Finding the Right NYC Moving Company for You
Looking for a friendly and reliable New York City moving company? Then this is the guide for you! Moving is usually stressful, and having the right movers can make a big difference. The right NYC moving company will make sure your move is easy breezy, treat you with professionalism, and make sure all your belongings arrive safe and sound. In this guide, we'll get into what makes a great New York City moving company and provide some tips on how to find the right one for you.
Are movers worth it in NYC?
With so many moving companies in New York, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. First, you might be wondering if it's even worth hiring a mover when you could do it yourself. Although moving on your own might seem like an easy way to save money, here are a few realities to consider:
1. Walkups are real.
Lugging your groceries up and down a few flights of stairs is different from moving heavy items like floppy mattresses and your L-shaped couch. There's a reason that Friends episode is so iconic. Even if you live in a building with an elevator, certain furniture might not fit in the elevator. And you can typically only reserve the elevator for a few hours, so you have to move quickly, and without crushing your neighbor's tiny dog. Back pain and lots of sweating are inevitable.
2. NYC traffic (and parking) is not cute.
Unless you're a fan of rush hour traffic and maneuvering a big moving van or truck through NYC's narrow streets, it's probably best to avoid doing a move on your own. When renting a moving truck or van, you'll be charged per mile, for gas, and any tolls or parking tickets incurred throughout your move.
3. Things get complicated real quick.
What might sound like an easy task (move from point A to point B) can quickly get overwhelming when you think about taking time off work, the boxes and tape and blankets (oh my!) you need to buy, the friends' schedules you need to coordinate, the deposits you need to make on any rented equipment, the different types of packing you need to do for glassware vs your flat screen vs your treasured vinyl collection... It's a lot.
Narrow down your choices
Ok, so maybe moving on your own is not the most fun option. But what's the alternative? If you feel like there are more moving companies than John's Pizzas, you're right.
To get started, do a Google search and ask your friends, co-workers, and family for recommendations. Ask for references and read reviews online to ensure that the movers you are considering have a good track record. And if you value supporting community focused or minority-owned businesses, take that into account when doing your research.
To help narrow down your choices, ask for a free quote from at least three different companies. Here are some criteria to keep in mind:
1. Check licensing and insurance
Make sure the companies you talk to are properly licensed and insured. Check that they are registered with the New York State Department of Transportation. Also, make sure you arrange for the movers to conduct a virtual or on-site assessment before you make a final decision and that they have the proper insurance to protect your belongings.
2. Get it in writing
Make sure all the details of your move are written down and that both you and the movers have a copy. Request a written contract that outlines the cost and services being provided. Getting a flat rate quote can be helpful if you want to avoid surprises on move day.
3. Time it right
Try to book your movers as far in advance as possible to ensure availability. Confirm that the company you like best offers any additional services you need like moving supply delivery, packing and storage.
By following these steps, you can find the right moving company, at the right price, for you.
How far in advance should I hire movers in NYC?
If you're one of those people that likes to plan ahead, start looking for a mover up to two months before your move date -- the earlier you start the better. Having more padding time can reduce stress, but it's not always possible. If you've got a last-minute move, some companies can help with that, too. Keep in mind that last-minute availability may be limited.
Get a flat rate quote from your NYC movers to avoid unwelcome surprises on moving day
When looking for a reliable moving company, make sure to get a flat rate price before locking in your move. This ensures you aren't surprised on your moving day. Flat rate pricing is becoming increasingly popular because it allows you to have a clear idea of exactly how much your move will cost in advance. It can help you save time and ensure that your move will be simple and fall within your budget.
What are some tips to help me prepare to get a flat-rate moving quote?
To get the most accurate flat rate moving quote, it's important to be prepared and have clear communication with your moving company. Here’s what you can do ahead of time:
1. Create a moving inventory
Before requesting a quote, it can be helpful to put together an accurate inventory list of all the items you plan to move including couches, mattresses, flat-screen tvs, as well as square footage of your current and new home. Be as thorough as possible to make sure you get accurate pricing.
2. Show off your furniture
Be prepared to share images of any bulky items you plan to move that will require special attention -- your moving company might ask you to share photos, they might do a video estimate call, or might offer to come to your place to do an in-person estimate.
3. Get clear on what you need
Make sure you let your moving company know your expected move date, the number of floors in your current and new home, and any additional services you may need like all-inclusive packing, storage, or getting your furniture disassembled.
4. Contact your building management
Live in a building with an elevator? Confirm with your building management if you need to reserve the elevator in advance of your moving day, and if they will need your mover to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI). With this information, your chosen moving company can provide a more accurate flat-rate moving quote matched specifically to your needs.
We're Imagine Moving, and we're here to help.
Hey! I’m Arturo, a New York City native who dreamed about a better NYC moving experience. After talking to my friends and family, I realized New Yorkers wanted a more honest and personal moving company, one where folks could be taken care of and knew exactly what to expect on moving day. That’s how Imagine Moving was born!
Our team of professional movers is ready to help -- we know how to take care of items of all sizes, from your favorite electronics and poufy couches to your tiny family heirlooms and your (not-so-tiny) sneaker collection. We offer a full range of services from simple local moves to more complex long-distance moves across the country. Our team is dedicated to providing New York City's best customer service, and we are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure we leave you smiling. We also offer packing, unpacking, and storage to make the process easier. No matter what your needs we guarantee that you will receive a ridiculously good move.
What if I'm looking for local residential moving services?
Imagine Moving offers friendly, reliable, and efficient local residential moving services for movers in New York City and beyond. Much of our experienced team grew up right here in NYC and knows this city better than anyone. Our movers have the skills and knowledge to carefully move your belongings and make sure everything is secured and safely transported. We are a small company committed to personally providing you with the best move of your life. Contact us to get your free, no-obligation flat rate quote!
What if I need long-distance moving services?
If you are looking for a reliable and high-quality moving company to help with your long-distance move, then look no further than Imagine Moving. With 5+ years of experience in the moving industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that your move is stress-free and goes off without a hitch. Our long-distance moving services include efficiently packing and loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings. Whether your stuff is moving across the state or the country, Imagine Moving will make sure that your valuable items arrive at their destination in perfect condition. You can trust Imagine Moving to provide you with the best long-distance moving services available. Hit us up for a free quote.
What about small moves?
No move is too small for Imagine Moving! From a single piece of furniture to a full apartment, we've got your back. Small moves can be just as important and stressful as larger ones, and our team of experts will provide you with the same level of service and care. Whether you need us to pick up a piece of furniture from Facebook Marketplace or transport all your grandma's antiques, we'll take care of it. We understand the importance of getting your items to their destination safely and on time, so you can trust us to handle all of your small moving needs. Need a quote? Contact us here.
Can you help me with my last-minute move?
If you’ve waited until the last minute to move, we get it. And we've got you. Roommate ditched you? Family emergency? Have you decided today is the day and you're finally moving to a place with a walk-in closet? Whatever your situation, we can help! Even with short notice, we do our best to set you up with a same-day or next-day move. Contact us here so we can get started on your quote.
What if all this sounds really complicated and I just want to move?
You've come to the right place. Honestly, we wrote this blog post outlining all the steps it takes to move in NYC because we know it's complicated. If you're up for the challenge, we salute you and wish you the best of luck! But if you're feeling like organizing, scheduling, buying packing supplies, carrying heavy things, and feeling forever indebted to your hangry friends is not your idea of a good time, we're here to help. Imagine a stress-free moving day with us. Contact us here and we'll get you a competitive quote guaranteed to make your move a breeze.
