Professional Management

• Expertise in Handling and Storing

Storage facilities are managed by professional movers who specialize in handling and storing various types of items. These experts ensure that your belongings are packed, stored, and handled with care, reducing the risk of damage.

• Inventory Management

Professional storage often includes inventory management services. This means that every item stored is cataloged and tracked, making it easier to locate and retrieve items when needed.

Enhanced Security

• Advanced Security Systems

Storage facilities typically employ advanced security measures to protect your belongings. Big John’s Moving and Storage includes 24/7 surveillance cameras, armed guards, and trained guard dogs.

• Controlled Access

Access to storage is usually restricted to authorized personnel only, providing an additional layer of security and ensuring that your items are safe from theft or unauthorized access. Big John’s clients are escorted to and from well-lit storage areas.

• Climate-Controlled Environment

Your belongings stay damage-free at moving company storage facilities. Many facilities offer climate-controlled environments, maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels. This is crucial for protecting sensitive items such as electronics, artwork, antiques, and important documents from damage due to extreme temperatures or moisture.

• Pest Control

Storage facilities often implement robust pest control measures, preventing damage caused by insects or rodents. This ensures that your belongings remain in pristine condition during storage.

Scalability and Flexibility

• Customizable Storage Solutions

Storage facilities can accommodate a wide range of storage needs, from a few items to the contents of an entire house or business. This scalability allows you to choose the amount of space you need without paying for unused capacity.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Options

Whether you need storage for a few weeks or several years, warehouse storage offers both short-term and long-term options. This flexibility makes it easy to adjust your storage needs as circumstances change.

Convenient Access and Services

• Pickup and Delivery Services

Many moving companies offer convenient pickup and delivery services as part of their storage solutions. This means you don’t have to worry about transporting your items to and from the storage facility, saving you time and effort.

• Additional Services

Storage facilities often provide additional services by the moving company such as packing, crating, and unpacking, making the entire process more convenient and stress-free. Some facilities may also offer specialized storage options for unique and delicate items.

Cost-Effective Solutions

• Efficient Use of Space

With storage, you only pay for the space you need. Facilities are designed to maximize storage efficiency, allowing for cost-effective solutions compared to renting additional residential or commercial space.

• Reduced Liability

Storing items in a professional warehouse can reduce liability for businesses. With enhanced security and professional handling, the risk of damage or loss is minimized, potentially lowering insurance costs.

Support for Business Operations

• Inventory and Equipment Storage

For businesses, storage can be an invaluable resource for storing excess inventory, seasonal stock, or large equipment. This helps to keep operational spaces uncluttered and optimized for daily activities.

• Streamlined Logistics

Using a storage facility can streamline logistics for businesses by centralizing storage and distribution. This can lead to more efficient order fulfillment and better inventory management.

Storage solutions offered by moving companies provide a range of benefits, from enhanced security and professional management to flexible and cost-effective options. Whether you’re an individual looking to store personal belongings or a business needing extra space for inventory and equipment, storage offers a reliable and efficient solution. By choosing services from Big John’s Moving and Storage, you can ensure that your items are well-protected and easily accessible whenever you need them.

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Oops, No Internet? No Worries!

Start by planning ahead for a seamless transition. Before you dive into decluttering, packing boxes, and enlisting the help of a reliable moving company like Big John’s Moving, Inc., it’s wise to get your utilities sorted out. Trust me, without cable or internet, youngsters can stir up some chaos! Here’s what to do:

• Scout Out Service Providers

Before you even think about settling into your new home, take some time to research the utility service providers in your area. Look into who offers essential services like electricity, water, gas, internet, cable, and even trash pickup. You can usually dig up this info online, or simply ask your real estate agent or landlord.

• Reach Out Early

Once you’ve pinpointed the necessary service providers, don’t procrastinate—reach out to them well before your move-in date. Aim to schedule setup appointments at least a week before your move, to ensure everything’s up and running smoothly when you arrive. Share your new address and move-in date to speed up the process.

