How To Move Out Of Your Parents’ House?

Congrats and good luck for taking the first step toward becoming a grownup! There are numerous benefits to living at home with your parents, such as cost savings and support from the family, but now you will have independence, and you’ll love it. A first-time mover could have concerns. It may be both exciting and scary to leave your parents’ home since this stage is equally about freedom and making your way into the world. You take on more obligations when you move away from home. While remaining grounded, there are strategies to simplify the entire process. The instructions in this article will help you successfully begin your new life and move out of your parents’ house. We are glad to help you on your journey when you are ready to take that step.

Make sure your leaving is motivated by the proper reasons

Whatever you choose to do after leaving your parent’s home, it is a huge challenge. Therefore, before you move out of your parents’ house, consider whether are you able to manage the cost of paying your rent and other expenses. It is also important to know do you adapt well to new experiences, or do you wish to explore relationships and activities that aren’t possible where you now live. Or maybe you just dislike the rules your parents have set for you. If you can answer any of those questions with “yes”, then maybe it’s time for you to go.

Consider delaying this choice if your urge to move out is motivated by societal pressure, you’re just temporarily dissatisfied with your family, or you are unable to afford to move.

A Young Woman Is Moving Out Of A Parents' House

Speak with your family

Inform your family that you are planning to leave, and go over your options. It’s possible that your parents are ready for you to go and have been urging you to do so for some time. Or maybe they want you to stay forever. No matter what they think of the situation, it’s important to make your plans and your relocating strategy clear to them. Just keep in mind that even though they are thrilled for you and your new life, they can still be a little sorry to see you leave. When making them aware of your plans to move out, be highly conscious of their needs and feelings.

You can get in contact with the services you’ll need along the way, such as movers, lenders, and real estate agents, by asking family and friends who have moved in the past.

Set a budget

The most important thing, when you need to move out of your parents’ house, is money. Moving out on your own will definitely cost you money. There are a few additional expenses, ranging from moving your possessions to paying your security deposit. If you’re relocating to a different state, these costs will rise even higher. Even if this isn’t the most enjoyable aspect of moving out, it’s a good idea to optimize your finances.

Did you know that landlords look at your credit history to decide if you’ll be able to pay the rent on time? You are required to pay your rent and other monthly payments on time, therefore you must go through a thorough evaluation of your financial status in order to rent an apartment. There are two categories of expenses: fixed and variable. Variable expenditures change from month to month while fixed expenses remain constant. Before you make the decision to move out for the first time, figure out how much you can spend on each category based on your current or expected income.

Setting The Moving Budget

Start looking for a new home

The apartment search is maybe the most thrilling part of moving out. Start with making a list of everything you need in your future apartment. You may then compare that list to an apartment that you can afford. Remember that you can face other costs related to your apartment in addition to your rent. The property owner may also ask for extra maintenance costs and utilities. If the rents are expensive for you, consider living in an apartment with a roommate. This might result in a rent reduction of more than 50%.

Think about how far you have to go to work and which facilities are most essential to you. Make sure your chosen neighborhood matches your preferences if you like access to outdoor activities, restaurants, cinemas, or shopping. You may start submitting applications to apartments once you’ve narrowed your search. Make sure to prepare the necessary documents for your apartment application in advance.

Hire movers or get the assistance of friends

If you want to move out of your parents’ house, we advise getting friends or experts to help you relocate unless you have very little to move. If you’re planning a DIY move with friends, think about hiring a moving truck from a reliable company. You may employ moving and storage Brooklyn professionals to aid with packing the moving boxes Brooklyn, loading, and unloading. If you want to reduce moving stress, hire experts to help with some aspects of the relocation. This will undoubtedly be less expensive than employing full-service movers to manage the entire relocation.

Consider hiring long distance movers Brooklyn if you’re moving a long distance or have a lot of items to transport. You’ll have less stress during your relocation if you employ more services. If you decided to hire movers, make sure to reserve their services as long in advance as you can. Moving at the last minute is more expensive than planning ahead. Additionally, if you wait until the last minute, it could be tough to find movers who are available on your dates. If you want to lower the cost of your moving, schedule it during the week rather than on the weekend.

 

Finally, it’s time to gather your belongings and start living a more responsible life. Moving out is stressful. Being organized is the only way to reduce anxiety. Make sure you’re prepared financially and emotionally so you can benefit the most from your new experiences. Every difficult step on the path will be worth it after you feel and taste your newfound independence.

Long Distance Moving Costs

How Are They Calculated

The day of your moving is getting closer, and the only thing ruining your euphoria is organizing the movers. Should you hire a professional moving company or try your like with local freelance movers? How much money do you need to move your things? While moving a few blocks away is something you can do on your own, long-distance moving requires some planning ahead. Thelong distance moving costs can vary quite a lot, and you want to spare every penny possible. Here are some factors you should consider when moving long-distance.

long distance cost

Most of the long-distance movers charge by the load instead of by the hour

The price of the load goes between 2000-5000$, or .50$ per pound. It means the price of the moving fee won’t depend on how much stuff you have, but on how much they weigh.

Usually, the companies send two movers to your address. In case you have a very large amount of furniture, you should contact the movers. You may require more people, and the costs will be higher.

Truck on The Road Long Distance Moving Costs

One more important thing is the cost of truck and gas mileage

This is the additional fee to pay, not accounted for in the price per load. The truck size will be determined based on the number of boxes and furniture you have, and bigger trucks cost more bucks. It comes in handy if you have a packing service provided by the agency but beware of the extra fee. If you are left on your own, make sure to pack the boxes as tightly as possible. It is clever to start with a list of things you want to pack per box, it will give you some idea on how big of a truck you will need.

