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Moving Tips

7 Steps to Take Before Your NJ Movers Arrive

7 Steps to Take Before Your NJ Movers Arrive

When it comes to moving, you’ve probably heard more stressful stories than trouble-free ones. It always seems inevitable for there to be last minute hiccups or issues that seem completely unpreventable. But is that truly the case? You might not be able to plan for every contingency, but there are some predictable issues that can crop up during a move like misplaced boxes, damaged belongings, narrow doors and halls, and so on. By planning ahead, you can speed up the entire moving process and minimize potential risks.

Not sure where to start? Below are some useful steps to take before the movers arrive on your doorstep.

Declutter Your Home

Your very first step is to organize and declutter all of your belongings. Yes, even tiny items like hair ties, pens, and so on. The less stuff you bring with you, the less you’ll need to pack and unpack. Take a hard look at everything you own and separate it into three piles – keep, sell/donate, and trash. If you want some extra cash for your moving budget, consider holding a yard or garage sale to get rid of unwanted items and then donate whatever is left over. Depending on how much you’re getting rid of, you could make a couple hundred dollars.

Make an Inventory

While you’re decluttering, it’s a good idea to organize all of the items you plan on bringing with you. Your first order of business is to create a detailed inventory. Take pictures of everything as this will serve as proof of the contents and condition of your belongings. For electronics and appliances, list the serial number, brand, and type. Store the inventory and pictures in the cloud but also make sure to have a hard copy on hand during the move. That way if anything goes missing, you’ll have physical evidence.

Once your inventory is complete, share it with the NJ moving company and anyone else involved in the move. Make sure to send out an updated version if you add or remove anything.

Get Organized

Making an inventory is great, but you still need to organize and pack everything so that they are protected and easy to find. It might seem tedious, but you should set some time to:

  • Pre-pack small items in a sealable bag. This is great for items like desk organizers, jewelry, small decorations, etc.
  • Label your boxes – use color-codes or simply write what items are in the box. Make sure to write Fragile on boxes you want handled with extra care.
  • Separate items – there are some items you want to have access to immediately and/or definitely don’t want lost like personal documents, valuables, your essentials like clothes, toiletries, medication, pet food, and small electronic devices. Keep these away from the other boxes so the movers don’t get confused

You should also measure all doors and hallways to make sure the boxes and furniture you have will fit comfortably through any and all entryways. You don’t want to back a big box and not be able to get it through the front door of your new home, do you?

Get Insurance

When you hire professional movers your belongings are automatically covered by the basic valuation coverage which covers you for $0.60 per pound per item. While this might be fine for basic things like your clothes, it doesn’t really provide much help for items that are expensive, but light like cameras, TVs, jewelry, etc. If you own a lot of high value items, consider springing for the full valuation from your NJ moving company. You will need to alert the movers of anything that is valued at over $100/pound, otherwise they cannot be held liable if it is damaged but not claimed.

You can also spring for third-party moving insurance. Your premium is based on the value and weight of the total items you want to insure, so it’s in your best interest to only cover the very expensive or irreplaceable items. Be forewarned that if you pack the items yourself and it gets damaged during the move, the moving company and/or insurance won’t pay out unless there’s obvious evidence of improper handling during the move.

Plan for Your Pets and Kids

Depending on how old your child is, it might be beneficial to have a friend or relative watch them during the moving process. You want them to stay away from all the commotion and tension that comes with moving day so that you and the NJ moving crew can focus on the task at hand. If you can’t find someone to help out, look for a babysitter or see if you might be able to have them wait in a separate room. 

For your pets, put them in a kennel or cage away from all the noise. Many people lose their pets during a move since dogs and cats are prone to running away from unfamiliar people and loud noises. Keep them safe by putting them somewhere they can’t escape. Include their favorite toy or cushion as something familiar can help soothe their anxiety. And don’t forget to pack some weewee pads in case they end up urinating or defecating in their cage.

