Month: October 2014

Written by Daniel Menchinion October 30, 2014January 31, 2018Posted in Dan's Discussion Den, International moving

Moving internationally? 10 questions you need to ask your International mover before booking your job

If you think that moving from one city to another or even moving long distance to a different state is hard, wait till you start planning your international move. Planning an international move is always an incredibly complicated and daunting process. When you are moving internationally, prepare to deal with many different entities in different parts of the globe. There will be one company that picks up your shipment (the origin agent), a freight forwarder that transports it to your destination country, and another company to receive it and deliver it to your new home (the destination agent). It may seem overwhelming, but good planning and professional service delivered by experienced international movers will help you plan and execute your move successfully.

U.Santini moving and storage, international moving

To start the process, U. Santini moving and storage compiled this list of questions that you need to ask the companies who you are considering for your move.

1. How long has the company been in operation and what is the company background with International moving?

Not every moving company handles international moves or offers overseas shipping services. Most local companies tend to shy away from the International side of the business, as it is Paperwork heavy and it takes time till they get paid for the pickup labor. Even if you locate an international shipper, check the company’s credentials. Not every international moving company is a trustworthy and dependable one. Before you make your decision, take some time to vet the overseas shippers that you want to use and make sure they have a solid background and plenty of experience in handling international moves.

2. Does the company provides in house, written estimates?

Don’t move with ay company who is unable, or unwilling to send a professional estimator to your house or apartment and provide you with a written estimate for the price of your international move. Spend as much time as needed with the estimator, so he/she can have all the details needed for the price calculation.

3. How do you determine the price of the shipment?

It is hard to provide the client a guaranteed price for an international shipment. The estimator should be able to provide you with a a good understanding of the cost, but there are often additional charges levied on top of the primary cost of shipping your goods. Make sure to ask detailed questions about your shipment and remember that the cost of international moves is usually calculated by the volume and weight of your shipment. Additional costs could be destination port fees, custom inspection fees, delivery charges, packing material costs, and terminal handling charges, among others. So be sure to inquire about how the company charges for extras.

4. Does the price of the move include shipping my goods door to door?

You can choose if you would like your belongings shipped to your new home in your new country, or you can opt to move your belonging yourself from the destination port to your new address. Shipping “door to door” is when the moving company typically hires an agent in the destination country. this agent will pick up your belongings in the destination port and will transport them to your new address. This part of the journey will be reflected in the total price of the move. If you decide to move your belonging yourself from the destination pot to your new place, than the original quote should reflect it and the total price of the move should be lower.

5. Do you carry insurance for international moves?

International movers are required to be licensed and registered to perform overseas relocations. Every overseas shipping company should be registered with the Federal Maritime Commission and have a FMC number. This will ensure that the company is a professional and reliable moving company and is subject to regulation. Regarding the insurance of your belongings – Insurance is not required for overseas shipments. However, we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance prior to their move. Overseas insurance includes a full replacement option. You will be required to prepare an inventory list, declaring the value of each item that needs to be covered.

6. Do I have to be present when my belongings clear customs?

This will vary from country to country, so it’s a very important question to ask prior to your move. Some countries will require the customer who is responsible for the shipment to be present at customs in order for the goods to be cleared. If the customer is required to be present and fails to show up, they will often keep the shipment at the port until it clears customs, which can potentially cost you hundreds more dollars in port fees. Make sure that you verify this detail before booking your move and travel arrangements.

7. Do you offer storage for my belongings?

Most international moves have some storage component in them Whether it is in the origin or the destination port. Ask the moving company about their storage policies and fees. Make sure that the storage charges, (if any) are mentioned in writing on your estimate form.

8. How can I pay for the move?

Most international moving companies require payment either in cash, cashier’s check, money order, traveler’s checks or a certified check.

9. What will I be charged for?

International moves usually involve a full door-to-door service from your home in the United States to your new location abroad. The price of your international move is based on the size of your shipment, destination country and on the amount of packing that is required.

Packing and packing materials – there is a charge for both labor and materials. However, the full pack option includes all packing materials and labor.

