Reasons why you should hire professional movers

So you’ve decided on moving? That’s great! Relocating means new coworkers, new friends, new opportunities! There are great things ahead for you! But, you should make sure to do this right. Trust us, moving isn’t as easy as you’d think. In fact, there are plenty of details to remember, chores to take care of, tasks to complete. It won’t be a breeze, we’ll tell you that much. That’s why we definitely don’t recommend doing it on your own. Luckily, there’s an entire industry of professionals out there that are keen to help you. There’s a bunch of reasons why you should hire professional movers like Dorothy & Martha to complete your relocation:

  • Experience
  • Safety
  • Cost
  • Stress

Continue reading “Reasons why you should hire professional movers”

What To Do When Movers Are Late For A Local Move?

You are in the process of moving. You have done everything right, you gave your best to have this moving process flawless. Indeed, everything was going smoothly however, sometimes when everything goes right it seems as something will have to go wrong at some point, simply for balance. And that is when it happens. Movers are late. You are getting angry, anxious and start losing your mind. Everything you have been avoiding all this time is happening because movers are late for a local move. It is a local move, why are they late? Do not worry, here we will give you some pointers on how to handle situations like this without feeling the stress. Continue reading “What To Do When Movers Are Late For A Local Move?”

The Best Way To Evaluate Local Moving Companies

The long-awaited move is at your doorstep, and there is nothing more to be done to extend it. When relocating, you must rely on your local moving company. By choosing a professional, experienced local moving company, you can count on the residential or commercial move that will be much easier than you could imagine. But first, you need to evaluate local moving companies and choose the best one. In this article, we will show you how to do that the best way. Continue reading “The Best Way To Evaluate Local Moving Companies”

Tips on moving in the off-peak season

Picking a moving date is usually not at the top of your list of priorities. Of course, choosing a new house or an apartment, packing your belongings, and dealing with the logistics of the move is more important. Unfortunately, for a large majority of people, moving in the off-peak season is simply not an option, for many reasons. If you’re one of the lucky few who get to pick their moving date, consider this option. Not only it will save you a lot of money, but there are also advantages to moving when nobody else is. Here are some of the tips on moving in the off-peak season we have collected for you. Continue reading “Tips on moving in the off-peak season”

What Is a Shoulder Dolly?

Have you ever wondered, is it possible to move to a new place, or simply allocate your interior, without stress and pain? Out of the question, the most difficult and demanding part of relocation or redecorating is moving all the heavy furniture or appliances. Common unwanted companions like sore muscles, a stiff neck, and damaged or scratched furniture seem like an inevitable part of moving. But are they unavoidable? Can moving actually be a pleasant experience? Well, look no further, because the Shoulder Dolly is exactly what you need! Let’s take a closer look at it.

What is a Shoulder Dolly?

The Shoulder Dolly is a two-person lifting and moving system that makes moving almost effortless. Transporting heavy furniture and home appliances has never been easier, safer, and more efficient. Two straps and one long lifting belt included in the kit are specially designed for transporting items around with minimum effort and maximum security. The unique design allows for moving large objects with proper lifting techniques. You will use only your strongest muscles on the shoulders and legs. At the same time, you will your lower back, biceps, forearms, or hands safe from harm.

By using shoulders and legs, the Shoulder Dolly significantly diminishes the risk of injury. If you wonder how to protect floors when moving, the answer is shoulder dolly. A shoulder dolly will also allow you to lift boxes correctly when moving house. It allows you freely maneuver, open the door, or balance. If used properly, the risk of injuries is reduced to zero. Also, the instructions and usage are simple and easy. It makes the Shoulder Dolly suitable not only for professionals but for amateurs as well. Unlike hand trucks or wheeled systems, the Shoulder Dolly is perfectly safe for your walls, floors, or furniture. No more scratches and unintentional bumps. All you need to do is to read and follow the instructions carefully and use the Shoulder Dolly as it’s recommended.

 

How long it has been around?

The Shoulder Dolly was introduced in 2004. The inventor, Thomas Dent, got an idea several years before the announcement. He was a student while delivering appliances during the summer holidays. He was using an old cut-up jacket with some straps sewed on it, in order to protect his back. After graduation, he continued to work on a design, and that’s how the harness-like Shoulder Dolly was born. In the first 10 months of business, more than 1000 pieces were sold.

