Thoughts From Eugene Lemay, Moishe's Moving and Storage CEO

Moishe's is the "New Yorkiest of Moving Companies"

2009-09-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Have you heard that Moishe's Moving is the "New Yorkiest of moving companies," according to New York Magazine? That was just one of the many mentions that Moishe's received lately in the press, thanks to our appearance in the opening scenes of the premiere episode of new HBO series "Bored to Death" starring Jason Schwartzmann. You can also read about our appearance on the show in the National Post.

Moishe's was also featured last week on Examiner.com for our "Moishe's Moving Movie Madness (M4)" campaign and also about my recent interview with the BBC. If you are interested in participating in the "M4" video contest, act quickly--the deadline is Oct. 15th. Submit a video of your move with Moishe's Moving, and you could win a full refund on the cost of your move!

BBC Radio Interview and Fall Savings

2009-09-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed by BBC Radio for a program called "Up All Night," which you can listen to here. Moishe's Moving Systems was approached by the BBC to share our story of how we became New York City's largest moving company. I discuss our company's history, my own personal history, and how we operate today. I encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to the interview--I think the BBC Radio team did an excellent job capturing our story.

I also want to remind you that now that the summer is behind us, and with it, the peak moving season, you can expect to see moving companies dropping prices. With cooler weather in the air and more competitive prices on moving services, fall is a great time to make a move if you have been considering relocation. Moishe's offers incredibly affordable rates along with premium customer service.

And after you have decided that now is the time to move, click around our constantly-improving website, where you can use our revamped Box Exchange and find or donate free moving boxes. Make your move greener and save yourself some green by using recycled boxes.

Using Storage to Streamline Inventory and Maximize Profits

2009-09-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

At Moishe's, we are so much more than moving. For instance, did you know that Mana Fine Arts, our sister company, is the predominant fine arts storage and handling company in the U.S.? Some of New York City's largest museums, galleries, collectors, and auction houses turn to us to take care of their delicate art in our climate-controlled facilities.

One important aspect of our fine art storage service is our advanced inventory management system. We provide our customers with around-the-clock digital access to their stored inventories, meaning that our clients can view digital photos of each inventoried item via our secured online system.

We recently worked with a top New York interior design studio, Aero Studios, to streamline their inventory management in our storage facility. Previously, Aero Studios was using several different storage operators which could not provide accurate information on which items were stored there or what quality those items were in. Mana Fine Arts created a program that allows Aero Studio's managers, sales associates, and decorators the ability to log onto their account, view items in storage, and request the delivery of certain items. This has enhanced their accounting and billings processes, and Mana Fine Arts has quickly become an integral part of Aero Studio's operations.

Art is very near and dear to our hearts here at Moishe's, and we take great pride in having 20 years of experience in fine art handling. You may or may not know that I myself am an artist, and have pursued photography for more than 12 years. We know how precious and priceless a piece of art can be, and we take every precaution in keeping our clients' artwork safe and secure.

Advice for Moving in the Rain

2009-08-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend is one of our busiest, and the forecast in the Greater New York area looks to be a wet one. If you are moving in the rain, you may feel extra stressed. Poor weather can put a damper on your move, but chances are, moving during a rain storm is worth the effort. Here at Moishe's, we have experienced many stormy moving days, and with a little preparation, the moves can still go smoothly. Here are some tips for moving during bad weather:

Cover furniture made from cloth, wood, and other untreated materials with plastic sheeting to protect it from moisture and dirt.
Create walkways both out of your old home and into your new home by taping down either rugs or cardboard. Avoid using plastic sheeting on the floor as this is very slippery when wet.
Don't let carboard boxes get too wet--water will disintegrate the cardboard. If rain is heavy, protect boxes with plastic. Always carry boxes from the bottom, and watch out for any unexpected tears.
Make your movers comfortable. Whether you have hired a professional moving service or you have some friends helping you, keep their spirits up with fresh towels and refreshing beverages. If the weather is especially cold, try to have the heat on in your new home.

August Busiest Time for Moishe's

2009-08-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

August is a time when many people decide to pack up and move, especially families with children entering a new school season. So it's no surprise that the last weekend in August is one of Moishe's busiest of the year. Are you moving at the end of the month? The best advice I can give you is to plan ahead and explore as many options that are available to you in order to save time and money. Make sure you have the necessary moving supplies, tools, and paperwork handy in advance of your moving day.

