Your peace of mind is our priority
Moving safety means two things: your belongings arrive in the condition they left, and nobody gets hurt or has a building damaged on the way. Here is how we protect both, and what we ask of you before moving day.
4.8 on Google36 reviewsLicensed and insured, USDOT 3453789
Safety is the foundation of how we work
Moving is a physical job in tight New York spaces: five-floor walk-ups, narrow hallways, lobbies with rules and trucks parked on busy streets. A move goes safely when the right people use the right materials and the plan is settled before the truck shows up.
Gotham Moving is operated by a team of industry veterans, with over 20 years of experience and 3000+ satisfied customers. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured. This page covers what that looks like on the job, and the few things we ask you to do so moving day stays safe for everyone.
Three things we do every time
Trained movers
Everyone on your moving team is expected to know our best practices, and we require intensive training for all movers. Our crews get comprehensive training in moving and packing methods, so a hard job on moving day is one they have handled before.
Planned before we pack
Before your move starts, our movers review your items and develop a customized approach to how they will pack. They work out what materials each item needs and bring the specialized materials with them. We pre-plan every packing job, because that is what keeps a move smooth.
The right materials
We use only high quality packing tools and materials. Furniture goes under blankets and shrink wrap, floors, corners and hallways get protection, and glass items travel in their own separate boxes. Nothing is thrown in the truck loose.
How a safe move runs, start to finish
- We plan it with you. The best way to prevent problems, surprise charges or space trouble on the truck is to tell the estimator accurately how many items you are moving and how big they are. Tell us about anything that changes, and tell us at least 3 business days before the pickup date.
- We protect the building. Floors, corners and hallways get protection before furniture starts moving. Walk-ups, brownstones and doorman buildings are everyday work for us, and we know many building managers, door attendants and superintendents by name.
- We wrap and pad everything. Furniture and belongings are wrapped in blankets and shrink wrap. Glass items go into separate boxes. Hard-to-pack things get the packing procedure that suits them, which is spelled out in the table below.
- We take apart what has to come apart. We disassemble and reassemble essential furniture pieces. Elaborate pieces may need a third-party professional or extra labor, so mention them to your estimator before the move so they are on the estimate.
- We load, drive and unload. All transportation, gas and tolls are included. Our white glove moves run with discreet black moving trucks and as little noise as possible.
- We check the inventory with you. Damage and missing items are noted on the inventory logs at delivery, item by item. That is the record a claim is built on, so we want it done properly while the crew is still there.
How we pack the things that break
Lamps go in special boxes, mattresses go in special bags and flat-screen TVs have their own procedure. Every item gets the method that suits it.
| Item | How we pack it |
|---|---|
| Flat-screen TVs | Special packing procedure, wrapped and packed in plasma boxes. |
| Lamps | Packed in special lamp boxes. |
| Mattresses | Inserted in special bags. |
| Electronics | Wrapped and packed in cardboard boxes. |
| Mirrors | Wrapped and packed in cardboard boxes. |
| Artwork and sculptures | Wrapped and packed in cardboard boxes. |
| Glass or marble items | Cardboard-built boxes, for items up to 4 feet. |
| Dishes, pots and pans | Wrapped and packed in cardboard boxes. |
| Books and documents | Packed in cardboard boxes. |
| Clothes | Cardboard wardrobe boxes, and hanging clothes are always special-packed. |
| Shoes and toys | Packed in cardboard boxes. |
Your estimate marks each article as carrier packed, packed by owner, or pads only, so you know exactly who is packing what before the move. For a long stay in storage we double wrap your items and shrink wrap them against dust, and for long distance moves we pack extra safe and shrink wrap everything.
What we ask of you
From our Terms of Service. Each one is there to protect your furniture, your building or the crew.
Empty every drawer
All drawers must be emptied before moving day. Furniture with full drawers is not transported, because of the high risk of damage to the furniture, the walls and the floors.
Cover your mattresses
For health and sanitary reasons, mattresses, box springs and futon pads must be protected in a mattress box or plastic cover.
No loose bags of belongings
Personal effects in plastic bags are not allowed in the truck. Use boxes, or let us pack for you.
Switch off your utilities and appliances
Turn them off and disconnect them from electric, gas and water before moving day. We do not disconnect or reconnect utilities or appliances on the day.
Sort out parking
Check parking restrictions with building management or the local police at both addresses. If the truck cannot park close enough, long carry or shuttle truck charges apply.
Ask your building about insurance papers
Some buildings want a certificate of insurance from the mover. Check at both addresses, tell your relocation specialist and we will help. A fee may apply depending on what the building requires.
What we cannot carry
You cannot give these to us to carry, and we accept no liability for them. Keep them with you on the day.
- Firearms
- Jewelry and cash
- Bank notes and financial instruments
- Hazardous materials
- Liquids
Damage to the building itself, such as walls, floors, stairs, banisters and doorways, is also outside what our coverage pays for, which is why the floor, corner and hallway protection matters. Our valuation coverage page has the full list.
The paperwork behind the crew
When you choose a mover, check that they are licensed. We are fully licensed for any type of moving and storage: USDOT 3453789, MC 1125197. Under state regulations, every licensed carrier is required to carry moving, cargo and liability insurance.
Every move also comes with free basic coverage, and you can upgrade before the move begins. Read about valuation coverage, see our licenses and credentials, or read how a claim works if something goes wrong.
Moving safety, answered
Ready to get started?
Call for a free estimate, or send the form and we reach out during business hours (Mon-Sun, 9:00am - 9:00pm).