Liberty Moving and Storage is a proud sponsor of the 5th Annual Douglas Elliman “Ride to REiNVENT”, an inspiring 100 mile and 35 mile bike race to support God’s Love We Deliver.

On October 21st, 2017 riders from Douglas Elliman Real Estate and Liberty Moving and Storage will bike to the Mohegan Sun Resort for Elliman’s annual REiNVENT sales conference. The “Century” ride is 100 miles long and the “Sprint” ride is 35 miles long.  The 5th Annual Ride to REiNVENT will help generate awareness and funds for God’s Love We Deliver.

About God’s Love We Deliver: God’s Love We Deliver is the New York metropolitan area’s leading provider of life-sustaining meals and nutrition counseling for people living with severe illnesses. Started as an HIV/AIDS service organization, today God’s Love provides for people living with more than 200 individual diagnoses. God’s Love cooks and home delivers the specific, nutritious meals a client’s severe illness and treatment so urgently require. Meals are individually tailored for each client by one of the organizations Registered Dietitians, and all clients have access to unlimited nutrition counseling. God’s Love supports families by providing meals for the children and senior caregivers of its clients. All of the agency’s services are provided free of charge, and in its history of more than 30 years, God’s Love We Deliver has never had a waiting list. For more information, visit godslovewedeliver.org.

About Ride to REiNVENT : For the last 4 years Douglas Elliman agents from various offices throughout their geographical footprint have road a Century Bike Tour – that is 100 MILES!!!! or the Sprint Bike Tour which is 35 Miles to raise funds necessary for God’s Love We Deliver. To date the Elliman bike tour has raised enough funds to provide 48,277 meals to severely ill New Yorker’s. This year’s goal is to hit 80,000 meals delivered.

Liberty Moving and Storage is honored to not only sponsor the race but also have 2 employees participating. Our very own Gary Ferrero – Move Consultant, and Anthony Federico – President will be riding the Century Bike Tour. We will also have volunteers manning the rider’s rest stops to assist in refueling the team as they make their way through the challenging 100 mile tour.

To become a donor we ask for your to please visit https://www.crowdrise.com/century-riders/fundraiser/garyferrero all proceeds and donations go directly to God’s Love We Deliver in their continued charitable efforts.

Liberty Moving & Storage – Honored with 4 Performance Quality Awards by United Van Lines

Liberty Moving and Storage, a full-service relocation company focused on creating a seamless and stress-free moving experience for both individuals and businesses throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area has been honored with 4 performance quality awards by United Van Lines. Liberty Moving, Owner and CEO Michael Federico, Sr. made the announcement.

Each year United Van Lines recognizes the top performing Agents with service excellence awards including Customer Choice, Performance Excellence and Fleet Safety awards. For 2017, Liberty Moving and Storage took home 4 awards including #1 Residential Household Goods Booking Agent, Customer Choice, Performance Excellence and the Most Improved Performance Award.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our hard work and dedication to service excellence with these prestigious awards,” said Federico. “These awards are evidence of our employee’s dedication to creating a customer focused, memorable moving experience. Our teams of operations experts, customer service specialists, move consultants, drivers and crews all strive to improve our operations and client relations process on a daily basis to continually provide unmatched quality.”

United Van Lines, America’s #1 Mover, recognizes the highest performing agents out of its 400+ nationwide agents based primarily on Quality Measurement Customer Surveys, a third party facilitated survey system. Recipients of the Customer Choice Award must meet all 10 Standards of Performance such as Overall Move Process, Estimating Accuracy, Willingness to Recommend and Labor Quality.

As a family owned and operated moving and storage company based in Long Island, New York, Liberty Moving & Storage has been serving customers for nearly 80 years. On each and every move the company and their personnel live by the moto “Strive for Five”, the goal, 5 star scores whether it is within the United Van Lines survey system, online reviews or word of mouth referrals. Every customer receives a dedicated move coordinator to ensure their service levels are not only met, but exceeded.

With over 300 employees and four locations, it is truly a team effort to deliver quality service for 8 decades.

About Liberty Moving & Storage: Founded in 1939, Liberty Moving and Storage is a full-service relocation company focused on moving and logistic partnerships on a local and global reach. With a vast suite of relocation services Liberty Moving & Storage serves both residential and commercial customers in the United States and beyond. As an agent for United Van Lines, Liberty has access to the largest integrated network of trucks, warehouses and talented relocation experts. For more information, call us today at 800.640.4487

In the movies, moving day is usually portrayed as a depressing event.

Rain starts to fall as Mom and Dad pull out of the driveway. The kids glance longingly out the window at their old backyard. And let’s not forget the sad music as the car rolls past the “Sold” sign on the front lawn.

Does this cliche mean that your upcoming family move is already doomed? Not at all!

Here are some helpful tips for before, during, and after the move to make it a pleasant experience for all.

Before You Move

The average American will move 11 times in his or her lifetime.

Whether this is your first-ever move or your fourth family move in four years, here’s how to make it easier for the kids.

Family Conference

First of all, be sure to choose the right setting to break the news. It should be somewhere private and quiet, which will allow for open communication.

Whatever the reasons for the family move, help your kids understand why the move is necessary. Let them express their feelings, and listen carefully without interrupting them.

