Moving Tips and Tricks

Get an early start if you need to select your own moving company. You’ll need to reserve a date about a month in advance. Keep in mind that summer is the busiest time for movers, so if you are moving from May-August you may need to be somewhat flexible with your packing and moving dates. The last week of the month is usually the busiest time for movers.

Estimates
Finding the right mover for your needs takes time. You should get at least 3 estimates; show each mover the same items to be moved and ask each company the same questions so that you can make an apples to apples comparison.

You can even get a free moving quote online. Be sure to ask around for recommendations, and check with your local Better Business Bureau office to see if any complaints have been registered about them. If using a major national moving company, understand that you will most likely be dealing with an authorized local “agent”. Ideally, you should check out both the national company as well as the local agent.

The moving agent will send someone over to your home to review the contents of your home and provide you with an estimate based on this visit. If you are getting rid of a lot of things, be sure to tell the estimator what is or is not being moved.

Local movers generally charge by the hour. Interstate companies charge by the pound. Interstate moves are governed by the Federal Department of transportation Surface transportation Board and follow a standard rate book for transportation and packing called “Tariff 400-L.”

Additional charges
There will be additional charges for Long Carries, Flight Carries, Elevator Carries, Extra Pickups or Deliveries, Bulky Articles, and Special Handling. These are costs that are charged by the hauler and can only be negotiated with their approval. These, along with packing charges and materials charges need to be included when comparing estimates.

The estimates you get may be quite different depending on how much weight the estimator thinks you have. Don’t necessarily go with the lowest weight estimate, you’ll still be charged for actual weight and mileage charges in the end. One good idea is to take the highest weight estimate and have the other two movers revise their estimates based on this weight.

Many major van lines place several households on the same truck, so your delivery date may depend on the order in which they need to unload the truck. If you need delivery on or by a certain date, be sure to specify this up front. It may affect the cost of your move.

Lastly, if you are a member of a large union or organization, (i.e. labor unions, credit unions, auto clubs) you may be eligible for some form of discount.

Avoiding problems
Get everything in writing, so that if something goes wrong you’re covered. If the saleperson mentions over the phone that they will include something that isn’t on the written estimate, make sure the estimate is revised before you agree to it. Also take the time to read through the fine print of anything that you sign, and ask lots of questions.

Interstate movers will prepare a “Conditioned Inventory” document that lists all the items you are moving and what condition they are in. You’ll be asked to sign this form twice: 1) at origin, to agree what items were taken and their condition, and 2) at destination, to agree that you received everything on the inventory in the stated condition.

Note that many movers use codes to indicate the condition of a piece and you may need to take a little time to understand their coding. Also note that they may tend to note more wear and tear to your furniture. If you have a particularly valuable or fragile piece of furniture, take pictures or a video of it prior to the move and ask about special crating and handling of it ahead of time.

The do-it-yourself move
Moving yourself gives you the most control and flexibility, and can be cheaper if you don’t have a lot of stuff and aren’t moving too far away. Organizing and pulling off your own move can also be more stressful and time-consuming, so factor in what your time and sanity are worth…

If renting a truck, call at least two weeks before your move (earlier if moving at the end of the month) to get an idea of prices and what size you’ll need. You should also reserve any furniture pads, dollies, and hand trucks you’ll need for the day of the move.

If you are driving a long distance and need to spend the night somewhere, try to pre-plan where you will stay. Choose somewhere in a decent neighborhood so you can park somewhere safe and invest in a good, strong lock for the truck to deter thieves.

Do it Yourself Moving Tips and Tricks Designed to Make Your Next Move Stress Free

Ideas Designed to Gain Maximum Efficiency from Your Labor, Layout, and Rental Truck
When faced with a do-it-yourself move, many movers are stressed and overwhelmed just thinking about the huge project ahead of them. However, with careful planning and research, movers can cut their time and effort levels in half; thus alleviating stress. By following a few simple guidelines, do-it-yourself movers can enjoy a stress free move.

Know your new layout – Are you going from a smaller number of bedrooms to a larger number of bedrooms or vice versa? How about the same situation with going from either a garage to no garage? Knowing the layout of your new residence can help eliminate the need to move unnecessary objects around. A great idea is to map out the layout of your new residence and fill in the rooms with the furnishings that you would like to go in each room. If you are going up or down in rooms, make sure you label boxes appropriately for your new living arrangement.