• Get Connected
  When you make that initial contact with the utility companies, ask about their process for getting you hooked up at your new place. Some may need you to fill out an online form or chat with a customer service representative.
  
• Schedule Installations:

Depending on your needs, you might need to pencil in installation appointments for certain utilities, like internet or cable. Work with the service providers to find a time that works for you, keeping your move-in schedule in mind.

• Set Up Automatic Payments

To make life easier, consider setting up automatic payments for your utilities. Most providers offer this option, letting you link your bank account or card for seamless monthly payments. This way, you won’t have to worry about missing due dates or service disruptions.

• Double-Check:

As your move-in day draws near, take a moment to touch base with each service provider to confirm that everything’s on track for activation. This little double-check can save you from any last-minute hiccups, and ensure a smooth transition into your new home sweet home.

Test the Waters

Once you’ve settled into your new home, give those utility connections a once-over to ensure everything is in working order. Test out the lights, faucets, HVAC system—basically, anything essential—to make sure it’s all good to go. If you spot any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the provider for assistance.

• Update Contact Information

Last but not least, don’t forget to update your contact information with each service provider. Make sure they have your new address and contact details so you don’t miss out on any important updates or correspondence.

Setting Up Utilities in Your New Home

By following these simple steps, you’ll breeze through the process of setting up utilities in your new home. Big John’s Moving will get you there easily, but by tackling these tasks ahead of time, you’ll ensure a seamless transition and enjoy the comforts of your new home from day one—without any fuss from your children!

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Packing Tips For Couples

1. You Don’t Need Two Of Everything 

When moving in with a significant other for the first time, you will likely have duplicates of many household goods, like kitchen appliances, dishware, furniture, and linens. Your new home will need to contain all of your belongings and all of your partner’s belongings, so it makes sense to get rid of, or at least externally store, duplicate items to save storage space. 

2. Take This As An Opportunity To Declutter

Many newly combined households suffer from clutter because two homes worth of stuff are now being stored in one home. Beyond just getting rid of duplicate items, you and your partner should also take the opportunity to generally declutter and get rid of other items you no longer want. There is no reason to pack and ship items you no longer want into your new home. Take the opportunity of moving in with your partner to get rid of household items you no longer want or need by selling, donating, or throwing out these items.

3. Consider Renting A Storage Space 

If you do not want to throw out duplicate items, or you just generally are worried about lacking storage in your new home, consider renting an external storage unit. A storage unit will allow you to keep more of your possessions, without cluttering up your new home. Our modern storage facility offers regularly cleaned, climate-controlled units with 24/7 security, so your belongings stay safe, secure, and in excellent condition for as long as you need them stored with us.  

4. Hire A Professional Moving Company

Moving is a stressful process and it can put a strain on even the strongest relationship. Moving in with your romantic partner for the first time is stressful enough without personally managing all of the intricacies of packing, heavy lifting, renting a moving truck, and unpacking all by yourselves. Calling Big John’s Moving to help you with your move will take some of the burdens of this process off the shoulders of you and your partner, allowing you to focus on building your new household.

Call Big John’s Moving

The most important tip for all couples moving in together for the first time is to contact Big John’s Moving for all of your professional moving and storage needs.

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Pre-Move Resolutions

Moving Resolution 1: Make a checklist/schedule for your move.

There are obviously many things that need to be done before you and your family can move from your current home into a new one. Not only do you need to pack or get rid of every item in your current home you may also need to perform other tasks. Some non-packing, pre-move tasks may include buying packing supplies, booking movers, filling prescriptions, switching doctors, finding baby/pet sitters, and more. You should make a resolution to put all of your pre-move errands onto a single list, with set deadlines to make your move go smoothly.

Moving Resolution 2: Declutter your home before moving day.

Decluttering is a New Year’s resolution that many people struggle to fulfill every year, but moving allows you to achieve it. There is no reason to use precious time and money transporting the possessions you do not want or need. Take this opportunity to sell, donate, give away, and throw out any unwanted items that will make your move easier.

Moving Resolution 3: Learn how to pack correctly.

