How to Pack and Move a Mattress

Posted on 09/23/202409/25/2024 by BigApple

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.

How to Estimate Moving Costs: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on 09/23/202409/25/2024 by BigApple

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.

Moving Blankets: Why You Need Them When You Move

Posted on 10/25/202108/22/2023 by BigApple

Quality supplies make all the difference when you’re planning a DIY move – choosing the right moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, packing paper, etc. But you will also need professional tools that help relocation go much smoother and make it safe for you and your belongings, such as moving dolly, straps, and of course, moving blankets.

You don’t want to have your floors and walls damaged while moving and moving blankets will help you accomplish that. In the following text, we’ll cover some basics and reasons why you should use moving blankets when you move.

What Are Moving Blankets?

Moving blankets are thick coverings used to protect your belongings when moving – think furniture, appliances, and other large household items. They’re also known as furniture pads and they look pretty much like a heavily padded quilt. The heavy-duty cloth absorbs shock and helps you avoid damages or scratches during a move. Together with moving straps or tape, moving blankets keep the item in place while moving.

How to Use Moving Blankets?

The procedure is relatively straightforward. Commence by unfurling the blanket and draping it over the object that requires safeguarding. Ensure that the blanket covers as much surface area as possible, and then proceed to affix it in place.

This can be accomplished by utilizing either moving straps or packing tape, depending on your preference or availability. Once you have confirmed that the blanket is securely fastened and will not dislodge, proceed with loading the item. If the item is excessively heavy, employ a moving dolly or another suitable tool to facilitate the process.

Can I Use Alternatives?

Using a proper moving blanket is always the best. It’s designed specifically for this purpose and its heavy-duty cloth will do the job perfectly. However, if you’re unable to find one and you have to protect the item quickly, you can improvise. Use a regular blanket instead or anything else that resembles it.

Why You Need Moving Blankets

Furniture blankets aka moving blankets are beneficial for several reasons. So, let’s go ahead and learn about those benefits in the following section.

Protect Floors

The flooring of a household is frequently subjected to damage during the process of relocation, owing to the ease with which it can be affected. The act of pushing and pulling furniture, utilizing dollies, and carrying and loading boxes or other items can all contribute to this.

Therefore, the primary rationale for requiring furniture blankets during a move is to establish a protective barrier between the floor and the items being transported. This will serve to mitigate the impact of any heavy objects that may fall onto the floor.

Protect Walls

Another area that commonly gets damaged by a move is the walls. Banged-up walls and chipped paint don’t come as a surprise when you’re moving house. That’s because it’s too easy to sideswipe your walls while carrying things out the door or down the stairs.

But the good news is that you can easily leave your walls in perfect condition if you use moving blankets. They’ll prevent any sharp furniture edges from causing damage.

Protect Furniture

In addition to preserving the integrity of your possessions, the utilization of moving blankets can also serve to safeguard and maintain their cleanliness. During the process of relocating to a new residence, it is not uncommon for items to accumulate dust and debris, particularly in inclement weather conditions.

Fortunately, the implementation of furniture blankets can effectively shield your belongings from such contaminants, ensuring that they remain in pristine condition upon arrival at your destination. Moreover, the act of covering items with protective blankets can prevent any shifting or displacement during transit.

Things are prone to shifting while being inside the truck that’s in motion and this can cause scratching but even falling and breaking. Luckily, moving blankets are sort of a buffer between stored items so you don’t have to worry about shifting. Lastly, moving blankets will protect the furniture legs from breaking – wrap the entire item in blankets to keep its legs intact in case the item drops on the floor.

Move Easier

The last reason why you need moving blankets when moving is they allow moving heavy items with ease. While using a moving dolly is usually the best way to move heavy objects, sometimes you’ll find it easier just to slide the item across the floor. Of course, you don’t want to do so and damage your floors. So, what you’ll want to do is place the moving blanket underneath the item.

Where to Get Moving Blankets?

Luckily, finding moving blankets is super easy. They’re often used by professionals and people having DIY relocations. There are two options you can go for when looking to get furniture pads for your move. The first one is to buy it. If you want to purchase protective blankets and have them on hand for future use, check out places like Walmart, Lowe’s, Uboxes, etc.

On the other hand, if you want to stay on budget and not have to store blankets afterward, you can go for the second option – rent. If you choose to rent moving blankets, there are also many options. We’ll give you an idea about where to start − go ahead and visit U-Haul, Penske, or your trusted local movers NYC.

Sometimes it’s best to let professional movers take care of your move. If you’re worried that your DIY relocation will not go without damaging the property or your items, then you should definitely consider hiring a professional moving company. The moving crew has the experience to make the move fast and efficient but they also have professional tools such as moving blankets. If you’re searching for a licensed and reliable mover, Big Apple is at your service – contact us anytime and receive the most accurate free moving quotes.

What Not to Put in a Storage Unit

Posted on 06/30/202108/07/2023 by BigApple

When moving house, you may have to downsize and find it impossible to fit your favorite big sofa or grandma’s antique dresser in a new home. Some items you love from your current home may not go well with a new style. So, you’ll have to let go of some things.

While decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary things before a move is a must, there may be some belongings you don’t want to say goodbye to. But, you just can’t seem to bring them with you.