Have you decided whether you will be doing the heavy lifting yourself or choosing to hire a professional moving company? If you are on the fence, here is a helpful article on choosing a moving company wisely. A good moving company will guide you through the process, minimize any surprises or issues that arise last-minute, have local knowledge to navigate your move with ease, and have a proven track record.

Also, if you are moving in the near future, don't forget about our video competition, which will award one lucky winner with a full refund of the cost of his/her move. Moishe's Moving Movie Madness (M4) invites Moishe's customers to videotape their moves and submit short films through our Facebook page. The deadline is Oct. 15. From Oct. 16 to Nov. 29, the public can vote on their favorite video, and the video with the most votes will be eligible to win. Check out the first video submitted to see what you may be up against. Good luck!

More Job Seekers Willing to Relocate

2009-08-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

As job losses have soared during the recession, a growing number of people are packing up their lives and moving to new locations for better job opportunities. According to a recent study by Challenger, Gray & Christmas (as reported in The New York Times), 18 percent of job seekers who found employment in the second quarter relocated for their new positions. That's up from 14 percent in the previous quarter and 11 percent in the second quarter of 2008. The overwhelming desire to get back to work has forced many families to make the difficult choice of leaving their friends, neighborhoods, and schools behind while they seek more stability.

Moving is already stressful enough, and with the added stress of changing jobs, you may feel guilty for putting your family through a major change. Encourage your family to be positive, flexible, and willing to make compromises because you are moving to a better economic climate for the greater good of their futures. The job recession is forecast to last until at least the second quarter of 2010.

Easing into Back-to-School Season & Twitter

2009-08-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

August is the busiest month for Moishe's, and we are enjoying moving thousands of New Yorkers into new homes. This time of year also signals the end of summer and the start of the back-to-school season. If you have moved your family to a new location this summer, chances are you also have the double duty of preparing your child for a new school. The transition can be stressful for both you and your child, but with some compassion and careful planning, you can encourage your child to embrace the change.

The important thing to remember is to include your children in the process. Show your kids around their new neighborhood and their new school, so that they feel familiar and at ease with their new surroundings. No matter how stressful the moving process gets, take time to talk to your kids about why your family is moving and how it affects them. You'll be surprised at how taking the time to listen to your kids will not only help them feel better, but you will feel better too.

Also, I would like to invite you to follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/MoishesMoving) to see our offers for last-minute discounts and promotions. And don't forget about our video competition, M4, which is currently underway. You can see one of the first entries here. What do you think? Do these movers deserve to win a free move?

Using the Internet and Video to Make Moving Fun

2009-07-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

How often do you get the chance to be fully refunded for the cost of your move? Participate in our video challenge, Moishe's Moving Movie Madness ("M4"), and the winner will receive just that. Already underway, our video competition invites Moishe's customers to film their move, using the opportunity to have some fun with their move as well. Videos can be submitted via our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/moishesmoving) between now and Sept. 7, 2009. From Sept. 8 to Oct. 10, the public can vote on their favorite video, and the winner will receive a full refund on their move. The winning video will also be featured on Moishes.com, Facebook, Twitter, and our blogs.

And although we rarely toot our own horn, we were pleasantly surprised to be featured earlier this week as a digital case study on a blog on Internet marketing, http://illygdigital.wordpress.com. To be recognized by our peers as a company successfully using digital advertising and PR was a huge pat on the back for us. The writer also commended us for our green campaign and highlighted our Box Exchange, an important program that we are currently revamping. It is really encouraging to see that our efforts to reach out to a wider audience are making an impact, and we continue to seek new ways to highlight all of the services and benefits that we offer to meet your moving and storage needs.

Back From Hiatus

2009-07-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Like all moving companies, summer is our busiest season here at Moishe's. I've taken a break from updating this blog to focus on many initiatives, from increasing our social networking to reassessing our Going Green campaign.

Just this week we launched Moishe's Moving Movie Madness (M4) video competition, which invites Moishe's customers to film their move in a fun way. Videos can be submitted via our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/moishesmoving) between now and Sept. 7, 2009. From Sept. 8 to Oct. 10, the public can vote on their favorite video, and the winner will receive a full refund on their move. The winning video will also be featured on Moishes.com, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.