If possible, let them be part of the decision-making process. They may not have a choice about the move, but giving them other choices to make will help them feel more involved.

Plan New Rooms

One of the best ways to stir up excitement for the upcoming move is to plan the new bedrooms.

If possible, take your kids to the new house and let them see their new rooms. Ask where they want to put their furniture or hang their favorite posters. Maybe they’ll even want to paint the walls a new color.

Excitement doesn’t end with the kids’ rooms. Check out the backyard for possible areas to place a swing set or kiddie pool. The back patio might be the perfect place for a ping-pong table or another favorite activity.

Rather than focusing on the home you’re leaving behind, get your kids excited about the possibilities of the new house.

Leave a Legacy

If your kids feel especially attached to your old house, they may love the idea of leaving a legacy behind.

This could involve something as simple as carving everyone’s initials into the oak tree in the backyard.

Another idea is to write a “welcome letter” for the new owners. In it, your kids could include their favorite aspects of the house or things to know about the neighborhood.

For instance, they might relate that the sidewalk out front is great for skateboarding or the neighbor’s cat likes to visit after school. Not only will your kids enjoy sharing their memories, but the new owners will feel welcome, too.

Moving Day

The boxes are in the foyer and the truck is outside. Ready or not, moving day has arrived.

Here’s how to keep the kids happy and involved during the move.

Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks

If you have infants or toddlers, you’ll probably want to hire a sitter. School-aged children, though, are usually capable of helping out on moving day.

Older kids and teenagers might help with packing, labeling, and taping boxes. Younger kids could wipe down windows and tables or clean mirrors and sinks.

They might also assist by holding doors open for the movers or carrying pillow and cushions to the car. Giving them ways to feel involved and important will reduce their anxiety about the move.

For extra fun, you could create a game and award prizes for certain tasks, like who vacuums the most rooms or who packs their toys the fastest.

Pack a “Moving Day” Box

No matter how excited your kids are about the family move, they may feel sad or even overwhelmed when they see their things in the back of a truck.

To ease their anxiety, pack a special “moving day” box with a few of their favorite items. This might include toys, coloring books, gadgets, or stuffed animals.

Not only will the box keep them occupied during the drive, but they’ll have all their favorite possessions with them when they arrive at the new house. This will help it to feel more like “home.”

After You Move

After the family move, you’re likely to feel exhausted. As a parent, though, your work isn’t done yet.

Here are a few more tips to help your kids transition smoothly into their new home.

Explore Your New Neighborhood

37% of Americans live in the same city where they were born, and 15% of Americans have lived in four or more states.

Whether your recent move took you 20 miles or 2,000 miles, one of the best ways to settle in is to get to know your new community.

As soon as you’ve unpacked the sneakers and bicycles, get out to explore your neighborhood. Look for things to love about the area, whether it’s the view from the top of the hill or the ice cream shop on the corner.

Get to know your neighbors, too, especially any families with children. Visit community centers and playgrounds and get involved with local organizations.

The sooner your kids start making new friends, the sooner they’ll feel settled in their new home.

Stay Positive

Not all moves have happy circumstances. Perhaps you had to move because of a divorce, job loss, or to care for an aging parent.

Whatever the reasons for the move, do your best to stay positive. Your kids know you better than anyone else, and they’ll pick up on your mood.

If you show your enthusiasm for the new house and neighborhood, it will rub off on them. Do your best to stay upbeat and wear a smile, and your kids will follow suit.

Final Thoughts On Your Family Move

A family move is always a daunting prospect. With a little preparation, though, you can make it into a memorable adventure for you and your kids.

Part of your preparation should include contacting a team of professional movers. Whether your move is taking you across town or across the country, Liberty Moving will get your belongings there safely.

We invite you to contact us for more information about our moving services or to get a free quote.

Moving to a new home can be even more stressful than starting a new job or even going through relationship problems.

Worrying about leaving something behind or figuring out how to pack everything down can take a huge toll on families. It’s a kind of stress that impacts everyone in the family, including children.

This makes it especially important to take as many precautions as you can to ensure that the move is as smooth as possible for everyone.

Luckily, there are several different ways to have your moving made easy.

Keep reading to learn all about them.

1. Downsize Your Belongings

Downsizing is one of the best things you can do to prepare for a smooth move.

It can be difficult to see just how many unnecessary objects can collect over the years. This is especially true if you have dedicated areas for miscellaneous things, like an attic or a cellar.

A lot of the time, these belongings may be several years old. Sometimes they are broken objects that hold sentimental value. Other things, you might have just forgotten about.

Take some time to go through each room. Make three piles: one pile for keeping, one pile for trashing, and another pile for donating.

If there are sentimental items that you don’t need but can’t bear to get rid of, try taking photos and making a scrapbook as a keepsake rather than holding onto the object itself.

If you are moving a big family, get everyone involved in making the scrapbook. As a family, say goodbye to things you might have to leave behind.

The fewer items you need to worry about, the easier the move will be. Cutting down on unneeded clutter will ensure that moving made easy kind of transition.

2. Prepare a Schedule

Schedules are important to any moving made easy checklist. Plan out several weeks ahead. Come up with deadlines so that you know exactly when things need to be completed.

Keep tabs on when the moving day will be and when you’ll need to have each room packed up.