Insurance – the insurance charge is not included in the initial estimate provided. The final charge is based on the value declared by the customer and is calculated as 2.5% – 3.5% of the declared value, depending on which deductible you choose.
Destination delivery charges. The estimate includes the charges for “normal access”, which is a street that is wide enough for the container / truck to fit in and up to a certain number of outside stairs. If access is not normal, there will be additional charges.
THC – Terminal Handling Charges.

10. What are the shipping options for my goods?

There are two types of freight for international shipping—air freight and ocean freight.

Air freight is the quickest method, usually reserved for essential items such as clothing and small shipments that are needed promptly when you arrive at your destination. U. Santini Moving and storage will help you schedule and expedite your air shipment and prepare all carrier documentation required to expedite your goods.

Ocean Freight is a more economical method with a longer transit time. There are three methods of ocean freight shipping:

Lift vans (for small amounts of household goods)
Exclusive containers (Sealed steel containers for larger shipments)
Shared containers (an economical option for shipments too small to fill an entire container– your belongings will be consolidated with other shipments)

U. Santini moving and storage is a family owned moving company with vast experience in moving our clients across the corner and across the globe. Call us at 718-768-6778 to get your International move started.

Written by Daniel Menchinion October 21, 2014January 31, 2018Posted in Dan's Discussion Den, Moving preperations

Moving checklist – What to do when you need to move. Tips from a reliable moving company

Moving Checklist

Moving, pet moving, U.Santini moving and storage, moving to brooklyn — Moving checklist

Moving is always hard. Whether you are moving to NYC, moving to New York, or moving to Brooklyn, it is always good to get some tips from a reliable moving company. Any new task that you did not perform before, or that you perform rarely tend to be hard and stressful. The more research you do and the more prepared you are for the move, the less stress and anxiety will be involved with the move. U. Santini moving and storage created the following moving check list to help you prepare for a successful move.
Two months before the move:
1.   Get rid of stuff – Make and execute on a plan to go through every room of your house, every cupboard, dresser, vanity and hamper, and decide what you’d like to keep and what is not worth moving. Think about whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage. Make a list of these items and discuss them with your moving professional before deciding how to deal with each item on this list.
2.   Research – Moving is like any new and unfamiliar task you need to perform. The more you research and familiarize yourself with the task ahead, the easier it will be for you to perform the task and potentially save money on your moving day. – Start researching moving companies in your are. Google is a good place to see which moving companies are local and have good and easy to understand websites. Ask your friends and relatives for referrals, post a question on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or other social networks you use about local moving companies and what was your friend’s experience with them. Check the DOT, (Department of transportation) and the BBB (Better business bureau). Check the company’s Yelp ratings to see how other customers rate their services.
3.   Get an estimate for the price of your move – After you narrowed down the options for the moving company, get a written, preferably binding estimate for the job. Do not rely on a quote over the phone. Make sure you get this estimate in writing from each company, and make sure it has a US DOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on it.
4.   Start a Moving binder – Moving can be complex sometimes and it is good to have a central depository of all your tasks, timeline, vendors and contacts. Put all the information in a binder and use this binder to keep track of everything: Estimates, receipts, an inventory of all the items you’re moving, telephone numbers etc. If you prefer to have everything in a digital format, than create a Google Docs folder and upload all the information to this folder. This way, you will have the information at your finger tips through your phone, laptop and tablet.
5.   Organize school records: Contact your children’s schools and request that they send their records to the new school district. Allow enough time for this and verify that the records have been sent before the move date.