And on the green front, our initiative to convert all of our moving trucks to biofuel is still on the table, however, we have some concerns. Studies have shown that the use of food crops to produce biofuels (such as corn, soybeans, and sugarcane) are causing food prices to rise and leaving more of the world's poor hungry. Five years ago, biofuels were heralded as a cleaner and cheaper way to meet soaring energy needs than greenhouse-gas-emitting fossil fuels. However, as more farmers are diverting farmland to the production of biofuels, there is a reduced availability of food for people, such as grain. World food experts are optimistic that farmers will produce biofuel in a more sustainable way, but until then, we are watching the issue carefully. We don't want to hurt people in order to help the environment. The Obama Administration has established a Biofuels Interagency Working Group to oversee new rules and research regarding biofuels.

Stay tuned as I let you know about more of our green initiatives and other exciting plans for Moishe's.

Revlon Run/Walk

2009-05-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the EIF Revlon Run/Walk, and it's not too late to register. Late registration to walk the 5k trek is open until 6 PM tonight at the World of Disney Store in Times Square (711 Fifth Ave.). If you can't make it in time to register, Moishe's would love for you to make a donation to the event. It's an extremely worthwhile cause that has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and treatment.

The Moishe's team will be lining up bright and early tomorrow to show our support. At the end of the walk, be sure to stop by our booth just past the finish line in Central park. There will be a face painter, free lollipops and (hopefully) a lot of smiles. We look forward to seeing you there.

Moishe's on Crains New York

2009-04-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'd like to share a video news story that was carried by Crain's New York earlier this week. The story discusses the large number of middle class New Yorkers being pushed out of the city as a result of the recession, and Moishe's is featured prominently in the interview. We assisted Ms. Garcia in her move out of Manhattan, and were on hand the day that Reuter's came to speak with her about the decision to leave.

It's a sad story that we have seen a lot in the past months. We regret the fact that the city is losing so many wonderful members of the middle class community, but stay commited to our goal to offer those who must move the best relocation services available for a reasonable price. I've embedded the video of the story below.

Don't Forget the Revlon Run/Walk

2009-04-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

In case you missed my post on the subject last month, for the second year in a row Moishe's is sponsoring the upcoming Revlon Run/Walk for Cancer in New York. The event takes place on Saturday, May 2nd, and will be hosted by Jimmy Fallon. It's a 5k charity run/walk that has already raised millions of dollars for the research and quest for a cure of women's cancers.

Last year many of the Moishe's team not only volunteered for the event, but also participated in the walk. It was an amazing experience that gave us the chance to meet hundreds of men and women who's lives have been touched by cancer. Starting in Times Square and snaking up to the top of Central Park, the event is sure to be a morning no one will soon forget. If you're interested in joining Moishe's for this years walk or would like to make a donation to our team, you can do so by visiting the Run/Walk Website. it's a great cause, and we would love to have your support.

Passover, Easter and Spring Cleaning

2009-04-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Next week marks Passover, and soon after that everyone will be celebrating Easter. This particular round of Holidays is always especially welcome in New York because they officially mark the start of spring and the end of the cold, miserable winter months. They also precede one of the most important American seasonal traditions - Spring Cleaning.

You know what I mean, that time of year when everyone decides to clear out the clutter, put away the bulky winter clothing to make room for shorts, tank tops and sports equipment. I've found that the Spring cleaning process in New York is especially important, since most of us are fairly short on space. If you've started the planning process for your big cleaning spree, you should consider investing in a storage space for the summer. Moishe's offers rooms of all shapes and sizes, and a few extra dollars a month is well worth the freedom of having some extra room in your closet or living space. You can visit our website for full details on the storage options we offer.

Getting the Conversation Started

2009-03-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

One of the main reasons I started writing this blog was to improve interactions with our customers. I started my career at Moishe's at the very beginning, and sometimes I miss the days when I interacted with the people we move on a day-to-day basis. During the first few months of keeping the blog, I got a rekindled sense of what that was like. Customers were commenting with questions, emailing me for advice at askgene@moishes.com, and I got the chance to answer those questions and solve issues when I could.