How does the shoulder dolly look?

The Shoulder Dolly kit includes three pieces. Two one-size-fit-all straps with a metal clip, and one adjustable 12’ long and 5’’ wide lifting belt. Each kit weighs 4 lbs. The stitched straps and belt are high-quality, heavy-duty polypropylene and can hold 800 lbs. The wide shoulder straps effectively spread the load, and the X-shaped back part contributes to the proper body posture, preventing body injuries. The metal clip mechanism on the straps has a locking rod that prevents accidental slips or malfunctions.

How does the shoulder dolly work?

Two movers should wear the straps with the metal clip in front, and the “X” section of the strap in the back. The label must face outwards, and the adjusting rod on the clip should face the front of the movers. Movers should place the long lifting belt in the middle of the object, for the proper weight distribution of it. Both of the movers should crouch and pass the ends of the lifting strap through the metal clip. The ends of the strap go through the outer side of the clip, for later adjustment. The horizontal position of the clip allows strap adjustment. The vertical position means that the strap is locked and ready for lifting. When standing up, the movers should push the object with both hands, with their backs straight, and lift the item at the same time using their leg muscles.

Features of the shoulder dolly:

Adjustability

Regardless of your height, you can adapt the straps to all sizes through the metal clip on the front side. Wide torso straps sit comfortably on the shoulders, while a 5-inch-wide lifting belt allows maximum control during carrying.

Versatility

Due to strap adaptation, users can lift and move any objects with ease. You can lift items of 800 lbs. maximum weight and 10’ maximum length. This includes bulky household items, furniture, or home appliances like cabinets, mattresses, bedsprings, sofas, stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, china cabinets, big-screen televisions, pianos, etc.

Efficiency

Using the Shoulder Dolly is a proven way to lift and move big heavy objects more efficiently than using traditional moving dollies or wheeled moving platforms. Your walls, floors, doors, or other furniture are safe from damage and accidental scratches, while your hands are free and available for balancing the lifted item or opening the door, moving other objects, all that without interrupting the lifting process. It efficiently saves time while remaining reliable and safe to use.

Work Smarter Not Harder Concept

Safety

By using big and usually the strongest shoulder and leg muscles, the Shoulder Dolly significantly reduces the pressure and strain that other muscles suffer during the extreme effort. Natural leverage and proper weight distribution keep your neck, arms, hands, and lower back protected. Many orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and chiropractors have confirmed that the Shoulder Dolly significantly reduces the risk of muscle stretching and injuries.

Who can use it?

Furniture and electronic retailers, moving and storage companies, homeowners, and professional movers in the U.S. and Canada have been using the Shoulder Dolly for many years. It’s also ideal for local Brooklyn moversart movers Brooklyn, art crating NYC movers, or antique furniture movers NYC. There are two variants available for purchase, a commercial model, and a light-duty model intended for occasional lifting. It will impress you with ease of use and comfort while moving bulky items.

People with physical injuries or limitations should be very careful and keep in mind that the Shoulder Dolly doesn’t give additional strength, it only uses existing capability and muscularity in the best possible way. Also, the straps can handle a maximum weight of 800 lbs. which doesn’t mean that the lifter or lifters can. It is a matter of the lifter’s ability.

Top neighborhoods for millennials in NYC

These days, more young people are flocking to New York City than ever before. Really, it’s no wonder – after all, the Big Apple is the world’s premier city of opportunity! But let’s face it – not everyone wants the same things out of life. If you’re a millennial, you’re looking for different things out of your local area than someone older. That’s why it’s important to pick the right place; before you hire a company like Dorothy & Martha Moving NYC to move you there. Luckily for you, we’ve decided to help you out with that! So if you want to learn what the best neighborhoods for millennials in NYC are – scroll down! Continue reading “Top neighborhoods for millennials in NYC”

The art of successful unpacking

Are you moving? Congratulations! Moving is an important step in a person’s life, and can really be a breath of fresh air. It gives you a chance to start over, decorate your new home the way you always wanted, and have a much-needed change of scenery. And while moving into a new home is certainly something to look forward to, there’s one thing every person moving dreads – packing and unpacking. Preparing your things for transportation and then taking them out one by one at your new house is time-consuming and to put it straight – downright boring. However, packing and unpacking aren’t nearly as hard as they seem – you just need some proper planning, organization, and the right supplies. The good news is that packing things properly will also make your unpacking easier. Most people focus on successful packing, but few think about successful unpacking.