Prepare Your House for Movers

Sure, most moving companies will put down some supplies to prevent damage to your house, but it’s up to you to make sure your old and new house are clean and undamaged. This is especially true if you are moving between NJ apartments since you’ll have to worry about getting back your security deposit. Some small steps you can take include:

  • Putting down doormats and plastic coverings over floors and carpets to prevent dirt buildup
  • Wrapping banisters and corners with some bubble wrap or blankets. 
  • Cover stairs with anti-slip coating
  • Protect door frames with foam pad dings or remove doors from hinges if necessary. Don’t forget to put the doors back up!
  • Remove paintings, mirrors, and clocks from walls

 Don’t forget to take pictures of your old place before the movers arrive. You want proof of the condition your apartment or home was in during move out so in case something gets damaged, you can show that you were not responsible. Don’t forget to do this when you move into your new place, too!

Think of the Moving Crew

Not all moves are strenuous, but if your move is expected to take more than four hours and/or you have a lot of bulky and heavy items to move, consider getting some snacks and water to replenish the movers’ energy levels. This is especially important if you’re moving during the summer! You should also make sure to leave some soap and disposable hand towels in your old and new home just in case someone needs to use it.

And don’t forget to take out some cash for tips. While tipping isn’t required, it’s always a good idea to show appreciation for a job well done, especially for something like moving. Add some extra dollars if the crew had to move very heavy items, walk up stairs, or navigate tight corridors.

Have a Stress-Free Moving Experience

While no move is easy, you can reduce potential issues by preparing in advance. Once you’re ready to move, make sure to give NJ Great Movers a call. We can help walk you through the process and provide a customized moving plan that fits your needs and budget.

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General

How to Move Out After a Breakup

5 Tips on Moving Out After Breaking Up

Breaking up is never easy, but it’s especially hard if you live together. Moving out after a breakup gets complicated as you will need to resolve issues such as dividing up shared belongings, organizing the house/apartment on move out, and deciding custody of children if you have them. Even if you broke up on good terms, figuring out the logistics of the move can lead to some heated arguments if not planned properly. And while you might not be able to completely alleviate the stress and tension, there are a few things you can do to make the move a bit easier on both of you.

Keep Your Emotions in Check During the Move

This is easier said than done. If your partner and you have decided to end your relationship, chances are emotions are running high even if both parties agree to the break up. This can make it difficult to discuss the logistics of moving, leading to unnecessary squabbling and ultimately more hurt feelings.

If possible, get a hotel room or stay with a friend for a few days to put some distance between you and your ex. While it might not be feasible to move out immediately, you should do your best to try to wrap things up as soon as possible. After your emotions have cooled a bit, discuss the move strategy with your ex to figure out next steps like when you are going to move your things out, etc. If you can’t afford to live by yourself, reach out to your network to see if there are any friends or even co-workers looking for a roommate. It might not be ideal, but you at least want a short term solution until you can figure out a long-term solution.

Divvy Up Your Belongings 

For many people, this is one of the hardest parts of breaking up with someone you lived with. The longer you live together, the more you share everything from bank accounts to furniture. Naturally, you’ll want to keep anything that belongs to you like your laptop, cellphone, clothes, etc. However, for the shared items, consider creating a list of your top wants and have your ex do the same thing.

If you notice a lot of overlap, take a second look at your list and see if you can whittle it down to a few big ticket items and certain sentimental items. You can always buy new things and it might even be better for you in the long run as you won’t have a constant reminder of your ex.

There are times when you might want to get a mediator or lawyer involved most notably when dealing with children and pets. With a child, you will need to go through court and hire a lawyer to handle custody hearings. When it comes to pets, you definitely want to have a third-party present to hear both sides and provide a fair judgment.

No one wants to part with the family pet, but there are plenty of extenuating circumstances to consider such as how closely a pet is bonded to one person or the other, financial security, how much time the person has to take care of the pet, and so on. If you end up keeping a pet that your ex adopted, you can go to the vet to fill out a pet ownership transfer form.

Remember, this step should focus on dividing up your mutual belongings and should not be used as a way to take revenge on your ex. More importantly, make a clear list of all the items that you will be taking with you and leave a copy with your ex. It might even be a good idea to have them sign the document agreeing to the list. That way, should they decide to change their mind, you have a physical document with their signature.