Six weeks before the move:

1.   Get packing supplies – Order boxes and other moving supplies such as tapes and bubble wrap if you intend to pack your belonging yourself. Packing is time consuming and you will need adequate boxes for fragile items such as dishes, electronics, expensive suites or dresses etc. Get in touch with your local grocery or supermarket and see if you can get some free boxes from them. This can save you money on the packing materials bill. Make sure that the boxes you get from these sources are clean and are not infested by cockroaches, ants etc.
2.   Use perishables -Start using the stocks of cans, dried foods and other staples that you a already have in the house. Don’t purchase new food items if you do not need to. It will be inefficient to pack and move these items when you can consume the food you already have.
3.   Make sure everything you own fits in your new space – Measure all of your furniture pieces and the size of the rooms in your new place. Make sure that all of your pieces are going to fit in the new spaces. If something is not going to fit, sell it at a yard sale to donate it before the move date.
Four weeks before the move:
1.   Choose your mover: At this time you should be set on the moving company you are going to hire. Select the right company for your move and confirm their availability for the date and time of the move. Pay a deposit if it is needed to secure your move date and time. Make sure that you verify the move details, including price with the moving company representative.
2.   Start packing – Start packing everything you don’t intend to use before the move. Out of season clothing, seldom used toys, rarely used kitchen equipment and the likes should be packed first. Packing is cry time consuming. Make sure that you set a side a block of time daily to pack some items. It is very hard to pack a whole house on the last day before the move. Try to avoid this situation. You will have enough to do on the days prior to the move without having to pack a massive amount of boxes.
3.   Label everything: Label every box clearly in permanent markers. Color code the boxes with different color stickers according to the room they need to be brought to in your new place. Write a short inventory description on every box. Create a more detailed inventory list for your move needs. It will become handy as you unpack your boxes in the new location.
4.   Separate your valuables: Make sure that you separate your family valuables such as jewelry, stock certificates, important documents from all of the other items. You can use a strong box to transport these valuables yourself to the new home. Check with your insurance broker and find out how to indue these items during the move.
5.   Notify everybody; This is the time to start telling the world that you are moving. Notify institutions such as banks, other financial institutions, (brokerage firms etc.) magazine subscriptions, cable company, cellular carrier etc. Friends and family. Most notification scan be done through a change of address form that comes with the monthly bill or statement. Otherwise you should check the vendor’s website for a change of address mechanism, or you can just call the company and notify them about your move. You might need to schedule a time for the cable company to pick up its box and your Internet provider might need to pick up your old modem.
6.   Change of address: Notify the post office about the change of address, so they can forward your mail to the new address. You can do so i=on the USPS.gov website or by filling out a form in the post office.
7.   Forward your medical records: Ask your current doctor to forward your and your family records to a provider in the new place. If you don’t have a medical provider yet, than ask for your records and give them yourself to the new doctor when you get to choosing him/her.

Two weeks before the move:
1.   Take time off – Make sure that you have time off work on the day of the move. Try to get a longer time off period if you intend to pack and make final arrangements on the last days before the move.
2.   Confirm all of your move arrangements : Call your moving company and reconfirm all of the details of your move.
3.   Check the weather and meme sure there are no storms expected on the day of the move.
4.   Sell/discard unwanted items: Notify your neighbors that you are moving and selling great stuff for great prices and try to sell all of the items that you do not intend to move to your new home. Donate all the items that were not sold in the garage sale to charity or trash them.

One week before
1. Finish your packing a few days before the move. Pack suitcase or back packs for yourself and your family that include clothes and basic necessities, (toiletries, medicines, books, laptops etc.) that they will use on the first few days in your new home. It will take some time to unpack everything and the daily necessities need to stay handy.
2. Refill prescriptions: Make sure that you have all the medicines you need for the next few weeks before the day of the move. You will not have time to go to the pharmacy on move day.

Moving day:
1.   Verify the moving details with the moving company’s foreman before work starts.
2.   Make sure that you have the means to pay the movers by the end of the job (Credit card, certified check or cash are the common methods of payment).
3.   Have enough cash on you for unexpected expenses or occurrences.

Looking for Movers in NYC? Brooklyn movers? A reliable Brooklyn moving company? Moving companies in Brooklyn? Call U. Santini moving and storage and check out out online coupon page. You might be eligible for a $100 off your move when you move with U. Santini Moving and storage.