The key to successful unpacking lies in organization and good packing – you can’t unpack with ease if you’ve just crammed everything into boxes and called it a day! But don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to make sure you can unpack smoothly – and only one of them is hiring long-distance movers Brooklyn to pack you. But in case you decide to go for a DIY move, here’s what you should know about the art of successful unpacking.

A box full of children's books in them. If you label them 'kid books', you'll get successful unpacking down in no time.
Of course, successful unpacking can’t be done without good packing – that means labeling every box.

Successful unpacking means knowing where the essentials are

So you’ve just moved into your new place and put the last moving box down. Imagine you suddenly need some minor yet necessary thing, like toilet paper. No one wants to realize they’re out of toilet paper when they need it, right? But thankfully, you did bring some along. But…where is it? Is it in the bathroom boxes? Is it elsewhere? You don’t know. And, in order to unpack successfully, you should. You should pack your essentials, your necessities, the things it would be incredibly inconvenient to be without, in a box labeled as such. That way, you can open one box and have everything you need immediately on arrival. That can be toilet paper, yes, but it can also be a comfy blanket, a change of clothes, or maybe coffee for the addicts among us.

Fuel is important for successful unpacking - even if the fuel is pizza.
Know how you’ll eat, or be prepared to eat takeout until you unpack.

What is an essentials box? How do you pack it?

What counts as an essential? Just imagine what would suddenly be really inconvenient to be without. What goes in a moving day essentials box and what to pack in your essentials bag for a long-distance relocation are questions you should think about before the moving day. The art of successful unpacking lies in the organization – do you know what you’re going to do immediately on arrival? You should. Plus, hopefully, you’ve decluttered before the move so your boxes have only the things you genuinely want – and here are some guidelines and items you may find helpful.

Add “emergency bag” to your to-do list

For a successful moving process, having your to-do list is essential – when you have all the tasks written down, you can easily plan, track your progress, and prioritize as you go. As the essential items are definitely a top priority, you should write down the essentials box as a part of your moving checklist.

Cleaning supplies

Once you arrive at your new home, it will likely be cleaned already by either the previous owner or taken care of by the property manager but you will still want to make sure it’s nice and tidy for you to move in and be 100% sure that each surface is properly cleaned. And since you’re going to clean your new place upon moving in, your essentials box should have some basic cleaning supplies. Of course, you can skip this step in case you plan on hiring professional cleaning services to take care of your home.

Toiletries

You’ll need toilet paper and hand soap for sure but you’ll also need to pack some other basic toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and anything else you use on daily basis.

Medications

Your essential box should also have some painkillers and basic medications, just in case. In case you’re using any prescribed medication, they should be the first to go into the essentials box.

Clothing

A fresh change of clothing and a towel for everyone in your family – to tide you over until you unpack everything else.

A Man Is Unpacking The Moving Boxes After Moving
When unpacking, make sure to be well-organized, just like with the packing

Coffee

If you’re like most people on the planet, you probably need some coffee to keep you going, especially after a long moving day. A coffee maker should go into your essentials bag and so should coffee. No one wants the java jitters mid unpacking.

Utensils

Besides having coffee, you’ll also need to have a bite to eat so you definitely need a set per person – that includes a cup, a fork, a knife, a spoon, and a plate. You sure don’t want to have the first meal at your new home eating with your hands. Also, the important question is − how will you feed yourself? You either need to know you’re ordering takeout – and budget for it – or have a quickly made food item with you. Like, for example, pasta. However, if you have a grocery store near your new place, just go in and raid it. Or you can look at websites like Uber Eats or just look up takeout near you.

Cutters

Once you move in and have a huge pile of boxes all over your new house, you’ll want to start unpacking as soon as possible. Make unpacking easier and pack some cutters, scissors, or scalpels – plan ahead how you’ll open the other boxes!