Hire Professional Movers for a Hassle-Free Move

You want to make the move as quick and painless as possible, which means reducing the amount of trips you need to make. Hiring movers might not be cheap, but it will help you get everything out quickly and easily. Even if you don’t have a new home yet, you should try to get your stuff out as soon as possible. Many professional moving companies offer short and long-term storage options for decent rates. You can even hire them for packing services if you don’t have the time to pack everything yourself!

Before you call the movers, make sure to create an inventory of everything you’re taking with you and label all the boxes. Have your ex double check your list to make sure you aren’t taking anything that you didn’t agree on beforehand. Once everything is settled, schedule movers as soon as possible. Ideally, you would want to move on a day when your ex is not around. If that’s not possible, then having a moving crew there can serve as a nice buffer if your ex tries to give you any trouble.

Enjoy the Moving Process and Stay Positive

Break ups and moves are hard. There’s no more appropriate time to lean on your support network than when you have to do both at the same time. Don’t be afraid to let the waterworks go in front of your loved ones and let them pamper you. You might not feel like it, but a little TLC can go a long way to healing. Suggest a spa appointment or even a short vacation out of town if you can manage it. If your budget is stretched thin, then consider a night in with your friends. You might feel broken and fragile, but it’s usually better to go out and enjoy yourself instead of being depressed by yourself.

If you don’t have any friends or family available, then find ways to make yourself feel better. Don’t neglect your health. Make sure you eat well, exercise, and get some fresh air. Now is also a great time to try out some new activities and maybe even make some new friends. Don’t jump into dating right away, but it’s never a bad idea to make new connections with other people.

Move Into Your New Place

Once you’ve found the perfect place it’s time to move in and that means decorating! While it might feel weird at first being on your own (or with a roommate) it’s the perfect opportunity to create a space that lifts your spirits. Avoid putting up any keepsakes from your previous relationship just yet. You might want to hide those under your bed or in storage for a few months. Instead, use this opportunity to experiment with new styles and colors. Splurge a little with some fancy sheets or a nice floor lamp. A new place means endless possibilities so don’t constrict yourself! Focus on adding things that make you happy.

Once you’ve moved in, don’t forget to reward yourself. Small things such as buying your favorite coffee or getting a massage after unpacking can positively impact your mental health. More importantly, it will create positive associations with your move, making it a little easier to get over your ex.

While this might be one of the most difficult times in your life, it doesn’t have to be more difficult than it already is. Following these steps can make the breakup a bit easier on you and your ex.

If you’re ready to move out, make sure to hire knowledgeable and professional movers who can handle your belongings with care. As tempting as it might be to go with the first company you find, make sure to do your research and get multiple quotes so you can find the movers that match your budget and needs.

Categories
Move Planning

A Handy Guide to Tipping Movers

A Handy Guide to Tipping Movers

After weeks or months of planning, packing, and decluttering, moving day has finally arrived. You’ve got all your boxes organized and you have a team of helpful professional movers to help with your relocation. If they’ve made your life easier, you might be wondering if it’s okay to tip the movers and how much you should provide. After all, they moved everything for you from your furniture to your fragile items. So what’s the tipping etiquette and how do you make sure the moving crew knows you are satisfied?

Should You Tip?

So long as the movers did their job, you should provide a tip. It’s a great way to show your satisfaction with the job and appreciation for the efforts of the crew. How much you tip depends on you. In general though, you should tip around $4-$5 per person per hour. So if there are two crew members who work a total of 5 hours, you should tip each person around $20-$25 or around 10% of the total split between each person.

Of course, you can tip more if you felt they provided excellent service. Conversely, if the movers were rude or damaged a lot of your items, you can lower or forgo the tip entirely. You should plan to provide some kind of tip so make sure to work that into your moving budget. Set aside more than you think for the tip. If you don’t end up using it all, you can put the rest towards fun home stuff.

