Critical Things to Expect and Consider When Moving To and Around New York

by | Mar 8, 2016 | Downtown Living

Spiral_staircase_in_Haldon_Belvedere

Photo: Courtesy of Wikipedia.com

Like all summers in New York, the moving season jets in with a vengeance. A large number of people take this opportunity to move into new houses or new cities while some decide to stay where they are. It is not smooth sailing. You are bound to hit a few hurdles ranging from losing your stuff to suffering property breakages, late deliveries, pricing disputes and being scammed. You should do your research before hiring a moving company to avoid bad experiences. Find out information about the moving company from credible sources.

Between 2013 and 2014, Better Business Bureau mentioned a 26% rise in complaints in June compared to May. Avoiding pitfalls which many a person has fallen into in the past demands you to plan ahead. Planning and organizing will create less stress when time comes for you to move.

What to Consider Before Making a Decision-

Ask around for personal experiences:

Go around and ask people who have recently moved to give you their recommendations. If they had excellent experiences with the moving service, then you may want to consider the company. If you are not moving and have a satisfactory experience with moving companies, volunteer to help.

Get a written agreement (order of service):

It will give you a rough estimate cost of all services the mover will provide and a bill of lading; a signed contract between you and the mover.

Never give a deposit:

Do not agree to give a deposit. It is general practice for you to pay upon delivery. Know this, reputable moving companies do not ask for deposits.

Check their website:

It should list a valid physical address, which you may want to visit. A phone number that is working should also appear. The website should look professionally done, reflecting an established company and not one run out of a briefcase. Search “movers NYC” on Google and check out Yelp reviews associated with each company.

Ask for a binding estimate:

It is the guaranteed price. It is higher than the final price unless you need other services. A moving company may charge to facilitate a binding charge or estimate and thus it may be greater than contracts lacking this provision.

Insurance and license:

Check with the New York Department of Transport or with the Federal Carrier Administration for the company’s insurance and License of Operation.

Put off moving:

If you find that you are not ready to move, you can postpone it to when it is favorable, like when the prices are low.

Prepping for the big move:

Preparing for the big day has to begin weeks in advance. Some say a six-week head start should be the standard.

Week 6:

• Request a moving date from the buildings you are moving out and the one you are moving into.

• Research moving companies.

• Take inventory of things you will carry and those you will not. Make a point of looking for places you may offload them.

Week 5:

• Make a commitment with your mover of choice. Early arrangements will bode well for you.

• Get rid of stuff you will not move with by donating them or selling them.

• Pack things that may not be necessary for the next few months like books or seasonal clothing.

Week 4:

• Make arrangements with your service providers (gas, electric, cable) to disconnect and reconnect you back to their services in your new address. Remember the providers should do it on the day you leave for your new house.

• Buy packing material if you are doing the packing yourself and make sure labels are clearly visible.

Week 3:

• Make sure all requisite documents like certificates of insurance for all buildings are in order.

• Call your mover to confirm availability.

Week 1:

• Ensure your destination is ready for you.

• Break furniture like beds into smaller parts.

• Park everything else leaving the kitchen for last.

• Park a suitcase with essentials that you will need for the first few days like a toothbrush, clean sheets, face wash and clothes for the day of departure.

One day until moving day:

• Finish parking, empty your refrigerator and remove trash.

Moving day:

• Ensure the moving company can reach you and does not leave anything behind.

Moving into a new building or out of New York City is a nightmare most people face every moving season. But with the tips discussed above, you will not have to face the conventional agonizing move.

-by Cary Teller

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