First aid kit

An emergency kit is a must. After all, you’re going to be using sharp things for unpacking and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Pet items

Got a pet? If you are, for example, moving with pets long-distance, you mustn’t forget about their needs. You need to put pet food and pet dishes in your essentials box too so that your furry friend would be well taken care of during relocation. You can even pack a separate bag with their favorite toys, snacks, some comfort items, etc.

 

Get the kitchen in working order

And yes, that means working – doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be functional, so you can use it while you unpack everything else. But, with that in mind… Successful unpacking is an art, and art depends on the artist. In that vein, this is merely a suggestion – if you feel better straightening out every last detail, by all means, do so! But be aware of why you’re and how you’re doing it. Getting the kitchen ready will help you because you will have a kitchen to cook in – and that can make all the difference when you relocate! You won’t have to constantly dial expensive takeout because you’ll have a place to cook in.

The art of successful unpacking is knowing when to do what - and appliances should be among the firsts on the to do list.
Make arrangements to hook up your appliances as soon as possible – you don’t want a wrench in the works to throw off your successful unpacking!

The bathroom comes second in successful unpacking

This seems like a no-brainer, really. You need the bathroom for a lot of things, and getting it functional is a priority. Imagine really needing a shower, or really needing to use the toilet, with no toilet paper or shower curtain or towels or soap?! That sounds like a nightmare. Once again, the art of successful unpacking is prioritizing – just hanging up the shower curtain and bringing in the hand soap, toilet paper, and towels is enough to tide you over. You don’t need to worry about getting it lined up perfectly or anything, just making it usable until you’re done unpacking. The things you’ll need to use while unpacking should be the top priority when you’re unpacking. This way, you’ll have a working house while you’re working on your house.

What about specialty things?

There are some special things that might be difficult to unpack – because they’re difficult to pack. Things like pool tables or art – things that demand seasoned professionals. Especially art – though, if you’re working on unpacking, art shouldn’t come before the kitchen or the bathroom. However, there’s a reason art lovers search for seasoned art handling companies in NYC – because successful unpacking is difficult when it comes to art! You don’t want to dig around trying to remove your sculpture from its specialty crate and snap a bit off, right? And God forbid you to drop your priceless oil painting! Some items are just way too precious for you to risk damaging them so some things are best left to professionals − and there are no professionals that can match Dorothy & Martha Movers NYC.

If you’re wondering how much it would cost you to have professional Brooklyn movers handle every single aspect of your move, go ahead and contact Dorothy And Martha Moving. We’ll be more than happy to create a customized plan and provide complimentary moving quotes Brooklyn for your upcoming move.

How to pack and protect dishes for transportation

Everyone who’s ever had to prepare for relocation could share their moving story and tell you which part of it was the most complicated and tiresome. Among those stories, you will probably hear that there were those who struggled to figure out how to safely pack and protect dishes for transportation. And yes, this can truly be a great issue. Unless you have a bit of help from professionals and the necessary skills to pull this off. If this task is next on your to-do list, we suggest you take a look at the following text and equip yourself with useful information so that you can pack your household like a pro.

Continue reading “How to pack and protect dishes for transportation”

Tips for Moving Your Office Locally

If you are planning on moving your office locally you should know that commercial moving is just as complex as residential moving, if not more. What do we mean by that? Well, you have to do all the things you normally do when moving to a new home… Just on a much larger scaleFor example, you still have to pack tools and machines, large appliances, and furniture. Not just that, but you also need to take into account the magnitude of the move. And, the ridiculous time crunch in which you need to relocate. That’s why moving your office locally is quite an arduous task. That is exactly why we have created this article – so you don’t make the beginner mistakes most people do when planning a commercial move. These tips for moving your office locally will help you prepare and move your office with ease. Continue reading “Tips for Moving Your Office Locally”

A Guide to Moving Senior Citizens

Moving house always requires some time to adjust to change and get used to living in a new home. Things can get even more challenging for seniors, but luckily, professional movers share their tips on how to make relocation smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for a nicer climate, you want to downsize, you’re retiring, or want to be closer to family, moving will be much easier if you’re well prepared and know what to expect. Moving comfortably as a senior requires some planning and a bit of help from professional movers, you’ll be just fine. Our tips for moving senior citizens will help you get ready for a new chapter in your life and go through relocation smoothly. Carry on reading to find simple tips and a guide to moving senior citizens.

