Moving and storage companies offer many of the same services. However, in terms of their experience, capabilities, and customer care, small differences in how they plan, prepare, or communicate can have a big impact on your move.

Before hiring a New York moving company, look beyond the advertised price and find out how the team will handle your belongings, schedule, and specific needs. Whether you’re leaving a Manhattan apartment, moving into a home on Long Island, in Westchester, or relocating out of state, a clear plan (and a trusted team to execute it) gives you a better experience.

Call Maffucci Moving & Storage at (866) 228-6400 or contact our team to discuss your move and request an estimate.

Length of Time in Business

A company’s history can tell you something about its ability to adapt, maintain customer relationships, and manage challenging moves. You should also consider the experience of the people who plan and complete your relocation. Experienced movers can explain their services without relying on vague or broad promises.

Beyond their years of operation, ask questions relevant to your move. You should know whether a company has handled moves like yours. For instance, navigating a fifth-floor walk-up on a busy street with limited parking requires different preparation than loading a suburban home or coordinating an interstate shipment.

Some other questions to ask:

• How long has the company operated under its current name?
• What experience does the crew have with similar properties?
• Who will coordinate your move and answer questions?
• How does the company handle unexpected access or scheduling problems?

Facilities and Capabilities

Before comparing estimates, confirm that each mover can provide the services you need. Depending on your budget, schedule, and the volume of items you need moved, you may require additional services that may not be included on top of their standard rates.

For residential moving services, clarify what is included in their rates. If you want to take a more hands-off role in your household relocation, check if a moving company offers:

• Packing and unpacking
• Storage services, if your closing dates and delivery schedules do not align with your move-out date
• Disassembling and reassembling furniture
• Delicate item packing and handling for antiques, artwork, and other high-value items
• Handling oversized items, like pianos and larger furniture

Discuss available specialized moving services before accepting an estimate.

Businesses may also require additional services. To minimize downtime during relocation, you may need to phase your move or have items packed and loaded outside business hours. Ask about commercial moving solutions and how their process can support your operating schedule.

Plan for New York Building Requirements

In addition to their services, you should also check whether your movers can handle the logistical preparations needed:

• Your building’s elevator reservations and approved moving hours
• Certificate of insurance requirements
• Loading areas and truck access
• Restrictions on protecting hallways, floors, and common areas

Otherwise, you would need to handle these steps yourself. Contact building management at both locations to confirm.

Industry Recognition and Credentials

Professional affiliations and awards can support a company’s reputation, but they should be evaluated in context. Find out who issued an award, what it recognized, and when it was received. Older achievements may still be meaningful when supported by recent positive client reviews about their consistent service.

Credentials deserve separate attention. For a household move within New York State, verify the mover’s authorization through the New York State Department of Transportation. For an interstate move, check the carrier’s registration and operating authority through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Also establish whether you are speaking with the moving company or a broker. A broker arranges transportation rather than performing the move itself. Confirm which carrier will handle your belongings and who is responsible for communication, payment, and claims.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews provide insight into what happens before, during, and after moving day. Read recent feedback across multiple platforms rather than relying only on an overall star rating.

Look for recurring comments about:

• Crew professionalism and careful handling
• Clear estimates, explanations of charges, and no hidden fees
• Arrival times and scheduling communication
• Responsiveness when concerns arise
• Experience with moves similar to yours

A single negative review does not necessarily mean a company is unreliable. Consider the issue, the company’s response, and whether similar complaints appear repeatedly.

Likewise, positive reviews are more useful when they describe specific experiences. Comments about careful packing or helpful move coordination offer more guidance than a general statement that the service was good.

Processes and Procedures

A reliable moving company should explain how it prepares for your move and protects your property. Ask what the crew supplies, what you must prepare, and which services cost extra.

For example, clarify whether furniture wrapping, mattress protection, wardrobe boxes, and disassembly are included. Discuss fragile belongings and identify anything that requires special handling.

Your move plan should also address:

• Inventory: Which items are moving, staying behind, or entering storage?
• Access: Are there stairs, narrow doorways, or long distances between the truck and entrance?
• Communication: Who should you contact before moving day and during delivery?
• Arrival: How will boxes and furniture reach the correct rooms?

Seasonal conditions must also be addressed. If you’re moving during the warmer seasons, ask how they can keep items safe from heat and potential heat-related damage.

Protection Options and Claims

Careful preparation reduces risk, but you should still understand what happens if an item is lost or damaged. Ask for written details of the mover’s valuation options, exclusions, and claims procedures.

For interstate household moves, movers must offer Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. These options provide different levels of mover liability. Valuation protection is also different from a separate insurance policy.

Ask the mover to explain the applicable charges and terms before choosing. For a move within New York, request the protection terms applicable to your shipment. Confirm how to report damage, what supporting information is needed, and the applicable claim deadline.

Pricing and Written Estimates

Before judging the lowest quote as the best value, consider what it includes. The estimate should reflect your full inventory, access conditions, and requested services. Confirm if any additional services or fees are included.

Prices can vary depending on the details of your move. Local moves tend to use hourly pricing, while interstate estimates must consider the total shipment weight, distance, and any additional services.

Use this checklist when comparing proposals:

Estimate Details	What To Confirm
Labor and Transportation	Crew size, pricing basis, and additional travel charges
Packing	Labor, materials, packing, and unpacking services
Building Access	Fees for walk-ups and long carries
Storage	Handling, storage, and redelivery charges
Specialty Items	Custom crating, disassembly, or special equipment
Payment Terms	Deposit, accepted methods, and cancellation policy

Check if the estimate is a locked-in price or if there are additional fees that can be charged later on. Avoid signing incomplete paperwork. If your inventory or service requirements change, request updated documentation before moving day.

Choose Your New York Moving Company With Confidence

Finding the right mover takes a little research, but knowing what to look for before hiring a moving team can prevent unnecessary confusion. The strongest choice is a company that understands your move and clearly explains how it will execute it.

Maffucci Moving & Storage has 110+ years of moving experience and is a trusted moving team in New York. As a proud Interstate Agent for Bekins Van Lines for 30+ years, our team can help you build a moving plan around your needs, wherever you need to go.

Ready to plan your move? Call (866) 228-6400 or contact Maffucci Moving & Storage today to request your moving estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check before hiring a New York moving company?

Verify the mover’s credentials, read recent reviews, and request a written estimate. Confirm who will perform the move, what services are included, and how the company handles specific logistical challenges relevant to your move.

What information should I provide for an accurate moving estimate?

Let us know how many items you need moved, the origin and destination addresses, and your preferred moving date. To provide an accurate quote, we also need to discuss accessibility, parking, and additional services you may need.

Can my building require a certificate of insurance?

Yes. Some New York apartment buildings and managed properties require a certificate of insurance before allowing movers on-site.

What if I need storage between moving out and moving in?

Talk to our team about our storage solutions. We can discuss where your belongings will be held, how access works, and how redelivery will be scheduled.

Should I choose the moving company with the lowest estimate?

The lowest quote does not always provide the services you need. Compare the complete scope of service before deciding. Choose a mover that provides clear terms, relevant experience, and a plan that fits your needs.