Written by Daniel Menchinion October 15, 2014January 31, 2018Posted in Dan's Discussion Den

How to move your plants succesfully when moving to New York

Usantini Moving and storage is one of the most reliable moving companies in Brooklyn and New York City. As a reliable moving company we see it as our duty to provide our clients with good moving advice on every subject moving and Storage. We are based in Brooklyn, and as premier Brooklyn movers we have a lot of experience in moving plants and other delicate life forms and objects in and out of New York city’s houses and apartments. Looking for a moving company in Brooklyn? Don’t hesitate to call us at 718-768-6778.

Usantini moving and storage. NYC moving, Brooklyn moving — There are many ways to move your plants….

Moving to New York and have many live plants? Not to worry. Just follow these simple instructions and your plants will travel safely to your new place and even survive a few days after the move without further work on your behalf.

Three weeks before moving day: if your plants reside in clay pots, transport them to unbreakable plastic pots of approximately the same size; changing pot sizes significantly may harm your plants.

Two weeks before moving day: Prune larger plants. Pruning will make your plants more compact for easy handling and transport. Pruning will also yields healthy, bushy, attractive plants.
One week before moving day: Make sure all plants are healthy. Get rid oaf any plant that looks sick or hosts any insects or parasites. Check plants for insects and parasites.
Two days before moving day: Water your plants normally, taking care to not over water. Too much water can cause plants to freeze in cold weather or promote fungus growth in warm weather.
Moving day: Pack your plants in the morning (or the night before).
Wrap large plants with tissue paper, light towels or old bed linens to prevent branches from breaking.
Place each pot in a box so it fits snugly at the bottom.You can pack a a few pots in a box if you are moving small plants
Pack paper in the box around the base of the pot to hold the pot in place. Make sure that heavy pots unable to move inside the box during the move.
Punch air holes in the sides of the box and loosely fasten the lid so plants can breathe.
Set the boxes upright and clearly mark the lids. This will help avoid loading them by mistake into the moving van.

Usantini moving and storage — Replant your plants in time

Sometimes it makes sense to take the plants in your car if you are moving long distance and would prefer to take care of your plants yourself. If you decide to do so, here are a few tips on how to keep your plants alive while traveling.

Load plants as close to your departure time as possible.
In warm weather, stop periodically in shaded areas and crack a window. Avoid exposing plants to direct sunlight at any time.
Keep a comfortable temperature in your car. Cold weather, especially, can be hazardous to your plants. If needed, help protect plants by wrapping them with newspaper or paper bags.
Avoid putting them in the trunk of your car; heat, cold, and lack of fresh air can be harmful.
If you travel for more than three days, bring plants indoors when you lodge and open cartons to expose them to light.
Water your plants only if they seem unusually dry. Otherwise, wait until you have arrived at your new home.

Usantini moving and storage, nyc moving, moving plants — Acclimate your plants to your new place

Bringing your plants safely into your new home: Unpack your plants as soon as possible.
Remove them through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking leaves and branches.
Refrain from moving plants around until they become acclimated.

Need a moving company in Brooklyn? Looking for movers in NYC? Call us at 718-768-6778. As a token of our appreciation for your business. Here is a coupon for $100 off your move. Call us today to get an estimate for your move.

Written by Daniel Menchinion October 10, 2014January 31, 2018Posted in Dan's Discussion Den

Top four moving tips from a trusted moving and storage company

Top Four Moving Tips from a trusted moving and storage company

Moving is one of the most stressful situations people ever experience, regardless of the move circumstances that can be related to good or bad events. From, planning, packing to moving, unpacking and adjustment to the new environment, the moving process is full of unique challenges. A big part of the challenge is how infrequently the average family moves. For most people moving is mostly a mysterious and unknown experience, which adds to the stress related to the event. Most families families move only every five to seven years. New Yorkers, and mostly younger New Yorkers tend to move every four or five years. Usantini moving and storage, being one of the most trusted moving and storage companies in New york has a lot of experience with all types of moving events. The following moving tips are the four biggest recommendations these pros have for moving locally or long distance.

