Moving Tips NYC | Moving & Storage Services by Yankee Movers New York

Choosing a mover :
Request an on-line estimate to get a ballpark idea of how much your moving will cost. Yankee Movers offers a free on-line estimate to get you started. For large or complicated moving, we highly recommend scheduling an in-home estimate to receive our "No Surprises!" guarantee. Call us at (718)360-2978 or (212) 920-7601.

Select a movers based on customer service, reliability, professionalism and reputation. The lowest estimate does not mean the most cost-effective move. Yankee Movers intention is to make your moving as smooth as possible, quality is the key, and with over 9 years of excellent service, we at Big Apple Moving are confident that we are the right NYC moving company for you at the best possible price.

Boxes
Small or book boxes: (used for books and other small but heavy items )
Small linen: (linen and small cushions etc)
Large linen: (comforters, blankets, large pillows and shams etc.)
China Box: Ideal box for china (double walled)
Wardrobe: (good for expensive clothes, has a bar so the clothes go as is with the hangers)

Packing Paper (white is preferred as newsprint may transfer ink onto your items)

Markers (to indicate "FRAGILE" items and be sure to mark each box with location for easy room placement)

Order supplies for your upcoming move and start the packing process early. Yankee Movers Moving and Storage has a variety of packing supplies that can be ordered when you schedule your moving date and will be delivered to you free of charge ( $ 150.00 minimum order required ).These supplies will arrive well in advance of your moving so that you can start packing items that are not currently being used. Out of season clothing, books, extra linens, etc. can all be packed in advance.

Start packing at least 2 weeks before the moving date.
Short out things you want to throw, sell or store. This is the right time to get rid of the stuff that you have been meaning to.
Place all loose items in boxes to prevent loss or damage.
Use small boxes for heavier items, such as books, magazines, CD's etc.
Use larger boxes for lighter items, such as linens, blankets etc.
Always pack in reverse order of density. Place heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top or a separate box all together. This helps to prevent damage during short NYC moving or long moves and is a great help to even the most careful movers
DO NOT PACK valuables, like jewelry, securities, money and valuable papers. You should remove them and put them in a safe place prior to moving day. ie. safe deposit box, relative/friend etc. You should transport them with you personally. Flammable or perishable items should be disposed of before your moving.
Wrap small, fragile items (dishes, glassware, nick nacs etc,) individually. Pad the bottom of the box, stuff papers into the corners of the box and cover the top. Bubble wrap may also be used and make sure to label as "FRAGILE.“
Use clean newsprint paper. Old newspapers may work, but use them carefully because the ink may rub off onto your items. Clean “newsprint” paper is available from Yankee Movers.
Electronics should be packed in their original cartons, if available. Otherwise, pack well in a heavy-duty box using cushioning materials or bubble wrap. Make sure to back up computers and to include all of the necessary wiring for easy set up.
Always fill each box completely--even if you end up using an excessive amount of filler material. This will reduce the chance of damage during storage, stacking and moving. This is how a professional movers and moving service packs.
Use professional packing tape. Masking tape isn’t strong enough to support fully packed cartons. Packing tape is available from Yankee Movers
When packing dishes and plates, items should be wrapped individually and placed vertically in a box. Follow this process the same way you would load a dishwasher rack. This ensures the weight and pressure of the dishes is distributed evenly. Use wrapping paper, newspaper, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam chips as a cushion between items, and crunch pieces of wrapping paper or bubble wrap and place it at the bottom of the box. It is recommended that you use 17"X17" partition walls
Table Lamps should be disassembled, separate shades, bulbs, and bases before packing. Label as "FRAGILE."
Hanging clothing should be packed in wardrobe cartons; shoes, handbags, and bed pillows can be put in the bottom of the cartons.
Desks, large and antique cabinets, dressers, bookcases, wall units, side tables and small cabinets should be emptied and their contents boxed.
Write “Open First” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc.
Make sure that your movers load these boxes at last so that they are the first thing out of the truck.

2 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVING :
Do a detailed walk through around the house to determine what you really want to take.
Tag the rest of the stuff for a garage sale, charity or plain garbage.
Clean the club, gym and school lockers; pick up dry-cleaning.
Arrange for the disconnection or changeover of utilities.
Begin packing less-used items. Number and label each box. Make and inventory.
Retrieve and return all borrowed items from your neighbors and friends; return library books Clean out the cupboards and plan remaining meals so that you can pack what you don’t need. Don’t buy any more perishables than you have to.

1 WEEK BEFORE THE MOVING :
Make an inventory list of all items going with you personally. Keep all valuables and irreplaceable items such as jewelry, heirloom etc. with you, not movers.
Confirm arrangements and dates with moving and storage companies.
Confirm arrangements and dates with auto and pet transportation companies.
Confirm hotel reservations, car rentals and temporary housing arrangements.
Clean out and defrost the deep freezer.
Disassemble furniture (the ones you can).
Be sure to check the yard and shed for all items to pack.
Inform friends and relatives of your forwarding address. Arrange for a temporary voice mailbox if need be.
Set aside a box of cleaning supplies and a vacuum cleaner and label it (it might me the first thing you need at your new place!)
Make and Label a “Survival Box” to take with you. This should typically have: paper, pens, heavy duty tape, scissors, tape measure, facial and toilet tissue, aspirins, band aids, can opener, bottle water travel alarm, flashlight, children's games, address book, spare car keys and phone books for the city you are leaving and your destination.

2 DAYS BEFORE THE MOVING :
Reconcile and close bank accounts, unless you will be using another branch of the same bank.
Conclude all financial matters relating to the sale and lease of your home Movers or your family should complete packing all household goods for the move. Make sure all boxes are completely marked.

MOVING DAY :
Confirm delivery addresses, directions and delivery dates with the movers.
Carefully supervise the move. Have cold water or liquid for the movers, especially on a hot day. Make sure your instructions are understood.
Check thermostat and make sure temperature is set appropriately. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked, and all appliances are turned off. Leave forwarding addresses, garage door openers and any keys and how to contact you. Also notify your insurance agent and the police department that the home will be empty.

ARRIVAL DAY :
Check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly.
Let family members or friends know you have arrived safely. Check in with your employer and real estate agent to confirm itineraries.
Supervise the moving crew on location and placement of furniture and boxes. Begin unpacking the necessary basics first – bath toiletries , basic kitchen utensils etc.
Give the kids a job to do, let them start with their rooms.
Go over the Bill of Lading from the moving company carefully before signing.