Take inventory – A week or two before you move, be sure to take an inventory of your present belongings. Anything you do not want to move with, have a yard sale or donate the items to charity. This way you do not have to pack any extra items, and if you do not want to move with a lot of belongings, this may help to reduce the size of the moving truck needed. Also, yard sales are great ideas because you can apply the fast cash you make towards the price of the moving truck, thus eliminating some of the financial stress associated with many moves.

Plan for the future – If you are planning on moving again in the near future (college students, military families, people in temporary housing) and space allows, break down all of your boxes and save bubble wrap. Be sure you store all of your boxes in a cool, dry place that is free from any bugs or moisture.

Buy insurance – When picking up your vehicle, go ahead and purchase the extra insurance that is offered with your rental contract to cover any accidents. Even if you car insurance says that you are covered, paying an extra $100 is safer than having to replace an entire moving truck.
 Load smart – When loading your rental truck or other moving vehicle, load the lightest and smallest boxes first, and then the heavier ones. This way when you unpack the truck, you will carry the heaviest items out first and leave the lightest ones for last. This is especially important if you plan on moving all day, as by the end of the day most people are tired and are not as vigorous as they were earlier in the day.

By following these easy tips, any move can be accomplished in stages, and help to reduce any stress or anxiety you may have about moving. When in doubt, ask for help with boxing, selling, or carrying. The more hands you can have help you, the faster you moving day will be completed.

25 Tips and Tricks for an Organized Move

Worried because you’re moving soon? This really doesn’t have to be a stressful, chaotic time. Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move.

1. USE A MOVING CHECKLIST.

Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, and after, your move.

2. LEAVE IT BEHIND.

Avoid moving anything you don’t really need. It is expensive, time-consuming, and physically unnecessary to move things you won’t be using. If you don’t use it now, you most likely won’t use it later.

3. GET RID OF CLUTTER.

Dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that you no longer need, before you move. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale.

4. DON’T SKIMP ON YOUR MOVING SERVICE.

Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine.

5. ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET.

You will get a lot more done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack. If your children are old enough, they should be helping too.

6. BOX IT.

Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they’re clean, in good condition and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants, or purchase them from your moving company. Liquor boxes are excellent. They are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc.–but make sure these boxes have lids. By the way, an easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Cartons can be resealed with tape as you use them.

7. USE THE A-B-C SYSTEM.

Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY B. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won’t need right away, mark the box PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in A, B, C order.

8. WRAP IT.

You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy- duty tape. Anything wrapped in newsprint will most likely be soiled from the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Movers use unprinted newsprint. For items you prefer to keep clean, you can purchase this packing paper from your mover. Kraft paper, tissue paper and shock- resistant corrugated paper make excellent wrapping materials and may be purchased at most major department stores, craft stores or your mover. These papers also make excellent cushioning and lining material.

9. MARK IT.

Felt pens are ideal for marking boxes with information such as its contents, destination room, fragile or this side up.

10. LABEL IT.

As you’re packing, place removable, colored, circle stickers on your boxes to easily distinguish kitchen items, from bedroom items, from bathroom items, etc. Use a different color for each room. If necessary, make a master list so you’ll know what is in each box. If you can go to your new home ahead of time, you may wish to stick a corresponding colored sticker on the door, or door frame, of the room that the box will be delivered to.

11. LIGHTEN UP.

Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50 lbs., fully packed. Keep this in mind when you’re packing.

12. ROOM BY ROOM.

Pack on a room-by-room basis, keeping the contents of each room in separate boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save time when you’re unpacking.

13. PACK EARLY.

Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in frequent use such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.

14. ORDER ADDRESS LABELS.

Order address labels before you move into your new home. They will be great to have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your old home or apartment so they can forward anything that gets delivered to them for you. Give them a few bucks to cover any postage costs.

15. MAKE A SURVIVAL KIT.

Make a survival kit for your first night in your new home. This should include items that will get you through the night if it’s too late to unpack or the movers didn’t show up. Helpful items to include might be: non-perishable food, can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, bottled water, a flashlight, a few towels, sheets, toiletries, a blanket, toilet paper, pen/paper, a few small games or magazines and a change of clothes for everyone.

16. HAVE SOMEONE WATCH THE KIDS.

If you have children, especially young children, it might be a good idea to have someone babysit them while you are doing anything that involves your move, such as packing, unpacking, etc. Your kids won’t be interrupting your progress and you’ll accomplish more.

