Tips For Hiring Long Distance Movers in NYC

Calls have been made. Plans are in the works. The date is set. You’ve finally decided to do it. You’re moving out of the Big Apple. This is an exciting new chapter for you and your family. However, it can also be a stressful and complicated time. There are many decisions to make and uncertainties to worry about. Where will you live? How will you get everything there? Worry not, friend. Don’t let this overwhelm you. Find relief by hiring movers to make your move easier.

The question is, how? To make the path clear, here are effective tips for hiring long-distance NYC movers.

Determine Your Needs

There’s no denying that moving is a pain. It’s not something you might look forward to, but it doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for it. Planning your move is the best way to make the entire process as painless as possible.

That said, the first step to getting organized is to assess your needs. Start by asking yourself these questions:

  • Should I let the movers pack all my belongings, or can I pack the simpler stuff to save more money?
  • Is it worth getting a full-service move?
  • How do I bring up elevator access with the landlord for moving day?
  • What about parking space? Is there a nearby parking lot, or should I secure a parking permit in advance?
  • What other additional services will I need? How much will it affect the overall costs?
  • Where do I settle down my kids and pets during moving day so they don’t become a distraction?

Answering these questions will give you an idea of how much budget to prepare and account for possible obstacles. Remember, this might not be the most fun part, but it can help you manage your expectations accordingly and remain organized.

Compare Quotes from Different Companies

Like no two fingerprints are the same, not all moving companies are ever alike. So which moving company do you choose? Before you start your research, follow this one simple tip: always expand your options. It helps you pick the best instead of making compromises and be forced to settle for a mediocre one. Knowing this, make sure to obtain multiple quotes from various companies. Some might be cheaper than others. However, the price shouldn’t be the only determining factor you should consider. Some excellent moving companies charge a little higher for the security and satisfying experience they provide. Still, with the right research, you should be able to find yourself the best moving company NYC has to offer.

Read Reviews from Previous Customers

Testimonials are highly valuable in any business. It’s not only beneficial for the company but the customers as well. Reviews give you an idea of how a company operates and handles its clientele. Having said that, make sure to check for reviews from legitimate sites like Google and Yelp. You can trust that the reviews aren’t faked, unlike testimonials found on some websites. Take note of others’ bad experiences with your company. Decide if it’s intentional or a minor variable you’ll be willing to compromise.

Check to See if Your Movers Are Licensed and Insured

While testimonials are powerful, they’re not enough to ensure that you don’t get scammed. The best way to protect your belongings is to hire movers with a proven track record and a valid license. The most reliable proof your movers can provide would be a USDOT number issued by the FMCSA. It shows that they’ve complied with the legal requirements to operate their business. Another trustworthy certification would be a BBB accreditation or a ProMover title. All in all, the Big Apple is a large city, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find legitimate moving companies.

Request for an In-Home Binding Estimate

Every good moving company will always go out of its way to visit your home and assess your inventory. If it’s not possible, a virtual walkthrough of your house is another reliable option. That being said, expect your movers to send a representative to evaluate the overall cost of your relocation. He will then tally the number of things you want to move, the possible weight, and account for obstacles like stairs and doorways. The destination and urgency of the operation will also be factored in. Once everything is done, there’s one thing you should remember. Never agree to anything else than a binding estimate. Why? This type of estimate obliges your movers to stick with the price that they provide. Unless, of course, if you avail of additional services that can ramp up the cost.

Final Tip When Moving Long Distance

Don’t underestimate the power of research. Knowing more and knowing less is better than not knowing at all. Before you buy packing materials, do some research. Before you settle down in a neighborhood, do some research. And more importantly, before you sign the dotted line, do plenty of research. Trust the process. As long as you hire the right movers, everything should be over without a hitch in no time.


Tips for Moving Stuff Into or Out of an Apartment Building

Moving into or out of a home with first-floor access is difficult enough, but moving into or out of an apartment building that offers only an elevator or a stairwell as access points can be a nightmare. Luckily, there are those who’ve braved this difficult journey before you.

Cheap Movers Baltimore has graciously shared its tips and tricks for moving into and out of an apartment building.

Moving Dollies and Hand Trucks Are Your Friends

Moving into or out of an apartment building means that your only available access to enter and leave your apartment will either be by elevator or by a stairwell.

When it comes to moving heavy furniture and appliances, you do not want to be stuck moving these items by yourself without some kind of help, especially if you’re stuck using the stairs. This is where a moving dolly or a hand truck comes in handy.