The past few months has seen that interaction tapering off, so I'd like to issue a renewed call to our customers that says, my door is always open (or my inbox, anyway). If you've ever got questions about your upcoming move or an issue you'd like to discuss with me directly, feel free to comment here at the blog or email at the address listed above. I look forward to hearing from you.

SXSW Interactive

2009-03-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

South by Southwest's Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas is one of the biggest technology events of the entire year. It's a place for heads of the industry to meet, network and debut the latest and greatest technologies. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to attend this years events, but I'm extremely interested in what the interactive technology experts can bring to the Moving and Storage business . . . and I've followed the news out of Austin closely all week.

In the past year, social networking sights like Blogger, Facebook, Myspace and most recently, Twitter have become vital tools for promoting Moishe's and interacting with our customers. I've been keeping this blog for more than half a year now, and it's been refreshing to have an outlet for sharing my thoughts on the company, the industry and the world in general. Our Facebook page is growing by the day and has become a place for employees and customers to half real-time interactions. But perhaps the most helpful new tool for us has been the Twitter account, where we're now offering daily moving tips, as well as up-to-the-minute deals on moving and storage.

World Class Customer Care

2009-03-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

One of the things I take a lot of pride in is the quality of Moishe's customer service team. We hand pick and train our customer service reps to be the best in not just the city, but we hope, the entire country. We understand that for a moving company, the most valuable tool we have is the referrals and word of mouth from our customers. And over the 20 plus years I've been with the company, I've made friends with hundreds of our customers who've moved with us five, six or ten times and have recommended us to their family and friends.

So as your moving day approaches, remember that our team is always available to help you with your problems and assist you through each step of the moving process. Whether you need tips on how to pack your apartment (you can find them on our website) or advice on which is the best day of the week to move - we'll be around. You can visit the Customer Care section of our site to learn more about our unbelievable staff and to find out how to contact us.

Our Special Rates Calendar

2009-03-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

At Moishe's, we're always looking for inventive new ways to help our customers save. And as the country slides further into a recession by the day - that dedication is more important than ever before. If you haven't discovered it already, the Special Rates Calendar on Moishe's website is a great way to save on moving day. It's just one of the many solutions we've devised to take some of the sting out of making a residential move.

Here's how it works. Every week someone from our sales department selects a handful of days and times when we will offer our customers a discounted rate. If you're currently planning a move and have a bit of flexibility in your schedule - these special rates are the perfect way to save some of your money to pay for something else. The dates and times for these special rates are always changing, so be sure to check in on the calendar often.

Revlon Run/Walk

2009-02-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce that Moishe's will be officially sponsoring The Revlon Run/Walk for Women in New York again this year. The charity 5k is the single largest fundraiser for women's cancer in the country, and this years May 2nd festivities will mark the second year in a row that Moishe's has lent a hand. To do our part, Moishe's has volunteered free transportation on the day of the event as well as providing free advertisement on the side of our Trademark red trucks.

Last year the Moishe's team had a blast walking from Times Square to the top of Central Park, and I'd strongly encourage all of you to join us this time around. The event raises millions of dollars to aid cancer research and awareness programs, and the experience of seeing so many survivors and family members of those lost is unbelievably powerful. If you're interested in registering or donating to the Revlon Run/Walk, you can do both through their website. You'll be hearing more from me on this subject in the weeks to come, so check back in closer to the date for full details.

Moishe's and the Oscars

2009-02-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

It's Oscar time, and Moishe's is celebrating a big year in the movie business. Over the last twelve months our trucks and movers have been featured in a number of major motion pictures, television shows and pilots - and we're certainly looking forward to Hollywood's big night as much as anyone.

Our PR department even had a little fun with the weekend's biggest event, releasing this press release on behalf of our trademark red truck. Needless to say, Red was more than a little upset he didn't receive an invitation for this year's awards ceremony. I hope everyone enjoys the weekend, and good luck in your Oscar pool.