Schedules are great for ensuring that you don’t forget about something important. Plus, they’ll help you and your family stay on track.

3. Ask For Help

Packing away a home is a big job for anyone. Enlisting the help of friends and other family members will make the ordeal a whole lot easier — and maybe even more fun!

If you are worried about asking too much from your loved ones, break up tasks into smaller chunks. Instead of asking for an indefinite amount of time on Saturday, ask for them to come over from 1 PM to 5 PM with a treat of dinner afterward.

Not only will this assist in the moving made easy process. It can also provide you with a little extra time with your friends and family before the big move.

Alternatively, if you would prefer professional help, you could get into contact with a professional moving service, such as Liberty Moving.

They will be able to help you get the job done in a speedy and organized way. Services like this are the epitome of moving made easy.

4. Label All Boxes

Nothing can be more frustrating than packing away a valuable item and then later being uncertain where that item ended up.

This nightmare scenario is why it’s important to make use of labels and other kinds of organizational tools to keep track of your belongings.

Keep a list on the filled packing box as well as a master list in a notebook or a binder.

This way, when you’re wondering what happened to your favorite jewelry box later, you can check back to your lists and find out exactly where it is.

5. Keep Essentials Easy to Access

You don’t want to pack away essential every day things, such as combs or toothbrushes, too early. Perhaps you want to hang on to your favorite book. But you also want to have everything put away in its place when the big moving day comes.

A great way to solve this problem is to have a personal essentials box for each person in the family.

This box holds anything that that particular family member will want to keep at hand during the packing and moving process. This box only gets sealed away on the big moving day. It will also be the first box opened when the move is complete.

This will make certain that anything important isn’t accidentally left behind. Plus, it will remain within easy reach once you arrive at your new home.

Having these kinds of essential and personal items at hand when settling into a new place will make the transition a whole lot easier.

6. Support Each Other

Perhaps the most important step to moving made easy is to remember that this is a hard time for everyone in the family. From the eldest adults to the youngest of children, moving is tough.

It’s a good idea to make certain everyone can help support each other during this stressful and sometimes sorrowful time. Coming together as a family is the best kind of shield when it comes time to move away from your old home.

Take some time during all of the craziness of packing, preparing, and moving, and just spend some quality time together. Perhaps plan out the things you are all excited for in the new house. Come up with some new things you can try out in the new city.

You may have to leave behind certain belongings. You may not get to see your friends as often. But at least you’ll have your family, and that is invaluable.

Moving Made Easy for You and Your Family

With the help of these 6 tips, your move will be as stress-free as possible. Make a checklist of all the things you need to do and be sure to add in these tips to help you.

Thanks to this advice, you’ll be able to tackle the many tasks awaiting you with an arsenal of tools in your belt.

If you need any assistance, learn more about how we can help you.

Is it time to make a major family move?

This is a difficult decision, but once it’s been made, you’ll want to make sure your move is as smooth and painless as possible.

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can help make your family move happen seamlessly. With these tips, you can eliminate excess stress from the process, and focus on enjoying a new experience with your family.

1. Break the News Right

When it comes to telling kids about a move, there are ways to break the news that can help them come to terms with the idea more easily.

The kids may have attachments to things about the house, not to mention their friends, neighbors, a local park or the ice cream shop down the street.

Make sure to tell them early. Although this can be a difficult conversation to have with kids of any age, putting it off will only make it harder.

If the kids know that you told them first, they will feel important and included. Tell them in a comfortable, home setting, not a public place. This way, they can feel free to express their true feelings about the news.

Be clear that the decision has already been finalized. Don’t get into negotiations about the move. You may feel some uncertainty yourself about the move, but don’t express it in front of the kids.

2. Spark Excitement

Although the kids may not take the news well at first, you’ll want to get them excited about. Stay positive and let them see that you are happy about the prospects of your move.

Avoid exaggeration about the new location, and don’t promise anything you’re not sure you can deliver. But do tell the kids positive things about your new location, so they will start feeling excited about relocating.

You can also help prepare the kids by giving them access to books or movies where the characters also move. They can process their emotions better with a narrative that will help them understand.

3. Offer Spousal Support

Often, at least one member of a partnership is making some sort of sacrifices for the move. Maybe you or your spouse is giving up a job or a thriving social life in order to relocate.

Make sure the lines of communication stay open between you and your spouse. Work to understand what your spouse needs, and don’t forget to communicate your needs to them as well.

Even if sacrifices are being made, remind your spouse of the positives that are in store, as well.

4. Make Packing Fun

Get kids involved in the packing process, so they’ll feel like they’re in control and are included in the big family move.

This helps the family move feel like a team effort. Make packing an enjoyable process by picking up a few fun extras.

Let the kids pick out some stickers or colored markers and tape so they can mark which boxes their things are in. For creative kids, a journal provides a place for them to write down or draw their thoughts about the move.

For younger kids, be sure to help them with the process of sorting out their room. They may have a difficult time deciding what they should keep and what they should give away. Be gentle and understand that they might have formed attachments to belongings as a way of coping with the move.

For older kids (above 12) and teens, allow them more freedom in the process of packing. They will feel better about the move if they have more control over what they can take with them. Respect the time and space they need to pack, within reason.

