Moving with your family is a hard task. It will take a long time and it will be stressful. Not just for you, your entire family will be stressed. You must get them ready for such a big life change. You will have to prepare your home for your family to make sure they start enjoying their new home as fast as possible. This is not an easy task, it can be quite tricky. Don’t worry we are here for you. We have gathered information about the best ways you can prepare your home before you move in so that you can have an easier time adapting to your new home. Continue reading “Prepare your home for your family before you move in”
Category: NYC moving tips
NY relocation made easy
Moving into a high rise apartment
When the moving in the building time comes, it is not easy as it sounds. You need to have a good organization and a good preparation for it. Still, there are reasons why is better to live in a building. If you have chosen to live in a building, you are not making a mistake. You just need to choose wisely the apartment and you need to organize your moving. In this article, we are going to present to you how to organize your moving into a high rise apartment. Continue reading “Moving into a high rise apartment”
What Is a Certificate of Insurance for Moving
To move to a different house, you need to gather a lot of paperwork. You might have heard of a certificate of insurance for moving, but you probably have no idea what it really is. Don’t worry, as you are not the only one!
A lot of people have misconceptions about this paper and think that it does not make a big difference whether or not you have it. Why this is not true, you are about to find out, because Big Apple Movers always have your back!
What Exactly Is a Certificate of Insurance for Moving?
Since there is a big probability you do not know what exactly a certificate of insurance is, we feel obligated to explain the significance of this piece of paper. Perhaps, after finding out everything about it, you might realize why it is so necessary and, dare we say, mandatory.
When moving to New York, your first task should be to hire reputable and, most importantly, insured movers. Insurance protects you and your furniture from any possible damage that may arise. Having that in mind, you should know that a lot of property managers will request to see a written proof that you have chosen an insured moving company before they let you move into the building.
At this juncture, the certificate of insurance assumes significance. Despite its perceived complexity, a certificate of insurance is a legal document issued by the insurance provider of the moving company. It is imperative that all parties involved in the moving process are adequately insured.
When Do You Need to Show a Certificate of Insurance?
To be fair, to have this certificate is not mandatory in all situations. However, if you do not have it when the property manager asks for it, you will not be able to move in. Moreover, a certificate of insurance is always needed when moving into an urban area, which all NYC boroughs are. Therefore, if you wish to avoid any delays when moving, it is wise to get this piece of paper in due time.
Furthermore, to ascertain whether the presentation of the aforementioned certificate is mandatory, there is a straightforward approach to determine this. You may inquire with the property manager of your prospective residence regarding their policy on the matter. This method is the most reliable and expeditious means of confirming the necessity of this documentation.
What Information Is On a Certificate of Insurance?
In order for a certificate to be valid, it needs to have some specific information written on it. The mentioned pieces of information are:
- A certificate of insurance for moving should state that your movers have a license to operate in that area.
- This certificate will state the address of your new home.
- Finally, it should list all the different scenarios for which you might need to use the insurance coverage.
Slowly, you should be getting a grasp on how necessary this piece of paper is. When making all the moving estimates – related, make sure to include this certificate. Trust us, having it can save your life (and your relocation)!
Why Do Property Managers Ask to See a Certificate?
Even flies on the wall know that relocation is risky, and oftentimes, damaging. During a relocation, a lot of things could go wrong, which would result in the damage to your items. However, besides your items, a part of the building could also get damaged. Obviously, a building is not your property, so someone needs to be held accountable if the damage does arise.
A certificate of insurance effectively resolves this issue, absolving both yourself and the property manager of any liability. In the event of any mishap, only your movers will be held accountable for any associated expenses. It is important to note that minor damages such as scratches on walls are not uncommon during the moving process, given the challenging nature of the task at hand.
How to Get a Certificate of Insurance for Moving?
While obtaining some other NYC building permits may be a long process, getting a certificate of insurance is not! Cheer up, as this is good news! All you have to do is have a talk with your moving coordinator, and they will do all the necessary things for getting this paper. They will contact the building management for some pieces of information, however, this is none of your worries. All you have to do is sit back and relax.
To ensure a smooth and efficient moving process, we kindly request that you make your request for a certificate in a timely manner. Ideally, it would be greatly appreciated if you could inform our movers of your need for this certificate at the time of booking. However, we understand that circumstances may arise, and we are happy to accommodate requests made up to several days prior to the move. We kindly advise against waiting until the last minute to make this request, as it may cause unnecessary delays and complications.
How To File A Moving Insurance
Hiring reliable movers is one of the best things you can do for your relocation. Movers have the right skills, are efficient, and will save you time, energy, and even money when they take care of your belongings. However, accidents do happen even to the best movers, and you may end up with a few things stolen or damaged.
