Moving is already a huge undertaking all on its own, sure you may be able to get away with moving all by yourself if you were single living in an apartment. But as many people come to realize, the process takes more work when you’ve grown your family, and hiring a mover is going to be the best option so you won’t age a decade from all the stress and worry.

But that brings you to another problem entirely, with so many Manhattan movers, how do you know which one to pick? The good news is that variety provides options, so you get a lot to pick from that’ll fit your needs and budget. But getting to that one mover that’ll fit you well is a task all on its own, it may seem kind of like a daunting task but here are 7 tips to make it easier for you.

1. Gather Personal Recommendations

In the online world today, it’s really easy to find fake reviews. If you don’t already know, a lot of shady businesses use this tactic and there are a lot of actual “jobs” that pretty much revolve around this.

That’s why it’s better to get personal recommendations from family, friends, or even trusted acquaintances like co-workers and neighbors. At least you get a first-hand personal review from someone you can look in the eye and give you an honest review of the mover.

Of course, not everyone may have recommendations, so relying on online reviews may be the last option. Just make sure that you’re thorough about it, and don’t rely on the testimonials on the mover’s website, those are probably pre-selected anyway even if it was unsolicited. Go to reputable sites and even check in on the Better Business Bureau if there were any recent complaints filed.

 

2. Gather A Lot Of Estimates

There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking multiple movers for an estimate most would offer free quotes and estimates. You should never feel tied down to one mover just because the representative you spoke with was a smooth talker, you have the right to get as many options as you’d like and pick the one that suits you best.

After all, this is your belongings and property on the line. And you’re the one left with damages that need repairing, many people will testify that they’ve had nightmare experiences with shady movers who refused to compensate for blatant disregard of belongings and property. You don’t want to end up here, so make sure everything is in writing. Never accept an estimate over the phone, instead ask them to email it if you can’t meet a mover face-to-face.

3. Verify License and Insurance

There are a shocking number of movers who are unlicensed and uninsured, and more often than not, these are the ones that offer incredible savings that are too good to be true. It pays to be diligent when choosing a mover, especially in a palace that’s as dense and hectic as Manhattan.

Make sure to always ask about a mover’s licenses and insurance certificates that you can verify on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website. For New York, you’ll also need to verify it with the New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner (NYSDOT) and make sure it has the proper permit for the Authority to Transport Household Goods.

4. Communicate with Customer Service

Just like in dating, a mover will always put its best foot forward to make sure they can get you to pick them for your move. But you have to remember that the first impression may not always be accurate, so making sure that you have a clear and easy line of communication with a mover’s customer service will give you an inkling as to how they do business.

A reputable mover will not find any issue with you asking too many questions, because you have a lot more to lose than just a moving job, but the memories and sentimentality of your precious possessions and even the property you’re moving out and into are important to you. A reputable mover understands this well and will be willing to communicate with you as many times as it needs to give you peace of mind and assurances.

5. Read the Fine Print

You’ve heard the saying, “the devil is in the details”, it’s kind of a strong statement but the truth is that you need to gather all the details regarding each mover and make sure you go over each one so that both parties involved are clear about what it means to each one.

As mentioned, a reputable mover will not think of it as a hassle when you keep calling back to clear up details and will do what it can to make sure you completely understand what everything means to you as a customer. Especially when it has to do with insurance claims and the terms and conditions.

Prevention is better than cure, and it will save you a lot of headaches in the future if you take care of all the details before committing to a mover so that you are completely aware of what you get and what the movers won’t do for you.

6. Avoid Large Deposits

A mover with nothing to hide won’t try to haggle for more than 10% of the quoted and agreed price. This is an industry standard all across the country and not just in Manhattan. As the customer, you have more to lose in this business deal, and with the dozens of other options on the island to choose from, you always have the option to strike a mover off the list if you feel you’re not getting good treatment.

But you also have to remember that trust and respect go both ways, so even if you come to a disagreement it doesn’t give you the right to be demanding. Reputable movers have lots of jobs lined up and letting you go is also an option on their table, which is why smooth communication between the both of you is very crucial.

7. Double, Triple Check the Contract

Once you’ve decided on a mover and cleared up all the details, make sure to have everything in writing. Don’t ever accept anything at face value and a handshake, the reason there are contracts and agreements is for the protection of both parties.

No matter how comfortable you’ve become with a mover, don’t ever just sign papers that are handed to you, always ask for a moment to read through it carefully so you can clarify anything that doesn’t make sense or may have not been discussed beforehand. This is your last chance to clear up everything before committing to a mover so you want to make sure that everything is lined up from all the communication and research you did with the mover.

Moving will always be a major change and it pays to be meticulous at this moment because you’re moving your life to a new location. Reputable movers understand how exciting and important this is in your life so they will do what they can to accommodate you and make sure that your move is smooth and stress-free.