USanitni moving truck, Usantini moving and storage, Brooklyn moving, long dsitance moving — Hire a reputable moving company…

Book a Mover At Least a Month in Advance
Moving your household requires a lot of preparation for the family who is moving and from the moving company who is hired to perform the relocation. Moving is highly seasonal and most of the moves happen between the months of March and August. Even during this time some days in the month are busier than others. Most clients prefer to move either in the first or last days of the month, when leases typically expire. This creates a situation in which reputable moving companies are completely booked in those dates. Most movers in Brooklyn and other areas of NYC work on a “First come first served” basis. Clients who book in advance are able to secure a truck and a crew in these strategic days. So, booking at least thirty days in advance will guaranteed you a well organized and trouble free moving experience. Long distance moves can be even more complicated to coordinate. Long distance movers can have their schedules fill up rapidly, especially during the summer. Choosing a reputable long distance mover at least one month in advance will make it more likely you will be able to move on the exact date you choose.
Hiring a reputable and trusted moving and storage company such as Usantini moving and storage can provide a huge stress relief before the move. Usantini moving and storage offer additional services, such as packing and storage. While optional, taking advantage of these services often provides a cheaper moving experience. Once you have them booked, you can organize the rest of your time around preparing your family for the big move. If looking for a Brooklyn mover, always try to use a storage and moving Brooklyn company that is reputable and has an A+ rating with the BBB.

Book your move a month in advance, usantini moving and storage — Book your move a month in advance

Plan Meals to Make Packing Easier
Shop less. The weeks before the move are going to prove themselves very different than your regular routine. You will be sorting, packing, making lists, getting in touch with service providers and other vendors, and much more. Many New Yorkers tend to eat out more on these weeks. Buy less food, perishable or otherwise on these weeks. Try to move with as little food in tow as possible. Long distance movers often price the move by the pound, meaning transportation of heavy food products, such as canned goods, can add unnecessary expenses. Frozen items can also cause trouble, especially during long distance moves. Your mover cannot transport frozen items, meaning they will likely be left behind; the money spent on them, wasted. moving food items on short move is also wasteful. Try to empty your refrigerator before moving out.
Planning out meals for the week preceding a long distance move can ensure your family enjoys eating their favorite meals without creating unnecessary waste. If you happen to have a few food items left over on the day of the move, there’s no need to worry. Give them to friends and neighbors, or donate canned goods and other non-perishables to a local pantry.

Usantini moving and storage,moving, long distance — Plan your meals carefully before moving…

Plan a Short Vacation or Family Visit Near Your New Address
If you intend to move long distance, you should be a ware that all long distance movers will provide you a “Delivery window dates” for your belongings. This range is largely due to hauling commitments with other families whose possessions may be in tow along with your own and legal driving limits. Big moving vans can only move so fast and are regulated by the Department of Transportation to adhere to these strict driving limits, ensure commuters on the road, and your belongings remain safe for the duration of the trip.
More than likely, you will arrive at your destination before your van line. Make plans to take a short vacation, stay in a hotel or visit family near your new address to reduce the stress of your move. Make sure to pack all the items your family will need for a short vacation in your car. Planning a short vacation or family visit around your move has the added bonus of assisting in your adjustment to the new area. Lay back and relax, knowing your memories are being moved with care.

Usantini moving and storage, long distance move, moving nyc, moving company — Have fun while waiting for your belongings.

Save for a Travel Emergency Fund
When moving long distance, most people are concerned about the cost of hiring a moving company, but forget about the cost of moving themselves to the new location. If you intend to drive across country to your new place, than you should prepare a “Travel emergency fund” for the trip. Make sure you have enough money for any contingency Car trouble, weather issues, lost or stolen items etc. With a travel emergency fund saved up, you’ll have no worries about paying for a hotel room or seeking out car repairs when necessary.
In most cases, your long distance relocation will go by smoothly, but simply having an emergency fund on hand will result in peace of mind that will stick with you throughout the duration of your move.

