You’ve built a new house and sold your old one. Now comes the real challenge… the moving! Relocating can be overwhelming, but choosing the right NYC moving company can make all the difference.
Whether you’re planning a local move or a long-distance move, finding reliable movers is essential. Here are five important steps to take before hiring NYC movers.
1. Do your research
Think of your move like any other big decision: research builds confidence. The moving process is smoother when you know exactly what to expect. When looking for NYC movers, take the time to explore different moving companies in NYC. You can read online reviews, and compare moving quotes.
If you need specialized services, narrow your search further. Some movers specialize in fine art moving, office relocations, or packing services. If you’re moving a business, look for commercial movers to ensure efficiency. Taking the time to research will help you find a moving company that fits your specific needs.
2. Ask for recommendations
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find trustworthy NYC moving companies. Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they’ve had a positive experience with any local movers. Friend’s recommendations can help you avoid unreliable movers and make the moving process easier.
Also, check out customer reviews and testimonials online to see what people are saying about moving companies. A good company should have plenty of positive feedback and happy customers. Look for reviews that talk about their service, professionalism, and how reliable they are.
3. Check licensing and insurance
A reliable NYC moving company should be properly licensed and insured. If you’re moving across state lines, ensure the movers have a USDOT number issued by the FMCSA. For local moves, check if they have the necessary state licensing.
Insurance is another important factor. Basic moving services include standard coverage of $0.60 per pound, but that may not be enough for valuable items. Consider full-value protection for additional peace of mind. Before choosing a moving company, ask about their insurance policies and make sure you understand what’s covered.
Make sure you understand each provision in the insurance plan of your choice and be clear with the movers about what you prefer.
4. Get a thorough walk-through for estimates
If you haven’t moved in a long time, you might not be aware of current rates. You should shortlist at least three moving companies and compare their services and pricing. Then, ask them to do a walk-through before issuing an estimate.
A good walk-through means you will be asked questions about what you wish to take with you to the new house. This includes which items will require special packing and which items you will take with you in your car.
TIP: pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, and precious smaller items yourself and take them with you on moving day. This way, you avoid them getting lost by mistake amongst the other boxes.
Be careful about quick walk-throughs or estimates issued over the phone. Without a clear image of the size of the move, any estimator will be off the mark. This can cause an issue on the day of the move.
5. Ask about binding estimates
A binding estimate guarantees that the price quoted is the final price you’ll pay. This prevents any surprises on moving day. It also ensures you won’t be charged extra for additional services that weren’t discussed beforehand.
Always get everything in writing, including the cost breakdown and terms of service. A moving company that refuses to provide a binding estimate may not be the best choice for your move in NYC.
What to do before the movers arrive?
Once you’ve chosen a reliable NYC moving company, you still have some preparations to make. Here are 16 essential steps to ensure a smooth moving process:
1. Declutter before moving day
Go through your belongings and set aside items you don’t want to take. The less you move, the lower your moving costs will be. Sell, donate, or discard anything you no longer need.
If you have items in your home that you don’t want to be moved, gather them in one place. Let the movers know that they will not be taking those items.
2. Label boxes clearly
Clearly label all boxes with their contents and final destination in your new home. Moving companies can avoid handling objects more than once because they will know exactly where they belong. Your costs will increase in direct proportion to how chaotic you are and how often your movers are going in circles.
3. Clean before moving
Dust and wipe down furniture before it gets packed. A clean start in your new home is always better than bringing in dirt and dust from your old place. Also, let’s be considerate of the movers and spare them from breathing in all your dust and dirt.
Before moving, give all of your furniture a quick clean-down so you can truly benefit from a fresh start. When you move into your new house, be sure to undertake a full cleaning on your own and be aware of what needs to be cleaned.
4. Secure valuables
Keep important documents, jewelry, and other valuables with you during the move. You don’t want anything to go missing. Many people will come in and out of your house while it is for sale.
NYC moving companies are not responsible for lost or damaged personal valuables. It is your responsibility to gather up and transport all of your valuables.
5. Clear pathways
Make sure there’s a clear path for movers to carry furniture and boxes out of your home. Remove any obstacles or clutter that could slow down the process.
Make sure you’ve left enough room for movers to transport your belongings out of your house. Additionally, check sure there are no obstructions on your staircase and that it is free of clutter.
6. Reserve parking for the moving truck
Make sure the location of the moving truck’s parking is planned. Any vehicle that might be blocking the way or in the garage should be moved.
If you live in New York City, securing a parking spot for the moving truck is crucial. Contact your building management if necessary to reserve loading dock space or elevator access.
7. Arrange for pet and childcare
Moving day can be chaotic, and having kids or pets running around can make things more stressful. Every person participating in the move should avoid doing this. On the day of the transfer, be sure you arrange for a babysitter or pet sitter.