Fortunately, it is possible to lease a storage facility and ensure the safety of your belongings for an indefinite period. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that certain items are prohibited from being stored in such units, either due to legal restrictions or for their own preservation. It is crucial to be aware of the items that must never be placed in a storage unit.

What to know Before Renting a Storage Unit

Like any other rental lease, there are some policies and regulations about what you can keep inside and what to avoid putting in a storage unit. If you fail to follow those policies, you may be responsible for any damage that happens. That’s something you definitely want to avoid.

Conversely, certain items may not be explicitly prohibited, however, it is not recommended to store them within a storage facility. Electronics and leather goods, for instance, are highly susceptible to damage caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Consequently, storing such items within a storage unit would likely result in their deterioration.

You can also go for a climate-controlled unit for sensitive items because these types of storages are designed to keep fresh air flow, optimum temperature, and humidity levels, and they’re usually secured well. Compared to traditional storage units, these climate-controlled ones will keep your items in their best shape. Look around for different types of storage solutions. If you’re wondering what not to store away, here’s a list of 9 things you should never put in a storage unit.

Things You Should Never Put in a Storage Unit

One-of-a-kind Items

If you choose a storage unit with temperature control, it will likely be safe and secure for your things. But, it’s not a good idea to keep very valuable or irreplaceable items there. These could be things like jewelry, money, personal papers, and family heirlooms. Even photos can get damaged if they’re not kept in the right conditions.

Jewelry materials can corrode, so if you have to store something sentimental, only go for a climate-controlled unit. Anything of extreme importance to you (either sentimental or monetary) should be kept in a safety deposit box in a bank or some type of safe in your house.

Unregistered Vehicles

Whether you want to keep your car, truck, boat, trailer, or RV in a storage unit, you should make sure it’s registered and has proper storage insurance. It’s should also be in working order. Never put an unregistered vehicle in storage.

Food and Perishables

Before you move, use up as much food as you can and don’t plan to use any food on moving day. Don’t store food in your storage unit because it can attract bugs and rodents. This can damage not only your unit but also other units.

Besides, food can also cause unpleasant odor and allow bacteria growth, so never keep it in a storage unit. If you have too much food left and you can’t move it, consider donating to charity – you’ll get rid of it and you’ll greatly help people in need.

Antique Furniture

It is advisable to refrain from storing antique furniture in a storage unit due to its delicate nature, which renders it susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures. The loss of such a precious item would be regrettable. However, if it is necessary to store antique furniture, it is recommended to rent a climate-controlled unit that is specifically designed to maintain optimum conditions, including temperature control and fresh air inflow, in order to preserve its condition.

Animals

This is pretty much obvious − you should never leave your pet or any other animal in a storage unit. Regardless of the reason you have to keep an animal safe for a while, storage units are not the place to do so. If you need your pet to be looked after while you’re moving, consider pet hotels or ask a friend or a family member to help you out for the day.

Plants

Do you plan to move your plants? Plants need conditions to survive, including fresh air, water, and sunshine, and storage units can’t provide all three. Plus, plants can attract unwanted guests like pests or insects, causing many problems for a storage unit. If you’re not able to take the plant with you when moving, consider gifting it to a friend or even posting it online for sale.

Wet Items

Whatever type of storage you choose, always make sure they’re completely dry. If there’s moisture inside the storage unit, it will allow for mildew and bacteria growth, damaging your possessions inside the unit.

Hazardous Items

It is strictly prohibited to store hazardous materials within a storage unit. Any substance that is corrosive, flammable, or has the potential to explode poses a significant risk and should be kept away from the storage unit. This encompasses items such as fireworks, chemicals, acids, fuels, pesticides, gases, medical waste, and other similar materials.

Different moving companies in New York have their different forbidden items list. Always ask them to provide a list to you so you would be absolutely sure about what not to keep in your storage unit.

Illegal Items

This is a pretty wide field, but in general, anything that’s against law shouldn’t be kept in a storage unit. For example, it’s just not safe keeping guns or weapons in public storage. They can get into the wrong hands or even go off by accident.

In order to ensure compliance with the law, it is advisable to verify the legality of an item prior to its storage. Failure to do so may result in reporting to the authorities. Additionally, it is imperative to note that certain legal items, such as cannabis, are strictly prohibited from being kept in public units.

While many countries have legalized the use of cannabis, you should never keep it in storage. Storing or growing cannabis in storage units is prohibited.

Hopefully, our list will help you learn what not to keep in storage and find other ways to keep your things safe. If you need a storage in New York, check out Big Apple movers. We’re at your service, contact us anytime to receive a free Brooklyn moving quote or moving price.

Popular reasons for leaving Manhattan

Posted on 09/28/2018 by BigApple

New York City is considered to be the greatest city in the World. However, keeping up with the fast pace of Manhattan and high rent might be the main reasons for people deciding to the leave the city or move to a different neighborhood. NYC has a unique vibe and culture, and even though it is well praised in the modern culture the city itself might not be the perfect living place for everyone. In order to help you decide whether being a New Yorker and living in Manhattan is the right decision, we have created the list of the most popular reasons for leaving Manhattan. Continue reading “Popular reasons for leaving Manhattan”