17. USE THE ONE ROOM RULE.

Set up ONE room in your new home as quickly as possible. This way, you’ll have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. You and your family will then have a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking activities.

18. MAKE IT PET SAFE.

If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for when the movers arrive. Perhaps keep your cats in the bathroom with the litter box, or put your dogs in a fenced in yard. Also, take care to do what you can so your pets feel comfortable in your new home. Bring their favorite toys, give them attention, and don’t leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days.

19. MAKE THE FIRST NIGHT SPECIAL.

Make the first night in your new home as special as possible. It can be take-out Chinese food, or pizza, but you may sweeten the evening with flowers, candles and music. It will really make a big difference and will help you to unwind and de-stress.

20. DEVISE A PLAN.

Before you begin unpacking randomly, sit down with your family. Discuss a plan, including where things will go, who is responsible for what, etc. It will help things run smoothly.

21. HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND.

One of the most important things to have on hand when you’re setting up your new home is a basic toolbox that includes basic tools and hardware, such as a hammer, screwdrivers, nails, hooks, etc.

22. FUNCTION BEFORE FORM.

It is best to first arrange your furniture, and then unpack accessories and personal items.

23. GET READY FOR BED.

As soon as the bedroom furniture is delivered, set it up and put the sheets on the bed. You’ll be grateful that everything is ready for sleeping later on tonight when you’re really tired.

24. LET EVERYONE KNOW.

Inform everyone that you’ve moved with simple postcards, or e-mail for those family members who can receive it.

25. GET ACQUAINTED.

Once you arrive at your new home, schedule some get acquainted days on your calendar. This is a great time to figure out where the supermarket, bank, post office, etc. are and will give you a chance to get familiar with your area. If there is a tourist bureau in town, stop by and see what events and opportunities your town will be offering. Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now!

NYC Moving Tips

The New York Movers Guide Online:

How To Plan Your Move in New York and or from New York
You know you have a lot ahead of you, so why wait until the last minute to throw things together? Plan well in advance and start taking steps now to make your move more manageable.

Be an Informed Mover
Start by creating a “move file.” You’ll need a place to keep important information and receipts for moving related expenses. Contact the IRS or visit their Web Site to determine what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.

Research your new community.
 Start by visiting your new city and state’s Web Site or contact their chambers of commerce for relocation packets. Check out local entertainment, shopping and restaurants.

This can be lots of fun and will give you much to look forward to. You’ll also want to order a phone book and city map for your new location. This will allow you to start researching new schools and service providers and is a must for your “essentials” box. Finally, consider ordering a local newspaper. Most news providers will send a complimentary issue to prospective customers.

Start Paring Down
Moving is tough, but it can also be an opportunity. This is the perfect time to get rid of the extra “stuff” you’ve accumulated. Take it one room at a time and prepare to make tough decisions.
Survey each room and ask yourself:
• Does this have sentimental or monetary value?
• Does anyone really use it?
• Is it worth lugging around?
• Is there room for it in our new home?

If the item in question doesn’t make the cut, ditch it! Plan a yard sale, post an online auction or simply donate anything that does not meet your criteria. This is a great way to earn a little extra cash or another tax deduction.
Start using up items that can’t be moved to your new home. Properly dispose of flammable or potentially hazardous chemicals. This would include anything in an aerosol can, cleaning and lighting fluids, paint, matches and ammunition. Eat foods that are frozen or stored in glass jars and don’t plan on replacing these items until you are in your new home. Finally, be aware that live plants cannot be shipped with your other household goods. Plan on taking these in your car or find new homes for them.

Take Inventory
Sorting through your home gives you the opportunity to take inventory of your belongings. Make a list of everything you decide to keep and assign replacement values for insurance purposes. Make note of items that are difficult to replace.
Either carry these items with you or ship them by insured or certified mail. Such items might include:

• Photos and home videos
• Birth certificates, wills and other legal documentation
• Jewelry, rare coins and special collections
• Stock certificates, insurance policies and financial records
• Computer diskettes with backups of important files.

Know what you will need upon arrival to your new home. Plan ahead and make a checklist of things you will need to pack in suitcases and an “essentials” box. Allow for extra clothing and be sure to make room for treasures, toys and snacks for the kids. Your essentials box should include things you’ll be scrambling for upon arrival.

• Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can opener
• Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels
• Plastic forks, spoons, knives
• Dish soap, trash bags, towels
• Instant coffee, tea, beverages
• Toilet paper, toiletries
• Prescriptions, aspirin or other pain relievers
• Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer
• Phone books, pencils and paper, your “move file”
• Telephone, radio, batteries
Plan on keeping your essentials box and luggage handy, preferably in your automobile.

New York Moving Stories

Packing Tips

 Packing Tips

A few general things you need to know about packing:

Moving Tips in New York City 1-888-467-6143

Keep boxes to 50 lbs or less. Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes.

Pack non-breakables tightly in smaller boxes, so they’re not too heavy.

Buy clean newsprint to wrap items, and bubble wrap for padding.

Pack breakables loosely in plastic storage bins with lots of bubble wrap.

Rent furniture pads.

Mark your boxes by room, so you know exactly where everything goes. Color coding or using a number system works great (i.e., red stickers for bedroom or 1 for bathroom.)

Write “FRAGILE” on all boxes with breakables and stack these boxes on top.

Packing the big things

Beds: Tie bed frames together with tape or rope. Then label the pieces so they’re easy to reassemble.
Bureaus: Fill drawers with clothes or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover with a blanket or furniture pads and rope securely.
Tables: Remove legs, pad and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop.
Big appliances: Empty, defrost and drain the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Clean the interiors and put accessories in bags. Stuff towels between washer sides to prevent rotating and tape down moveable parts. Cover with blankets and tie.
Computers, TVs, & Electronics: Use original packaging, or buy electronic-specific boxes.

Packing the small (but still important) things

Small appliances: Put your microwave, VCR, etc. into boxes, and cushion with wadded paper.
Books: Pack them flat in small cartons, alternating bindings. Try to keep each box under 30 lbs.
Clothing: Pack hanging items, including drapes, in wardrobe boxes. Leave small items in drawers.
Collectibles: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and tape securely.
CDs: Pack upright and cushion with newspaper.
Kitchenware: Stack pots & pans, and cushion with paper. Put a few of these items in the “open first” box.
Dishes: Never stack them flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack plates & saucers on edge, with cups & bowls placed around them.

Packing the awkward things

Chairs: Wrap arms & legs with bubble wrap. Leave slipcovers on or buy chair bags for protection.
Bicycles: Loosen the handlebars and turn them sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep grease off other items.
Mirrors, artwork & frames: Wrap small pieces in newsprint and pack in mirror boxes. Cover larger pieces with cardboard, tape securely and stand them along the truck’s sides or inside wardrobe boxes.
Lawn furniture: If heavy or bulky, disassemble. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tie together.
Rugs: Roll up and secure with rope or tape.
Plants: Put in plastic bags with air holes, then in boxes. Water before you leave.
Power and garden tools: Wrap all sharp edges and use plenty of cushioning to prevent injury. Tape long-handled tools together and place small ones in boxes.
Lawn mowers/yard edgers: Empty gasoline from all tanks, and check for oil leaks.
Garage & attic stuff: Use medium-sized boxes for spray paints, brushes, car waxes, etc. Throw away oily rags or anything combustible.
Pets: Always keep them in a pet carrier up front with you. Ask your vet how to make their, and your, move less traumatic.

Moving Valuable Items in New York City

Moving valuable items in New York
 We all have certain goods to move that are valuable to us in some way. Most of us own large electrical goods such as TVs and stereos and some of us may own valuable antiques, jewelry and even items of sentimental value that need extra care and thought throughout the moving process.

Although we often forget this we all also own paperwork and important documents that are of value to us. These can include birth certificates, share certificates, banking information, insurance documents, check books and credit cards and so on – we may not use them every day but we don’t want to lose them. These documents will come to light as you go through your home packing up. Pack them up in a single container – preferably one that can be locked. Your mover may offer to rent/sell you secure crates for this type of purpose.

Most moving companies are more than capable of transporting standard large and high-value items such as PCs, TVs and stereos but you still need to take care yourself to pack them up properly to avoid damage. Moving your computer is covered in a separate section on the site. For TVs and stereos etc., you should always try to pack these types of items in their original boxes or in similar sized ones with plenty of packing to stabilize them.