Hopefully, this won’t happen, but knowing the process of how to file a moving insurance claim will make it easier for you to do it just right.
Take Photos of Items
Prior to the relocation process and prior to securely packing items into moving boxes, it is recommended to capture photographic evidence of the items. This photographic documentation serves as compelling evidence of the items’ condition prior to the relocation and can greatly enhance the likelihood of a successful claim.
Make an Inventory List
Make a list of all the things you are moving. The movers will also make a list, but it’s a good idea to have your own to prevent errors. Make a few copies of the list, keep one for yourself, and give one to the movers.
Having an inventory list makes it easier to detect any lost items. So, make sure you know how to create a moving inventory list and keep it close just in case.
Take Photos of the Damage
Just like you took photos of the items before the relocation, it is time to take photos once again. Having before and after photos will make your claim strong. Remember not to throw away the damaged items after you take photos, as the moving company might ask you for physical evidence. If the damage is done to your home, take photos of the damaged parts.
Keep Track of Every Conversation
This is a useful thing to do during your relocation. Keep track of each conversation you have with your movers. Write down the date, who you spoke to, and what was agreed. You will be able to create a timeline in this way, and your moving claim will take less to complete.
Also, you should save not only conversations, but also receipts, documents, and any paperwork you received from the movers. If you send originals when filing a moving claim, make a hard copy just in case you have everything with you.
How Moving Expenses Deduction Works
The new Tax Law states that from 2018, moving expenses deduction will only be available to some military personnel. However, if you have relocated in the years prior to 2018, we have some good news for you! In some cases, Federal Tax Law allows you to get a refund on certain moving expenses if your relocation was business-related.
Therefore, if you have started a new job, relocated your office or started working for the same employer but on some other location, you are eligible for moving expenses deduction. Unfortunately, not all expenses are deductible, and they depend on a couple of criteria.
What Are Moving Expenses?
Moving expenses are defined as the costs incurred for packing and shipping personal belongings to a new location. These expenses also encompass storage fees and transportation costs, including fuel expenses. It is widely acknowledged that moving expenses can accumulate to a significant amount.
Hence, if the relocation is job-related, it is advisable to explore the possibility of obtaining reimbursement. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and ensure compliance with the necessary requirements to qualify for a deduction.
The Distance Requirements for Moving Expenses Deduction
Wouldn`t it be perfect if there were no limitations, and you could get a deduction for any and every relocation? Unfortunately, that is not the way life works. There are some criteria which must be met if you are to get a deduction. And, they start with the distance traveled.
If your knowledgeable office movers in NYC have relocated you in the same city, we are sorry to inform you that you will not be eligible for a deduction. The rule is that your new place of work must be 50 miles farther than your old house. Fifty miles is not a small distance, by no means. Therefore, if you think, or know, that there are 50 and more miles from your job and your last home, feel free to ask for a deduction.
Also, when measuring the mileage, the IRS will make sure you use the shortest route. They want to be sure you are doing everything by the book.
The Time Requirements
Beware, because there are a lot of small restrictions here. If you do not meet even one of them, you stop being a candidate for moving cost deduction.
- To qualify for moving expenses deduction, you must be working for at least 12 months. There is no requirement for you to work for only one employer. Thus, if the need arises, you can divide your time between a couple of them.
- You must be a full-time worker for at least 39 weeks during that first year.
- Luckily, there are no requirements to how many days and hours you work, as long as you fulfill the norm of your industry.
Big Apple Movers advise you to check everything before you start thinking about moving cost deduction. These rules cannot be bent, and there is no way of getting around them.
Deductible Moving Expenses?
Luckily, there is not a shortage of moving expenses that can be deducted. However, there is a difference between short distance moving and moving interstate, or even abroad. If you had a DIY move and short distance move, and you have transported your furniture by yourself, you can get a deduction for gas, oil and even highway tolls. When accumulated, these expenses can produce a significant amount of money, so it would be good to get some of that money back. On the other hand, if you had a long distance move, you could get a reimbursement for the plane tickets, and the best thing is that this deduction applies to the whole family.
Moreover, if there was a need for you to rent cheap storage NYC, you should know that you can also be deducted for these expenses, as well. However, there is a limit, since this deduction only applies to periods of up to 30 days. Therefore, if you had to use a storage unit for more than a month, you will not be able to deduct it from your moving expense.
How and When Can You Claim a Deduction?
Moving expenses deduction is a unique one. Why is this the case? Namely, you can claim this deduction even before you are sure that you satisfy all of the requirements. However, it is not the most recommendable course of action. If at the end of those twelve months, you have failed to meet one or more requirements, you will have to return the deduction. Have in mind that most taxpayers usually fail to meet the criteria, and they have to return the money once the 12-month period ends.
