What To Do If Movers Are Late

Posted on August 30, 2021August 2, 2023 by BigApple

Relocating can be a multifaceted undertaking that necessitates meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a hassle-free experience. Ideally, your move will proceed without any unforeseen complications. Nevertheless, certain circumstances may be beyond your control, resulting in unfavorable outcomes. One such challenge that may arise during the relocation process is tardiness on the part of the movers during pick-up or delivery.

Whether you’re waiting for your things to be picked up or your belongings are being delivered, waiting for movers is certainly not pleasant. In general, it’s more frustrating if movers are late for delivery because you won’t have your things with you.

But, steps to handle the issue are pretty much the same with delivery and pick-up delays. When your movers are late, it’s very important that you stay calm because you’ll need composure in order to solve the issue.

You’ll have to call them and hopefully, you’ll reach them quite quickly – we hope you did your homework and hired a licensed and reliable NYC moving company.

Why Are Movers Late?

There are various reasons why movers may experience delays. Traffic congestion can cause unforeseen delays, and technical issues with the moving vehicle can also contribute to tardiness. Additionally, misunderstandings regarding the correct address or unexpected flat tires can further exacerbate the situation. Despite the best efforts of movers to exercise due diligence and professionalism, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise.

Late movers are not a reason to hit the panic button straight away. Consider the human factor as well – one of the crew members may be sick. There may be an emergency or an accident. So, remain calm at least until you learn what’s holding them back.

If movers are late with delivering your items to the new address or they’re not on time to pick up your belongings, be proactive and follow the simple steps below. If you’re wondering what to do when movers are late, we’ve got you covered.

Keep Your Cool

The first thing to do is to stay calm. Of course, this may not be exactly the easiest thing to do when things don’t go as planned but you should try and remain calm because you still don’t know what the reason for the delay is and how long until the problem is resolved.

You’re much more likely to solve the issue if you keep your composure than if you panic. This easier said than done step may not sound like much. But, it’s definitely helpful once you’re stressed and have to handle the issue.

Double-Check the Deal

The second thing to do when your movers are late is to take your contract and check if the arrival time is estimated or not. Why should you do this? Because your contract may state that movers will arrive, for example, between 10 am and 11 am, while you may be waiting for them at 9 am.

Always check the time you agreed to in the contract to make sure they’re really late and it’s not about the misunderstanding. In case your contract clearly states the timeframe but your movers are nowhere to be seen, go ahead and follow the next step.

Call Movers

After you’ve made sure that your movers are indeed late, it’s time to give them a call and find out what’s holding them. In case you don’t have their number saved, just check their website and find a phone number. As long as you’ve hired a reputable mover (and we sincerely hope that you did), reaching them shouldn’t be a problem.

Ask for an Explanation and Specific Info

Upon contacting the moving company, it is imperative to request pertinent information regarding your move. Begin by introducing yourself and providing a detailed explanation of the situation. It is recommended to inquire about the specific arrival time of the movers, without placing too much emphasis on the rationale behind their schedule.

Obtaining this information is of utmost importance, and it is advised to remain on the line until a definitive time frame has been established for the arrival of the moving crew.

React Depending on the Info

Once you have a new expected time of crew arriving, it’s time to improvise and use that extra time depending on the info you get. For example, if your movers are arriving in the next 15 minutes, there’s no need to change your plans or move to another task. But in case they’re arriving in a couple of hours, you can get back to your things and make a few checks.

See if your essentials bag has everything you need. Check if your valuables are separated from the rest of your belongings. Check if pathways are clear, if everything is ready to go, etc. In case movers won’t be arriving until the next day, even though it’s highly inconvenient, you’ll still have to improvise and adjust your schedule.

Take Action

Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with an issue in this manner. But, if you’re unable to get in touch with movers for a few days, it’s time to react and notify authorities about your situation. Go ahead and contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888- 368-7238) Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time to seek advice on what you are expected to do next. In case your mover is asking for cash to deliver your items, you’ve clearly been a victim of fraud. You should contact the police before calling FMSCA.

In case you’re involved in a moving scam but you’re not happy with the service, make sure to leave a moving review. Be honest and describe your situation with all the details. Your review can help another customer know about your inconvenience. MyMovingReviews and Yelp are some of the reliable moving company reviews websites.

