Packing Antiques by Yourself – Is It a Good Idea?

Posted on September 16, 2021August 22, 2023 by BigApple

Even the flies on the wall know by now that moving is a tough ordeal. The process of relocation is one of the most stressful events in a person`s life. What makes moving so stressful is the fact that there are so many different things one should worry about.

For instance, what is your strategy for the transportation of your belongings? In the event of any damage, what measures have you taken? Have you considered engaging professional movers or opting for a do-it-yourself approach? The relocation process is fraught with numerous concerns and potential pitfalls. Packing valuable antiques independently may prove to be a particularly perplexing and uncertain undertaking.

These items are valuable, so is it a good idea to try to pack them by yourself? Let’s answer the question straight away − packing antiques by yourself is never a completely safe procedure.

But let’s get some more info to learn why it’s not the best option and what to do instead.

Packing Antiques by Yourself vs. Hiring Movers

Hiring relocation professionals is always the best idea. This especially applies if some challenging items need to be packed and transported. And, when we say challenging, we do mean antiques. Be honest, are you aware of how beneficial it would be to hire antique and fine art movers NYC for your relocation? Well, you are about to find out.

Antique and art movers have a lot of experience

When it comes to packing antiques, the challenges that one may encounter are effortlessly handled by a professional moving crew. Their daily experience in dealing with valuable and fragile art pieces ensures that your precious items are prepared for transportation without any difficulty.

Opting for a do-it-yourself approach would require you to source packing materials, determine the best method to pack and secure your antique pieces, as well as find a suitable means of transporting them safely to your new residence. Such a process can be exhausting for an individual, but not for professionals who are accustomed to handling delicate and valuable items.

Professional movers are quick

Things that will take you one week to do, they could do in a day. Just think how much time and planning it takes to move antique possessions. Think about all the small tasks, like going to the store to buy professional packing materials, the time it takes it actually pack it, and eventually time for loading, driving, and unloading from the moving vehicle. Chances are you’ll have to spend a couple of days on this process.

On the other hand, fine art movers will do everything in one day, so it’s the most efficient way to move your goods. Because they’re used to this type of work, their skills are far beyond a regular individual trying to DIY. Time efficiency is one of the top benefits of hiring professionals to handle your antiques.

Professional movers are insured

In the worst-case scenario, where some of your items got damaged or broken, they would reimburse you. Art and antique movers will provide insurance so you’ll be covered in case anything gets damaged along the way. On the other hand, if you choose to move antiques alone, you’ll end up having a damaged piece and no way to be reimbursed for it.

Of course, this all sounds great. However, affordable movers NYC – based are not so easy to find. Their fees are often steep, which is why people decide to relocate and pack by themselves. In case you are not in an envious financial situation and you cannot afford to hire movers, let us help you with this challenging task that is in front of you. These are some simple steps to follow in case you decide to move antiques on your own.

How to prepare your antiques for moving?

The preparation is just as important as the packing itself. Before we dig into the rules you should follow when packing antiques, let`s first mention the proper way to prepare your valuables for such a move.

Make an inventory list

You should take a day or two to go through your house and make a list of every antique you have in your possession. This will be important for the future days when you are unpacking your things and checking whether everything is where it`s supposed to be. We are experienced Big Apple Movers, so trust us when we tell you that you do not want to skip this step.

It may be a bit time-consuming if you have many antique pieces but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming at all – so many different home checklist apps are available that can even make it a fun experience. If that’s not your cup of tea, just go the traditional way and use pen and paper to write down your antique items.

Clean your antiques

Just like you plan on cleaning the rest of your furniture before packing it, you should do the same with your antiques. However, make sure to use only water and avoid any strong chemicals. You do not want to damage your priceless pieces. Moreover, if you possess any antique furniture that you plan on transporting, make sure you empty it before the moving day. Take out all the contents, such as doors, legs, knobs. This will protect your antique furniture from any additional damage. Don’t forget that each piece of furniture should be wrapped individually and secured for maximum protection.

Purchasing insurance is a must

If we could set apart only one thing that you must do before transporting your antiques, it would be this one! By purchasing insurance, you are making sure that even in the case of any damage, you would not suffer a big financial loss. Yes, this will not exactly save you money in the Big Apple, but it will give you a sense of security.