Protecting Furniture is One of the Long Distance Moving Costs

If you own bulky pieces of furniture or some fragile items such as a piano or a glass cabinet, you should mention it to the company beforehand. They may require you to pay an additional fee, but it is usually worth it.

Additional fees

When calculating the cost of long-distance moving, you should take into consideration the additional fees movers charge in specific situations. Every moving company has its own practices, and you should ask them whether they charge additional fees and when. Most of them charge fees in the following situations:

Long carry fees – If you don`t have a parking space available for your movers in front of your building, they will charge you for the long carry fees. This is because they need to carry items to the actual place where they parked the moving truck, which requires more time and effort.

No elevator – If the building does not have an elevator, and you live on the higher floors of the building, you may get charged additional fees as well. When the movers have to carry the items down, and up the stairs, they need more effort and time.

Hoisting fees – In case your furniture cannot be taken out through the doors, the movers need to use equipment and take the items out the other way, usually through a window. Measure the doors and the furniture or other bulky items that you have to check whether it can be carried out through the doors.

Tipping movers

When setting up a budget for relocation, most people forget to include tipping movers in it. While tipping is not obligatory, after a long, successful relocation, you have the urge to tip the people who helped you with your belongings. And since you are moving long-distance, it may so happen that you will have two moving crews to tip. Of course, this is optional, but if you do plan to tip movers, you should tip them around $5 per hour.

Tipping the Movers

Needless to say, some things remain out of our control

Should it happen that the moving truck has already departed with all of your things, and you get an unfortunate call from the real-estate agency that your new home is not ready for you to move in, movers got you covered. You can pay for Storage in Transit and have your things safely put in the warehouse. The price depends on the number of things and the time it will spend in the warehouse.

long distance

One last thing, it is advisable to get liability insurance. It may cost a few dollars more, but can you really put a price on all of your life belongings? That way you can rest assured knowing that, one way or another, you will get all of your things to your new home safe and sound.

It may not have occurred to you that there are so many things when it comes to moving estimates. But fear not, if you follow the advice above you are prepared to address any problem that comes your way. Sit back and relax while the movers do all the heavy lifting!

How To Help Your Movers?

Whether you’re moving for the first time or already have experience on the matter, it’s important to plan and organize the whole process before it starts. Usually, moving consists of several tasks, including packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking all of your belongings. Depending on how big your place is, you’ll need some time to pack and clean the property. This can be very time-consuming. As if all these tasks aren’t tiring enough, moving is ranked as one of the most stressful events you can experience in your lifetime. We are aware that this statement sounds pretentious. But there are too many tasks to think of, especially if you have never dealt with anything similar. One of the ways to make your move easier is to learn how you can help your movers do a better job.

Whether you are moving nearby or you need to prepare for a cross-country move, you’ll need a vast amount of time, money, and energy to take care of the whole process. In addition, there are very important decisions you have to make. One of the most important ones is choosing the right way to conduct your move. There are two ways you can choose from. You can perform the whole move by yourself or hire a professional moving company to take care of the whole thing for you. However, choosing the right movers isn’t an easy job. It will require research and taking enough time to explore all available options. If you’ve decided on the moving company you want to hire and want to learn how to help your movers, check out the following text below.

A Mover And Customer

No Surprises

One of the main things you need to know is that you should avoid surprising your movers. Avoid showing up with a bunch of stuff on a moving day without letting them know. This is one of the common moving-day mistakes to avoid. They must know in advance if they should transport additional items. Let’s say, you’ve already received an estimate, and you add more stuff on top of it. Your movers won’t be prepared to transport a new jacuzzi, bathtub, or a bunch of clothes that can easily fill up half of the moving van. By doing so, you’re risking a higher cost of the move ( and in some cases, a significantly higher cost) or even cancellation.

However, no one is saying you can’t purchase more stuff. But if you decide to do so, inform the movers at least a couple of days before the move. In any case, make sure to inform the movers of any possible changes that might occur. This is the only way they’ll be fully prepared to conduct the move in the best possible manner. So, if there are any changes, like, for instance, changing the time or even the date of the move, contact the desired moving service in a timely manner.

Drinks and Snacks

Even though you are paying movers for the job, they will need a lot of time and energy to move you. If you have many things to transport, chances are the whole process will be tiring, and they will sweat a lot. If you remember to offer them drinks and snacks, the movers will be more than grateful and value your effort. This way you’ll help your movers to perform the move more efficiently. However, when we say drinks and snacks, we’re referring to light snacks and cold drinks. Remember not to overdo it. In any case, a small act of kindness can truly go a long way.

Snacks In A Box

Don’t Get Bossy

We understand that you’re worried about the treatment of your belongings which is completely normal. However, avoid telling movers what to do and let them focus. Let them handle lifting and carrying heavy items. If you have worries about certain items, we highly recommend labeling moving boxes as fragile or hazardous. We’re not saying you shouldn’t point out how to take care of fragile items. It’s just that bossing them around isn’t a good idea since most movers have a hard time working under pressure. In any case, bossing them around isn’t smart and will usually serve them no purpose rather than stressing the movers out. They are perfectly capable to take care of the move in the best possible manner. What matters is that you choose a reputable and reliable moving service.