Calculating Your Tip

Quality movers provide ongoing training to their employees as well as custom services to their customers to stand apart from their competitors. That should hopefully translate to a good minimum level of service. Still, there are a few factors you should consider when deciding tip amount:

  • Professionalism – did the crew arrive on time? If they did not, did they contact you beforehand to let you know? Were they friendly to you and your neighbors?
  • Weather conditions – are your movers dealing with super hot temperatures? Or are they dealing with heavy snow, ice, rain, etc? You might want to tip more if they’re working in challenging conditions
  • Number of hours – An average move for a 3-bedroom house could take between 7-10 hours. Did your move take much longer than expected or did they finish early/on-time?
  • Oversized items – if you’re moving a lot of heavy and large items such as pianos, antique cabinets, pool tables, boxes of books, etc.
  • Tricky navigation – does your house or apartment have narrow hallways? Or perhaps the movers have to navigate up and down several flights of stairs?
  • Damage – always check your items before and after a move for any damages to the items. You should also check your old and new home to make sure nothing got scuffed.
  • Extra services – some moving companies offer free services with your basic moving service so long as you ask. This could include dismounting your TV, uninstalling your air conditioner, disassembling and reassembling basic furniture, and some packing of items like TVs, glass countertops, etc.

From there, you can increase or decrease your tip amount based on their job performance, amount of time they took, professionalism, and so on. Make sure you’re fair in your assessment. If they took longer than they expected but it was because you weren’t organized, then that shouldn’t be seen as an issue with the moving team.

Tipping Etiquette

While tipping your movers isn’t complicated, you’ll still need to do a bit of preparation beforehand. In general, most movers prefer their tip in cash so make sure to withdraw some money the day before your move. Keep this amount in a separate envelope labeled moving tip and put it in an easily accessible location like your purse, backpack, or wallet. Some movers do accept credit card tips so if you forget to take out cash, you can include the tip on the total. Just make sure to confirm with the moving company first and let them know that you want the tip divided equally.

For local moves you should tip after the crew has unloaded everything from their truck and you have made sure nothing is damaged or missing. Divide the tip evenly between all the crew members. Do NOT give it to the foreman to distribute as the total might just end up in their pocket. By giving each crew member their tip, you can ensure everyone is getting their share. If the movers try to haggle with you over the tip, call the moving company immediately to mediate the situation.

Cross-country moves are a bit trickier as you might be dealing with different people that are driving your belongings to your new home. If this is the case, it might make sense to tip your movers a set amount for each team beforehand instead of tipping just the final crew. If you’re unsure who is handling your items, ask the moving company and see how you can distribute your tips accordingly.

And while tipping is customary, it is okay to withhold a tip if the service was not up to par. Remember, a tip is meant to be a reward for a job well done and is NOT guaranteed. If the movers are unprofessional and generally did a poor job, you don’t need to tip. You should explain why you are not tipping and you should also call the moving company to explain the situation and mediate if necessary.

Other Considerations

The people you hire are moving professionals, but that doesn’t mean they’re superhuman! If anything, they appreciate it when customers show a bit of kindness towards them during the move. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture, but things like providing cold bottled water during the summer or hot beverages in the winter can go a long way. You could even have some snacks on hand to give the movers a boost of energy. Don’t offer any alcoholic beverages as most companies do not allow workers to drink on the job.

Even if you don’t have the money to provide these extras, one of the best things you can do is leave a positive review and recommend the company to friends and family. It’s a quick and free way to show your appreciation.

Categories
Moving Tips

Useful Tips for Moving in the Winter

Useful Tips for Moving in the Winter

There’s a reason why most people move during the summer. Despite the heat, it’s a lot easier to manage since you have more sunlight and only need to deal with summer thunderstorms. When you live in a place like New Jersey that often has to deal with frigid temperatures and snow during the winter, it makes sense why people would choose any other season to move. However, you might not always be able to move during the warmer months. If you find yourself moving in the winter, the following tips should hopefully make it easier.