How to pack antiques?

Now that your antique furniture is ready for packing, it is time to deal with the finishing touches. This is the time to be even more careful when handling your antiques. So, what are the common rules you should abide by when approaching this task?

Use quality protective packaging materials

In most cases, the packaging is what affects the most a condition in which your items will arrive at a new location. Moreover, it is advisable to add at least two layers of protective materials. Don’t try to save money at this stage, as quality bubble wrap, moving blankets, and other professional materials will play an important role in keeping your antique items safe.

Secure your antiques tightly

If you are moving antique furniture, make sure to use plastic wrap, which will hold your items in place. If you are dealing with breakable antiques, make sure to fill in the extra space in the moving box with foam peanuts – you want to avoid shifting inside the box. Also, the tape is a must and you should use it to secure everything in place and prevent anything from falling out during transit.

Never forget to properly label the boxes

This especially goes for fragile antiques, such as vases. You need to let everyone know that the box in question needs to be handled with utmost care. Even though you will clearly mark each box, always verbally inform your helpers about extra fragile content.

Everyone should know how to pack fragile items, which antiques are. They cost a lot of money, which puts them in a special category.

When to call in for professional help?

If you had an expensive piano in your possession, would you attempt to relocate and pack it by yourself, or would you call piano movers NYC to handle this task? That`s right, you would, in 99 percent of the cases, be wise, and call in for professional help. The same rule applies to your antiques. In case you own some very expensive, or rare antiques, be smart. There will be no refund that could make up for that one-of-a-kind vase. And, if you attempt to move such expensive antiques by yourself, you are taking an unnecessary risk. A huge one, if we might add.

Packing antiques by yourself – is it a good idea?

The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question; which, we are sure, you have realized by now. However, if you own some antiques which are of extreme importance, please think carefully about them! Packing antiques by yourself can only be advisable in those situations when you can imagine parting with the items in question. In every other situation, the risk is too great. Of course, the best way to move antiques is to get professional antique movers to help you. Specialized NYC movers may not seem like the most affordable option at first, but in most cases, it’s worth it. If you’re eyeing to hire a reliable moving company to assist with moving your precious belongings, Big Apple may be the right fit. Contact us and get free moving quotes Brooklyn.

Moving Heavy Items With Ease – Here is How

Posted on June 19, 2021September 6, 2023 by BigApple

If you have made the decision to relocate, it is imperative to acknowledge that all of your belongings must be transported. While clothing and smaller items can be conveniently packed by oneself, the transportation and loading of such items can be effortlessly executed by moving and storage companies in New York City. However, the transportation of heavier items can pose a challenge.

You can try moving heavy items with ease but we wouldn’t recommend it since you can get injured or damage your belongings. However, your reliable NYC moving company will be up for the task and movers will do it easily and professionally. They are already experienced when it comes to lifting and moving heavy items with ease. We will give you some advice about what to pay attention to when moving heavy items and which tools to use.

What to Pay Attention to When Moving Heavy Items

When it comes to relocating bulky objects, it is imperative to acknowledge that assistance is required. Such assistance can be obtained from professional movers or acquaintances. While the latter may be willing to lend a hand, it is important to note that they lack the expertise necessary for handling heavy items. Similarly, as an amateur, you may also lack the requisite skills. Conversely, professional movers are seasoned experts who guarantee a seamless relocation process.

If you have a lot of heavy items that need to be moved your movers might charge extra. You are probably wondering can you find cheap movers in New York? Well, you can look for special discounts and deals, even when it comes to moving bulky items. So as we said, if you want to avoid injuries or damage you should hire professionals to lift your heavy objects.

In Case Friends are Helping

In order to ensure a smooth and efficient process when enlisting the assistance of friends or family members for the transportation of heavy items, it is advisable to request that they confirm their arrival the day prior. It is not uncommon for individuals to cancel plans at the last minute, and such an occurrence could prove to be detrimental when dealing with cumbersome objects.

Additionally, it is imperative to create a welcoming and hospitable environment for those who have kindly offered their assistance. This can be achieved through the provision of refreshments such as cold beverages, snacks, and even a prepared lunch. In the event that the task at hand requires several hours of labor, a meal such as pizza or any other suitable option would undoubtedly be appreciated.