If you commit to learning how to pack correctly, you will protect your possessions and make unpacking less stress-inducing. Some rules for correct packing include putting heavier items at the bottom of boxes, not leaving empty spaces in boxes, using detailed labels, properly taping boxes closed, and not packing items from different rooms in the same box.

Moving Resolution 4: Start packing early and do a little bit each day.

If you make and keep a resolution to start packing early, and gradually, it will save you a lot of stress. It is a lot easier and less stressful to pack up your home, and accomplish all of your other pre-move tasks over a month than it is to do so in just a few days. You will be very happy you made this resolution when moving day finally arrives. 

Resolutions For Moving Day

Moving Resolution 5: Make sure your kids and pets are prepared for moving day.

Moving can be stressful for anyone, but it can be particularly hard on children and pets. You should make a resolution committing yourself to giving your kids and pets extra love and attention during the packing process, on moving day, and in your new home. Both kids and pets also benefit from their routines being maintained before, during, and after the move as much as possible. 

Moving Resolution 6: Have an essentials bag. 

Another potential moving resolution you can attempt to achieve is to create an “essentials bag” and add any items you may need during or immediately after the move. Items to put in an essentials bag include daily medications, a change of clothes, toiletries, pet supplies, your child’s favorite toy, phone chargers, and other similar items.

Moving Resolution 7: Take a family photo in your old home and your new one. 

While this resolution is not necessary to have a stress-free move, it can be fun and meaningful. You may have had some great memories in your old home, and you may want to look back on your last days there at some point in the future. On the other hand, you may want to look back on your first day in your new home. Commemorating your move with family photos is just a good way to mark the occasion. 

Resolutions For After The Move

Moving Resolution 8: Create an effective unpacking system.

Creating an effective unpacking system will make the process of getting settled in your new home much easier. Unpack your boxes methodically, in order of importance to you and your family. It can make sense to start with your essentials bag and then move on to the kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, living areas, and finally the garage/attic.

Moving Resolution 9. Keep in touch with friends and family.

Moving can be emotionally difficult, especially if you are moving far away from friends or family. It is emotionally and psychologically beneficial to keep in touch with friends and family, no matter how far away they live. Thanks to the internet, maintaining long-distance connections is easier than ever. Take advantage of this technology and stay in touch with the people that matter to you, whether you are just moving to a new neighborhood or across the country.

Moving Resolution 10: Make an effort to meet your new neighbors.

While maintaining social relationships after a move is important, it is also important to make an effort to meet your new neighbors. When people move, they can often feel socially isolated. To combat social isolation, you should make an effort to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. 

Moving Resolution 11: Explore your new neighborhood.

The world is an interesting place and you are getting the chance to live in and explore a new slice of it. Make a resolution pledging to take advantage of this opportunity. Walk around your new neighborhood to get the lay of the land. Take note of nearby restaurants, stores, parks, and other points of interest.

The Most Important Moving New Year’s Resolution

The most important of all potential moving resolutions is promising yourself that you will call Big John’s Moving to assist you with your move. Big John’s Moving offers professional moving and storage solutions for residential and commercial customers throughout New York City. Fulfill this resolution and call us today!

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Ancient History of Moving

For thousands of years, humanity survived without the use of professional movers. Before the creation of agricultural society, people had to transport whatever possessions they had themselves using livestock, simple boats, family, and their own muscles. When most humans lived in nomadic hunter-gatherer societies with relatively few possessions, this was not a big deal, but as humans settled into sedentary agricultural societies, this became a bigger problem. As human society advanced human labor, animals (including animal-drawn vehicles), and more advanced boats were used to move people and goods between locations. 

However, for most of history, only the rich and powerful could utilize the labor of other people to move their belongings from one place to another. For instance, Mansa Musa, the emperor of the Mali Empire during the 14th century, relied upon a caravan of 60,000 people to bring his numerous treasures with him on his pilgrimage to Mecca. Most people had to handle the transport of their own possessions personally until millennia later.