5. Start Planning the New Home

Once you know where you’ll be living, help the kids by letting them plan out their new room.

They’ll feel more excited and in control if they know what their room will be shaped like and can start imagining how they will set it up. This also makes it easier for them to decide what and how much stuff to take with them.

You might spark conversations about paint, decorations, new furniture, or other ways to personalize the new space. This will help your new house feel like home for the whole family faster.

6. Keep a Box of Essentials for Everyone

Let each member of the family pack a small essentials box. This box is where they will put everything they need for the trip and the first few days in the new location.

Younger kids might pack toys, games, and appropriate books. Make sure the necessary clothing and toiletries are there, as well as enough entertainment and any favorite stuffed animals or comfort items.

Again, for older kids, you’ll want to give them the space to pack their own boxes, but provide ideas and reminders for what to include, and check to make sure the essentials made it in.

Don’t forget to pack essentials boxes for you and your spouse, too. The family move will feel seamless if there’s no desperate searching through boxes for important items upon arrival.

7. Get Settled In

Once you’ve gotten the family adjusted to the idea, packed, and transported, the hardest part seems over. Congratulations!

However, it’s still important to tackle the process of settling in. For some kids and teens, adjusting to the new location is actually the hardest part.

Start by giving a tour of the home, especially for younger kids. Help them get familiar with where everything is: fridge, bathroom, closets.

Unpack strategically: you’ll need essential kitchen and bathroom items first. Then, help the kids unpack before unpacking your own room. The more familiar belongings they have around them, the better they will feel about their new home.

8. Provide Routine

If you had family TV night every Sunday in your old home, start that in your new home as soon as possible. Provide both the fun routines and the necessary ones. Give the same mealtimes, bedtimes, and activity times that kids remember from their former home.

Of course, the moving process provides some disruptions that can’t be avoided, but the sooner you can provide this stability, the better.

Conclusion: A Family Move Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

These easy steps will help make the big family move less stressful for everyone – including you – no matter how far you go. Make it a team effort, find ways to make the process fun, and always make sure family communication stays open so everyone can express their feelings in ways that are appropriate.

To take one step further, simplify your move by hiring a moving company. This way, you can focus on what really matters in the move: your family.

Figuring out a budget for the cost of moving house can be confusing and downright frustrating.

There are so many details to remember and decisions to make. How do you pack up your whole house? Do you need movers? How can you get an accurate quote for the cost of your move?

Don’t worry. With this guide, there’s no need to stress. We’re breaking down all the details of the cost of moving house.

Everything That Goes Into the Cost of Moving House

When it comes to moving, it’s all about the 4 D’s: distance, delivery, details, and documents. Let’s break it down.

Distance

How far are you moving? The distance of your move influences the cost of moving house in several ways.

If you’re hiring movers, here’s what you can expect.

Generally, a local move costs less than a long distance move.

Most local movers charge by the hour. This means you’ll be paying them a pre-negotiated rate, typically between $80 and $100 an hour for the “two men and a truck” industry norm.

This means you’ll be paying them whether they are packing, loading, driving, unloading, or anything else related to your move.

Being organized and prepared with clear instructions for the movers will help you save time. Most companies charge per hour and a fraction of the hour thereafter.

Long moves, over 100 miles, across state lines, and cross country moves usually charge a flat rate based on the distance and size/number of truckloads your move requires.

Expect to pay a four figure number for most long distance moves. However, since there are so many factors that affect the cost, it’s best to get a free quote.

If you’re moving without professional movers, distance factors most into time. How many trips back and forth will you need to take? Will you be using your own vehicle or will you need to rent a moving truck?

Delivery

You may have heard of the iron triangle. It’s the concept that between good, fast, and cheap: you can pick two of the three.

This is certainly true of the cost of moving house!

Your move could happen at hyper speed if you’re willing to shell out the money for experienced movers. Good and fast, but not cheap.

Your move could happen for very low cost if you’re willing to take days or weeks to get everything from point A to point B. Good and cheap, but not fast.

Your move could happen super fast at an inexpensive rate, but you’ll end up with broken belongings or worse. Fast and cheap, but not good.

It all comes down to the method of delivery. Putting in the time to handle the packing, including the purchase of supplies, and moving the items small enough to fit in your car will save you money. For the large items, like your bed, mattress, couch, and dining table, you can rent a truck or leave these few things to the pro’s to avoid the heavy lifting.

You can potentially save yourself something better than money by hiring movers: stress. Paying for an experienced, quality moving company can ensure that your belongings are delivered safely without you having to put in a painstaking amount of effort.

Details

The details of your move will factor into the cost of moving house as well.

The biggest detail? The size of your space. Moving a one bedroom apartment will obviously cost less than moving a four bedroom house.

Generally, you can estimate that the cost of a local move by the number of bedrooms. Check out the following time chart:

• Studio or one bedroom: 3-5 hours with 2 movers
• Two bedrooms: 5-7 hours with 3 movers
• Three bedrooms: 7-10 hours with 4 movers

Larger homes (over 5,000 square feet) will take longer and require an extra large truck. You can expect that these moves will cost $1500 or more.

There are additional details to consider. For example, some moving companies charge a premium for large items, such as a piano or pool table. Make sure to mention these items to get an accurate quote.