When moving to NYC, you might anticipate all that the big city has to offer, from the incredible dining to the easy transportation. However, one downside is the fact that most apartments are small despite their steep price tags. The average rental in Manhattan is around 700 square feet, which is generally shared with at least one or two roommates. With that being said, a storage unit is a necessity most people find themselves needing when they make the move. To maximize your space, so you don’t have to spend money on a larger unit, the tips below are important to keep in mind.

Getting Started

When it’s time to load up your storage unit, go through your boxes. Toss anything you truly don’t need, and you’ll save a ton of space (which translates into money). Put in the effort to reduce your “stuff” and you’ll be glad that you did it.

1. Place Everything in Boxes

It’s easier to stack boxes than it is to stack random items that are carefully balancing on top of one another. For this reason, you’ll want to pack everything you can inside of boxes that are relatively the same size. You can still pack heavy items (albeit not too heavy), but boxes with these items should be marked and placed on the bottom of the stack. Smaller and lighter boxes should be stacked on top so they don’t take up floor space where they can be damaged.

2. Label Each Box

Chances are, you’re going to need to get things out of your storage unit at some point during the year. To make this easier on yourself, clearly label each of the boxes and face those labels toward the entry point. If you have time, then it’s a good idea to make an itemized list of what’s in each box and tape that to the front as well. Although this takes more time, it makes finding things incredibly easy.

3. Organize

When organizing boxes inside of your storage unit, start by pushing large items to the back wall, such as mattresses or headboards. From there, each section should be organized based on what’s inside. For example, you might want to put bedroom boxes stacked together on the left side and kitchen items stacked together on the right. Decor and other house items should also be kept together to make them easier to find.

4. Tuck Loose Items Away

Loose items, such as chairs or guitars, should be tucked away in any areas where they can fit. If you don’t have a lot of space, you’ll want to place these on top of boxes where they won’t be able to cause any damage. If you’re able to use vertical space for odd-shaped items that just won’t go in boxes, they won’t take up precious floor space.

5. Disassemble Your Furniture

Any furniture you have should be disassembled before it hits your storage unit. Why? Because it will take up far less space and won’t limit your ability to stack items in a line.

Making the Most of Your Storage

Don’t let your lack of space ruin your move to NYC. Even if you have a small storage unit, you can keep your beloved belongings in a safe spot. Use the solutions and tips above, and you’ll be able to grab what you need when you need it.

Some people look at moving as an adventure while others find the entire process traumatic. No matter how you feel about your move, you can take steps to make it as painless as possible. While moving to a new home can be exciting and difficult, moving to another state involves even more red tape and planning. Here are a few tips for a seamless move.

Five Tips to Surviving an Interstate Move

1. Do your research.

It’s tempting to fall in love with a place and decide you want to live there, but living in a tropical paradise is not the same as spending a carefree week there on vacation. Wherever you decide to go, do your research before making any changes. Then, find a job and housing in the new location, or make sure you have enough savings to pay for the first three months of living expenses. If you have children, look for houses in good school districts.

2. Plan.

Most moving companies and real estate offices have detailed checklists with all the things you need to consider. How much money will it cost to move? Will you handle everything or hire a moving company? Will you drive to the new location or ship your car? Do you have friends and family to help, or are you on your own? You’ll need to plan for everything from your mail and utilities to arranging for pets. A big binder is a good way to keep your papers organized from start to finish, but a portable file box also works well. Save receipts, copies of contracts and estimates, checklists and other information.

3. Clear the clutter.

First, make a list of the necessities you’ll need in the new place. Choose what will go, and then get rid of the rest. Traveling light will make the move easier and less expensive, and you’ll have fewer boxes to unpack when you get there. Have a yard sale, list your items on a local website or donate them and get a receipt for a tax deduction. You’ll save on labor and packing supplies, and you can use a smaller truck.

4. Choose a moving company.

Your budget may be the deciding factor for a do-it-yourself or a professional move. It all depends on how much help you have, how much you need to move and how far you’re going. You’ll also need enough time between your old job and a new one if you plan to do it all on your own.  Vet New York movers and ask at least three to visit your home and give written estimates. Before signing a contract, ask the Better Business Bureau if they have complaints about the moving or rental company you’ve chosen, and copy their moving guide. You’ll need insurance coverage for your possessions, and a policy that offers full replacement is safer than the minimal amount required by federal regulations.

5. Get the new place ready.

Figure out how much time it will take the truck to arrive, allowing time to unpack and settle into the new place. Arrange for someone to turn utilities on, have health records for family and pets handy, and keep school records nearby. You’ll also need access to cash or bank accounts for emergencies or paying movers and landlords. Before the move, cancel utilities and subscriptions for services like cable TV and ask the post office to forward your mail to the new address.

