Lose the keys, not your money - What to know before leaving your NYC apartment (with checklist)

We had previously covered what to keep in mind before moving into a NYC apartment. One of the things to know is that you are required to make a "security deposit"  before you move. This is to be used by your landlord at the end of your tenancy, when you leave, to cover any repairs or extraordinary cleaning they have to do to the apartment because of the condition the tenant left it in. When you leave, the landlord does not automatically gets to keep that money. In fact, there are specific things they are supposed to do and prove to you if they are going to keep any of it. And, there are things you can do to ensure you will get the whole deposit, or most of it, back.

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Guide to Self-Packing shoes and clothes

Quick guide to Self-Packing: Shoes and clothes

by Fatima Calderon

·       Shoes – To keep your shoes safe during a move, put them back in the box they came in and then in a medium sized packing box. If you didn’t keep your shoeboxes, you want to get your packing paper and wrap your shoes together.

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Guide to Self-Packing: dishes and glassware

Quick guide to packing dishes and glassware

by Fatima Calderon

    ·       Dishes should be wrapped individually, one by one, in enough newsprint to fully envelop the item.

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Guide to Self-Packing: Electronics

Quick guide to packing electronics:

by Fatima Calderon

·       Confusion can be avoided by packing electronics one at a time. Each corresponding wire or cable should be wrapped and placed with the device in the same box.

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5 Things to ask a moving company before you move

by Fatima Calderon
Your moving date is coming up in a few months, and you are asking for prices and quotes. You may get "bombarded" by moving companies and individuals trying to win your business.

One way to create a shortlist of potential movers, and to spot potential red flags, is to ask these movers these questions, designed to show their credentials.

If a mover doesn't comply, doesn't know, or says the issue is not really important, simply ditch them, even if their price seems very competitive, especially if the price is much, much cheaper than the others, just move on - you have plenty of others to pick from.

Questions to ask:

• Are you licensed? This is the first question, to make sure they are qualified. Make sure they prove it by providing their DOT # and FMC # - and oh, check them both online to make sure their permits are clean.
• Is Customs Clearance included in your price? Both export and import clearances should be included.
• Are port charges included? At least the origin port charges should be included. Destination port charges cannot always be included in the price, for various reasons (for another discussion), but if the destination charges are not included, they should *at least* give you an estimate of how much to expect, so that you can budget your out-of-pocket expenses.
• What about insurance? Minimum liability should be included, and if that's not enough protection for your valuables (it often isn't enough), they should offer full risk insurance too and explain the additional cost.
• Can you give me a written quote? Make sure the quote lists all the inclusions and exclusions (see the other questions above), and that you understand the total price, terms, and conditions.

You can download or print the infographic below, to help you remember what to ask a potential mover.

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September highlights

September was still peak moving season across the globe. As we spoke with colleagues and agents, they all seemed to agree that the industry was still very busy.

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How are we handling the container weight verification requirements?

Implementing the SOLAS container weight verification requirements.

by Fatima Calderon 

As most of us in the shipping industry know, the new SOLAS requirement becomes effective from July 1, 2016.

In short, the regulation specifies that the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of each container is proven and provided to the US Coast Guard and the International Maritime Organization, prior to loading into a vessel.

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Four simple tips to reduce your stress about moving

by Fatima Calderon

Moving is an emotional process. It can represent growth and new beginnings (moving for a job promotion, for example), but also it can fill you with uncertainty and anxiety (specially if you're moving to an area -city/country- you've never been to before).

Here are four simple ways to own your fear and lessen the stress:

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