A senior couple is ready for relocation

Plan ahead

Whether you’re moving locally or to another state, planning is extremely important. Although there are differences between local and long-distance moving, basic principles are the same. Creating a moving checklist with all the tasks is a must, as it will keep you from forgetting something important and help you stay on track. Include all the big and small tasks in your checklist and then proceed to prioritize them. Your bigger tasks are finding a new home and figuring out the way to transport your belongings, and smaller tasks include things like getting moving boxes and bubble wrap. This step will help you figure out what can be done personally, and what requires professional helpers.

Important contacts

While you’re making your moving checklist, go ahead and include a phone list as a top priority. Write down all important contacts like your doctor’s phone number, your landlord or real estate agent’s number, your moving company, close family, etc.

Medical plan

This applies to everyone, but especially to seniors – you’ll have to think about your health. Before you move away, make sure you have a medical plan. Your doctor is the best person to advise on this, so go ahead and schedule an appointment. Your medical insurance and important records will need to be transferred, and a doctor will guide you through the process after you explain the situation. Always put your health first and do this in advance to make sure your health is taken care of before you move.

A personal doctor

Hire professional packers

Hiring professionals is often more expensive but also more convenient. Especially for busy people or senior citizens. This is not a must-have step, but it will definitely make your relocation way smoother. There are benefits of hiring professional packers for local moving or long-distance relocation. Even if you have enough time to pack and you’re not in a rush, letting professional packers do this time-consuming task can be highly beneficial. If you decide to go for packing services, they’ll bring their packing materials and equipment to pack all of your items, including fragile or specialty items. Just make sure to get a quote first and see if it fits your budget.

Downsize

You shouldn’t be afraid to downsize when you’re moving, and many seniors choose to do so, especially when moving to another country or for interstate moving. Letting go of some items from your home may seem scary but may also be beneficial for you. By going through your entire household, you’ll be able to declutter and get rid of all those things that are just occupying space. Ask around where to donate unwanted items before long-distance relocation, and do it. You can bring only things you really like. This way you’ll have more space but also have less to move and less to pay for moving services. You can even make some extra cash by organizing a yard sale and selling things you no longer need.

Senior citizens are packing for moving

In case you want to move to a smaller home but you’re not ready to let go of some chunky pieces of furniture, go ahead and read the next tip.

Consider renting a storage unit

When moving as a senior citizen, you may want to move to a smaller home but you don’t want to say goodbye to some beautiful furniture, family heirlooms, or anything else that occupies too much space. If you want to keep some of the belongings safe without making your smaller home cluttered, check your local storage providers. Renting a storage unit will help you keep your items safe until you want to use them again. You can also reach out to your moving company, as some movers also offer storage services.

A self-storage unit

Get familiar with your new surroundings

The next important thing to do is to visit your new home if that’s possible. Moving is always a big change and requires some time to process the fact that you’ll be living in a new home. You’ll have a chance to walk around, get familiar, and avoid a complete surprise on moving day. Visit a few times if your schedule allows, as you will only get more used to the idea of living there. Visiting before moving will also allow you to change your mind on time in case you learn that a new home is just not right for you.

Find the right moving company

Choosing the right moving company is vital, especially when you’re moving as a senior. But, that’s not as easy as it seems. So, you should know how to pick the right mover, right? The best option is to choose movers that are members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers and narrow down your choices to three different options. At this point, you should have an idea about how to compare local movers. Ask all three moving companies to provide a free quote so you could compare and find the best fit. Don’t be shy to look for another mover if something seems off or doesn’t satisfy your needs. Reputable movers will go through all the expenses with you to make sure you’re comfortable with costs and get all information about your relocation.

Moving trucks for moving senior citizens

Hiring a trustworthy moving company for moving senior citizens, is the best way to have a stress-free senior move. Whether you’re moving around the block or to another country, book moving services in advance and avoid last-minute decisions – otherwise, you may pay expensive rates and deal with unnecessary stress. Reach out to Dorothy Moving for a free moving quote.

Free Moving Quote