require sturdy support. A hybrid mattress is a combination of innerspring and foam and can be delicate. So, don’t put too much pressure on it or fold during a move. 

Gather all your supplies

You need to know how to pack an apartment before making a move because unless you have the necessary packing supplies with you, things will become trickier.  Gather a protective mattress bag, packing tapes, a dolly or hand truck, tie-down straps, scissors, cardboard, and furniture sliders. In addition, having a locking storage bag is a good idea to keep the nuts and bolts of the bag in the same place so that you can put it together easily.

Pack Mattress for Moving

You have gathered the necessary packing supplies. Next in the list of how to move a mattress is packing it appropriately. So, how to pack a mattress for moving? Here are some steps –

Clean the mattress

Thoroughly vacuum the mattress to get rid of dust, dirt, and any loose debris. When the vacuuming is done, wipe the surface with a clean and dry cloth to remove any remaining dust. If you notice any visible stains on your mattress, spot cleaning is the way to address them before packing. For spot cleaning, use a mixture of vinegar and water to apply on the stains and dry the mattress completely before drying it. 

Use a mattress bag 

Fold a mattress properly and use a mattress bag to place it. A mattress bag is used to shield the mattress from dust, dirt, and possible damage during transport.

Seal the bag

Seal the mattress bag to prevent any exposure to moisture during the move. Double-check every seam and corner to ensure the tape is secure.

Protect the mattress

Wrap mattress for moving to protect the surfaces from scratches and other damage. Use moving blankets for added protection. Need extra cushioning? You can consider using bubble wrap. But keep in mind that bubble wrap should be used outside of blanket wrapping.

Secure the Wrapping

To keep the mattress intact in a bag, use rope or ratchet straps. Ratchet straps are thick straps with hardware fasteners that are specially designed to secure things in place. For rope, use an industrial grade one and not those bungee cords, which can result in unsafe transportation.

Moving the Mattress

When it comes to transporting a mattress, the steps involved are –

Clearing the moving path

To move heavy things easily, like a mattress, clean the exitway from where you are going to take it out. Remove any breakables or furniture items like hanging pictures or lamps that may obstruct the way. You need enough space to move the mattress and take it out of the home before going forward with the next step. 

Using a Moving Dolly

You can physically take the mattress out of your home, but if you want an easier option, you can also consider using a dolly. Take the corners of the mattress with the help of your friends and turn it upright on its side. If you find that the dolly is too floppy, strap flattened cardboard onto each side to reduce the movement. Now, move the dolly and take it to the moving vehicle.

Lifting and Carrying Techniques

You must follow certain techniques while lifting one of the most important parts of bedroom furniture while moving: the mattress. Bend your knees while lifting, and use your legs for strength. Don’t bend your back or twist the body, as it can lead to injuries. You must have someone by your side to help you with the lifting, as it makes the process much smoother.

Loading the Mattress into the Moving Vehicle

The next in the list of how to move a mattress in the process of residential moving is loading the mattress into the moving vehicle. Position and secure it properly so that it arrives at your new location in perfect condition. While loading it, either lay it flat or stand it up on its side. Laying it flat helps keep the bending or warping at bay but also takes up more space in the truck. The space-efficient option is to stand the mattress upright. But for this, you need additional support to avoid creasing. After positioning the mattress, secure it by using the rope or ratchet straps to the side of the truck. It helps prevent its shifting during transit.

Unpacking at Your New Location

Before unpacking, unload the mattress first and put it in the desired space so that there are no furniture items to obstruct the pathway. Place it flat on the floor. Use scissors to remove its wrapping. Once you bring the mattress out of the bag, inspect it for the new stains and then put it on your bed.

Wrapping Up

Packing and moving a mattress may seem daunting, but with the right steps, it can be done smoothly and without damage. Remember to assess your mattress type, gather all the necessary supplies, pack the mattress with care, and follow safe moving and loading techniques. Taking these precautions will ensure your mattress arrives at your new home clean, protected, and ready for use.

Don’t forget to get assistance from moving professionals to make your moving tasks easier to handle. Big Apple Moving is one such company, established in 1979, that provides a number of reasonably priced moving services to its customers. We promise to meet the highest standards of moving. Want to know more? Call us at (212) 365-0707 for more information.