Also, the date of your move can affect the cost of moving house. May-September is the height of the moving season, so you may encounter inflated moving prices. Weekends, holidays, and first and last days of the month will also often cost more.

Reserve your moving company as early as you can, and if possible, strategize your moving date to save!

Keep in mind that you will likely need parking permits for the moving truck at both your former and your new home. Check out our complete guide to parking permits for movingfor more information.

Documents

Moving your belongings is only half the work. You also have to change your address with a variety of utility, governmental, and financial organizations.

This includes the following:

• Driver’s License or ID (You are supposed to get a new driver’s license printed within a certain period of time, depending on your state. There are additional requirements if you’re moving to a new state. Find out what the rules are for your case by clicking here).
• Voter Registration
• Bank Accounts
• Credit Card Accounts
• Employer (including any previous employers that you will need a W2 or similar form for tax purposes).
• Health Insurance
• Car Insurance (this is a big one- you may save money if you’re moving to a neighborhood with a lower insurance claim rate!)
• Car Registration
• Utilities such as water, power, and gas. (You may be able to transfer some of these, but many will require a new account).
• Internet, Cable, Phone
• Magazine or Newspaper Subscriptions
• Loan Issuers (Student Loans, Mortgage Loans, etc.)

Some of these changes will involve a nominal fee, such as the cost of issuing a new driver’s license or installing your internet.

Budget $150-$300 for these costs and you should be totally covered.

Conclusion

So the answer to the cost of your move really is….it depends!

The best thing you can do when moving is make sure you’re in good hands.

At Liberty Moving and Storage, we’re here to answer any of your questions or concerns.

Contact us today.

Moving can be an extremely stressful process. There’s already the major life change that comes with a big move, in addition to making sure all of your belongings are packed carefully. All of the elements of a move can end in the sum of quite a headache.

In fact, it may be one of the most anxiety ridden experiences in a person’s life, next to having a baby. Research has even shown that moving is more stressful than a divorce.

Relocation anxiety and depression often occur directly after a move. What you don’t need on top of all that is a broken family heirloom that wasn’t packed correctly during the move.

Having to pack and move your self can be an exhausting and frustrating process. Hiring movers can also be tricky when you have many pieces you love and want to make sure are cared for. If you’re in a major city, even worse. With the tight turns and crazy traffic, you’ll need some professional city moving help.

But have no packing fear, the ultimate guide on how to pack your fragile items is here:

1. Pillow Pack

Many fragile items can come in peculiar shapes and sizes. Make sure your fragile items are given a generous amount of space when you start to pack and move. Put them in large boxes with enough space and make sure to keep them separate.

Place a blanket at the bottom of the box, and then meticulously wrap the fragile item in another blanket. Make sure the blanket is thick enough to protect it on all sides. Once that is done, place the item in the bottom of the box and place pillows on top and on the sides of the item till the box is full and the item is immobile.

2. Bubble Wrap That

When it comes to precious heirlooms or wedding china, bubble wrap will be your best friend. Wrap the entire item in bubble wrap two to three times. Even wrap handles and other things that may be in an odd form or stick out. Secure your bubble wrap with securing tape.

If you are stacking plates, put cardboard between each plate as you stack. Consider bending the edges of your cardboard pieces around the plates and taping them as well. That way your plates will move safe and sound and won’t be able to shift during travel.

Place crumpled paper in any of the gaps between your dishes. When packing your pre-packed-stacked dishes in your box, fill the box with crumpled newspapers.

Ensure you have enough paper for a dense protection around your plates. Once the plates are in, put loads more crumpled newspaper on top of the dishes too. Secure your box with tape and send it to its new home.

Once the plates are in, put loads more crumpled newspaper on top of the dishes too. Secure your box with tape and send it to its new home.

3. Paper Pack

As heretofore mentioned, paper is a great resource for your move and pack, especially when it comes to your glassware.

Put paper inside your glassware to the point that it diminishes any extra space. Then carefully hand wrap each individual glass with multiple layers. Secure each layer with tape before starting your next layer.

Pack your glassware in small boxes, and fill the space inside and outside of each just like you did with your plates. Your glassware is sure to have a safe arrival at your destination with this technique. If you have box inserts, even better. Cellular inserts are a great way to keep your items separated to avoid clanking.

For your fine china and favorite wine glasses, consider a white glove moving service to help eliminate your stress during the move.

4. Eliminate the Jiggle

Whether you’re using box inserts or not, the most important thing is to wrap items individually with great care and detail. That way you can pack your items snugly without worrying if they are going to break.

Packing your items in a snug matter will completely eliminate jiggling during your move. If you have the hollow items paper-packed, then you should be able to make the fit tightly together to avoid a potential crash.

For flat items like picture frames, wrap each item in bubble wrap and then strategically put them in the box in a vertical manner. Consider using more bubble wrap between each layer of frames.

There are a lot of boxes designed to pack and move specific fragile items. They can be found online or in stores.

5. Buy New for Your Pack and Move

Many people want to reuse old cardboard boxes they have lying around because it’s a cheap option, and it’s also eco-friendly. But here’s the thing: cardboard boxes have a short shelf life.