8. Take inventory and photos
Before the move, take photos of your furniture and electronics. This will help you track any damage and make it easier to reconnect devices in your new home.
Taking images of your electronic parts, such as your TV and cable, will help you put them back together whenever you move.
9. Pack a first-night box
These are the typical boxes that you could require access to. Create a special space in your home for anything you need access to but can’t fit in your car. Make sure to let your movers know about this space so they can help you with it.
Set aside essentials like toiletries, towels, and a change of clothes. This will save you from digging through boxes after a long moving day. Some common items to include in this box are listed below:
- Toiletries
- Shower Curtain
- Towels
- First Aid Kit
- Toilet Paper
- Cleaners
- Dish Soap & Sponge
- Dish Towels
- Garbage bags
- Portable tool kit
10. Unplug and defrost appliances
The majority of movers won’t disconnect or reconnect your refrigerator, washer, dryer, or other large appliances. If something isn’t properly attached or disconnected, they aren’t responsible. Before the movers arrive, make sure you or a professional disconnects these items.
If you’re taking a refrigerator or other large appliances, unplug them at least 24 hours before moving. Place a towel inside to absorb moisture from defrosting.
11. Dispose of hazardous materials
Movers won’t transport flammable or hazardous items like propane tanks, paint, or cleaning chemicals. Make sure to dispose of any hazardous materials you no longer need or cannot take with you.
12. Drain gas from lawn equipment
Any things that still contain gasoline or are combustible won’t be moved by movers. Ensure that the oil and gas from these things are removed. They can leak onto your furniture or other objects in the moving truck. Plus, they are highly combustible and hazardous.
13. Disconnect the grill and remove propane
Moving companies won’t transport propane in their trucks. You’ll need to do it yourself, donate it, or hire a specialist who deals with such materials. One of the riskiest things you can do while moving is to fail to disconnect the propane from the barbecue.
14. Prepare for weather conditions
Make sure you have a strategy if it’s going to rain or snow. You can probably count on your movers to protect your carpets and floors when they arrive. But you should still keep some cleaning products on hand.
Ask your moving company how they will protect your carpets and flooring because not all movers will. Before the movers arrive, it’s a good idea to purchase some plastic carpet masks and install them at your new home.
- Make sure the movers have a clear path and lay down a layer of sand or salt to prevent slipping if it has been snowing.
- To prevent movers from tracking mud, the movers may use an assembly-line method depending on how bad the weather is.
In any event, be sure to have enough blankets and towels on hand to cover your floors in case of bad weather.
15. Be present on moving day
The most crucial thing you can do is show up on moving day. Even if you’re not lifting boxes, be available to answer questions from the movers. Direct them on where to place furniture in your new home. When the movers have any questions for you on the day of the move, being present will make everything go more smoothly.
16. Plan the layout of your new home
Make a simple floor plan of the new house and the furniture arrangement. This is important if you want to be organized and make the transfer go smoothly. The moving firm can then receive copies of them from you.
The floor plan offers movers a notion of the obvious goods, such as the sofa, dining room table, etc. However, they may still have queries about specific items.
You should always ask for a binding estimate and get it in writing. You should also do your part and list every item that you need to move, so they will outline them in the estimate. Adding last-minute items to your inventory in the hopes of keeping the same price may give the movers the Right to Refuse service.
To avoid this, tell the moving company of any extra items that need to be transported. This way you can work out an agreement before they start loading your truck.
Conclusion
Choosing the right moving company in NYC doesn’t need to be a hassle. By conducting thorough research and asking for recommendations, you can find a reliable team to handle your move. These steps not only help you understand moving costs but also ensure you pick the best option for your needs. Whether it’s a local move or a long-distance relocation, following these guidelines can make the entire process stress-free.
Now, what to do when movers are moving? Once you’ve booked your moving team, it’s crucial to be prepared. Clear pathways, label your boxes, and keep valuables with you. These small actions can prevent unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth moving day.
Still searching for a trustworthy moving company? Choose Empire Movers & Storage! With over 16 years of experience, we handle every detail of your move so you can sit back and relax. From packing delicate items to managing robust furniture, we’ve got you covered!
Contact Empire Movers & Storage – NYC today!
Our Locations:
- Manhattan: 641 Lexington Ave, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10018, United States
- Long Island City: 3030 Hunters Point Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States
Reach Us:
- Phone: +1 212-365-8367
- Email: office@goempiremovers.com
Luisa Pop
In my role, I blend my love for writing with my digital marketing skills to create content that really speaks to our readers. I keep myself updated on the latest industry trends to ensure my contributions are relevant and helpful, especially in the moving and storage sector.