Valuables

For items like artwork and jewelry, we advise that you keep them with you. This way, you’re not risking any damage, loss, or even theft of your belongings, which will ease your mind. Besides, it isn’t the movers’ job to take care of your valuable items, meaning that if you don’t sign an insurance agreement, chances are you’ll have no one to hold accountable. However, if you want to help your movers and have a truly hassle-free move, we highly recommend getting insurance in agreement with the desired moving company.

A Jewelry Box

Kids and Pets

If it’s possible, keep your kids and pets entertained to ensure a hassle-free move. By doing so, you’re not only helping the movers but keeping your kids and pets safe and sound. If possible, get a babysitter, or pay for daycare. Injuries and accidents often happen, which is why we advise you to put some thought into keeping your kids occupied. In addition, make sure to clear the path of any possible obstacles to prevent injuries and damage to your belongings.

Cleaning

While your long distance movers Brooklyn take care of your belongings, we advise you to clean out the property. Cleaning out your residential junk before the local move is essential. Not only will you save up a bunch of your time, but you’ll also make sure that the move is performed in a timely manner which in some cases can lower the cost of your move.

5 Steps For Transferring Utilities When Moving

Suppose you`re moving soon and have too much on your plate to worry about. As you probably know, moving is complicated and includes multiple tasks. You’ll have to do all the packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking of your belongings. Transferring utilities when moving is also one of these tasks. In addition, moving is one of the most stressful life events you can experience in your lifetime. Particularly for those that have no prior experience on the subject. However, moving isn`t only about packing, transporting, unpacking, or hiring one of the moving services Brooklyn. It`s also about smaller tasks like transferring your utilities to your new place. Smaller tasks like these might seem trivial when in reality, they`re very important.

The last thing you want to experience when you arrive at your new place is realizing you have no hot water, electricity, or internet. This can be very troubling for those working from home. Now, we understand that this task might seem complicated, but if you follow our advice, you won`t have problems dealing with it. So, if you want to learn about the 5 steps for transferring utilities when moving, check out the following text below.

Switching The Utilities

1. Organization

Like everything in life, proper planning and organization are crucial to conducting any task in the best possible manner. The first thing you need to do regarding the subject is to make a perfect moving checklist and inform yourself of all of your utility service providers. What do utilities usually include? Mostly internet and cable, sewer and water, gas, satellite, electricity, trash, phone, security system, etc. The best way to organize properly is to note all of these monthly service providers. How can you do that? Is it complicated? All you need to do is write down their phone numbers and all important contact information on a list. This way, you can easily contact them when the time is right.

2. Research

Although this article is mostly about transferring utilities from current providers, we highly recommend exploring all available options before making a final decision. What does this mean? Well, moving to a new state or even to a new city means that, in some cases, you`ll have to change utility providers. So, before you move, it is very important to research all available utility service providers in your area to know all the options. Unfortunately, in some cases, you won`t have a choice since only one company is available for that region, so it`s best to be informed of the conditions before moving.

So, make sure to take enough time and do your research at least a couple of weeks in advance. This way, there will be no room for any surprises. Where can you check? We highly recommend asking local experts and Realtors for recommendations. However, if you are moving within the same city or state, you`ll most likely be able to use the same companies. Still, make sure to do your research and check out all available options in a timely manner.

Researching Online

3. Notify

Now that you`ve taken enough time to prepare and organize for the move while exploring all available options and deciding on the best one, it`s time to notify the company about your move at least a couple of weeks in advance. Some utility companies require an installation appointment, meaning it is a good idea to contact them a month in advance just to ensure everything goes in the best possible manner. What are we referring to? Internet, cable, or even security system providers. If you have a couple of providers for different services (which is usually the case), you`ll have to notify each one individually. It`s easy to get lost along the way, which is why we recommended making a list of all the providers.

This way, it will be easier for you to manage and ensure you don`t forget to contact anyone from the list. Now, you need to schedule reconnect and disconnect dates which aren`t as simple as it seems. In fact, we recommend setting a disconnect date a day after your move and reconnecting all the utilities a day before you move into your new place. This way, you`ll be absolutely secure everything will go in the best possible manner.

4. Your Address

Although this one often gets overlooked, changing your address is another necessary step you need to take care of when transferring utilities when moving. When contacting your utility provider, make sure to change your address since this way, you`ll be killing two birds with one stone. By doing so, you`ll receive all overdue and future bills lowering the risk of getting yourself into debt without realizing it. If you aren`t sure whether you`ve already changed your address, we recommend double-checking and contacting all the providers again.

Changing The Address

5. Pay All the Bills

No matter how much fuss you`re in, and we know that moving will take up a lot of your time and energy, remember to pay overdue bills before the actual moving process starts. When contacting your service provider, make sure to ask them whether you have some debt or not. By forgetting to pay any overdue bills, chances are you`ll have a bad impact on your credit score, which can easily prevent the sale of your home if you plan on selling it.

Hire Professionals

Now that we`ve covered all the important steps to transfer your utilities in the best possible manner, it`s time to think about how you want to conduct your move. Suppose you are having trouble completing the move. In that case, we highly recommend considering hiring a professional moving and storage Brooklyn company. Contact your local or long distance movers Brooklyn and they’ll take care of the whole thing for you. Just make sure you choose a trusted and reliable company for the job.