If you’re looking for a licensed and reliable moving company, check out Big Apple movers. We’re at your service and we’ll provide a Brooklyn moving quote completely free of charge.

4 Useful Tips for Finding a Great Moving Company

Posted on August 5, 2020August 24, 2020 by BigApple

If you’re planning on moving soon, you’ll need to hire a reputable NYC moving company. While it is possible to DIY your move, it’s not recommended. Moving by yourself is a major hassle, and moving furniture and heavy boxes is easier said than done. If your budget allows for it, it’s a better idea to hire a professional moving company. Unfortunately, moving scams are surprisingly common, so it’s important to find local movers who have a good reputation and are properly licensed. Follow these 4 useful tips for finding a great moving company.

1. Ask around in your network to help you find a great moving company

Word of mouth is a coveted (but hard to get) form of marketing. That’s because it has to be legitimately earned through exceptional service. One of the best ways to find a great moving company New York is to ask people you know for a recommendation. Chances are you have a friend, neighbor, or co-worker who can recommend someone. Ask around in your network if anyone has moved recently. If they have a good experience, it is a great reference. Successfully completed move from a close person is a pretty good bet. Remember to do the same for someone after you complete your move by leaving a review.

Speaking of reviews, the online era gives you the freedom to do a complete check on the company you are eyeing to hire. Go online and search for NYC moving companies reviews. Read impressions from their previous customers to see how many of them were satisfied with a service. Search for comments relatable to your situation. For example, if you are moving long-distance, read comments specifically addressing that type of move. Don’t get discouraged if you come upon one bad comment. However, pay attention if movers respond to the complaint in a professional manner and if they are searching for ways to solve the issue. The way they handle problems will tell you a great deal about how they run their business.

2. Look up moving companies on the USDOT website

Interstate movers are regulated by the US DOT. They maintain an online database of moving companies, which lets you see their previous consumer complaints and safety performance records. You can view their US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to verify that they’re registered with the federal government. You can also look up the company on other resources like the Better Business Bureau. That is a non-profit organization that works to protect consumers and expose fraudulent or poor service. Each company needs to go through a vetting process to become a BBB member.

You can also check the company’s license and insurance number to make sure they operate in a legal manner. Furthermore, get in touch with movers. Give them a call and speak to the representative that can answer your questions about the company’s credentials. Feel free to ask them if they can provide proof of their license number, and pay attention to the person you speak if they are polite and open to answering your questions. It will give you some more insight into the way they operate and if you want to make arrangements with them.

3. Get estimates from more than one moving company

Shady or illegitimate moving companies often give suspiciously low estimates. If you’re not even sure how much your move should cost, you may not realize that you’ve been given a low-ball quote. It’s a good idea to get estimates from more than one moving company, to get a better idea of reasonable pricing. All reputable movers will offer an on-site estimate to determine the price. Take this with a grain of salt because it might be easier to get an online estimate due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever the case might be, keep in mind that movers have to see your property in order to provide a quote. Compare quotes from a few different movers to find the average price. After you decide what works for you regarding the budget, you can proceed to details regarding the services they are offering.

4. Don’t go with the lowest bidder

It’s only natural to look around for the best deal. But be careful because an abnormally low estimate can be a sign that something’s not right. It could be that the company doesn’t do good work, or it could even be a scam where they’ll bill you for a lot more on moving day. Normally, your final cost won’t be more than 110% of your original non-binding estimate, but some companies will pull a bait-and-switch that lures you in with a lowball estimate. You already got several quotes, so it’s easy to see whether one of them stands out. If the price seems too good to be true, it most probably is. Be very careful not to hire the lowest bidder in case it differs extremely from all the others.

Also, check if proper paperwork is following because you should always get a signed contract with your movers. It can be binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed, it depends on your preference which you will choose. But if your amazing-low-price movers are not providing a written and signed contract, you are better off finding another one.

Moving Companies in NYC

Moving in NYC? At Big Apple Movers, we provide residential and commercial relocation services for both local moves and long-distance moves. To find out more, call us anytime, or get in touch today to get a free moving quote.