Clean Your Driveway and Walkways Before the Move

If you live in a house versus an apartment building, you’ll want to create a safe environment for moving. Winter weather conditions make it more dangerous than any other month as there’s a greater chance to slip because of all the ice and snow. Before the movers arrive, shovel away any snow in the driveway and parking area and clear a neat path from your house to where the truck will park. Make sure you also de-ice the walkways and sidewalk as you don’t want to risk slipping and falling. Don’t forget that you will need to do the same thing at your new place!

Protect Your Floors Before the Movers Arrive

While professional movers will usually bring tarp and plastic sheets for the ground, it doesn’t hurt to get your own to put down some plastic sheets in all the rooms in your house. Remember, the movers will be walking through your entire place. If there’s snow on the ground, it means they’ll be bringing in a lot of mud and dirt that you’ll need to clean up later. You’ve got more than enough to worry about on moving day. Scrubbing mud shouldn’t be one of them!

Protect Your Belongings from Weather Conditions

When you pack your items, make sure to protect certain items from the cold. Things like dishes and glassware are especially susceptible to cracks due to quick temperature changes. Electronics are also sensitive to the cold. Your best bet is to double wrap everything in thick blankets to improve the transition from warm house to cold truck. You could also ask the movers to pack these items last to reduce the amount of time they are exposed to the cold. Another option is to pack these items in your car if you have the space.

For the rest of your belongings, you should weatherproof them as much as possible. Chances are you’ll be dealing with snow or freezing rain. The last thing you want is your boxes and furniture to get wet. So invest in some rain gear for them. If you’re working with professional NJ movers, they will bring plastic sheets and padded mattresses to protect your furniture. When it comes to your boxed items, use heavy-duty boxes or rent plastic bins to keep your stuff from getting wet.

Wear Warm Clothes When Moving in Winter

Even if you’re not loading/unloading everything yourself, you’ll still want to put a few boxes in your car for safe keeping. Wear warm gloves and some winter boots to keep your extremities warm. You want to make sure you have all your winter necessities accessible for everyone in the family. If there’s a chance of sleet or snow during the day, pack an extra pair of clothes for when you move into your new place. There’s nothing worse than dealing with wet socks and pants while unpacking.

Pack a Winter Essentials Kit

You’re more likely to deal with blackouts and other issues during the winter than in the spring or summer months. While you don’t need go too crazy, you should have a separate box of emergency essentials in case of a power outage such as:

  • Warm blankets
  • Candles
  • Flashlights
  • First aid kit
  • Toiletries
  • Extra set of clothes
  • Non-perishable food

Anything can happen during the winter, so you want to make sure you are prepared.

Check the Weather

Winter storms can be unpredictable and what might have been a light flurry a week ago could change into a blizzard a few days before your move. Keep a close eye on the weather reports in the week leading up to the move and then every day the week of the move. If there’s going to be a severe storm the day of, contact the movers to express your concern. Chances are the movers will be more than happy to delay by a few hours or even the following day if there’s a blizzard or ice storm on your scheduled move date.

Turn On Your Utilities at Your New Place

There’s nothing worse than moving into your new place only to have no heat or light, especially when it’s the middle of winter. After a day of moving in the cold weather, you want to relax in your nice warm house and take a warm shower or bath to wash away the stress. Before you move into your new place, call the utilities for your new home and make sure they are turned on at least two days before your move. Sure, you might end up having to pay twice to cover the cost of your old and new home, but having a cozy home to move into is worth the extra cost.

Take Care of the Moving Crew

Moving in the winter is more difficult than in the summer as there’s more variables to worry about especially when it comes to road conditions. Your best bet is to use a moving company to load and unload all your belongings. They’ll have more experience and be better equipped to deal with any issues that crop up.

To thank the movers for their hard work, offer some warm beverages for them when they need a break. This could be something like coffee, tea, or even apple cider. Once they’re done with the move, consider giving a larger tip than normal, especially if they are moving during inclement weather.

Try Not to Stress During Your Winter Move

It’s easy to say, but you should remember to take a breather. Moving is anxiety inducing at the best of times. With the added complications of winter, it can be even more stressful. Still, with the right preparations you can make your winter move a lot easier and safer by NJ Great Movers.