You’ll never realize how overcrowded the planet is until you run out of space in your home. It can be quite frustrating when it happens. What should you do with an extra chair? Where can you keep some of your ever-growing book collection? How can you park your car when you don’t have enough space […]
How to Make Sure You’re Hiring the Best Moving Companies in NYC
Every person always wants to have the best things in life. And if you’re relocating in a world-class metropolis like NYC, it would only make sense to look for a top-tier moving company. Besides protecting your belongings, it ensures that your relocation will be smooth and successful.
The question is, how do you hire the best movers around you? Fortunately, this guide has mapped out everything for you. Here’s how to do it:
Evaluate Your Needs
Before looking at the qualities of great movers, examine your situation first.
- Can your budget cover full-service moving?
- Do you need to expedite your relocation?
- What types of furniture do you have? Do you own unique items like pianos and bathtubs?
- How can you ensure the safety of your belongings if you pack them yourself?
Take time to reflect on most of these questions. Having a clear idea of your needs will help you focus your selection on the company that meets them satisfactorily.
Don’t Base Off on Price Alone
This is a common mistake among first-time migrants. True, movers that offer a cheaper-than-usual rate would seem like the most straightforward approach to cutting down costs.
But what’s the catch? Well, they might take your belongings hostage then demand a hefty fee before finishing the move. They could also provide mediocre services that don’t guarantee the safety of your items.
With that said, understand that most rates from top moving companies are more than fair enough. For starters, the price they give you is the exact amount you’ll have to pay. Plus, their proven track record will guarantee that your belongings arrive at their destination in one piece.
Years of Experience
As the famous phrase goes, practice makes perfect. You have to hire movers that know the ins-and-outs of relocation, especially in a crowded place like New York City.
And you can’t ignore the fact that moving companies who’ve been in the industry for decades are exceptional at what they do. Besides operating smoothly, you can expect them to professionally handle all the possible challenges and emergencies during your move.
Explore Your Options
Never settle for the first company to lay their cards on the table. There’s a high chance you’ll find better options as you proceed with your search. A general rule of thumb when hiring movers is to compare quotes from at least three different companies. Then choose the best one that fits your budget and will be able to meet your needs.
Beware of Red Flags
Every industry always has its fair share of black sheep. In the moving business, you’ll have to be wary of scams. Imperial Movers, one of the top-rated Manhattan movers, shares some common modus-operandi of rogue companies:
- Asking you to leave a large deposit.
- Not visiting your home to get an estimate. They usually tell you the price over the phone.
- Even if they do come over to evaluate your home, the inspector doesn’t ask relevant questions and provides an estimate after a few ‘glances.’
- The company operates under different names.
- They don’t ask you to sign a contract before working with them.
Note that most rogue movers are cunning and operate with the same impression as a legit company. They can be quite elusive if you track them based on red flags alone. This brings you to the next step.
Ask Your Movers for Credentials
This isn’t something one can easily fake or forge, even for talented scammers. Your company must have legal proof that they’re authorized to run their business.
- USDOT Number – This number serves as a unique identifier that allows the Department of Transportation to monitor a moving company’s activities. You can check if one is registered with the FMCSA by running their USDOT number on the mover search tool.
- BBB Accreditation – A moving company can only obtain accreditation from the Better Business Bureau once they’ve successfully complied with its standards, including resolving customer complaints.
- Positive Online Reviews – Testimonials from previous customers are useful sources of proof of how a company operates and handles its clientele.
Top Moving Companies in NYC
If you follow the steps above, you can guarantee you’ll be hiring excellent movers. However, if you want to work with proven names in the Big Apple, below are highly recommended companies.
Roadway Moving
Featuring elite movers with plenty of experience, Roadway Moving has been serving New Yorkers for several decades. Their top-notch customer support and versatile services make them a client favorite. You can’t be wrong with hiring them.
Contact Number: +1 212-812-5240
Address: 845 3rd Ave 6th floor, New York, NY 10022
Flatrate Moving
As the name implies, Flatrate Moving aims to provide outstanding services at affordable prices. The company operates in many parts of the country so you won’t have to worry about relocating to long distances. If you’re looking for a smooth moving experience, don’t hesitate to give them a call.
Contact Number: (212) 988-9292
Address: 555 West 25th St 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001
Imperial Moving and Storage
When it comes to making customers happy and satisfied, Imperial Movers are the cream of the crop. With a seasoned team of moving veterans, multiple trucks, positive reviews, and a service package that includes everything you need, hiring them would be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
Contact Number: +1 212-879-6683
Address: 83 Washington Pl, New York, NY 10011
In the end, the secret to a seamless move is a reliable moving company. Subsequently, the ultimate key to hiring the best movers is to do ample research. Wishing you success on your relocation!