Useful Tips for Spotting Moving Scams

Posted on July 9, 2020July 9, 2020 by BigApple

Moving scams are surprisingly common nowadays. Moving is a complex and difficult process, and there are people out there who prey on people amid the chaos and confusion that moving can sometimes cause. That is why you should always opt for a moving company that you can trust, and that has a transparent paying method. Before hiring movers, make sure that you check the credibility and reliability of the moving company. Ask for a recommendation from a friend who recently moved and research online NYC moving companies reviews of several movers before you make a choice. If they have reviews from satisfied customers, you can proceed and contact them to get a further insight into their services.

lap top that says fraud alert - avoid Manhattan moving scams — Check online reviews to avoid Manhattan moving scams

We prepared for you some tips that can help you identify moving scams. Follow these steps to avoid getting scammed by shady or unlicensed moving companies.

How rogue movers operate

Illegitimate moving companies generally source their marks through the internet. Often they use black hat SEO tactics to rank in Google for things people search for when they’re looking for moving companies. Here are a few things that generally imply a fraudulent moving company:

Estimate without visual

Scamming moving companies will give you an estimate over the phone or through an email. Every company will need a visual to provide a Brooklyn moving quote. Because the price is based on a total load (weight or size), this is absolutely necessary. If they give you the price without visual of your household, it implies that you are on a good road to be a victim of a scam.

Extremely low price

These companies will quote the price which is usually much lower than what most companies would quote you. Don’t settle quickly at the lowest price offered. Some companies will be more affordable than others, but if an offered quote seems too good to be true, then it probably is. No matter how cheap some movers might be, they still have to cover for some expenses like gas for moving vehicles and labor.

Unexpected bill

After your move, your bill will be significantly higher than you expected. If you refuse to pay or are unable to, they will hold your belongings hostage until you do. On the other hand, a trusted company will offer different types of quotes and you will sign a contract depending on your needs and possibilities. There are binding, non-binding, and binding-not-to-exceed contracts, but every contract should have a transparent price and no surprising expenses after the move is done.

Red flags to look for to avoid moving scams

Here are some of the most common red flags that signify that you might be encountering a moving scam. When you’re shopping around for local moving companies, these can give you an idea of what to avoid.

Movers won’t agree to an onsite inspection

To give you an accurate estimate for the cost of your move, we need to visually assess what you need us to move. We’ll need you to show us your home and belongings so we can get an accurate idea of what you’ll probably pay. No reputable moving company would give you a non-binding estimate without a visual inspection. If they do so, it’s usually a sign that something’s not right. An online estimate is often, and convenient, especially during COVID-19 pandemic. However, a reputable moving company New York will always be willing to visit your home and provide an onsite estimate. It is up to you to choose which option you prefer.

Movers demand a large cash deposit before the move

In Florida, moving companies are required to accept a minimum number of payment types, as delineated in Florida Statues Chapter 507. We will never insist on cash. If someone does, it could mean that they’re committing tax fraud, or otherwise doing something shady that requires them to avoid leaving a paper trail. You should ask your movers as many questions as you need to understand the moving costs and insist on signing a contract. Inquire about additional charges that might apply for extra services, like packing or transporting large items.

A Large Cash Deposit Indicates a Moving Scam — Be wary of moving companies that demand a large cash deposit before the move

They don’t provide you with the right paperwork

Movers are legally required to provide you with a document called “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”. We may provide a paper copy of this PDF link from the FMCSA website. It is important that both parties involved are protected, and paperwork is essential in collaboration. Don’t hire movers that are not providing paperwork for their services.

The company’s website doesn’t have their information. Their site should include a local address and a phone number where you can reach them. Fraudulent movers often lack a physical address, and may actually be a moving broker disguised as a moving company. Reliable moving companies will always have their own website, along with all the information and contacts.

Avoid moving scams with professional movers in NYC

Are you searching for reputable movers and storage NYC? At Big Apple Moving, we help local homeowners, renters, and commercial businesses. Whether you are moving within the area or moving a long distance, we will transfer your belongings safely. We will be happy to answer any questions that you might have, and provide reliability and credibility. Call us any time to get started, or contact us to get in touch today.