NYC Parking Rules to Know on Moving Day

While driving a car gives you the feeling of freedom, especially when your favorite song is on the radio, the situation is a bit different when it comes to parking. Parking in NYC is not the easiest thing to do. It is why many people decide to not own a car in the first place. They use public transport or a taxi instead. However, it is important to become familiar with NYC parking rules to know on moving day. It can save you from an unnecessary parking ticket.

Movers On A Parking Lot Are Loading Items In A Truck

Parking in school zones

Generally, parking in school zones is not allowed. The only exception is when schools are at recess. However, you need to be careful here as some schools work even during recess. In case there are meetings, classes, or any other activity in a particular school, parking will not be allowed, even though there is an ongoing holiday. To prevent any confusion, if you are moving during a school holiday, and you need to park next to some school, the best thing is to call the school and ask them whether they will be in recess on the specific date that you need. Only then will you be sure that parking is allowed.

Parking at T intersections

Parking at T intersections in New York is allowed when the conditions are met. For example, if there are no crosswalk markings near the T intersection you will be able to park there. Also, there should be no traffic signals, or all-way stop signs at the intersection so that parking is safe. When these conditions are met you can park at the T-intersection even if there is a curb cut at that specific location.

Three important signs

In NYC you will frequently encounter three signs you need to follow strictly. No parking, no standing, and no stopping sign. With the no parking sign, you will not be able to park your vehicle at all. But you will be able to stand to grab a cup of coffee or pick up a friend. With the no-standing sign, you can stop for a brief moment, but not park.

And when you encounter a no-stopping sign, you cannot stand, park, or even stop for a second. If you see that there are two signs in the same street, for example, then the most restrictive one should be followed. Also, if there are no signs in sight, then the remaining posted regulations are the ones that are in effect.

A No Parking Sign

Alternate side parking

Have you heard about the alternate side parking regulations? They are in effect in NYC as this is a city where millions of people and vehicles go by each day, making it hard to clean the streets. So, the cars can park on one side on specific days so that the other side of the street is completely cleaned. On the other days, the vehicles will park on the other side, so that the first side will be cleaned. This system is not hard to process, you should just follow where the rest of the vehicles are parked.

Places that are prohibited to park your vehicle

In NYC it is prohibited to park your vehicle near the fire hydrant. You have to park at least 15 feet away from all sides of the fire hydrant.

Furthermore, you should not park in the bus or bike lanes. These areas in town are strictly prohibited from parking.

New York City is in the tow-away zone

The entire city of New York is in the tow-away zone. This implies that your car can be towed from any location in the city if not properly parked. The tickets are expensive, but they get more expensive if you have to add the expense of towing to it. Plus, if you are not able to pick up your car immediately, you will have to pay a delay fine for the extra days your car is in the tow zone. This expense is not something that you would want on your moving day. Hence, you should be very careful when parking your moving truck or your car.

Also, there may be exceptions for no stopping, standing, or parking signs when there are public holidays. However, where no stopping, standing, or parking are in effect seven days a week, these exceptions do not apply.

A No Parking-towing Sign

Double parking is prohibited

If you were planning to double park your car, know that it is strictly prohibited in all locations, and for all durations. This is because the occupied vehicle that is parked in this way represents an equal safety hazard as the non-occupied vehicle.

Parking rules may differ from block to block

While in general, the NYC parking rules apply to the who city, there may be some differences depending on the block you are moving to. We highly recommend that you take a good look at signs, and drive extremely carefully, and within the speed limit. In this way, you will never be in danger of parking inappropriately. Also, if you are not certain about whether you parked correctly, always have someone at the moving truck or your car be there in case someone decides to give you a ticket. You will be able to react immediately, and avoid towing your car.

Hire professionals to avoid any stress

We have seen that there are plenty of NYC parking rules to know on moving day. And while the rules are clear and simple, the traffic is not. A hectic lifestyle and jammed traffic are one of the root causes of a stressful moving day. Luckily, there is no need to worry about these parking rules once you hire reliable moving services Brooklyn who are aware of how the parking on the streets of NYC functions. It’s one of the reasons why hiring movers is better than a DIY move.

Here, at Dorothy And Martha Moving, we will pack your belongings perfectly into the moving truck. Then, we will park the moving truck in the best parking spot, taking care that we are not breaking any laws, thus avoiding potential parking tickets. On the other hand, you can hail a cab a come to your new house, without ever stressing about the NYC parking rules on your moving day.

Tips for Moving to a New Neighborhood

One of the most exciting parts of the movie is exploring the new neighborhood you`re moving to. Every neighborhood is different and special in numerous ways meaning new parks, new neighbors, new local coffee shops, etc. After moving to your new perfect home, you`ll need to adjust as fast as possible. For some, blending into the new surroundings might be a breeze. On the other hand, for others, it might take some time to get to know the new environment. In any case, there are a couple of tips for moving to a new neighborhood worth mentioning.

So, if you want to learn about them before the actual moving process starts, check out the following article below.

NYC Streets - Aerial

Picking Out The Neighborhood

Before actually moving to the new neighborhood, the first step is logically to pick out the right neighborhood according to your needs and preferences, which will make the move way easier and release you of any stress related to the subject. Never pick out a neighborhood randomly, meaning that you should take a couple of factors into consideration, including safety, schools, housing prices, commute time, parks, restaurants, etc. Although this tip might seem trivial, picking out the right neighborhood is the essential part, especially if you haven`t decided yet.

However, if you`ve already chosen where to move to, you can easily skip this tip. Oh, and don`t forget to take another look at your decision before you finally move there just to be sure you`re doing the right thing. If you have some friends or acquaintances that are located in the new neighborhood, make sure to ask them anything that crosses your mind. This way, you`ll be properly informed before arriving there.