Covered Wagons

The first hints of the professional moving industry began to appear in North America during the 1800s. In this era, Americans used horse-drawn wagons and carriages to move their household items between residences both within cities and across the continent. Most notably groups of covered wagons organized into wagon trains were utilized by settlers to move their possessions and supplies to their new homes in the American West. Settlers typically walked alongside their wagons with only drivers, the injured, and sometimes young children riding within the wagons themselves. Since covered wagons were used primarily for moving the possessions of settlers and not the settlers themselves, it can be argued that they were the moving trucks of their day.

Trains and Early Moving Industry History

The first professional moving companies in the U.S. emerged alongside the railroad industry. As railroads were constructed across America, small transport companies called “wagon firms” popped up near rail stations. Wagon firms would use horse-drawn carriages to bring goods to and from long-haul trains packing goods into crates in warehouses adjacent to rail lines. A wagon firm would pick up your household items, pack them into crates in their warehouse near the train station, and deliver them to the train. A different local wagon firm would then pick up your crates from the destination train station, bring your crates to their warehouse, and eventually deliver them. Wagon firms actually offered these household moving services as a sideline to their main business of local transport, but over time it would become increasingly important, especially with the invention of cars.

Automobiles and The Modern Age

The number of paved roads in the U.S. exploded during WW1, making automotive transportation more practical. In 1919, Ward B. Hiner founded the American Red Ball Transit Company which used motorized vans to quickly become the nation’s first interstate mover. By the mid-1920s, motorized vehicles were an integral part of the burgeoning professional moving industry. The industry also benefited from government subsidization of highway and road construction enacted to limit national economic dependence on the railroads. Still, the industry remained relatively small and fragmented and had to return briefly to relying on trains during WW2. However, after the war, the professional moving industry expanded massively as soldiers returned home. The professional moving industry has remained an integral part of American society ever since.

Big John’s Moving 

Big John’s Moving was founded in 1977 as a one-man operation, and today it has grown into a leading full-service independent moving company. If you require professional moving and storage solutions in NYC call Big John’s Moving!

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Pre-Move Preparation

Pack gradually

Start leaving boxes and packing supplies around your old home weeks before the move and start gradually packing your possessions. Gradual changes to your pet’s environment will be less stressful than sudden changes. At first, your pet may be curious or nervous about packing supplies but over time they will get used to their presence. 

Maintain your pet’s routine 

Feed, walk, and play with your pet at the same times as usual. Dogs, cats, and other pets are creatures of habit and sudden changes to their schedule can cause unnecessary stress.

Give your pet more attention

Moving even under the best circumstances is stressful for animals so it is important to give them more attention than usual. For instance, take your dog for a longer walk to tire them out and burn off some of their anxious energy. 

Set aside quiet space for them

Consider setting aside some small portion of your home for your pet and keeping it clear of the clutter and chaos that will consume the rest of your home as you are packing your belongings.

Contact your veterinarian

Call your veterinarian and ask them what stress-relieving techniques and supplements they recommend. If you are moving far from your current home and are switching veterinarians schedule a last appointment to make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. You should also refill any prescriptions for your pets and request a copy of your their medical files. 

Acclimate your pet to their travel accommodations 

If your pet is not used to long car rides or being confined to a pet carrier get them ready by taking them on practice drives. You can also use positive reinforcement methods like treats and toys to get your pet to have a positive reaction to their carrier and the car.

Never abandon your pet

You should never under any circumstances leave your pet behind or release them into the wild. If you are for any reason unable to take your pets with you to your new home it is your responsibility to find them a home or surrender them to a shelter. Abandoning your pet on the street can result in their death. Abandoning your pets is illegal and immoral.

Moving Day

Pack an emergency bag for your pet

The night before you move pack a bag with your pet’s essentials including food, medicine, water bowls, kitty litter, poopie bags, treats, grooming tools, and any other supplies they may need during the move or immediately after arrival at your new home.

Keep your pet away from the action

On moving day it is best to keep your pet away from the chaos. Consider having the animal stay in one quiet room with the door closed or even in a kennel or friend’s house until it is time for you and your family to leave. Be sure to keep your pet somewhere that is secure, so they do not run away. Check on them regularly. 