Hire Professional Movers to Avoid Moving Scams — Professional movers unloading the cardboard boxes in the van

Best Home Improvement Loans For 2019

Posted on November 17, 2019January 25, 2024 by BigApple

After reading this article, it will be easier for you to decide about the right loan for you. Furthermore, we made an essential guide when it is about home improvement loans. Decorating and renovating your apartment make you feel like the king in your new home. No matter if you are going to rent out or even sell your home very soon, renovating will increase your home’s value for sure. Not only that home improvements are possible while the moving process, but also they are very recommendable. Continue reading “Best Home Improvement Loans For 2019”

Moving From San Francisco To New York

Posted on September 7, 2019September 28, 2023 by BigApple

Relocating from one of the most expensive cities to one of the most remarkable cities in the country requires a high level of moving expertise in order to achieve a successful transition. It is crucial to meticulously prepare for the move from San Francisco to New York, as both cities are densely populated and bustling hubs of activity.

To ensure a smooth relocation, it is imperative to invest all available resources into organizing the move effectively. We understand the complexities involved in such moves, but we also recognize that they can be simplified. Therefore, today, we will disclose some valuable insights on how to effortlessly move from San Francisco to New York.

When To Move From San Francisco To New York

San Francisco and New York are arguably two of the most remarkable destinations in the United States. While we acknowledge the splendor of other bustling metropolises across the nation, there is an intangible quality to the atmosphere of these two cities that renders them unique in their own right.

Swapping one for another is going surely going to be a shock. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are all set for moving to New York before you actually embark on this journey of yours.

How do you prepare? Well, except gathering information on the city that you are moving to, you need to make sure that you plan your move in the right way. Therefore, let’s take a look at what you need to pay attention to when moving from San Francisco to New York:

Come up with a moving plan as soon as possible
Choose a reliable moving company to help you with your move
Make sure to deal with paperwork on time
Throw a good-bye party before you are due to leave

Ultimately, even though NYC is different, it is still an amazing place to live in. Therefore, do not despair for leaving the Bay Area. You can always come back and visit. Now, let’s get you all set up for your move.

Make Moving Plan As Soon As Possible

The first thing that you need to take care of as soon as possible is coming up with a moving plan.

Many individuals tend to underestimate the significance of the moving process, perceiving it as a task that can be approached with a leisurely attitude. However, this perception is far from accurate. Moving entails a series of intricate procedures that demand a substantial amount of time to be executed effectively.

As a general guideline, it is advisable to allocate approximately six months to adequately organize and prepare for the relocation from one’s current residence. It is important to acknowledge that although move-related matters may not require daily attention, unforeseen circumstances beyond one’s control can arise, necessitating proactive measures.

Therefore, come up with a moving plan as soon as you can. Then, start getting in touch with moving companies in New York.

Choose A Reliable Moving Company

Moving companies are plentiful. This means that you are going to need to do some digging to find the one for you.

The best way to go about this business would be to talk to them. Talk to as many of them as you can. Ask them for their free moving estimates San Francisco. Once you receive them, compare quotes. See which mover offers the most affordable service. Ultimately, make your choice. However, bear in mind that the price is not always a sign of affordability. Take into account the services offered. Only then will you be ready to make the best decision.

Deal With Paperwork On Time

When planning a relocation from San Francisco to New York, it is crucial to consider the necessary paperwork. This aspect of the process often demands a significant amount of time to complete. Consequently, it is advisable to initiate the necessary arrangements well in advance of the actual move.

You should make sure to visit your utility companies, doctor’s offices and kids’ schools at least a month before the moving date. Let them know when you are going to leave San Francisco. Ask them to prepare all of the documentation by then.

Throw A Goodbye Party To Celebrate Your Moving

Every story needs closure. When you are moving away, throwing a good-bye party is the way to go out in style.

A good-bye party should represent a celebration of everything good that happened to you in San Francisco. Therefore, make sure to invite all of your close and good friends to it. Spend a day or a night together. Make barbeque or simply hang around. Soak in that atmosphere. It may be a while until you feel like that again. Only then will you be ready for your residential move to NY.

Conclusion

Preparing for moving from San Francisco to New York is pretty easy when you know what you need to pay attention to. Still, what can be hard is settling in in the new city. How many people in New York do you know? Is there someone who could meet with you after moving? Someone that could get you to know the people and have fun with? If so, you are going to have a very good time. Otherwise, just let go. After all, this is New York that you are moving to.