The Utilities

Another step you should take care of before the actual move is transferring your utilities to your new home, including water, electricity, gas, phone, internet, cable TV, etc. But before you actually do it, it is important to decide which services to keep making moving to a new home and a new neighborhood a perfect opportunity to rethink what of the mentioned utilities you actually need, which will help you lower the expenses. For instance, if you aren`t watching the TV too much, maybe it`s time to cancel it. Also, we recommend getting in touch with the service providers no more than three weeks before moving out. However, if you are moving to a different place in the same town or the same state, you can take care of transferring utilities only a couple of days in advance.

Furthermore, don`t forget to pay bills so that you can get your money back in terms of security deposits. Although it might seem trivial, many people forget to transfer their utilities, leading to various complications you can easily avoid.

Explore

The best way to know what your new neighborhood has to offer is to explore it by spending some time walking throughout the neighborhood and seeing all the interesting spots by yourself. Although walking around is probably the simplest tip on our list, it`s just as effective as all the other ones.

Two Girlfriends Are Exploring Brooklyn By A Telescope

 

Besides being a great way of exploration, walking is an excellent de-stress tool that is usually needed after the whole moving process is finalized. If you aren`t into walking or simply don`t have the time to explore the neighborhood, you can always use Google for help. However, Google might not list all the restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops nearby. So if you want to make the walking tour more fun, we recommend walking your dog (if you have one). That way, the dog can meet his new furry friends, and you can get to know the surroundings.

Meet the Neighbors

The best way to blend in the new neighborhood and meets some new friends along the way is by getting to know your neighbors. Besides merely being friendly, neighbors can fill you in on some of the interesting local spots and where to go for emergency situations. If you have kids, we advise you to bring them with you so they can meet the kids around the block, which will ease the whole move on them too. Moving can be a stressful process for the whole family, especially if your kids are leaving all their old friends behind. So, meeting the new neighbors is very beneficial in numerous ways and can give you the much-needed comfort since you`re new to the place and probably haven`t got much knowledge of all the necessary information.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to feel like a part of the community and a great chance to meet your neighbors. The best way to get to know something is thru service. Besides, there is nothing nobler than helping the community you live in by doing the needed things for free. Also, it is a great way to meet people and even make some friends. Furthermore, volunteering can help you get informed on the underlying issue of the new neighborhood and give you some subjects to share with your neighbors.

Volunteers Are Sharing Supplies

Act Touristy

Another great tip for moving to a new neighborhood is to have a tourist mindset. A tourist approach is the best way to get to know your new neighborhood. Plus, it makes exploring way more fun. The main attractions you should pay most attention to include museums, the theatre, and top-rated restaurants. It is best to check them by yourself. By exploring, you`ll get a sense of the place`s vibe and can even get informed on its history, which will give you more subjects to discuss with your neighbors.

 

We hope our article helped you get informed on the best tips for moving to a new neighborhood. Remember that moving doesn`t need to be a stressful process as long as you plan and organize it properly. Make sure to throw a party in your old place so you can have enough time to say goodbye to your loved ones. Also, be sure to hire one of the reputable moving companies Brooklyn for your move. But, before you do, you’ll have to know how to compare local movers and how to compare moving quotes so you can make the best decision. Here, at Dorothy Movers, you’ll get all the help you need for your move, accompanied by free moving quotes Brooklyn.

Avoiding Wall Damage During a Move

Damage to the property happens all the time while moving house. You may have to deal with dents, scratches, breakage, and other types of damage when you’re relocating from one home to another. While all parts of your home are exposed to damage, walls are the most common areas that you should protect. Preventing wall damage during a move is way easier than paying for costly repairs after you move out. The reason why walls are so exposed to damage is that moving furniture pieces often leads to unwanted contact between furniture and walls.

Accidental hits lead to all sorts of issues. In most cases, this damage happens for a few reasons. Those reasons include lack of moving tools, poor planning, and not having enough manpower. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep your property intact and have a damage-free relocation. Read on to learn all about avoiding wall damage during a move.

Plan ahead

As you probably know, good planning is the key to success. That is also true for your relocation and planning plays an important role in keeping property safe when moving house. Make use of professional tips for packing and moving delicate furniture to avoid wall damage. Plan your move thoroughly, especially if you’re moving heavy and bulky pieces of furniture. You’ll want to make sure you have an exit path that allows for the furniture to fit through the doorways and hallways. Measure your space and your furniture to be absolutely sure. Next, make sure you have an obstacle-free path.

Remove all furniture pieces, home décor, and other obstacles from starting point to the moving truck. If there are obstacles you could slip or trip over, dropping an item you’re moving and resulting in property damage or even worse – personal injuries. All of the following steps should be included in your moving plan. Only by following each one of these tips, you’ll make sure your walls remain intact and damage-free during relocation.

Prepare furniture first

Before you get down to the actual wall surface, you’ll want to take care of the furniture you’re moving. When your furniture pieces are nicely wrapped and prepared, half of the job is already done. So, you must first focus on minimizing the chances of accidental contact between your goods and walls. It’s much easier to accomplish this if you’re moving smaller pieces so disassemble whatever you can. If you wonder how to disassemble furniture when moving, don’t worry – it’s real easy. Any pieces that can be removed from a specific piece should be removed before moving. This may take a little bit of time or effort but it pays off. Removing legs, arms, or decorations from a piece of furniture you’re moving is a must for avoiding wall damage. Otherwise, an item that’s too tall, too bulky, or too heavy is likely to damage your property since it’s very difficult to navigate.

