An Update From Cool Hand Movers: Red Hook Warehouse Fire
On January 21, 2026, a large fire in Red Hook destroyed the warehouse where Cool Hand Movers stored our moving equipment and reusable packing supplies. While we are profoundly grateful that no one was injured, the fire resulted in the loss of nearly all of our moving equipment, including reusable moving bins, dividers, and wardrobe boxes that were not actively out on jobs.
We want to be transparent about what this means for our customers, our operations, and the steps we are taking next.
What Was Lost
The fire destroyed our operations facility along with:
Moving equipment used across our fleet
Reusable moving bins
Bin dividers
Wardrobe boxes and related reusable materials
Packing paper, moving blankets, etc.
Only bins or equipment that were already rented out and in customers’ homes at the time were not affected.
Client items in storage were not affected. Client items are stored in a different facility.
What Continues
Despite this setback, Cool Hand Movers is still operating.
Our team, trucks, scheduling systems, and commitment to careful, reliable service remain intact. We are actively pursuing insurance claims, sourcing replacement equipment, and adjusting logistics so we can continue supporting scheduled moves and new bookings.
If you have a move scheduled, our team will be in direct contact if any adjustments are required. In many cases, service will proceed as planned.
Temporary Suspension of Bin Rentals
Because the fire destroyed our reusable bin inventory, we are temporarily suspending bin rentals.
Reusable bins are a core part of our commitment to reducing waste in the moving process, and pausing this service was not a decision we made lightly. We will resume bin rentals as soon as we are able to rebuild inventory safely and responsibly.
We will share updates on timing as we have clearer information.
Gratitude for Our Community
The outpouring of support from clients, neighbors, partners, and the Red Hook community has meant more to us than we can adequately express. We are deeply grateful to the first responders who worked under difficult conditions to contain the fire, and to everyone who has reached out with kind words and offers to help.
Many people have asked what they can do right now. The most helpful ways to support Cool Hand Movers during this period are:
Leave a Google review if you had a positive experience with us and have not already done so. Reviews make a meaningful difference for small, local businesses and help future customers find us.
Refer friends, family, or neighbors who are moving. Word of mouth has always been one of the strongest ways our business has grown.
Follow us on Instagram for updates.
Cool Hand Movers was built on the belief that moving is about more than logistics. It is about helping people feel at home. That mission has not changed.
This moment is challenging, but it does not define us. We are focused on recovery, rebuilding, and continuing to serve New Yorkers with the same care and integrity that has guided our work from the beginning.
— Matt & Ashley Graber