Get matched with top movers in West Valley, NY

Apartments come with strict regulations about what pets are allowed, so check before you sign a lease. If you have a fish or reptile, wait to move them until everything is set up and you’re ready to do a special move just for them and their aquarium/terrarium.

For a dog or cat, be sure you have a carrier before the move. On moving day, it’s best to designate a “safe room” or even a crate for your pet to help them get used to the new space. Keep everything they need in the safe room, and let them explore the rest of the apartment in their own time.

It is best to book a moving company two to three months before your move-out date. This provides enough time to compare rates, organize your belongings, and find an available crew for your desired day and time. While you might find movers with only one or two weeks' notice, some companies require booking up to 90 days in advance.

Planning ahead is especially important if you're moving during the busy summer season when demand is highest. Summer weekends, in particular, book up quickly. Securing your movers well in advance helps you avoid the stress and potential extra fees of last-minute arrangements.

There are several effective ways to save money when hiring a moving company, primarily by handling some tasks yourself and being strategic with scheduling. Consider these methods:

• Pack Your Own Belongings: You can significantly reduce costs by packing and protecting your items yourself. This includes wrapping delicate items, organizing them into boxes, and taping the boxes closed. You can use towels, clothes, and suitcases to pack belongings and protect breakables.

• Provide Your Own Materials: Source free packing materials from friends and family, or reuse boxes and bubble wrap from a previous move.

• Schedule Strategically: Book your move well in advance. Rates are often lower if you schedule your move on a weekday during the off-season, which typically runs from October through April.

• Compare Quotes: Get moving quotes from at least three professional movers in your area. This allows you to compare services and choose the best value.

• Ask for Discounts: Inquire if the moving company offers any special coupons or deals.

• Purchase Moving Insurance: Protect your investment by purchasing moving insurance, especially for expensive or antique belongings.

• Divide the Labor: While you can save money by packing, it's wise to leave the more dangerous and physically demanding work—like loading, unloading, and moving heavy furniture—to the professionals.

Moving across state lines is a similar process to moving within a state. Packing, loading, and unloading of trucks will follow the same process. The primary difference is during transportation, where your belongings may be loaded onto a dedicated moving truck or combined with other shipments, depending on the distance. Your moving company will offer tracking and ongoing communication of your boxes.