With one or two moves, a cardboard box has performed its lifetime duty. You can not rely on boxes to hold up after years of sitting around in a home or basement collecting dust and moisture.

You probably wouldn’t forgive yourself if the tape doesn’t hold to an old box, or the bottom just gave out and your grandmother’s crystal candy dish hit the literal road during your move. Making sure you buy new cardboard boxes is a very important part of your move and pack.

Resist the temptation to reuse, instead, just renew.

Take Care

Although the hassle of moving can be a heavy burden, you’ll feel worse if you show up to your new home and find your favorite fragile items in smithereens.

Pack items appropriately and taking great care on each individual item. With attention to detail, you’ll show up to your new place with all of your favorite things in tip top shape to instantly make it feel like home again.

Though it may be a little more time consuming to pack your fragile items in a meticulous manner, you will be happy you did.

When it’s time for you to pack and move, hire the best local moving company your city has to offer. Professionals who care about your things as much as you do will assure that they get through the move in one piece.

If you are ready for a seamless, easy, and fragile move, click here to learn more about what our company can do for you.

The tipping culture in America is quite different than the rest of the world where it’s uncommon and in some instances considered rude. Yet, when someone goes above-and-beyond with service it feels natural to throw them a few bucks.

What about house movers?

Now there’s something you don’t consider every day despite the fact you’ll likely move two to three times and have the opportunity to do so. Not to mention never giving it a thought when you’ve joined alongside these professional house movers for friends and family.

Let’s explore some of the questions you’ve wanted to know about moving services. We’ll answer the one about tipping but check out these others that are bound to be equally interesting and insightful.

What House Movers Wish You Knew

It’s one thing to help a buddy move in exchange for some grub & drinks and another for when you’re uprooting a home. Anything that could make the process of moving easier sounds good especially if it’ll save time and money.

These professionals are good at what they do and if you’d stop and listen then what you’d find is them telling you this:

Stick Around

Don’t go disappearing on the movers thinking you’re helping by preparing the new place for your stuff. The movers want you around in case they have questions or need direction.

Keep Personal Stuff on You

Important, personal stuff like medications, jewelry, and collectibles should stay on hand so it isn’t mixed up with the rest of the boxes. Likewise, the movers don’t want the possibility of a client assuming the items have gone missing because of them (it’s a liability issue).

Quality Boxes Are a Blessing

A move goes easier when items get packed in appropriately sized, quality boxes. These boxes are easier to handle and less likely to collapse so it’s worth sporting the extra funds on your end.

Have It Ready

It’s something the movers shouldn’t have to tell you yet happens too often. Have everything ready (if you can) before moving day. Label each box for their intended destination and if they’re fragile.

Identify the Valuables

The movers don’t know the monetary or personal value of an item but they will treat items with care regardless. You must understand they’re on a deadline, though. This could lead to uncomfortable confrontations about their handling if it seems like they’re rough.

Set the valuables aside and explain what these items are to the movers to guarantee they are handled with special care.

Plan Ahead

Schedule the moving service and touch base with the company in the weeks leading up to moving day. This will prepare movers and give you peace of mind when the time comes.

Damage Claims

Did something get damaged or broken? Don’t wait until weeks after the move to report a claim. Take pictures and call it out the moment it happens so there’s documentation to hand to the moving company. This will prevent the possible confusion and legal disputes between the parties.

Clear Out

Stick around but stay out of the way of the movers. They’re handling heavy objects so any disruption in their flow could lead to an injury. Likewise, every time you stop to ask questions, give suggestions, or leave comments is extra minutes added to the time. Movers are busy and want to get things done ASAP.

Costs Aren’t Final

Estimates received are just that… estimates. The day of the move can write a different story depending on whether movers need to put in the extra effort. The extra effort due in part to difficult clients, items, or unexpected changes to the deal.

It’s not only what they do but what you can do for them. Working together makes for an easier move which is a bonus in their book.

Combining Forces for Efficiency (and More)

Knowing these will help you get more value on your investment and make it easier for the house movers to do their job. The outcome being less stress throughout the process and more money to keep in your pockets.

It’s best to stay out of the way of the movers once they arrive so you’re not disruptive of their activities. Though, there are plenty of ways you can speed up the process of the move without being in the way.

• Keep a close eye on children for their safety and the movers
• Take the time to review documents in prep of arriving at the new place
• Verify moving invoice and information for safe delivery of your items
• Provide movers with a documented floor plan of the current and new place

Anything to help the movers with their job is welcome even though they may not openly express their gratitude since they’re busy.

As for the Whole Tipping Thing

You didn’t think we’d let you down on what spurred this topic, did you? Here’s the answer you’re looking for: sort of.

The house movers pay is respectable if they work for reputable, licensed moving company. A handful of companies may have requirements asking not to tip but most leave it at the discretion of the client.

Reasons to tip:

• Exceptional service
• Respectful interaction
• Likeability

You’re not obligated but the same could be argued for tipping people handling your food. It’s a nice gesture. Sliding $20-$50 for each worker or 10% on the cost of the move is the typical tip one would give.

Reasons not to tip:

• Rudeness
• Damaged or broken items
• Unreliable

House movers have off days like the rest of us but they’ll hopefully hold it together and deliver on what’s promised. If not then don’t stress on the tip.