Things That Can Go Wrong When Moving

Posted on August 29, 2019August 21, 2023 by BigApple

Despite the best possible planning, relocation remains an unpredictable endeavor. Numerous remarkable anecdotes and unforeseen occurrences have been reported by individuals during the moving process. Given the complexity of moving, it is advisable to be aware of potential challenges.

While it is impossible to predict every eventuality, it is possible to identify the most common obstacles that may arise during relocation. This article will prove to be a valuable resource for those who are preparing to move in the near future.

Last-Minute Packing

People usually plan ahead to prevent problems when moving. However, we’ve all had to pack at the last minute for a trip. The same disorder and confusion can occur when packing for a move at the last minute.

Overpacking is the most common problem here. If you didn’t have enough time to pack (or you are trying to do it in the cheapest time to move) and you see the movers arriving at your place, you’ll forget to pack some items.

Besides, you can overpack the boxes or break something if you’re in a hurry. It often happens that people get oversentimental and refuse to leave some items behind despite previous arrangements. The consequence of packaging is the extra cost of the weight of your household.

Oversized Furniture

One of the most common and challenging issues that can arise during a move is furniture that does not fit through doorways. This problem often occurs when individuals fail to measure the available space in their home and create a floor plan in advance. When furniture cannot fit through doors, stairs, or hallways, it can cause significant inconvenience.

However, there are several options available to address this issue. One option is to remove the door from its hinges to create additional space. Another option is to disassemble the furniture and remove any detachable parts.

The most difficult solution involves using a rigging system to move items through a window, which requires specialized equipment and a team of individuals.

Additional Costs

What an unpleasant situation. Empty pockets are a big problem when it comes to relocating. Extra fees and additional costs are the things that can go wrong while moving and leave us with empty pockets. To avoid this, before you sign the moving contract, read all the details and ask for extra costs.

If you already have your estimates in writings, that’s good. But remember that the final moving cost is determined by the total weight of your household. If you run out of packing supplies or movers have to lift heavy furniture and take it downstairs that can lead to extra moving costs.

Parking and Traffic

Parking and traffic issues are terrible things that can go wrong when moving to a new home, especially if you’re moving to a metropolis like NYC. Despite the fact that you’re going to lose a couple of hours searching for a parking lot or waiting in a traffic jam, you can get extra fees.

If the moving truck has to drive around until you find a parking space, the moving company can charge you an extra fee. Make sure you reserve parking space ahead of time and explore all ways to your new home in case of traffic jams.

Property Damage

Whether you are relocating independently or have enlisted the services of a professional moving company, it is imperative to exercise caution, proper handling, and adequate protection of your furniture to prevent property damage. While minor mishaps may occur during the moving process, property damage should not be one of them.

Whether you intend to sell or rent your former residence, it is essential to ensure that it is left in good condition. Failure to protect heavy furniture, bulky items, and floors can result in accidents. For instance, movers may accidentally drop a heavy item, causing damage to the flooring.

Additionally, walls may be scratched or dented if the available space is not measured accurately. Banisters may also be broken, and corners chipped while moving your belongings. In addition to the cost of moving, you may also incur repair expenses.

Lost Items

Losing your valuables and seeing your fragile items damaged are among the worst things that can go wrong when moving. Unfortunately, accidents happen, but two main reasons for damaging items during a relocation are improper packing and loading. If you want to protect your belongings, ask your moving company about moving insurance and choose one.

But what if professional movers lose your item? You can file a complaint against your movers. And if they damage it? You can act according to moving insurance you chose. There is one thing to know, unexpected situations, car accidents and disasters like hurricane and flood are something movers are not responsible for. If protecting your valuables is something important that you inform yourself about the certificate of insurance moving.

Moving Truck Issues

This example is one of those things that can go wrong when moving on which you don’t have influence. The professional and reliable moving company has professional drivers and the moving truck in an excellent condition. But there are some things that can happen to your belongings if the moving truck gets in trouble. If it’s your fault, and you picked the wrong size of moving truck, your items will be stuffed inside and damaged.

The moving truck can get into traffic jam so you need to wait for hours. In case that moving truck breaks down on the road, your shipment will most probably have to be transferred into another vehicle. The worst scenario is when the moving truck gets into a traffic accident or catches fire.