Once you have taken apart each piece that can be disassembled, it’s time you wrap each piece individually. Use plenty of bubble wrap to wrap the whole thing and follow by wrapping it with furniture blankets. Packing tape will help you keep the wrapping safely in place. This method will help you prevent scratches, dents, scuffs, and other issues just in case of any accidental hits.

Protect walls

Your next preparation step is another layer of protection. After covering furniture, you’ll want to cover walls too. The choice of material is entirely up to you. You could either go for what you have on hand or purchase a new cover. Cardboard is often used to cover walls but you could also go for blankets or drop cloths. Corner guards are also a popular addition since corners are exposed to damage the most. They’re usually plastic and inexpensive. Plus, they can be found in most home improvement stores or even made DIY. The guards will keep the most vulnerable parts of your walls safe and you won’t have to deal with repairs and unnecessary costs. Regardless of the material you choose, it should be more than easy to find and budget-friendly too. After all, most people have some cardboard boxes or old blankets in their homes already.

After you’ve decided on the material and you’ve placed it on its designated wall, you’ll have to secure it in place. Go ahead and use packing tape for this purpose and use it generously. If you’re using blankets they’ll probably be heavier than cardboard so you’ll want to be even more generous regarding the tape.

Use moving tools

Moving experts are the best source of moving tips, so take their word for it – you need moving tools to have a safe and efficient move. Things like moving dollies or furniture sliders should be on your list when you’re moving house. Not only do they make your move easier but they’re also a sure way to minimize the chances of property damage. Since professional moving tools help you navigate easier around corners and hallways, there are fewer chances to damage your walls.

Traditional Movers Service In Action

Hire professional movers

Last, but not least, consider hiring professional movers to carry out your house move. Keep in mind that moving experts will not only transport your belongings – they will also pay attention to avoiding property and wall damage during a move. They have the experience and tools necessary to keep both your goods and your property safe. Professional moving equipment such as moving dollies, furniture sliders, corner guards, and other handy tools are a regular part of their daily routine. Their training helps them apply techniques and strategies that promise to keep your home in its best shape. Your moving crew will help you prevent all sorts of damages, including wall damage.

Credible antique furniture movers NYC will prepare furniture and walls before getting down to work so you won’t have to worry about costly repairs. If you’re still searching for a trusted mover, check out Dorothy Movers! We provide complimentary on-site and online moving quotes Brooklyn so make sure you reach out to us and request your free quote today!

How to Pack Jewelry for Moving

Your jewelry collection may hold a great sentimental value or it may be worth a lot of money. On the other hand, you may be a jewelry lover and have many pieces of fashion jewelry that are not exactly too valuable but are still very important to you. Some of those pieces will appear pretty delicate and fragile while others may seem rugged and sturdy. In any of these scenarios, you’ll want to follow proper packing strategies. By doing so, you’ll have your jewelry arrive intact at your new home and you’ll be able to cherish it for a long time to come. To make the process easier, we’ve prepared this simple guide together with some smart hacks. Read on to learn how to pack jewelry for moving.

A Jewelry Box

How to pack rings for moving

In case rings make the biggest part of your jewelry collection, you may want to start by packing this biggest chunk first. You should never pack all of your rings together as they will most certainly scratch each other. That’s especially the case if we’re talking about diamond rings but applies to all types of rings as well. When you pack jewelry for moving, use packing methods and approach the task with utmost care. Only by doing so, you’ll have your precious jewelry pieces transported safely to a new home.

Prepare rings for packing

Your first step to pack jewelry for moving is to get packing paper and packing tape. You’ll want to wrap each ring individually using enough packing paper to wrap the item completely. Create several layers if you find it’s needed for more delicate pieces. Your next step is to secure the wrapping in place by using packing tape. You could either do this with each individual ring or create a small bundle and secure everything together with tape. Don’t make bundles that are too big because they could easily unwrap.

Pack rings for moving

The next step is to find suitable containers for your rings and have them moved safely. You can be more than creative here so here are a few smart hacks for using household items for packing rings:

Pill organizers

Chances are you have at least one pill organizer in your home. This is a good chance to put it to use since small compartments are perfect for packing jewelry. Use one department for packing the ring by the ring you previously prepared for transport.

Sunglasses case

Another item you most definitely have in your home is a sunglasses case. If you have a few, even better. Considering how fragile sunglasses are, you can rest assured that these cases will keep your sensitive items safe. Therefore, they’re perfect for packing your rings and other pieces of jewelry.

A Sunglasses Case - Use It To Pack Jewelry For Moving

Egg cartons

Far less glamorous than your designer sunglasses case but equally as useful – the next handy item is an egg carton. It may seem odd to move egg cartons but your main purpose is to move jewelry safely, whatever it takes. The compartments that usually carry eggs are perfectly designed to hold your jewelry pieces. Of course, wrapping each item carefully before placing it in its designated compartment is a must.

How to pack necklaces and bracelets for moving

Now that you’ve got all of your rings ready to go, it’s time to move on to the next part of the collection. Your necklaces and bracelets are tricky to pack simply for the reason that they get tangled so easily. But if you use some of these hacks, you’ll have no trouble keeping them in the best shape. The method is just a bit different than packing rings – you’ll use household items first and then follow by using packing materials.