Prepare the Route

You should prepare the moving route for your movers when they are out moving heavy items with ease. If there are any obstacles on the way you should move them. Your affordable movers NYC will need a clear transit to move and take those bulky items out of your home. They will need important information.

You need to point to the doorways and entrances and exits they will use
Measure the furniture and give them the information if it can fit through the exits

or not. They will have a backup plan if you inform them in time. When you hire decent movers, give them all the info they can get.

You Should Lift Carefully

If you want to lift something heavy before your movers arrive you should do it very carefully. Do not try to lift with all of your strength at once. Test the weight of the object first. Try and lift one side of the object slowly. You should always get help before lifting anything. Your body posture an movements have to be appropriate when you are lifting heavy items.

You should bend the knees. Never bend from the waist. Your back needs to be straight and upright
Another useful piece of advice is to always keep the item close to your body while you are carrying it.

Always Push, Never Pull

The secret to moving heavy items with ease is pushing rather than pulling them. When you pull a heavy item, like a piece of furniture, you have more control over the entire process. You will have visual control as well. You will be able to move and push the heavy item in the right direction.

How to Move Furniture

The heaviest items you will have to move will probably be pieces of furniture. The first trick you should apply is to remove everything. This way you will make the pieces of furniture lighter. Remove all of the drawers and shelves. Some shelves and cabinets can be taken apart.

Be sure to do this. It will be much easier to transport and move them in pieces. When you disassemble them save all of the nuts and bolts. You will need them later to reassemble everything.

Prepare Furniture Pads

You will need furniture pads when you move furniture. Your movers will obtain them. They are very important because they will protect your furniture. Your furniture will not get scratched or damaged when transported.
Sliders are your best friends when you need to move heavy furniture. You lift one side of the furniture and put a pad under it. You do that with all of the other sides. After you do this, you will be able to slide and move your furniture around with ease.
Prepare newspapers and blankets. You can use old blankets, newspapers, and cardboard to move and push the furniture across the room. This will protect your floors from damage.

How to Move Appliances

Domestic appliances can also possess considerable weight. In addition to furniture, these are the most weighty items that necessitate relocation. Primarily, it is imperative to make preparations for their transportation. Ensure that all contents are removed from both the surface and interior of the appliances.

Allow for a 24-hour defrosting period for refrigerators prior to the move. Turn off the gas supply for stoves and water lines for washing machines. Loose cables may impede the process and result in complications. It is advisable to affix them to the rear of the appliance using adhesive tape.

You Will Need a Dolly

When you move appliances like a fridge you cannot lower it on its side. If you do this the liquid will run out of the compressor. You should use a dolly. If you put appliances on it they will stay in an upright position. That is very important when moving and transporting them. This is quite simple. You lift one side of the appliance and put a dolly under it.

After that, you just strap it and tilt the dolly backward. Your appliance is ready to be moved. If you have to lower it downstairs you can make an improvised ramp. You can do this by putting two boards over the stairs. When you stand between the boards you can control the movement of the dolly.

Use Smaller Boxes

Pack heavier items inside smaller boxes. Transport electronics in original packaging and don’t forget to label the boxes. We hope this advice about moving heavy items will come in handy.

Don’t Forget to Label Items

As we already mentioned, labeling items are essential when moving heavy items with ease. Not only will you know exactly what is inside the moving box, but you will also know how heavy it is. Plus, when disassembling items, you will need to know exactly where each of the parts is, to be able to assemble it later on with ease. If you have any bolts, screws, or other small pieces of larger items, pack them inside a plastic Ziplock bag. In this way, you can rest assured that nothing will fall out.

Moving from Manhattan to Jersey City

Posted on August 8, 2019September 5, 2023 by BigApple

In recent years, many people are deciding to move from Manhattan to Jersey City. But, why would anyone want to leave Manhattan or even NYC? Well, when you are moving from Manhattan to Jersey City you won’t get that feeling you are leaving New York.

Even though Jersey City is in another state, it is so close to NYC that some people are referring to it as a New York City’s sixth borough. Manhattan’s proximity and still affordable rents make it a new target for people who are sick of living in Manhattan’s tiny apartments with astronomical rents.

But, with many newcomers who are migrating from NYC to Jersey City, the rents here, are starting to get pricey, too. So, before others beat you to it, hire Manhattan movers and start packing today.