There are other ways to tip the movers if you’re not keen on doing so with money. A constant supply of drinks to keep them hydrated is always appreciated while grub does one better. Ask and you’ll find something they’d appreciate.

For Those Wanting More

Who’d of thunk learning about house movers to be an interesting topic? We hope you learned a thing or two. We’re more than happy to be your house movers for your first move (and perhaps all those that happen after that).

If you want more then feel free to give us a call sometime (1-800-640-4487) or live video chat with us! We’ve been moving people in the Long Island & NYC area before most of you were born. Our experienced team, high-standards, and commitment are the reason why so many have chosen us for over 78 years.

Here’s a tip for you: get a free quote today!

If you’ve opted to hire movers, you’ve made an excellent choice. You can avoid all the nasty hassles of DIY moving and just enjoy moving to your new home. But there are a few things you should know before you movers get there to make the process smooth for both you and your movers.

This is why we’ve put together a list of the things you should do before your movers get there and while your movers pack up your house.

1. When Moving, Label Fragile Things

Your movers are only human. They don’t have x-ray vision. They can’t intuit what’s in a box just by picking it up.

While your movers will be careful with your stuff if they know when something is fragile, they can place the box in a safe place within the truck. They’ll know to be extra careful with said box and keep whatever is inside safe.

So, make sure you label the boxes with fragile stuff hidden inside. And anything that needs to be oriented a certain way label the box “This Side Up” with an arrow pointing in the appropriate direction.

Your stuff will be even more likely to get where it’s going in one piece.

2. Label the Boxes By Destination Room

To make things more efficient on the other end, label each box by the room where it’s destined to go. If you don’t do this, you will end up slowing the whole process down. This isn’t great for you if the movers are charging by the hour.

If you want to avoid being traffic control when you get to your new place, or you want your stuff in the right rooms, be sure to label the boxes by room. This way you can let the movers do their job and not have to worry about much more than how you want your furniture oriented.

3. Know the Parking Situation

At least at the home you’re moving out of, you should know the parking situation. If you live in a city, it’s important to know whether your movers can park on the street or not.

You might need a special permit to block the street you’re on. And you especially don’t want to pay for a costly parking ticket or any other violation on moving day.

If you are moving far away and don’t know the rules where you are moving, make sure you find out from your realtor or property manager what the parking situation is like. While your movers have been in plenty of interesting situations with their trucks, you can smooth over the process by communicating conditions and rules ahead of time.

4. Do Not Pack Cash, Prescription Meds or Jewellery

Your movers are honest people. And won’t steal your things. But we don’t want any situation where small valuable things get lost and misunderstanding abound.

If you’ve been stashing your life savings in your mattress, don’t leave it there. Take it with you in your own vehicle. Same goes for jewelry and prescription medications.

Keep these things in your possession and you will always now where they are because they will be in your care.

5. Pack Heavy Stuff in Small Boxes

Let’s say you love to read. Great! Reading is good for you!

But books are heavier than you think. And packing 100 average (1lb 15oz) hardback books is almost two hundred pounds. So, for movers, there is such a thing as too many books (even if we do like reading).

So, instead pack the books in smaller boxes. Ten to twenty books is much more manageable than 100. And when they fall, they won’t destroy everything in their path.

Same goes with other heavy things. That rock collection you’ve been growing since the fifth grade? Divide it up by rock type and pack each type in a smaller box.  

Gold bars? See #4.

Your antique dagger collection? Wrap them very carefully and then consult your moving company on how they want them packed.

The principle is the same for most small heavy things, however. Small boxes are better for these things.

6. Don’t Use Drawers for Packing

While a lot of DIY moving advice sites recommend you stuff your chest of drawers with things to save space in the truck, don’t do that for your movers.

There is a reason they want things actually packed in boxes. Things are less likely to get lost and the chest of drawers will be that much easier to move.

Also, remove the drawers from the furniture if they do not lock in place. Shifting drawers are dangerous. And some movers won’t move your furniture if the drawers are still in.

7. Finish Packing Before the Scheduled Day

If you’re bad with deadlines, we understand. Set yourself a false deadline and have someone keep you accountable for it if that’s the case.

But you need to be ready for the movers. This means everything labeled and packed that you were going to pack.

This means your valuables like cash, jewelry, and prescription meds stowed in your own vehicle. This means the clothes you’re going to wear until you’re unpacked at the other end are in their appropriate suitcases.

If you are ready when the movers come on, things will go ten times faster. You won’t be in their way and they will appreciate your effort.

8. Stick Around While They Move Your Stuff

While you should try to stay out of your mover’s way, you shouldn’t leave the premises for more than a quick run to the store. They may need clarification on where things go or what things are.

And if you disappear, they can’t continue to do their job effectively.

9. Let the Professionals Handle It

Your movers have moved countless people. They know what they’re doing.

No matter how many times you’ve moved in your life, your movers have moved more people. So, on moving day, let the professionals handle the work. Don’t hover over the movers like a worrisome hen.

And if you can relinquish control of the situation and be around to answer questions, your move will be a lot less stressful.

Make Your Life Stress Free

While we can’t help you with the rest of your life, we can help you with your move. Getting your stuff from one place to another can be stressful. So get a free estimate today to make your move stress free.