Moving can be both an exciting and stressful experience. One of the most daunting aspects is managing the costs associated with it. Whether you’re relocating across town or moving interstate, knowing how to estimate moving costs is crucial to avoid surprise expenses that can quickly blow your budget. Understanding the factors that influence the price of your move will help you plan better and make informed decisions about the services you need. In this blog, we will walk you through how to calculate your moving costs and break down the key factors that can affect the overall estimated moving costs.

How to Calculate Moving Costs?

The best way to calculate moving costs is to use a moving cost calculator. You need to fill it out with details like the size of your move and pick-up and drop-off location. The calculator then gives you the moving cost estimate so that you know and get the precise moving price of your move. Remember the following points to make the calculation easy –

Make a list of all your belongings so that the movers will have a clear idea of how much space you will need.

• Distance between your current home and the new one.
• Get multiple quotes from the moving companies.
• Don’t forget the additional costs that can affect the overall moving costs.

Factors Affecting Moving Costs

What are the factors you need to keep in mind while calculating the moving costs? Let’s find out in detail –

Distance of the Move

The distance between your current home and the new one plays a significant role in the moving cost estimate. In the case of long-distance move or interstate shifting, the factors affecting the moving costs are labor charges, the weight of the items, and the distance between 2 destinations. On the other hand, most companies charge on an hourly basis in case of a local move it depends upon how much packing they have to do and labor charges. You can use a moving cost calculator for more precise pricing, especially for long-distance moves.

Size and Weight of Your Belongings

The more belongings you have to move, the more expensive it is going to be, as it requires more labor and larger moving trucks. If you want to save on moving costs, declutter your home. Donate or sell the items you don’t need anymore. Professional movers measure your belongings by cubic footage, which means the space your stuff takes up in the moving truck.

Type of Moving Service

Types of moving services range from DIY moving, full-service moving, and hiring professional movers. It impacts the overall expenses when it comes to how to estimate moving costs. DIY moving services are comparatively less expensive than hiring professional movers. But it requires you to do all the heavy lifting and packing by yourself. You can even rent a moving truck and make a move yourself. Hiring moving experts is undoubtedly costlier than DIY moves, but you will be saved from all the hassle as flat-rate movers will take care of packing, loading, unloading, and transportation. 

Timing of the Move

The next on the list of how to estimate moving costs is the timing of the move. If you are moving in peak season, the cost is going to be higher. While, making a move in the off-season reduces the moving cost. Summer is usually the peak season for the moving industry, which is from May to September. Many moving companies may charge a premium for their services at this time due to high demand. Whereas off-peak months are from October to April, which offers lower rates. Also, weekend moves are pricier than weekday moves.

Additional Services

While moving is already costly, additional services can cause expenses to rise further. Here are some of the most common add-ons –

Specialty items

Estimated moving costs for specialty items like pianos, antiques, hot tubs, pool tables, or other bulky items tend to be more expensive and, hence, will increase your overall moving cost.

Packing supplies

If professional movers bring their own packing supplies like bubble wrap, packing papers, mattress covers, or any other packing supplies, they will charge you more; thereby, the moving cost estimate will be higher.  

Packing and unpacking services

Professional moving companies provide packing and unpacking services. So, you can take their help for packing your belongings and then unpacking them at your new home. You need to pay an extra fee to get these services, which will add to the estimated moving costs.

Storage

Many people need storage services before, during, or after the move. These storage services are chargeable and increase your relocation estimate.

Moving Insurance

Moving insurance is an important factor while thinking about “how much will my move cost”. Many professional moving companies offer insurance coverage services for your valuables. Also, ensure that the moving company you are hiring has a certificate of insurance with them. It acts as a double-edged sword in protecting your valuables during transit, and your moving claim will take less to complete if something unfortunate happens. 

Conclusion

Estimating your moving costs accurately is crucial for budgeting and avoiding last-minute surprises. Take the time to get multiple quotes, declutter, and consider off-peak moving times to reduce costs. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to stay within your budget and enjoy a stress-free moving experience.

Big Apple Moving promises to ensure a stress-free moving experience, as our primary goal is to move and store your items efficiently and professionally. We have an expertly trained staff to look after your every moving need, including specialty services, and let yourself be our happiest clients ever. Moving can never be this easy with Big Apple Moving. Get a quote and visit our website for more information.