If you own antiques then you may need to employ a moving company with specific expertise in this field or to take specialist advice when packing/moving. By their very nature, antiques can be more fragile than modern furniture and you should pay particular attention to protecting them before they are placed in a moving van. If in doubt, ask your Movers in New York  for advice before you start your move. If you own a lot of antiques then your best bet will be to bring in specialists – for the packing process as well as the move.

It’s essential to talk to your Movers in New York  about items of value before you agree a moving contract with them. This way you’ll be covered if problems arise. If you don’t notify them and a high-value item is damaged then they will blame you for not telling them about it. Your chances of compensation will be minimized. You basically need to know how much insurance cover they have and how comprehensive it is. They will probably ask for a list of high-value items such as electrical goods, antiques, jewelry etc., and may even refuse to carry certain items if their insurance coverage is insufficient. They may offer higher cover for an extra premium. You should also talk to your home insurers to check whether your contents insurance will cover damage/loss during a move. Again, they may offer cover at a premium. In both cases you will be expected to provide estimates of value etc., and you may need to have them independently appraised. You may also find that your Movers in New York  insist on packing up valuable items themselves to cover their own insurance regulations – some may charge you extra for this. It is worthwhile doing – many Movers in New York  won’t take responsibility for damage in transit if they didn’t pack goods themselves.

Many people believe that the best way to protect valuable items – especially jewelry, documents and items of sentimental value is to move them yourself. This way you take responsibility for their transport and, at the very least, it’s one less thing to worry about. You can also alternatively talk to your bank about having small valuable items stored for you while you get the move out of the way. Many of us will drive from our old home to our new on the day of our move and the easiest thing to do is to keep these valuable items to one side to be packed into the car. If you do opt to do this, do take care not to advertise the fact that you are Moving valuable items in New York . Keep as much stuff as possible locked in the trunk and cover or disguise anything you have to put in view. Don’t leave the car unattended wherever possible – car thieves would just love to get into your car on this particular day! You might also want to double-check again with your insurers to check you are covered for damage outside the home during the transport of these items. If you’re not, get some cover!

No matter how careful you and your Movers in New York  may be, accidents can still occur. To minimize problems if something does go wrong, take photos or videos of all your valuable items before you pack them up. This can save you considerable time and problems if you do have to make a claim for something that happens during the move.
 

Moving Tips for “New Yorkers”

Moving Tips
 Moving can be a simple and quick process – if you get it right. The following tips, tricks and insider secrets will give you an added edge to make sure your whole Move in New York is smooth and successful.
Preparation

Use the Move in New York as an opportunity to have a clear-out. Have a yard sale or go to a car boot sale with anything you don’t need/want. Or give your local charity shop a boost. Either way it’ll make you Move in New York cheaper and easier and might actually make you some cash.
Think about the space in your new home before you Move in New York and start to imagine the best way to arrange your furniture in it. You can even make sketches if you like. This will make moving in much easier and help you feel at home.
Take any staples out of boxes before you pack them. Stray staples can scratch floors and surfaces, as they’ll probably Move in New York in transit.
Buy LOTS of packing tape. It’s great for strengthening boxes, won’t let them open in transit and can be easily opened when you want to with a knife. Go the whole hog and buy a tape gun too – it makes taping so much easier and it’s kind of fun too.
If you have a piano think about how it’s going to get out of the house – your mover may need special equipment.
Plan where your movers can park to load and unload – the further they have to walk the longer it’ll take.
If you’re moving yourself hire something to help you Move in New York stuff in bulk such as a trolley or dolly. It’ll speed up the Move in New York and help make sure you don’t injure yourself!
Teach your kids your new address and phone number as soon as you have it.
Don’t use any special cleaning/maintenance products such as wax or oils on antique furniture for a couple of weeks before your move. They can make the wood softer for a few weeks and leave it more likely to get damaged.
If you unplug your TV a day before your Move in New York it’ll settle down to room temperature. Unplug it just before you Move in New York and it’ll retain heat – this can actually cause internal damage.
Write down instructions for any systems in your home such as central heating and air conditioning etc., and make sure the people moving in know any alarm codes. If you have brochures, guarantees or any paperwork relating to systems or appliances you’re leaving behind make sure to leave them somewhere obvious. This will make their Move in New York much easier for them.
If your new home has an alarm system ask for the code before you move!
Try to get a good night’s sleep before your moving day. Leaving things to the last minute so you’re up all night will just wear you out for the next day.
Packing