Take your pet in the vehicle with you

When moving with pets, always take them to their new home with you in your vehicle. The safest place for your pet is to be secured in their carrier, in the backseat of your car. Make sure there are no loose bags or boxes that can fall on them. You can also put a blanket over their carrier to reduce stress during the move.

Fish, birds, reptiles, and rodents.

Fish are particularly vulnerable to stress and moving can be dangerous for them. Fish can be transported for short distances using plastic bags filled with their old aquarium water. However, if you are moving a long distance (like to a new town, city, or state) you may want to consider rehoming your fish, to avoid accidentally killing them. Birds and rodents can be moved in their usual home containers but these containers should be covered to regulate temperature and reduce stress. Reptiles should be transported in an insulated box with plenty of air holes and a damp cloth inside for moisture. All of these animals should be transported safely by buckling them in the backseat of your vehicle, just like a dog or cat.

Make sure you have pet-friendly accommodations 

If you are traveling a long distance and will need to stay in a hotel overnight, make sure to find a pet-friendly hotel ahead of time along your route.  

Pets In Your New Home

Pet-proof your new home

Do not just release your pet into your new home. First, make sure the house is safe by ensuring that all doors, windows, vents, balconies, toilets, and backyard fences are secure. You should also search the home and remove rodenticides, poisonous houseplants, and any other pet dangers that may have been left behind by the previous residents. 

Introduce pets to the new home slowly

Get your pet used to your new home gradually by starting them off in a single quiet room, and gradually expanding the areas of the house to which they have access over time as you unpack.

Update their tags

Update the collar tags and microchips of your dogs and cats with your new address and contact information as soon as possible after a move (if not shortly before it). Ten million pets go missing in the USA every year, please make sure your pet is prepared.

Reestablish routine

Reestablish a predictable routine for your pet as soon as possible by walking, feeding, grooming, and playing with them at set times of day preferably the same times they were used to at your old house.

Big John’s Moving Makes Moving With Pets Easy

Moving with pets can make the process more of a hassle but with these tips, you and your pets can have a much more enjoyable moving experience. If you are planning a move in the near future please contact Big John’s Moving so that we can help you plan a stress-free move for you and your pets. 

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Helpful Packing Tips

1. Create a moving checklist and timeline. 

It is very important to plan ahead whenever you are moving. Sit down with your family and figure out, specifically, when everything needs to be packed. There are many different strategies for packing up an entire house, and the best one for you will depend on how much time you have between the creation of your moving timeline and your actual moving day. You can pack for an hour a day over many months or you can pack up one room a day over the course of a week. The important thing to figure out is everything that needs to be done, and setting a schedule for accomplishing everything before moving day.

2. Embrace this move as an opportunity to declutter your home. 

Moving is a good opportunity for you to go through all of your belongings, and figure out what you can and cannot live without. Perhaps your new home will not have as much room for furniture, or maybe you have old toys or electronics you don’t need any longer. A move is the perfect time to get rid of junk. You do not have to throw away everything you no longer need because there are plenty of alternatives. You can consider selling, donating, or giving away items that you have purged during the packing process. The internet is filled with resources for selling and giving away items. Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craiglist are great websites for selling items. Buy Nothing groups are a great resource for rehoming items that are not worth selling, and unlikely to be accepted by traditional charities. 

3. Pack up as far in advance as possible. 

Ideally, you will know about any moves weeks or months in advance, so you have time to start the packing process early. Even if this is not the case in your situation, the earlier you start your packing process, the less stressful the process. Starting early will also give you more time for decluttering, selling/donating stuff you no longer want, and generally following a comfortable packing schedule. Plus if you start far enough in advance, you will be able to pack items that you don’t often use or need, like off-season clothing and holiday decorations far ahead of time, which can decrease the stress of the packing process for you and your family. 

