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 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!