Packing starts out being fun but can soon get boring. Make yourself feel better about it by setting deadlines (i.e. a week to pack up the garage etc) and keeping to them!
Underpacking is almost as bad as overpacking and the contents of underpacked boxes are MUCH more likely to be damaged. Make sure you fill boxes with a mix of heavy and light.
Don’t leave all your packing to the last day. You’ll be up all night and still not get it done right. But don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get everything done. The majority of us will run round in a flat panic as moving day approaches. If you’re pushed for time it doesn’t matter if you just box up non-fragile items quickly or even just stuff them in bags. If this happens to you do make sure you ask your movers to take extra care or just transport these last-minute packed things yourself.
Don’t use foam ‘peanuts’ to pack round a computer – they can generate static electricity and cause damage.
Try not to wrap fragile items in newspaper, as the print will come off on them. You’ll just have to wash everything before you can put it away. And, newsprint doesn’t generally come off well in a dishwasher so chances are you’ll be washing them by hand. If you don’t want to buy wrapping materials save up magazines for a few weeks beforehand.
Don’t use newspaper to wrap around lampshades – chances are you’ll not be able to get the newsprint off again!
Get one of your removal men to do a last walk-round your old house with you before you leave. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot things you’ve left behind.
If you’re in the habit of hanging clothes or stuff behind bedroom doors remember to check them as well. This is one of the most common places people forget stuff.
Write OPEN FIRST on boxes of essential items and DO NOT Move in New York on boxes you’re planning on taking with you!

Moving

It’s easier to clean your new home before you Move in New York in. If you can’t do it yourself think about hiring professionals to whiz round for a couple of hours before your load arrives.
Try to Move in New York on a weekday. It’ll be less busy, may even be cheaper and you’ll be able to get hold of the contacts you might need if there is a problem such as utilities companies not connecting services etc.
Tell your movers if some of your boxes contain fragile items even if you have marked them clearly. They’ll take extra care if you warn them in advance.
You don’t need to take drawers out of chests of drawers for the Move in New York – even if they can’t be locked. To stop them falling out in transit place the item with drawers facing the wall of the moving vehicle or against a bigger item with a flat surface.
If you’re carrying heavy boxes bend with the knees and not with your back!
Have your stereo speakers loaded away from your TV – they can damage it!
Before your movers arrive try to make sure that all boxes and containers etc are stacked neatly in the room (ideally around the walls) and leave them room to maneuver. This will speed up the process.
Make sure someone is at your new home to meet the movers and to tell them where to unload stuff.
Moving is a weird mix of action and boredom. Prevent people flagging by taking regular short breaks. Feed people regularly – they’ll be using a lot of energy.
If you’re moving with kids let them loose on their new bedrooms with a couple of boxes of stuff they can unpack to keep them occupied. Alternatively give them jobs to do such as helping movers put boxes in the right rooms etc.
Don’t lay major appliances such as refrigerators on their sides – it can cause damage if they’re not kept upright.
Give your mover your cellphone number or that of your new home so they can keep in touch with you if necessary. Try and get a number for them too.
If you notice that your possessions or buildings get damaged by the movers on the day of the Move in New York tell the guy in charge immediately.
After The Move

Don’t forget to tip your movers. It’s a nice touch to tip them all individually if they’ve been really helpful otherwise tip the guy in charge and he’ll sort them all out. Don’t feel you have to tip if you’re disappointed with the service they provided.
Give electrical items a chance to get to room temperature before you plug them in.
Expect to feel a bit ‘blue’ a couple of days after the move. It happens all the time and doesn’t mean you hate your new home – just that the Move in New York and the thought of unpacking has taken its toll on you a bit.
Call your friends and family to let them know you’ve moved safely.
If you feel up to it throw a housewarming party!
Keep your kids occupied and give them lots of attention – they’ll probably be unsettled by the move. Make time to have some fun!
Check for damage as soon as you can – some insurance policies only give you a specific time to make a claim. Miss it and you won’t be able to claim.
 
 

Moving CheckList

Moving Checklist
 Before Your Move

One-two months before….