A hand truck is tricky to use on stairs due to it being a long, flat surface on four casters. While using a hand truck on stairs is possible, it is best used for moving heavy objects onto and off of elevators. A moving dolly, however, is a perfect tool to move heavy things up and down a set of stairs. Use it like you would a baby stroller. Place your furniture or appliance on the moving dolly, strap it down, and pull it up the stairs behind you one step at a time.

Prop Open The Front Door

Most apartment buildings have a lobby. This lobby is protected by a front door that locks. This is to prevent nonresidents from entering the building uninvited.

It will be quite a hassle for you to bring a load to the front of the apartment building, find your keys, unlock the lobby door, and move your stuff inside. Doing this will add to the stress and frustration of moving into and out of your apartment building.

It will also cause your move to take more time. You can remove this time-consuming frustration by using a doorstop or a heavy item to hold the front door to your apartment building open. Be sure to clear this with the building superintendent or manager beforehand. They may want to stand guard to ensure no one sneaks inside.

Secure Everything

With the small areas and tight spaces in which you have to move within an apartment building, a lot of accidents can occur. This is especially true when it comes time to move dressers, appliances, and desks. Anything that has doors or drawers can be opened accidentally during the move.

This will cause all of the contents to spill or could cause damage to the door or drawer. Before you begin moving these precarious items, secure any drawers or doors with tape or plastic wrap.

Protect Sharp Corners

The hard, sharp corners of your furniture can cause accidental dents and damages by scraping or hitting the walls of the hallways or elevator.

These damages could result in fees or the loss of your security deposit. Wrapping the sharp corners of your furniture in a blanket or bubble wrap will help to soften the corners of your furniture and act as a buffer zone between the corner and the walls of the apartment building.


Six of the Best Neighborhoods for Families Moving to Brooklyn

So, you want to move to Brooklyn, New York with your family. However, you are struggling to decide which neighborhood to move to. This can be a difficult decision. But, according to Cheap Movers Brooklyn (cheapmoversbrooklyn.net), here are some of the top contenders:

1. Kensington

This is an up and coming part of Brooklyn that boasts its safety and new businesses. It is less crowded and ostentatious than Park Slope, thus making it more affordable – at least right now. Owners find it has a relaxed environment, less stress, and a wealth of diversity. It is a pleasant area for families and children.

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2. Park Slope

This is a kid-friendly, tree-lined neighborhood that does not change much over time. It is a place where you can get to know your neighbors. For people with families, it boasts some of the best schools in Brooklyn and affords them a variety of friends to grow up with. It is a neighborhood splashed in brownstone walkups, but also has its share of bars and restaurants.

3. Brooklyn Heights

The majority of this neighborhood consists of stately brownstones and apartment building brandished by doormen. It has a historic feel and vibe. The area is friendly to bikers and pedestrians, but has a unique area of shops and restaurants, leading to the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade. The neighborhood also provides access to the Brooklyn beaches, which makes it stand out from other areas. Families can experience a lush neighborhood and still have access to fun at the beach.

4. Dumbo or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass

What used to be a sketchy part of town is now home to some of the most sought-after spots in Brooklyn. Its industrial buildings have been overtaken by tech startup. Indie retailers have also made this neighborhood their home. There are entertainment and water views to be enjoyed. Depending on your family needs, this could be a great neighborhood.

5. Fort Greene

This neighborhood is beautiful boasts wonderful restaurants and a hip vibe. One of the most famous people who emerged from this neighborhood is Spike Lee, who still maintains a strong presence through block parties. Fort Greene attracts artists, musicians, foodies, and hipsters. Conversely, with all this new hip energy, it still has a sense of history through the well-maintained buildings and homes. It has access to some great schools, including the highly regarded Brooklyn Technical High School.

6. Clinton Hill

This neighborhood is a wealthy neighborhood. However, as economies change, this has enjoyed an increase in interest from young families. The area has a strong awareness of the community, making it a great place for families. It has restaurants and cafes and has a very low crime rate. Additionally, it has great access to public transportation.

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Comparing all of your needs and wants with what the neighborhood can provide is essential when determining where you and your family want to live. Different generations tend to like different areas, although many neighborhoods are occupied and preferred by families. Brooklyn provides a lot of options, from the stroller pushing Park Slope to the hipper area of DUMBO. It is a personal decision and should not be taken lightly because you want to be happy in your new home.