Moving from Manhattan to Jersey City Becoming Popular

Jersey City is the second-most populous city in the state of New Jersey. It has around 280 000 people according to the 2022 population estimate program. They also found that from 2010, Jersey City had an increase in population for almost 10%. That is the largest population increase in the state of New Jersey in this period.

This means, that Jersey City has become a popular destination for many people. And it is not hard to see why. Jersey City is actually a part of the New York metropolitan area. So, you can still feel like a New Yorker, but with a larger apartment and with lower rent.

That does sound very nice, but as you can see, Jersey City is becoming very popular And, rent prices are starting to go up. But, if you hire cheap movers NYC, you can save some cash, at least for first-month rent.

Learn about the neighborhoods before Moving

When relocating from Manhattan to Jersey City, the initial step is to secure a suitable apartment. However, given the numerous neighborhoods in Jersey City, it can be challenging to determine where to begin your search. It is therefore advisable to familiarize yourself with the various neighborhoods in Jersey City before embarking on your apartment hunt. This will enable you to make an informed decision when selecting your preferred apartment. Presented below is a concise list of some of the trendy neighborhoods in Jersey City.

Newport, this is the first neighborhood you will see when you are moving from Manhattan to Jersey City and crossing the Hudson River.
Grow Street area, sits next to Newport. A place with many bars and restaurants that were opened in recent years.
Paulus Hook is a neighborhood with many young families. Beautiful streets are full of trees, greenery, and red brick apartments.
Hamilton Park is considered to be one of the safest and most enjoyable neighborhoods in Jersey City.
Exchange Place is a great neighborhood if you are a striving professional looking for luxury residential complexes.

Moving from Manhattan to Jersey City because of location

The best thing about Jersey City is its location. It is so close to so many great places. And Manhattan is just a bridge away. Some locations within Manhattan are just 15-20 minutes away if you are using the Path train. Financial District is even closer. It will take you just 5 minutes to reach it. You cannot get much closer than that.

It is widely acknowledged that a short commute to work is of great significance. In addition to Manhattan, Jersey City is in close proximity to a plethora of other desirable locations. One can enjoy a day at the beach or embark on a hike through the many trails in the surrounding area, such as Bear Mountain or the charming small towns nearby. Living in an urban environment can be taxing, and having the option for a quick escape is invaluable. Fortunately, Jersey City offers an abundance of such opportunities.

Get new furniture before Moving

If you decided that you are moving to Jersey City you need to start thinking about packing and hiring movers. The first thing to think about is what things are going to your new place and what you want to get rid of. When you are moving from Manhattan to Jersey City you are probably moving to a larger apartment. That is the whole point of your move, right. Therefore, you will probably need to buy some new furniture to fill up the larger space. But if you decide to sell your old furniture, you will get some money for it, but you will also lower your relocation cost. That is the most effective way to move and to have only new furniture in your new apartment.

Think About Hiring Packing Services

Packing on your own is not such a great idea anymore. Packing and unpacking services are not expensive these days. And if you count in the prices of packing supplies and effort you will have to invest into packing on your own. It is more than obvious that hiring a packing service is the right choice.

The packing crew will come to your home with all materials needed for quality packing of your items. You just need to give them some directions, so they are aware of fragile or valuable items that need special attention during packing and transportation.

They will also unpack your items when they arrive at your destination home. Just make sure that you are present during packing and unpacking. You want to inspect your items and report possible damage to the head of the moving crew.

How to store your books in NYC home

Posted on May 16, 2019 by BigApple

Moving to New York is a big change in your life and it forces you to adapt to a new lifestyle. Along with getting used to a new location, a new pace of life and a new subway system, you need to fit your belongings into a new space. We are all familiar with the fact that many places in New York are smaller than one might like. Some people have an issue fitting all of their belongings into their New York home. If you’re looking for moving estimates NYC before the move, you can search online and get the information you need. And if you’re worried about storage, here’s how to store your books in NYC home. Continue reading “How to store your books in NYC home”

Prepare your home for your family before you move in

Posted on November 5, 2018November 8, 2018 by BigApple

Moving with your family is a hard task. It will take a long time and it will be stressful. Not just for you, your entire family will be stressed. You must get them ready for such a big life change. You will have to prepare your home for your family to make sure they start enjoying their new home as fast as possible. This is not an easy task, it can be quite tricky. Don’t worry we are here for you. We have gathered information about the best ways you can prepare your home before you move in so that you can have an easier time adapting to your new home. Continue reading “Prepare your home for your family before you move in”