Put together a ‘moving book’ to keep notes of what you need do, what you’ve done etc.
Use this checklist to help you assess what you need to do and when and write out your own plan.
Buy a file to store all the documentation and paperwork associated with the move.
If you haven’t got a moving company yet, GET ONE!
If you need to move vehicles, pets or specialist items and you need outside help start sorting it out now.
If you need to use storage facilities look at your options and book it.
Make a list of everyone you need to notify of your change of address.
Start contacting key financial providers such as your bank or other institutions to have your details changed and to start up the process of cancelling/setting up automatic payments and/or accounts etc.
Notify schools and employers of change of address. If moving out of the area you’ll need to register your kids for a new school.
Start packing non-essential stuff (it’s never too soon to begin!) whenever you have some free time.
Buy, hire, beg, borrow or steal suitable boxes and containers to pack your stuff into.
Talk to your doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc., to notify them of your change of address or to come off their books if necessary. In some cases you may need to get copies of your records to take with you. If moving abroad ask about vaccinations etc. If you or your family (or pets) have regular medical prescriptions, get them filled to cover you throughout the moving process. If you’re moving out of the area ask for referrals to new practices.
Contact all of your insurers (home, vehicle, medical etc) to notify them of your move. Ask your home insurer for details of your existing coverage for the actual and arrange new coverage or a transfer to your new home.
Get a lockable box and start putting in important documents as you come across them.
Give all service providers such as gardeners, domestic help and regular delivery services notice that you will be moving. Cancel or change any subscriptions or memberships you have.
Send out change of address notices to friends and family if you have a firm moving date now. You’ll have less time as the days pass so it’s good to get this out of the way.
Get a form from your local Post Office for their mail forwarding service, fill it in and send it off.
Start making an inventory of your goods and take photos/videos of valuable items.
Complete any repairs to your home that you are committed to.
Two-three weeks before……

Contact utility companies and service providers to arrange to have your appliances/services disconnected and, if necessary, reconnected in your new home.
Move your packing up a gear. Take a room a day and start packing up stuff you don’t use regularly.
Take back library books, pick up dry-cleaning and think about any other similar things you may have pending in the area.
Have your car(s) serviced.
Start living off your store cupboard and freezer and stop buying frozen or perishable food – you can’t really take it with you and it’ll make the move easier.
Put aside a box/boxes for personal/essential items that you want to take with you yourself rather than have the movers take. Start putting stuff in it as you come across it. Mark it DO NOT MOVE so your movers don’t load it by mistake.
Pack up your garage and any stuff that is stored in your yard, garden or sheds.
Empty your lawnmower and power tools of fuel etc.
Dispose of anything that is flammable or hazardous.
Think about what you’re going to do with the kids!
One week before…..

Call your mover and any other companies involved with the move (vehicle movers, storage facilities etc) and confirm all of your arrangements, times etc.
Carry on packing!
Start taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.
Check that your new home is still set to be insured.
Make sure all your outstanding bills are paid.
One-two days before…..

Defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer and secure major appliances such as washing machines/cookers etc. Make sure that utility companies are confirmed to disconnect services/take meter readings etc.
Finish taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.
Sort out any plants you’re taking with you.
Check that all the paperwork related to your house sale/rental/purchase is complete.
Close bank accounts if necessary.
Finish your major packing.
Pack up your PC and other electrical equipment. Write down the serial numbers in your moving book.
Put together a box of essentials for the move such as tea, coffee, mugs, sugar, tools, paper and pen and cleaning materials.
Make sure all boxes are clearly marked/labelled.
Start cleaning the house as you go along.
Make sure you have all the documents related to your move to hand.
During Your Move

Moving day at your old home…..

Get up early and don’t panic!
Take bedding off beds and pack it up.
Walk your movers through the house, tell them what you need them to do and take their advice on the actual loading.
Make sure your movers know where they are going.
Give the house a final clean.
Leave a note of your name, new address and contact number for the new residents of your home so they can forward any mail that slips through the cracks.
Have a final walk round to check you’ve remembered everything – do this BEFORE the moving vehicle leaves!
Make sure you have keys to your new home and drop off your current keys as you’ve arranged.
Make sure you load everything you’re taking yourself in the car and lock it!
Switch everything off, lock up and leave!
Moving day at your new home…..