Usantini moving and storage, moving company, long distance move — Create a travel emergency fund

With the average New Yorker moving every three to five years, moving, whether local or long distances can seem daunting, but there’s no reason to let yourself get stressed out. Take these moving tips from a trusted moving and storage company such as Usantini Moving and Storage company to heart and you’ll find moving can be a simple, smooth process.

Moving is stressful, (as we already mentioned a few times before on this blog post….) There are enough items to worry about when you are relocating, especially if you are moving long distance, so why not allow our team at Usantini Moving and Storage to remove some of the hassles for you? Looking for moving and storage Brooklyn company? Give us a call at (718) 768–6778.

How to move a piano in NYC

Are you looking to move your piano?

Piano moving is always important an important part of a move. Unless you are moving a piano within your apartment, we recommend that you hire professional piano movers to help you with the task at hand. You don’t need to secure the internal parts of the piano. regardless if it is an upright piano or a grand piano. But no matter how short or long the distance you move a piano, there are certain precautions you should take.

Piano moving, piano movers — Thinking of moving your piano yourself?

Floor protection
All reputable NYC piano movers will protect your home while moving a piano. If you intend to move the piano yourself than you should use floor protection materials before moving the piano. The floor can suffer damage from dragging a “locked” caster or get scratched by any unsecured pedal, caster (wheel) or piano leg that might be protruding from the bottom part of the piano. Clear all potential obstacles out of the way, before starting to move the piano.

Floor protection Usantini moving and storage — Protect your floors

Moving the Piano
Safety should be your first consideration. All pianos are heavy and hard to handle. All up right pianos are top heavy and could easily tip over. Even short spinet pianos are prone to tipping if you are not careful. The casters (wheels) underneath could be clogged with a foreign object, rusty, broken, or swung in the wrong direction, preventing the piano from rolling easily. If you can’s move the piano on its wheels, you should lift the piano on a professional moving dolly. Lift one end of the piano onto the dolly carefully. Keep in mind all the rules for lifting heavy objects. Lift with your legs, not your back and make sure that all of the protruding and delicate parts such as pedals, legs etc, are secured and protected. When lifting Try not to lift one end of the piano any more than is absolutely necessary, because the strain applied to the structure of the instrument can cause enough twisting or bending to knock sections of the piano out of tune.
If it is necessary to move the piano up or down a step or two, have plenty of help. If there are more than a couple of steps to negotiate, get a professional, insured moving company, that offers expert piano movers to do the job, even if it is only within the house.

Piano movers, usantini moving and storage — Piano movers…?

Grand Pianos
A grand piano requires more care while moving. If you are moving the grand piano in the same apartment, make sure that you don’t put too much stress on the piano legs and that it is going to fit in doors without being disassembled. measure the piano and the door openings carefully before starting the move. Make sure that you have enough people lift the piano slightly above the ground as you move it around the apartment.
Moving a piano to a different location
If you are moving a piano from one building to another, across town, or long-distance– Consider using a professional moving company with experience and equipment for piano moving. Use professionals like Usantini Moving and storage who know how to move pianos. Use only moving companies who are experts in piano moving. A piano is a delicate and expensive instrument. Don’t try to save a few dollars by hiring a “Man and a van” instead of professional and equipped moving company. Your piano might not arrive safely to your new location if you use untrained, uninsured and non professional movers. Hire a professional piano mover or technician to supervise the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, or supervise it yourself, if at all possible.

Paino moving, piano movers, usantini moving and storage — Professional piano movers

Tuning after a Move

Most pianos need tuning after a move. Even a short distance move might influence the piano’s tuning. We recommend that you budget and hire a piano tuner to tune the instrument after it reached its new destination safely. Certainly, if the move is from one city to another, or across town, the new environment with it’s unique level of temperature and humidity ranges will affect the piano’s tuning.

Piano moving, usantini moving and storage — Tune your piano after the move

Usantini Moving and Storage professional Piano Moving service

Usantini Moving & storage offers professional moving services in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. We have been moving pianos successfully for more than eighty years and have many satisfied, piano playing clients. Call us today if you need to move your piano safely in NYC or long distance.