Moishe's of Chicago

2009-02-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Many people don't realize that Moishe's, although synonymous with New York City at this point, actually has locations across the country. Our services stretch all the way to the West Coast, and perhaps our biggest branch outside of New York is Moishe's of Chicago. Moishe's of Chicago offers commercial and residential moving services, as well as self storage and mobile storage. If you happen to find yourself living in the Greater Chicago Area and are in need of a moving and storage company you can trust, Moishe's is the best there is. To provide a bit of our background in Chicago, here is what the About Us Section of the Chicago Website has to say:

In 2000, Moishe’s Moving Systems decided it was time to spread its wings and set up home in Chicago, the hub of the Midwest and hometown to our President and CEO. In just a few short years, we have become ChicagoLand’s most respected moving company, with a perfect record with the State of Illinois and an outstanding report with the Better Business Bureau.

Please follow the above link for full details on Moishe's of Chicago and their many services.

Moishe's International

2009-02-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

When people ask me, "what's the most difficult type of move?" - it's a hard question to answer. Every move is different, and there are thousands of small factors that weigh in on the final product. Are you moving by yourself or as a couple? Do you have kids or no kids? What about pets? All of these details will make a move easier or more difficult, so I guess the most accurate answer is - it depends.

On the other hand though, one type of move that never fails to be a difficult path to navigate is an international relocation. Moving abroad - whether to Canada or Dubai - is a tricky thing. There's additional paperwork, Visa's have to be obtained and verified, the type of shipping needs to be determined and these are just the tip of the ice berg. So if someone asks me, "what type of move would you suggest to never try to pull off on your own?" my answer would invariably be an international one.

Moishe's has a team of international relocation experts that have handled the intricacies of moving abroad for years. We'll help you with the planning process, work through what makes the most sense for you and your family and personally ensure that you all make it to your new home safely and with everything you need. Visit our website today for full details on how Moishe's can make your international move simpler than you could ever imagine.

Facebook and Twitter

2009-01-30T11:53:00.000-08:00

Have you used Moishe's and been pleased with our services? Why not add us on Facebook then? We've created a corporate site where you can become a fan to learn about deals and special rates. We'll also keep you up on all the latest company news. In the past week we've posted links to our plug on The Daily Show and linked back to our YouTube video from last summer.

Another great way to keep up with Moishe's is following our Twitter account. We post to it at least once a day with tips for making a smoother move, industry news and the regular goings- on at our corporate headquarters in Jersey City. If you're one of the thousands of New Yorkers already Twittering, look us up!

Moishe's in the Media

2009-01-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

It's a funny thing, but Moishe's seems to just keep popping up in the media the past few weeks. We got a call early last week from the creator of a website who used one of our trucks in his comedy website Help Bush Pack. Then, I got another call this morning telling me that Jon Stewart had mentioned our movers on The Daily Show last night (if you follow the link, we're mentioned about 3:50 into the video).

Whether you agree with either of their politics, we're glad that Moishe's has developed such a reputation that when people think of movers, they think of us. We've been moving our customers for over 25 years now, and I've got to say that it's nice to get a little name recognition every once and awhile. I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Long Distance Moves

2009-01-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, moving day is always going to be stressful. There's a thousand things to take care of, cleaning to do, possessions to worry about, and adjustments that the entire family needs to make. Add relocating to a different state with a whole new climate to the mix and it gets even harder. Long-Distance moves are some of the hardest to execute correctly, and without a professional hand guiding you through interstate regulations and other logistical nightmares, it can put a strain on even the most solid families and relationships.

At Moishe's, we've been handling Long-Distance moves for more than 20 years. Since I've been CEO of the company, I'm proud to say that we've relocated customers from the New York Tri-State to almost every state in the intercontinental US. I'm also happy to say that we've moved almost as many people from outside states into the Tri-State. We've got the expertise and the experience to guarantee that all of your belongings will make it to your new home problem free and according to plan.

Large Room Storage

2009-01-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

Moishe's Large Room Storage is a perfect solution for anyone looking for extra office space, artistic space or storage space. Our large rooms, conveniently located for most of our customers living in the five buroughs, are designed to offer customers the convenience of a rental space, without the traditionally high cost of other alternatives in the city. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and price-ranges, ranging from 500 all the way to 10,000 square feet.

Rent a room for you or your business to keep your products, package and ship, work, or just store equipment. Our Large Rooms not only phone connections, but also electrical outlets, lighting, heat, and other amenities. Additionally, we allow our customers to tailor their room to their specific needs. For instance, outlet installation, Internet access and new lighting are all accepted. It's a completely flexible space that might be the perfect solution for your small business or artistic endeavors.