Executives expect stalled LI moving industry to pick up

MOVING FIRMS

Can't wait for spring? Neither can executives in Long Island's moving industry. That's because they expect a significant improvement in business this June, the traditional start of the big moving season, which is geared to getting kids into new school districts early.

Local moving company executives say the business was, well, stalled last year. But, they said, with home prices lower and a decision by Congress and the Obama administration to extend the $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers, business should be up 10 to 15 percent on Long Island.

That estimate came from John B. Beyer, founder and president of Men on the Move, a Floral Park-based mover celebrating its 25th year. "The business came to a screeching halt last year at this time," Beyer said. "I remember sitting here at my desk feeling depressed, and that nothing I could do would make a difference." Beyer was forced to sell some of his trucks and layoff three people.

But, he said, he has just bought a new truck, bringing his fleet to 22, in anticipation of more activity this spring. Beyer said that calls for his moving services are up 10 percent already this year.

Anthony Federico, vice president of sales at Liberty Moving & Storage, one of the Island's largest and oldest movers, in Commack, said his business has also risen this year. Sales in January of 2009 were $94,000 he said; this January, they were $162,000.

"Home prices are more realistic" and the extension of the tax credit helps, Federico said.

The moving business is one indicator of the economy, said Gary Huth, regional economist in Hicksville for the state Labor Department. "It's an activity you would normally correlate to an improving economy."