Fewer things are as stressful as packing. Moving most of us can handle. Packing, on the other hand, is likely to make you regret every purchase you’ve ever made during your stay on this planet.

Seriously, though, why can’t your belongings just magically appear in your new home?

Alas, this is the real world, and those items aren’t going to pack themselves. Just because you have to pack, however, doesn’t mean that you have to be miserable. There are secrets that will allow you to excel at packing and organizing your moving boxes.

And, wouldn’t you know it, we’re sharing those secrets with you as a courtesy. Enjoy.

Place Heavy Items on the Bottom

You’ve probably heard this one before. As a matter of fact, you’ve probably even just figured that this is the right way to go about things. You don’t, after all, want to squish any of your lighter, more fragile items.

Packing your items this way also makes the process of unpacking everything run more smoothly. You can zip through all of the light objects and tackle the big ones later.

Or next year. You know how unpacking usually goes.

Numbering the Boxes

People spend way too much time buying moving boxes and stuffing them with objects to lose their items. Unfortunately, however, boxes will get misplaced sometimes.

That said, we encourage you to take some precautions, one of which is numbering your boxes. Doing this won’t prevent your boxes from getting lost, but it will help you immediately determine whether or not you’ve lost anything.

Found boxes eleven and thirteen while twelve is nowhere in sight? Sounds fishy to us.

But look on the bright side. The chances of losing that car you had shipped are relatively low. Box number twelve had nothing on your vehicle.

Don’t Stuff Your Boxes

Moving boxes aren’t particularly expensive, but there is a bargainer in all of us. We want to get our money’s worth, and there’s no shame in that.

Still, sometimes we take things overboard. This is especially true when we stuff our boxes to max capacity.

And don’t think for a second that “max capacity” isn’t a euphemism for “There’s way too much stuff in this box, but, hey, I got it closed.”

Don’t do this. You want all of your boxes to be properly closed to keep your belongs tucked away on their journey to your new home.

Don’t Waste Space Inside of Your Boxes

Just because you can’t pack your boxes until they overflow doesn’t mean that you can’t use the space inside of them efficiently. Your boxes shouldn’t be half full. That’s just a waste of your money.

It’s also a waste of your time. When your boxes aren’t efficiently packed, you create more work for yourself and anyone who’s helping you. You lug more boxes onto the truck and unpack more boxes in the end.

If you can’t fill up your boxes, though, you can use or next tip to help you eliminate that empty space.

Add Padding To Boxes When Necessary

Sometimes you don’t have enough items to fill up all of the space in your moving boxes. That’s perfectly normal, but you shouldn’t just leave so much empty space in your boxes. When contents are loose, they can shift unexpectedly and this can be a risk to the person carrying the box. You don’t want items moving about inside the boxes.

Especially if you have fragile items inside of them.

Adding some sort of padding to the boxes should help remedy the problem. You can buy bubble wrap to add bulk or add soft items such as socks and pillows to your boxes.

“Prioritize” Each Box

People who are honest with themselves know that they won’t unpack all of their boxes. Some of those boxes will still be sitting around five years later.

Because they know this, they need a way to find out which boxes they absolutely must unpack sooner rather than later. Labeling each box with a symbol which signifies priority or urgency will help you keep track of which boxes they pretty much never plan on unpacking.

Don’t Disassemble Items If You Can Help It

Disassembling items is completely necessary sometimes. If you don’t have to go that route, however, just don’t. When you disassemble an item, you have to keep track of all sorts of nuts, bolts, and screws while packing and unpacking, which no one wants to do.

And let’s not even talk about the fact that you eventually have to put the items back together if you take them apart.

Color Coding Boxes

Nothing can defeat you more than staring at a room full of boxes which don’t have any info about where their contents belong on the outside. Color-coding the boxes by room can help you avoid all of this confusion.

If at all possible, you should also try to keep boxes with related objects together. This will make the process easier on the people who have to unload the moving trucks.

Don’t Throw Away Your Boxes

Throwing away your boxes is easy. That doesn’t, however, necessarily make it the best option. There are a couple of other routes you can go.

You can, for example, donate your boxes. You don’t even have to do so in an official capacity. If you happen to notice that a neighbor is moving, just volunteer your boxes.

If you don’t want to play the role of the good Samaritan, you could make a bit of money selling your moving boxes at a discounted price. There are plenty of sites that allow people to sell items they no longer need.

Recycling is also an option for people who can’t be bothered to donate or sell their boxes.

Keep A Master List of Your Boxes

On paper, your phone, or your computer, keep a list of your boxes. The list should include the box number, the priority, general description of items, and the room for which it is destined in the new home. This list can keep you organized, let you know where items are, and prevent you from having to walk around reading box labels to try to find that “one thing” you need now.

Master the Art of Packing And Labeling Moving Boxes

You’re well on your way to slaying the art of packing your moving boxes. You just have to be a little more mindful while throwing all of your items into those boxes.

Now all you have to worry about is adjusting to your new neighborhood, which is a completely different challenge.

If you’re still looking for a moving company to help you get your belongings from point A point B, consider moving with Liberty Moving & Storage. We provide everything from residential moving to white glove moving.

Contact us today for a free quote. You can call us at 1-800-640-4487 or fill out a contact form. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.