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. 

New York Moving Services

Choosing a Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies )
 Moving home is often quoted as being one of the most stressful experiences we ever go through in our lives. The whole process of packing up our belongings, leaving our home and moving to pastures new is bad enough – add to that the fact that we have to entrust our possessions and their transport to complete strangers and it’s no wonder our stress levels soar!

The problem is we don’t tend to move often enough in our lives to make it a process we get used to. We’re generally all novices when it comes to moving and it shows! But, like any process, moving is all about being smart and knowing what you’re doing. You’re about to find out more about the hardest part of the process – choosing a Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies ). You’ll find more information on the other ins and outs of moving on the menu on the left of the page.

Choosing a good Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies ) is difficult. We’ve all heard horror stories from friends and families about disreputable companies and it’s vital to sort the good from the bad as soon as you can. Wherever you live, you can guarantee that there will be various moving companies just waiting to help you out. Your hardest task is choosing one that’s right for you – it’s vital that you get this choice right. Getting it wrong can cost you time, money and heartache. Choosing a Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies ) is very much an individual choice and your decision should be tailored to your actual needs.

Nowadays, moving companies can offer you a wide range of services on top of their basic removal competencies. These can include packing, the sale or hire of packing materials, unpacking and storage facilities. Some companies will even pack your possessions, transport them, clean your new home, unpack your possessions and arrange them at the other end according to your instructions. These additional services will obviously cost you more money.

As a guideline you should have chosen your Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies ) at least 4-8 weeks before your moving day. Leave it too long and you’ll find that the good companies are fully booked and you’ll have less choice in the matter. It’s far better to choose and book your company as far in advance as possible. You should be talking to your shortlist as soon as you have an estimated moving day. Bear in mind that movers are often busy at the end of the month, on Fridays and at weekends and may charge more for these premium times. Many will tell you that they have certain quiet days – such as Mondays – they may even be prepared to offer you a discount to move during their less busy periods. It’s always worth asking!

To make the best choice, you need to think about what you want from a move – and the first thing you should do before contacting moving companies is to make a quick checklist of what you need them to do. This list will help you get the best quotes, as you’ll be able to be very exact about your needs. Examples include:

Your preferred moving dates
Are you looking to move locally, long-distance or, even internationally?
Do you want help with packing, want to hire/buy packing materials or simply want to pack up yourself?
Will you need the Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies ) to transport valuable or fragile items?
Do you just want to hire a vehicle to move yourself?
Do you need storage facilities?
How much stuff do you have?
How much insurance will you need?
The best way to find a reliable Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies ) is by recommendation or reputation. If someone you know has had a good experience then copy it! You do still need to be careful, however. If a local Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies ) successfully moved your mother-in-law across town, they won’t necessarily have the skills, resources and experience to move you internationally, for example. Talk to your realtors or estate agents – they should be able to give experienced and knowledgeable recommendations. If you’re looking to move relatively close to home then a quick and easy way to spot local companies is to keep your eyes peeled on the street as soon as you start thinking about moving. You’ll see the vehicles of certain movers time and time again and you can take some comfort from the fact that they are busy.

Many of us will simply pick a Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies ) from a Yellow Pages type directory or from an Internet search. Some of us will simply choose a known name – i.e. a national company – and others may opt for a smaller local company. In all cases, it’s especially wise to choose companies that have taken the time and trouble to become accredited members of a moving association or trade body. You can assume from this that they take themselves seriously and you can probably do the same too. They will probably have to adhere to certain standards and you’ll have recourse to action if you do have problems. But you should still beware – if you are at all suspicious, check out their membership. You can even ask them for referrals from previous satisfied customers. You don’t have to follow up on this but, if the company seem less than keen to let you talk to people they’ve dealt with in the past, then you need to start thinking hard about whether they’re right for you.

When you’ve drawn up a shortlist of potential moving companies you need to start the negotiation process. You’ll find a wide variety of costs and services out there and various types of pricing. Some companies will charge you on an hourly rate, some by estimated volume based on the rooms of your current property, some by estimating what types of furniture and goods you need to move and others by the estimated weight of your load.

It’s wise to draw up a quick list before you start talking to people, as you don’t really want to be thinking on your feet here. Write down how many rooms you have, list big items of furniture and try to estimate how many boxes you’ll be packing. The easiest way to do this is to mentally go through every room in your house, list the big items and then work out how many boxes it’ll take to remove the rest of the stuff in the room. Don’t forget to think about garden furniture and the contents of your garage! Don’t worry about it being exactly right – the moving companies don’t expect it. But it won’t suit either of you if you get it completely wrong and they send a mini-sized vehicle for a juggernaut-sized job! If in doubt ask a couple of the moving companies for advice on how to estimate. You’ll be surprised at how helpful they’ll be – many will happily send estimators to your home to put together a quotation, especially if they price by weight.

When it comes to costs, you should be looking to get at least 2-3 quotes before you make a decision. Don’t just look at price but look at what they’ll offer you for the cost. It may be more cost effective to pay a little more to get more services. Don’t be afraid to ask them about how long they’ve been in business, their experience or for customer referrals. Talk to them about how long it will take to move you. DO ask them about their insurance cover and claims protection and how far it extends (and doesn’t!). You should NEVER choose a Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies ) that doesn’t have adequate insurance. It’s also important to get a quote in writing and to make sure that you completely understand how the quotation works. This is one of the times in your life when it really does pay to read the small print. For example, some moving companies won’t cover you for damage if you pack goods yourself unless they play an obvious role in damaging them. You must make sure that they not only explain your quote to you but that you get a full copy that includes any relevant terms and conditions, bills of lading etc. It’s also good to ask how many people will be assigned to your move – the more there are, the quicker it’ll go. Most people generally find that 3 is an ideal number – this gives you 2 people to do most of the loading/unloading and 1 to sort out the vehicle. It also means that somebody is with your possessions most of the time for added security.

You need to be particularly careful if your moving estimate is based on weight. This type of quotation has specific problems, as it is hard to estimate the weight of goods before you actually weigh them. In these cases, an estimator will generally work out the weight for you before you are given a price. But, your goods will be weighed once they are packed up and, if the weight is higher than the estimate, you might be liable for extra costs. In these cases always check first about how the Moving Company in New York City ( Movers Companies )’s system works and establish how binding their quotation is or isn’t. If you run into problems here, you really will be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Refuse to pay excess charges and the mover will simply hang on to your possessions until you resolve the dispute. It’s vital to spend time here assessing the company. For example, you have the right to be present when your goods are weighed to check the accuracy of the process and you can ask for a reweigh if you aren’t sure – make sure that the company agrees to this upfront.

Once you have talked to your shortlist of moving companies and have read through their quotes, you’ll be ready to make your choice. You may simply choose on cost or may prefer to go with the company with which you feel most comfortable. Once you’ve made a decision you’ll probably be asked to sign some kind of confirmation that outlines your agreement. This is always a good idea, as all parties then know where they stand. All you need to do now is get ready for your moving day – just don’t forget to give your movers a call a few days beforehand to confirm your arrangements!
 
 

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