How to Pick the Right Size Storage Unit

Posted on June 18, 2018August 7, 2023 by BigApple

While some may assume that selecting an appropriate storage unit size is a straightforward task, the reality is that numerous individuals commit errors in the process. Given the diverse range of storage unit types and sizes available, it is crucial to identify the most suitable option for your specific requirements. As such, it is prudent to engage in careful planning and thoughtful consideration prior to making a final decision on the appropriate storage unit size.

That way you will avoid potential space and money issues and have a safe storage unit for your items. Check out our guide and learn how to choose a good size for your storage facility.

What Do You Need a Storage Unit For?

The optimal size of a warehouse is contingent upon its intended use. It is therefore imperative to establish the fundamental purpose of the prospective storage facility. One potential application is the storage of items within the unit, with infrequent access for an extended period, such as several months or until the next relocation.

In this case, you don’t need to think much about the size and how you are going to pack the things inside. In this case, you maybe need a short-term storage. The unit can be a smaller one, and not cost a lot. The other scenario is actually using the items inside the unit regularly.

In this case, you need to think about the size of the unit and the way you store the items inside. Also, you may need a long-term storage. All of that in order to make it easier for you to go through the unit if you need it and find the things you stored inside.

Count and Measure the Items

During the moving process, it would be useful on many levels to make the inventory list of your items. You can use this list while packing, to check the number of boxes after the move, and to see what items go to the storage unit. While making the list, make sure to label the boxes and measure both the boxes and items that are not stored in boxes.

This way you will know how much space you need and therefore choose the right size storage unit.

Pay Attention to Special Items

When selecting the appropriate storage unit size, it is important to consider any items that may require special accommodations. This includes irregularly-shaped items that cannot be boxed, as well as items that are oversized or fragile. It is imperative to handle these items with care and, if necessary, utilize specialized shelving to ensure their safekeeping.

Don’t Take a Unit Way to Small or Way Too Big

When choosing the right size storage unit, it is important not to go too big or too small. If you choose a unit that is too big, you will end up paying more money. Furthermore, you will store the things you need and create more and more clutter over time.

However, a storage unit that is way too small, will not allow air to go around the unit and therefore maybe damage your things. You can also damage your items if you put too many of them in a small place. That’s why choosing the right size storage unit is important. However, if you are not sure, it is always better to take a slightly bigger storage unit, just in case.

What Types of Storage Units Can You Find?

In terms of the size you can find three basic types of storage units:

Small units – these storage units are usually 5×5 or 5×10. They can replace a home closet for example. These storage units are ideal for storing some basic smaller thing like books, toys, some boxes, kitchen tools, maybe a ski equipment set or a bicycle. A 5×10 storage unit can even hold some furniture, like chairs, a mattress, a coffee table, etc.
Medium size units – these you can find in sizes 7×10, or 10×10. Along with all the smaller items, you can store a lot more. Furniture, boxes, mattresses, etc.
Large units – these units go 10×15, 10×20 or even 10×30. They can store your whole home if you need them to. Large units like this are not commonly used for home storage, but for commercial storage or some special equipment.

Who Can Help You When Choosing the Size of a Storage

As long as you have done this many times and you don’t need help, we advise contacting NYC storage professionals. This way you will be sure that you made the right decision when it comes to choosing the right size storage unit, packing and sorting things out. The people who work there are trained and have enough experience to give you the best advice.

They will show you the units and help you decide which one suits your needs the best and provide you with any other additional moving services. This way you will be sure that you get the best value for the money you pay.

Other Helpful Tips

Moving truck to measure the space. Beside just measuring the boxes and your items, a moving truck that you used to relocate can help you too. It can ba reference for the size of a unit you need. However, a moving truck is usually slightly bigger than the storage unit necessary for the same number of items stored inside.
Visit the unit before you choose. It is very important to see the unit yourself before you pay or sign anything. Go and check the condition of the exact unit a storage company offers you – not the ‘example’ one. This way you can check if there is any damage to the unit, if the electricity works, is it dry, etc.