Moving to the Bronx, or anywhere in NYC for that matter, can be a confusing and difficult process. Hiring the right NYC moving company becomes even more important because you want to make sure they not only know how to move your stuff, but are familiar with NYC traffic, parking, insurance requirements, and more! During your research on finding the best Bronx movers, you should take the time to ask some pertinent questions.
Traffic and Timing
NYC has notoriously bad traffic and no matter the day or season, there’s always something happening whether it’s roadwork, an accident, or inclement weather. You want an experienced Bronx moving company who can navigate these challenges with no issue and actually bake these potential issues into their estimate. This is especially important if you’re moving locally as the majority of these moves charge an hourly rate. That means the longer they’re stuck in traffic, the more you have to pay. And yes, you pay for their travel time! Traffic isn’t the only issue in NYC. You also have to worry about parking. In many parts of NYC, parking is a nightmare. Always ask how they plan on handling the parking situation, especially if you’re moving to or from a busy area. While you’re at it, ask if they charge a long carry fee. Essentially, this is a fee that the company might charge you if they had to park their truck a certain distance from your old or new home entrance. The further away they have to park, the more they might charge you!
Licenses and Insurance
Some buildings in NYC require something called a certificate of insurance (COI). What this does is list out all of the different types of liability, general, and other insurance the moving company has along with the amount they are insured for. If the movers you hire don’t have the right coverage type or amount, the building won’t allow them to even enter the building. In some cases, they require a COI to reserve a time for the freight elevator! Why do buildings require a COI? In essence, it’s to protect their asset – the building. If anything gets damaged or broken during the move, the building can demand the insurance company payout. As well, it limits their liability if one of the moving crew or even a pedestrian gets hurt during your relocation. Even if your building doesn’t require a COI, it’s still a good idea to ask if they are able to provide one. That way you can make sure the company you are hiring is legitimate by checking to make sure the name and address on the COI match what is listed on the company’s site and ensure that all their insurance is up-to-date. Speaking of which, always look for the Department of Transportation number on the moving company’s website. Bronx professional movers are required by law to register both with the federal and state Department of Transportation. You can use this number to look them up on the USDOT site to make sure their license is up-to-date and see if there are any reports or accidents listed.
Pricing and Services
One of the key things you should ask before hiring a Bronx moving company is how their pricing structure works. Some companies offer a flat fee rate based on the information you provide them and, usually, an in-person home walkthrough. One benefit of the flat fee price is that you get to know the total cost upfront. However, it also means that if you add even one box, your final bill will be different. Another common pricing structure is hourly. Most moving companies charge an hourly rate for local moves as most don’t take more than 8-10 hours. Still, it’s a good idea to ask the movers how long they think it will take for the entire process, including travel. Don’t forget to mention important details like if they will need to climb any stairs and other services you’d like to add on like packing or unpacking. All of these will increase your final bill. Give as much detail and information as possible so you can figure out how much you will need to save up for the move. The best part is that even if you end up with one or two extra boxes they need to move, the final bill shouldn’t be any different from the estimate. Regardless of whether you end up with the flat or hourly pricing structure, you should always ask what is included in the price. Some movers will only load and unload your belongings from their truck. Others will offer additional services like wardrobe box rentals, disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture, and more included in the cost of the estimate. Sometimes you need more help than what a basic moving package might offer. If you need help with packing and unpacking, storage, plastic bin rentals, or getting moving supplies, you should ask the Bronx movers if they offer any of these options. Not all companies provide the same service. It’s up to you to know what you need and ask for it. Be clear about your needs and don’t forget to mention your budget. The additional services will cost extra money, so if you don’t have a lot of money to spare, you’ll have to get creative. For example, if you want help packing you can ask if the company offers partial packing service instead of full packing.
Payment and Tip
Once you have a clear understanding of the pricing structure and any additional fees and services, ask about payment requirements. Many moving companies require an upfront deposit to hold the date of your choice and then have you pay the remainder of the balance after you have approved the final bill. Nowadays, most companies prefer payment via credit card as it reduces potential issues of misplaced cash. Oh, and don’t forget to ask about the cancellation and rescheduling policy! Make sure you understand the fees involved as well as the timing. Many companies require you cancel or reschedule at least two days before your move date to avoid potential charges, but some might offer more or less flexibility. Speaking of cash, you should have some on hand to tip your movers. While it is not a requirement, if your Bronx moving crew did a great job, you should set aside $10-20 per person per hour for the tip. Make sure to give the tip to each person individually to show your appreciation! Of course, there’s always the chance that something could go wrong during the move. Maybe a box got left behind or your dining room table got damaged. Do NOT sign any paperwork until after you have double checked everything. If you do notice any issues, make sure to report them to the foreman so they can make a note of it, take pictures of any damage, and call up the company to let them know. Once everything has been documented, then sign the paperwork.
Make Your Bronx Move with NYC Great Movers
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful process. With a little research and legwork, you can easily find a Bronx moving company that will suit your needs and budget. At NYC Great Movers, we provide high quality service at a reasonable price. We can help with pretty much everything move related whether you’re making a small or big move or moving apartments or business locations. We’ve got you covered!
FAQ
Do Bronx movers provide moving insurance?
While movers don’t personally provide moving insurance, they do offer two types of valuation coverage: released and full. Released is completely free but will only cover damaged or lost items up to $0.60 per pound per item. Full is based on the value of your goods at $6 per pound with a minimum shipment of $6,000. If something gets lost or damaged, the company can choose either to fix the item, replace the item with something of the same value, or provide reimbursement.
How far in advance do I need to book Bronx movers?
You should start shopping for movers at least a month before your move-out date. However, during busier seasons (April-September) you should look 1.5 months out as there is more competition.
What happens if the movers cancel on me?
While unlikely, it is not impossible that a moving company will cancel your move. Perhaps there was an accident, extreme weather conditions, or some other event. If this happens, call other moving companies on your list and see if they are available to help. Many movers are more than happy to help out! If that fails, reach out to truck rental companies and call your landlord/building management to see if you can have a bit more time to find new movers.
