Helpful Moving Resources
Plenty of statistics and stories have come out around the increasing number of families leaving cities for neighboring suburbs. The need for space has become abundantly obvious for many, and for some, a change of scenery can be even more important.
Image via The Neat Method
Over the years, I have helped plenty of clients execute moves to larger apartments within the city and new homes in the suburbs. Through these projects, I’ve come to discover there are all types of helpful people and services that can make a traditionally stressful time MUCH easier. Since many are relocating these days, I thought what better time to share some of my favorite resources and tips?
Home Organizers: Moving into a new home or apartment offers a clean slate. Everything feels fresh and doable. But so often we just want to get everything IN, and cohesion suffers. Working with an organizing expert ensures you set your family up for success. Urban Clarity, (NYC) and Neat Method (Nationwide), and The Clutter Whisperer are all set to help you purge and gain clarity.
Consignment Shops: You’ll undoubtedly want to get rid of some of your furniture and décor. Consider working with a consignment shop to sell your pieces that are in good enough condition. Chairish is not only a place to buy, but it can also be a place to sell through vendors with an account. Sotheby’s Home also does consignment for items that are in good condition and have a brand name- perfect for when you bought the beautiful table years ago and it just doesn’t work in your new space. When your goods aren’t so “designer”, we say go straight to charities like Housing Works who will at least pick your items up in the NYC area, or your local charity. Still left with things? Find a younger relative who will be so very grateful to not need to surround themselves with Ikea for their early adult years.
Cleaning Professionals: I always recommend that my clients have their new homes professionally cleaned before moving in- especially after construction. TIP: the cleaning that contractors provide is not the same level as that needed for move-in. When scheduling, you’ll want to specify if your job is “post-construction” cleaning or a move-in ready cleaning job. which should include everything from detailing the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets to power washing the windows. Try New York’s Little Elves,(my go-to) Harry’s Cleaning Service for windows and I’ve heard good things about Zen Home Cleaning- though to be honest, I personally have yet to use them myself.
Moving Companies/Art Hangers: The movers you choose are very important as these are the people responsible for transporting your entire life from point A to point B. We appreciate Celebrity Movers for their attention to detail and MZ Movers can be relied upon to be a pro. Need to get the art up on the wall? Ask your local framer for a referral- they’ll know who is good. In the tri-state region, call I-Level.
AV Consultant: Nothing is more frustrating than sorting through wires and devices in an attempt to reconnect. Just hire a professional. For this, I’d ask your contractor or designer for a local referral since you’ll want someone able to get to you quickly and easily. Do not forget to set up your service provider ahead of time and call them with plenty of scheduling flexibility in mind. No one can do a thing until your utility service has you up and running.
Security: You’ll want to make sure your home alarm system is up-to-date and that you understand how it works from day one. You might also need to install a new system if the existing option isn’t up to snuff. Again, we say turn to your contractor or look at your neighbors’ homes- usually, there's a placard to let you know what services are commonly used. At the very least, ADT Security can be a go-to.
Closet Designer: Having functional, organized closets is a must. This requires a whole other level of expertise. DO take a long list of all your belongings and note how many linear feet of every type of clothing you have, if you choose to do this yourself. We usually handle it for our clients and we always need to double-check and edit whatever the closet company put together. We turn to California Closets and believe it or not, The Container Store over and over. For higher-end closets, we love collaborating with Clos-ette, and then, of course, we design a pretty luxurious fully-custom closet ourselves.
Get insured: A step not to be missed is homeowner’s insurance and while many are “fine” I can offer that for my clients, many appreciate Chubb’s responsiveness and partnership when things go awry.
Image via Amber Freda
Outdoor Space: Now that you cornered your parcel of outdoor space, remember that your pool needs care and your lawn and planting beds need regularly scheduled attention. In NYC, those rooftops and backyards need care too and we recommend Amber Freda- once you’re a client her crew is scheduled and she’s months ahead of you in thinking about what’s to bloom. Outside the city, this is a great question with which to get to know your neighbors. Word of mouth referrals are going to suit you best. Same with the pool care. If you are doing a bit of work, your designer and contractor will be able to offer up some names specific to your area as well.
Lastly, Toast Yourself: I love the thought that after an accepted offer, you celebrate yourselves- it’s always a milestone to decide to move! Whether that’s ordering a nice bottle of bubbly to show up when you move in by using Zachy’s or signing up for a monthly floral delivery – do it! Farmgirl Flowers never fails for nationwide fresh florals at a whole range of prices. For local deliveries- and great people to partner with for your go-to program when hosting dinner nights, Winston Flowers in Connecticut does a beautiful job, and if you are in the city, try Seaport Flowers out of Brooklyn.