Drinking straws

Who would have thought you will use those abundant drinking straws after all? First, you must cut the drinking straw to match the length of the necklace. Open the clasp, slip the half of the chain through the straw to make a circle around it, then close the clasp and − voila! You now have your necklace ready to go without any risk of it getting tangled.

Paper rolls

Whether it’s a kitchen paper roll or a toilet roll, it’s really handy for moving jewelry. If some of your necklaces are too thick to fit through the drinking straw, the roll will save the day. You’ll want to follow the same method as you would for drinking straws but you’ll be able to pack your chunkier chains or necklaces because rolls are wider.

A Paper Towel On A Kitchen Countertop - You Can Use It To Pack Jewelry For Moving

Use packing materials

Once you have your necklaces and bracelets prepared, the job is still not done. You must make sure you protect your jewelry pieces from getting damaged in transit. First, visit some of the best places to find packing supplies in Brooklyn and get what you need. When you get packing supplies, you can start with the packing. Use plastic wrap to wrap each individual piece. The next step is to use packing paper and wrap each piece again to create an extra layer of protection. Packing tape will help you secure everything in place nicely.

Pack

Now comes the time to take your beautiful jewelry box out and place all of your wrapped jewelry inside for safe transport. So, what kind of moving boxes do you need for that? In case you don’t really have a jewelry box, there’s no reason to panic. Just use a smaller-size cardboard box. A zip-lock bag will be useful in this case since you’ll want to put everything inside it first before packing it in the cardboard box.

Small Cardboard Boxes Ideal For Packing Jewelry For Moving

 

We hope that this simple guide helps you pack jewelry for moving easily. Whether you own a collection of necklaces, rings, earrings, or bracelets, these hacks will ensure you have they arrive intact at your new home. Don’t forget that you should always keep your treasures close. So in case you’re moving valuable jewelry, it’s best if you move it by yourself, together with the rest of your personal belongings. Regardless of whether we’re talking about sentimental or monetary value, your precious pieces should not be left to anyone else but moved personally instead. For everything else consider hiring reliable antique movers NYC. Dorothy and Martha Movers are at your service, providing the best fine art transport services you can find. We will pack and move your household items to your new home safely and efficiently. Our in-house and online moving quotes Brooklyn are complimentary so make sure you reach out to us! Let’s get in touch to start planning your upcoming house move together!

How to Check Movers License Number?

Finding a moving company that’s properly registered to do business in your area is extremely important. In order to avoid fraudulent businesses, you must find a trusted and licensed mover. To confirm they’re reliable, you’ll want to check their credentials. There are many ways to confirm a mover’s legitimacy, but the easiest one is to check their license number. Checking the mover’s license number will give you some vital info and it will confirm that you are safe to do business with them. To help you with finding a trusted mover in your area, we’ve put together a simple guide. Carry on reading to learn how to check the mover’s license number.

Licensed Mover

Websites for checking movers license number

There are several ways to check the mover’s license number and we’ll go through some of them in the following text. All of them are pretty simple, you’ll just need online access and a little bit of time. You’ll want to start your research by visiting two major websites to make sure you’re dealing with a licensed service provider.

The FMCSA website

Your online search begins on the official website of the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Once you’re on their home page, you’ll want to find the “search” tool. This is where you’ll enter the mover’s USDOT number and check if they’re registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. This number is commonly found on your mover’s website – the home page or “about us” section should display the USDOT number. Think of your ID – this number is something of an ID for moving companies and that’s why it’s so important. All credible movers have their unique USDOT number so the company can’t be mixed up with someone else.

Once you copy this number into the “search” tool on the FMCSA website and click for search, the info about your mover should pop up. In case the interstate mover is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, you’ll be able to see that info here. This is your confirmation that the mover you’re eyeing to hire is allowed to do business in your area.

The BBB website

The next extremely helpful website is the BBB (Better Business Bureau). This is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving trust between consumers and businesses. It helps consumers find businesses they can trust and take several steps in ensuring the company is legit. Each member of the BBB must go through a strict vetting process. You will also be able to see their ratings and get an idea of how well they operate.

Better Business Bureau Sign

Other ways to check the legitimacy of a moving company

There are various ways to confirm you’re dealing with a licensed and trustworthy mover. You could also read through the customer’s reviews and speak to the mover directly to get a sense of their professionalism. Do more you research, the better. Speak to them directly and ask as many questions as necessary. All reputable movers will have no trouble providing proof of their legitimacy. Here’s another way you could check if a mover is licensed to do business in your area.

The ATA

The ATA (American Trucking Association) requires each business to go through various screenings in order to become a member. Each mover must uphold the ATA Code of Ethics if they want to become a ProMover member of the association. So checking if your mover is a member is another sure way to confirm their legitimacy.

Are local movers required to have a license?

U.S. federal laws and regulations require all interstate movers to obtain a USDOT number. However, many states require local movers to have one as well. States in which you’ll want to check the USDOT number of your mover, even for a short relocation, are Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Other states only require a state license. The best thing to do in this case is to check with your state’s department of transportation office about which license is required. Your state’s transportation authority will also be the place to verify your local mover’s numbers.

Why should I check the mover’s license number?

Getting info about the mover, such as their addresses, USDOT number, insurance details, and complaints may not seem so important to you. However, you should always do a thorough check on your moving company before you decide to do business with them. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re dealing with a trusted professional. Plus, you’ll avoid rogue movers. Fraudulent moving companies are, unfortunately, more present than you know. They have many ways of scamming innocent consumers looking for the best moving rates. And, they could hold your belongings hostage until you pay the price higher than you originally agreed.