8 Fun Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Living in Brooklyn
Manhattan has always been the borough of choice if you want to live a life of luxury, glamour, and opportunities. However, the emergence of a solid rival has shaken this seemingly uncontested rule.
Over the past decades, Brooklyn has risen to become one of the hottest places in NYC with its iconic brownstones, hip and trendy culture, historic landmarks, affordability (at least, compared to Manhattan!), and eclectic neighborhoods.
So you’re planning to move to Brooklyn? Get ready to immerse yourself in entertainment and action! Below are eight fun things you should know about this awesome borough when planning your move.
1. Check Out Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is an outdoor food market that features amiably cheap but delicious snacks. Truly a bang for your buck! You can find this paradise at East River State Park on Saturdays and Prospect Park at Breeze Hill on Sundays.
More than 100 vendors work hard to feed 20,000 visitors during weekends. Although it’s most active during summertime, Smorgasburg is open all-year-round. Enjoy a myriad of flavors, from brick oven pizzas to steaming hot Cantonese noodles. You can even pick up food for a picnic!
2. Brooklyn is Meant to be Cycled
This sentiment is true not only Brooklyn but the entirety of NYC in general. New Yorkers always advise newcomers not to bring a car for good reasons (difficult parking, congested streets, and more than ample public transportation). With the Big Apple’s striking skylines, tree-lined roads, and refined attractions, sightseeing the metro by bike is a priceless experience. Worried about cycling through the city for the first time? Check out the handy Brooklyn Bike Tours to familiarize yourself with getting around the borough.
3. Drop by Greenwood Cemetery
Hold up, isn’t this unusual? Visiting a cemetery in a fun things-to-do guide? Well, you’re right for the most part, but don’t lump Greenwood Cemetery in with ordinary graveyards. Considered the most scenic burial ground in Brooklyn, it’s far from depressing or eerie. Stroll along the meandering pathways, and you’ll appreciate its bubbly koi ponds, 600,000 graves, beautifully-molded landscape, gothic architecture, and elegant atmosphere. This haven is your go-to whenever you want to escape the noise and bustle of New York City.
4. Brooklyn is a City in Disguise
How so? Well, if Brooklyn isn’t a borough, it could easily qualify as the fourth largest city in the country! With a dense population of roughly 2.6 million people, the borough proves to be self-sufficient, filled with all the necessary establishments, and boasts a thriving economy. But everyone knows New York City wouldn’t be the same without Brooklyn, so it’s better to keep it that way.
5. The Great Coney Island
A fun guide about Brooklyn would never be complete without its summer capital, Coney Island. A peninsular neighborhood, this place combines the best of everything. It is part beach, part amusement park, and part carnival festivities. Have fun lounging on the glistening sand, stroll the famous boardwalk, enjoy the crashing waves, or get your adrenaline pumping on America’s first roller coaster, The Cyclone! When visiting Coney Island, don’t forget to bring sunscreen!
6. Experience Time Travel
Your face might be screaming with skepticism right now, but it’s true. You can travel through time in Brooklyn. Want to know how? Easy! Just head to downtown Brooklyn and enter the famous Transit Museum. It’s the country’s largest public institution dedicated to preserving the treasured history of New York’s urban transportation.
Built on an old (but definitely reinforced) subway station, blast into the past as you board cars, trolleys, and cabins from long ago. You will even find signposts that are more than a hundred years old! Vintage maps, routes, and ads are still present and intact in the museum. As someone from a modern era of bullet trains and magnetic tracks, you’ll be surprised at how people were so innovative back in the day. Transit Museum is truly the only one of its kind.
7. Visit the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic structure that connects the two greatest NYC boroughs, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Not only newcomers but even locals are still easily caught up in its alluring beauty. The bridge’s history goes way back that a Cold War bomb shelter was found hidden underneath for decades.
8. Botanic Garden’s Fragrance
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a paradise amidst the jungle of concrete in New York City. Its fresh air permeates with the mesmerizing scent of flowers. Take Instagram-worthy shots with picture-perfect beauties, like Cranford roses, Japanese Mahonias, classic daisies, and winterberries. When life feels suffocating, take a breather and visit this refreshing place.
A Tip to Make Your Move Easier
Relocating is never easy in New York City. If you’re already set on moving to Brooklyn, make sure to hire affordable but reliable movers. The key to doing so is to do your research. Don’t be shy to ask questions to avoid getting scammed.
Hurry up. Brooklyn is waiting for you!
5 Things to Consider First Before Renting a Storage Unit For Your Stuff
A storage unit is a lifesaver, especially for people living in densely-populated cities. Even those who reside in large residential homes may need storage services at some point as belongings tend to accumulate as years go by. When you have too much stuff, but upsizing your home size is impossible, unlikely, or too expensive, renting […]