4. Pack your boxes correctly. 

There are many factors that go into “correctly” packing a moving box. First of all, it is essential to pack heavier items at the bottom of every moving box and lighter items closer to the top to prevent damage to your possessions. It is also important to make sure that your moving boxes do not have empty spaces because movers may refuse to pack boxes that feel unbalanced or loosely packed. Finally, it is very important to properly tape your boxes by closing box seams and wrapping the tape around the edges of your boxes.

5. Organize and label your boxes 

Make sure not to mix items from different rooms in the same box because this will make unpacking at your new home much more stressful and complicated. Instead, make sure that every box only contains items from one room and label that box with both the room and the box’s contents. You can also consider using color-coded labels to identify boxes that contain items from different rooms. For example could use a blue label for the bathroom, red for your bedroom, green for the kitchen, pink for your child’s bedroom, etc. Alternatively, you could also achieve the same effect by creating a system of code numbers and letters for each room. 

6. Be prepared for last-minute problems 

On moving day there are always a few items that need to be packed at the last second. Keep some packing materials handy to handle this inevitable situation. You should also keep essential items like medicine, cell phones, wallets, and anything else you or your family may need during the move with you on moving day in an accessible bag rather than in an inaccessible moving box. 

Big John’s Moving

The most important of all the helpful packing tips is to call Big John’s Moving for all of your packing and moving needs. We offer professional packing services, moving services, private storage, moving supplies, and FREE on-premise estimates. Call today!

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A Smooth Move

To help make your move go smoothly, start by looking for a good moving company. Here are some suggestions to follow:

• Do a background check. There are many helpful internet review services that can be good resources. But, sometimes it is difficult to determine if the company is just bad or if one person had a negative experience. A more reliable source is to check with the Better Business Bureau or other moving company organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association. Additionally, if a company doesn’t have contact information or asks for a large payment upfront, it’s probably not a good idea to go with them.
• Check to see if the company is licensed and insured. All movers should be licensed and insured by the state. To confirm that a company has the appropriate paperwork filed, contact the state Department of Transportation.
• Get multiple estimates. Since companies can vary on pricing due to the size and location of the move, it’s best to get more than one estimate. Also, you’ll want to get them in writing in case there are any issues afterward.
• Compare flat and hourly rates. Comparing a flat and an hourly rate may save you some money. Hourly rates work better with local moves that only take a few hours. Flat rates will probably save money for long-distance moves.
• Move mid-week. If you’re moving from or to an apartment, the lease usually expires on the first of the month which is the busiest time for movers. If possible, ask if moving on an off day will be less expensive and might give you more options.
• Carefully estimate the number of boxes and furniture. Your cost depends on the number of boxes and furniture you will be moving to your new location. If you underestimate, you can incur additional fees. The moving company may have to schedule more men for your move. If you are getting the estimate before you pack, try packing one box to gauge how many you will have.
• Buying packing supplies on your own or from the moving company? If you want to save money you can buy your supplies yourself or even better you can collect boxes for local stores. If you buy from the mover it can become costly. Also, purchasing items like packing tape in bulk will be more cost-effective.
• Measure doorways and stairwells. You’ll want to be sure that your furniture will fit through the door of your new place. Typically, the mover will not be able to do much if it doesn’t fit.
• Parking can be a problem. It would be a good idea for you to find parking for the mover before the move. In some cases, the mover might be familiar with the parking situation, but it’s best to know ahead of time.
• Get a bill of lading. Make sure your mover gives you the bill of lading. This is your receipt and itemizes the number of items, location, start and end date, and cost. The mover should provide it after the truck is packed.
• Don’t forget to tip. Most movers don’t include tips in their estimates.

At Your Service

Armed with these tips for hiring a moving company, you should be able to find one that is right for you. Big John’s Moving and Storage checks all the boxes for a reliable and smooth move. Whether you are moving long-distance or down the block, they will give you peace of mind.

Big John’s was founded in 1977 by John Healy and has grown from a  small business to a full-service moving company with a fleet of green trucks, trailers, and vans. They employ skilled workers trained by John himself to ensure you get a quality move.

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