When you arrive, don’t forget to get a new driver’s license in the new state. Meet your new neighbors, look for doctors and social activities in your new home, and celebrate. You might even put that bottle of champagne and corkscrew where you can find it without unpacking kitchen boxes. Then, enjoy.

Summer is moving season. The weather is warm, the kids are on vacation, and everyone can settle in before the new school year begins. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, it cost $4,300 to move from one state to another in 2016, an estimate based on a weight of 7,400 pounds. Expenses can go much higher depending on the distance of the move and its difficulty. If you’re relocating for a new job, your employer may help. If not, these tips from cheap NYC moving companies can save your sanity and your budget.

Seven Money-Saving Tips for Moving

1. Donate or sell what you don’t need

The heavier the load and the more boxes you take, the more the move will cost. Consider what you’ll need in the new place. Then, donate or sell the rest. You’ll save money, and you’ll have less work to do when you get there.

2. Pack unbreakable and small items yourself

You can save money by packing books, clothing and small non-breakables yourself. Hardware stores sell boxes, tape and packing paper, but local stores may give you boxes for free. Avoid newspaper for packing because the ink can rub off, and remember that boxes of the same size and shape take less space when stacked.

3. Do your research

Talk to friends, your realtor, and the Better Business Bureau before narrowing your search to three or more companies. Schedule appointments with each in your home for written estimates and questions. For instance, how long will it take? How many movers will they use? Will they provide supplies? Are you paying by the hour or by the number of movers?

4. Buy insurance

Federal regulations require moving companies to pay for basic coverage, usually around 60 cents per pound for interstate moves. While coverage for full replacement costs more, it may be worthwhile. Imagine being reimbursed by the pound for lightweight valuables or electronics. Full replacement runs $8 to $10 for every $10,000 of claimed value.

5. Check the calendar

Popular moving times, especially weekends and holidays, mean higher demand and higher prices. Ask movers if they’ll give you a discount for providing their services at a non-peak time. Rates may also go up at the end of the month when many leases expire.

6. Do it yourself

Renting your own truck and packing your things yourself is not a job for the faint of heart, but it can lead to big savings, especially if you have a light load and a lot of friends to help. Even then, you can still save money by renting a truck during less-busy times of the year. Rates differ, and rentals for out-of-state moves are more expensive than in-state.

7. Save on taxes

Under certain circumstances, you can deduct some of your moving expenses on your tax forms. Ask the Internal Revenue Service or an accountant for more information on regulations and mileage allowances.

As a rule of thumb, you will need a 17 to a 20-foot truck to move the contents of a two to a three-bedroom home. Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone else, don’t forget to reward your helpers, especially if they showed up on time, had a good attitude and handled your belongings with care. Moving is stressful, but good planning makes it easier and more affordable.

Relocation is never easy, more so when moving out of town or to a far away, distant location. For everything to go as planned in your relocation process, it is important to plan well in advance. Moving is widely considered as a high-stress activity, and without adequate preparation, it is almost impossible to have a successful relocation. To help ease the demands of relocation, below are six proven ways you can prepare for your move out of town.

1. Set up a relocation calendar

As mentioned above, preparation is crucial for a successful relocation. Therefore, take time to plan for all your days until the moving day. Setting up a relocation calendar helps you set time aside for important activities that you would otherwise rush to complete as the deadline nears. To create an effective calendar, be sure to start with important and potentially time-consuming activities.

2. Calculate the moving costs

Unfortunately, most of us fail to create a relocation budget. To avoid unnecessary expenses related to stress, it is critical that you plan for your moving costs. It is at this stage that you compare different prices from moving companies. Remember, creating a moving budget in advance enables you to negotiate prices with relevant stakeholders.

3. Inventory your household

It is important to conduct a thorough check on your valuables. Due to the costly nature of relocation, it is crucial to separate the important stuff from the unused items. You can either donate or sell items that you no longer use. Not only will selling unused items free up the space when moving, it provides you with additional revenue to boost the relocation budget.

4. Start packing in advance

On top of being a demanding physical activity, packing can take up a lot of your time. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary last-minute rushes, be sure to start packing immediately you are aware of the moving date. Early packing ensures you move with every item you need. Also, it is through packing in advance that you can separate junk from important items. Of course, it doesn’t make sense to pack items you use daily. Instead, start packing important items that you rarely use. Ask around for boxes and additional items you might need to prepare for your move.

5. Cancel subscriptions and change your address

One disadvantage of last minute planning is the failure to terminate important subscriptions. If changing your address online proves to be a challenge, then a trip to the post office will be necessary. Once you are aware of the exact relocation date, you should communicate with your respective service providers to inquire on the way forward.

6. Say your byes

A last minute rush will, without doubt, deny you the privilege of a peaceful, fulfilling departure. Relocating is a big deal. To move out successfully, you will need to notify your close neighbors, friends, business partners, and family. Also, saying your byes in advance will help provide additional assistance as some friends might volunteer to help you out.