Check everything is working such as power, gas etc – if not, call the utilities companies to find out why not!
Supervise the unloading process to get everything where you want it.
Offer the movers a drink and snack!
Clean before you start unpacking.
Start unpacking essentials.
After Your Move

Unpack logically working down from essential to non-essential items.
Reassemble your furniture when you have time.
Don’t worry about filling wardrobes immediately if you have hired/bought special wardrobe boxes. They can hang perfectly well in there until you have time to put them away properly.
Get all of your major appliances ready for use again and hook them up.
Unpack all electrical items as quickly as possible and check for damage – you may have a limited window for insurance claims.
Register to vote and for any other local government purposes.
Check your mail is being forwarded to your new address.
Register with a doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc.
If necessary change your driver’s license and car details etc. 

Moving Your Office

Moving in New York City ( Movers Companies )Your Office
 Unless you run a small office, the chances are you will employ a company of professional movers to manage an office move. Office moves are different to home moves – they generally involve more expensive equipment for example – and it’s a good tip to pick a Moving in New York City ( Movers Companies )company with a background of successful office moves. As always, if you don’t already have contacts with experienced companies, your best tip is to get referrals form other people. Ask the facilities managers at your current and future office for two-three names. They should be able to put you on to some reputable and reliable companies and to warn you away from the bad ones! You can also ask other companies in your building or neighborhood for referrals if they have moved recently themselves. You should always get at least three quotes and ask for and check testimonials. If the thought of managing your own move is just too much for you, you can employ a moves consultant to manage the process on your behalf. Their services don’t just cover the physical move but also all the other stuff you need to think about before and after the Moving in New York City ( Movers Companies )process

The services on offer from office movers aren’t that different to those you’ll be offered for a home move. You may even find that the company you hire does both. Office moves just tend to be heavier and harder. What you will find is that you need more Moving in New York City ( Movers Companies )personnel, as there tends to be more heavy furniture, boxes and equipment involved. You will, almost definitely, need to hire special crates or boxes from your Moving in New York City ( Movers Companies )company. The smallest offices can collect large volumes of paperwork and other stuff. This is extremely vital to the smooth running of your company. Pack it up in special crates in an organized way and it’ll be much easier to unpack at the other end and get up and running immediately. It’ll also be adequately protected during the move.

Costs will also vary from company to company. Some will charge an hourly rate and some on estimated volume/weight. You may also find that you’re paying a premium if you opt to move during non-working hours such as in the evening or at a weekend.

Office moves also generally involve the transportation of multiple valuable equipment such as PCs, copiers and other machinery. Chances are you won’t have kept every box for every piece of hardware in your office so you should hire suitable containers from your Moving in New York City ( Movers Companies )company to protect your property in transit. If you have a lot of PCs you may prefer to hire a specialist to disconnect them, pack them up and then set them up again if you don’t have these skills in house. If you lease equipment it’s also worthwhile checking your agreement in case they mention what you need to do to move it. Some leasing companies will not allow you to move equipment yourself and may insist that they do it for you (and they’ll probably charge for it!).

Also, take time to talk to your movers about how they load their vehicles to best protect your property. Ask them what they need you to do and what equipment they use that can help you. They may, for example, simply tell you to lock filing cabinets rather than empty them as they can use equipment to move them easily even when full. Some will insist that desk drawers be emptied even if they can be locked as the contents are generally easily damaged.

Time is a constant driver with an office move and you need to prepare well. Basically, the longer a move takes you, the longer it will be before you can get back to work. You will need to get Moving in New York City ( Movers Companies )companies into your office to assess how big your load will be and to talk you through what they can do and what you need to do. It’s always worthwhile planning out your new office space in advance and giving the company a copy so that they can simply slot desks and furniture in the right place as they are unloaded.

In-depth insurance is absolutely vital for office moves and you need to discuss the mover’s policy and check out your own before you come to a decision. With office moves, insurance isn’t just about equipment and furniture – it’s also about vital paperwork, records and the information stored on your computers. You’ll find that most movers won’t insure you for these items and you need to make sure you back-up data and make adequate provision for your paperwork during the Moving in New York City ( Movers Companies )process. If you need to pay extra to get the coverage you need, pay extra. If you lose something vital you’ll effectively be losing business. It’s also a good tip to get a policy that will pay you for lost business and time lost if something does goes wrong. This isn’t generally offered as standard. You also need to know about liability coverage. If movers damage your office building during the Moving in New York City ( Movers Companies )process (and it’s easily done!) you will generally be held responsible so you need to know you can claim the costs back. Read the mover’s terms and conditions CAREFULLY. It’s the exclusions and restrictions that will, as ever, tell you what coverage you may really need!