I am moving from upstate NY to NYC? How many missing or broken items can I expect at the hands of the movers?

I haven't done the move in those places and I don't know if it's a busy time for the movers, but you should keep delicate stuff with you when you drive to your new place, and wrap everything well in newspaper that you give to the movers. That way, you safeguard your belongings. I haven't had any problems with movers like breakages because that's what I do.