Fraudulent movers often add costs that were never mentioned before the move. They will demand you pay much more than you originally arranged or you won’t see your belongings again. In the worst-case scenario, you won’t receive your delivery at all. Any of these scenarios is possible so you must do your homework and avoid dealing with rogue movers. In case you do come across a fraudulent moving company, always contact your local police department first and let them know about the situation you’re in.

Identify Rogue Movers: Fraud Alert

Are you still searching for a trusted moving and storage Brooklyn? Your search can end just here – Dorothy and Martha is at your service. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, our address is as transparent as our charging system. Rest assured you won’t experience any surprises since we provide all types of estimates. You are welcome to check our credentials anytime. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and provide proof of our license. Our in-house and online estimates are complimentary so make sure you reach out to us and request your moving quotes Brooklyn. Let’s connect to start planning your relocation together!

How to Do a Change of Address When Moving

Although understandably, moving will cause a lot of fuss while planning the whole thing. So, it’s important to take care of absolutely everything. Yes, the most important parts of your move are making a perfect moving checklist, packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking your belongings. However, if left untaken care of, there are minor details that can cause trouble later. We are referring to, for example, changing your address before the move. If you choose to skip changing your address and do it later, you should know that you can experience many inconveniences like service relapses and missed bills. So, if you are wondering how to do a change of address when moving, read the following article.

A Notice Of Moving And Address Change

Your Company and Bank

We’ll start here because it’s probably the easiest to inform your employer where you’re moving to. Although your paycheck it’s most likely directly deposited to the bank, you should notify your employer on time. It is important for them to pay tax forms and stubs while making sure the money goes to the right place.

Furthermore, don’t forget to inform your bank and the credit card company of changing your address. Check out if you can make the change online to save time and energy. The moving will take up a couple of weeks, so, naturally, you wouldn’t want to go to every service personally. Also, make sure you don’t forget about various loyalty programs or credit cards you have with specific companies.

The Post Office

The post office is another service that should be on the top of your priority list of services you should inform of the change of your address prior to the move. Why? Well, notifying the post office of your change of address will ensure that any mail sent to your address will be forwarded to your new place. Luckily, you can easily do the change online and even set it up for a specific date. We recommend notifying the post office couple of days prior to the move. This way you’ll avoid a gap between your old and your new place.

Utilities

Another priority should be transferring your electric service.  It’ll help you avoid experiencing inconveniences like being without heat and electricity. This one happens a lot. That’s because folks don’t carefully think thru what would be the best time to transfer these services. So, we recommend informing the electric service on the exact date you will be moving. This way, you’ll make sure everything goes well.

Cancel utilities on the day of the move. But, make sure that the electricity and gas are transferred to your new place a day before your move. You surely wouldn’t want to move into a cold and dark place, especially if it’s winter. It is one of the most important moving tips for winter relocation.

A Man Sends Emails Using A Phone And Laptop.

Furthermore, think about the internet since in today’s time you surely don’t want to take care of cable, phone and internet later during the move. Follow the same tip as the electric service. Set up internet, cable, and phone services a day prior to your move.

Also, don’t forget to take care of other services depending on the type of utilities you’re responsible for, like the sewer utility company, your cell phone provider, the water department, and the recycling or garbage company.

Social Security Administration

For those that receive any kind of social security benefits, make sure you don’t forget to inform the Social Security Administration of your new address. It will take up to a couple of minutes since you can fill out their change of address application or call them at (800) 772-1213.

Although you can take care of Social Security Services later, we recommend informing them a couple of days before the move and removing this task from your checklist on time.

Taxes

Both your tax state agency and the federal revenue agency should be informed of your change of address on time. Again, it’s very easy to fill out their online application (both the IRS and your state tax agency), which will take up a minute of your time. However, although taking care of your tax agency online is available in most states, make sure to check out their website since it might be needed for you to take care of the whole thing personally.

Insurance

It’s important that your home or renters` insurance is transferred to the right place. When it comes to renters` insurance, most landlords will want proof of the transfer even prior to the moving day. Get this taken care of as soon as possible. While you take care of this issue, check out if they cover items in transport. If that’s not the case, you might want to ensure your belongings are in agreement with the chosen moving services Brooklyn.

Talking about insurance, make sure you inform the health, life, car, and dental insurance company of your new home address. Again, you can take care of most of these tasks online. But, we recommend getting informed whether or not you need to take care of some of these tasks personally just to make sure everything goes in order.

A Man Is Signing An Insurance Form

Subscriptions

Although transferring subscriptions and magazines might not be at the top of your priority list, the last thing you want to experience is remembering that your favorite magazines are delivered at the old address. So, call the customer service department or email them a couple of weeks before the move.

Friends and Family

As we mentioned earlier, moving is among the most stressful events you can experience in your lifetime compared to even divorce. So, it’s natural for you to miss out on some things. Informing every single friend and a family member might be tiring, especially if it involves a lot of people. You can take care of this by sending out a change of address cards. However, we recommend sending out a mass email since it’s way easier.

 

Although this checklist might seem long, you can take care of most of the tasks online. We accentuate taking care of utilities, the post office, and social security administration first just to make sure you don’t experience complications later during the move. We hope our tips on address change will help you with your future relocation. For more professional moving tips and any help with your upcoming move, contact Dorothy Movers, and get free moving quotes Brooklyn.

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