To claim a deduction is easy. All you have to do is report your expenses on IRS Form 3903. Attach that form to the tax return for the year when you moved, and the process is over. If it turns out you have to return the deduction, you can do it in two ways.
- For your next tax return, make sure to include the original amount of your moving expenses deduction.
- Calculate your tax without including the moving cost deduction.
If you are not good with taxes, it is never a bad idea to seek professional help. The IRS will not be lenient if you make any mistakes with your taxes. Avoid trouble whenever you can!
If you think you could qualify for moving expenses deduction, you should give it a try. However, be careful, as you might have to return everything at the end of the year.
What Is A Moving Broker
When it comes to the relocation process, you need all the help you can get. No matter where this help is coming from, it is always more than welcome. One thing we all know can aid us greatly in the relocation process are reputable movers. Moreover, not only can they help us, but they are also necessary for any moving to go smoothly.
And, if you don’t have enough time to put in hours of research into finding reliable movers, you can always rely on a moving broker. In case this is the first time you hear of this term, stick with us. Let Big Apple Movers teach you what exactly a moving broker is, and why you should hire one the next time you move!
What Is a Moving Broker?
First things first, you need to be familiar with the term ‘moving broker’ before you decide you need one. A moving broker is a middleman between you and all the available moving companies on the market.
He or she is a professional, who can give you an estimate and find the best possible moving company for you. Whether you need residential or office moving experts, you can rest assured your broker will be able to find the best one for you.
Moreover, they work for a fee and are usually cheaper than moving companies. Don`t get us wrong. Moving brokers do not equal moving companies. A broker’s job is to find a suitable moving company for your needs.
However, as nothing in life is perfect, the same applies to these relocation professionals. There are certain things you should be wary about when looking for your broker.
What Are the Risks Associated with Moving Brokers?
Hiring a broker comes with a certain amount of risks. For starters, there is a chance that the broker`s estimate might not be suitable and that it will not be accepted by the moving companies. Usually, this is because the broker`s estimate is too low. In case this happens, you would be left without a moving company on your moving day. Can you imagine a worse scenario?
Furthermore, you need to check whether your moving brokers are licensed and insured! Just like a lot of moving scams and fraudulent companies have resurfaced lately, so have unlicensed moving brokers. So, how can you ensure that a moving broker you are interested in is indeed legit?
- Look for a moving broker that is registered with the FMCSA.
- Ask them to show you a list of the moving companies they usually work with.
- Moreover, ask to see the written agreements they have with those movers.
Once you ensure that the coast is clear and that your moving brokers are who they advertise they are, you can proceed with hiring them.
Moving Broker vs Moving Company
While both options offer services related to moving, they have distinct roles and functions. Understanding the difference between a moving broker and a moving company can help you make an informed choice that suits your needs and preferences.
Moving Broker
A moving broker is an intermediary or middleman that acts as a link between you, the customer, and various moving companies. Instead of physically handling the moving process, a broker facilitates the connection between you and a moving company that can best accommodate your needs. Here’s how a moving broker works:
- Estimates and Options: When you approach a moving broker, they gather information about your move, such as the distance, size of the move, and specific requirements. Based on this information, they provide you with estimates from different moving companies within their network.
- Connections: The broker has established relationships with a network of moving companies. They match your requirements with a suitable mover from their pool of partners.
- Negotiations: The broker negotiates the terms of the move on your behalf, including pricing and services. They aim to secure the best deal for you.
- Coordination: Once you’ve chosen a moving company, the broker coordinates the details of the move, including scheduling and logistics.
Moving Company
A moving company is a business that specializes in providing moving services. When you hire a moving company, they handle various aspects of the move directly, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading. Here’s what to expect when working with a moving company:
- Direct Service: A moving company is responsible for all aspects of the move. They have their own team of movers and equipment.
- Customized Service: You work directly with the moving company to outline your requirements and preferences for the move.
- Responsibility: The moving company is accountable for the entire process, ensuring that your belongings are handled safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
In case you weren’t paying close attention, let us sum it up for you. A moving broker is a person who conducts its business between two parties – a client and moving companies. They are a good way to save money in the Big Apple since their fees are affordable. However, even they don`t come without risks, which is why you should make sure they possess the necessary licenses.
How to evaluate a good local moving company?
A relocation process is an important event in everybody’s life. It is something you need to think through and plan carefully, however you are doing it. If you insist on doing it yourself, it is important to think about every small detail of the move, so you avoid mistakes and possible loss and damage. However, there is a safer option, that doesn’t have to be necessarily more expensive. If you think about it, hiring professional movers means paying seemingly more, but you can avoid all the stress and risks. There is only one thing – you need to choose reliable and efficient movers. How to find them? We prepared a guide on how to evaluate a good local moving company and have a stress-free move. Continue reading “How to evaluate a good local moving company?”