Month: September 2014

Welcome to the new Nilson Van & Storage United website! 

As you can tell, we’ve got an updated look for our United brand. But don’t worry, we are still providing the same high level of service that we have for generations. With a history built on placing our customers first, this new site is just our latest effort to make any move easier and quicker than ever. We hope you take a look around and get a feel for who we are and what we do.

Whether you are moving right next door or across the world, we have trained professionals ready to help. On this site, you can find more details about our entire range of moving services. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for information on packing services, commercial logistics, or specialized military/government moves – you will find your answers here.

And don’t forget to check back often, as this blog will regularly update with news and articles that will make your next move a cinch.

If you have any questions or need assistance with an upcoming move, never hesitate to contact us.

Do you have all the moving equipment and supplies you need?

One of the best features of a professional moving company is the amount of moving equipment they already own. Depending upon the help you need, you might save more money hiring a crew to complete your move out. You could rent or borrow certain items, but no one wants to purchase hand trucks or car ramps to use just one time. Consider your property carefully before you decide to go DIY.

Here’s a list of the moving equipment you may find coming in handy during your next move:

• Dollies can be surprisingly convenient, affordable, and versatile. If you’re renting a moving van, you’ll likely find one inside. Just be careful you read the fine print of your agreement. Using the rental may wind up costing you more in fees than if you purchased a dolly for yourself.
• Hand trucks are often mistaken for dollies. They consist of a ground-level platform with wheels and a back with a handle. These also come in lifting and electronic varieties, and can make moving appliances, boxes, and other heavy items especially easy.
• Ramps are an often-forgotten piece of moving equipment. They make moving dollies and hand trucks up and down stairs, over curbs and into moving vehicles easy.
• Moving straps and blankets are used to cover furniture, appliances, and other property to secure and protect them from damage during the moving process.
• Moving boxes and containers can come in all kinds of materials, shapes, and sizes. Containers can be especially helpful if they’re made specifically for one type of item. For instance, there are containers designed for flat screen televisions and monitors and also ones for packing fine china.
• Tape! In fact, stock up on more tape than you can even imagine needing, because even if you have more than you need for your move, you’ll use it eventually. You don’t want to have to buy tape from a moving company, when you could get it on your own for less.

In addition to having these items, a professional moving company knows how to use them. When you’re paying for these services, you’re also paying for their expertise. Using specialty devices, professional movers can safely pack your items together in the smallest space possible. They can also do it quickly and with no strain to your back or muscles.

Talk to the experts at Nilson Van about the moving equipment available to you, and compare how much extra it will cost to move when renting these products comes into play.

Are your international movers trustworthy?

International movers often handle large jobs, and when using the wrong service, it’s easy to see why you might lose track of your goods in the moving process. Some companies subcontract to the lowest-priced service providers in foreign locations. This can lead to damaged, lost, or delayed shipments resulting in large fines for moving items incorrectly across country borders.

Good Movers Know the Laws on Importing

Subcontracting services is the way to go, sometimes. Contacts within a country can be the best source for navigating through moving rules and regulations. Problems arise when your international movers disregard the law and get caught in the process. Unfortunately, you are the one who will often wind up facing the penalties.

Good Movers Have a System

International moves can get very complicated rather quickly, so trust companies when they present plans you think might be too overboard, as they are likely planning for any eventuality. Deadlines and schedules can make or break a move, so by following their advice during the planning and prep stages, you will come out ahead.

The International Moving Process

Once your items are packed and hauled off, they’re typically moved into heavy-duty shipment containers at shipyards, and then loaded onto boats. It’s during this stage when accidents often occur and property gets damaged. Why? It’s because cranes are hard to navigate delicately, and complex machinery is being used to move your belongings around.

When the boat lands near your new destination, the contents may be taken into state custody for observation. Government agents can go through shipments looking for contraband of all sorts. If banned items are found in your shipment, you could face fines, interrogation, or worse. This is also the stage where you may have to pay to bring certain things into the country, which can wind up costing a pretty penny. Make sure you work with movers who can give you an idea of what these payments will run in advance.

When your property finally arrives at your destination, expect the company to bring it to your new home. During unloading and unpacking, you’ll have a chance to review your property, checking for problems. This will generally be compared to a master list to ensure that none of your property is missing.

International movers have a huge job to do, and only a few do it right. Call Nilson Van and schedule the job immediately. They have the experience and reputation you’ll find easy to trust.

Can you trust an online moving calculator to give accurate estimates?

You can find dozens of different moving calculators online to help estimate the cost of your in-state move. These can be found on professional moving websites, general consumer sites or, not surprisingly, on websites where moving supplies are found. The real question lies in which estimate can you trust, it could be hard to tell. The majority of these calculators don’t provide any useful advice. They’re simply an interactive form of advertising.

Accurate Moving Estimates Require a Closer Look

The only truly accurate moving calculator is an experienced moving professional who is able to judge the situation firsthand with an eye on your situation and household goods. These experts know how to efficiently stack furniture and belongings, and they know the types of containers they’ll need. More importantly, movers with experience can often eyeball a load and accurately estimate the amount of time it will take to complete a full job. As most jobs charge a per hour fee, knowing how long it will take to move is especially handy.

Comparing Online Moving Calculators

It’s easy to check the accuracy of an online moving calculator by visiting more than one site. Visit five or ten, but be prepared for five or ten different results. Understand also that this method has no real bearing on what your particular moving expenses will be. A large, overstuffed couch takes more time to move than a minimalist style couch. A waterbed takes longer to break down than a typical queen frame. It’s these kinds of differences that make online or moving estimates over the phone so difficult to get right.

Contact Nilson Van to request a free estimate. You’ll be shocked by how much the process differs from any moving calculator online. Afterall, it’s an estimate you can act on and trust.

How much is too much to ask of furniture moving companies?

Furniture moving companies are paid to pack, load, and haul your goods, but this can leave many homeowners uncomfortable. Standing around watching strangers strain their backs to lift your furniture can leave you feeling guilty for looking like a lazy taskmaster of sorts. The key to escaping this effect isn’t by leaving the house. It’s learning how much prep work you’re really expected to do before they show up so they can do exactly what they’re supposed to do without delay.

Focus on a few simple ways you can ready your property for a move and make your movers feel appreciated.

• Place similar items together. You might have hired a company to pack and transport each room of your house separately, but there are still random items that could go anywhere (and often do). Miscellaneous items should all be placed together. The same goes for garden tools, holiday supplies, and numerous other mixed item groups.
• Pick up around the house. Believe it or not, some people expect furniture moving companies to work around their mess. This seriously delays and interrupts the packing process. It also increases your chances that your garbage will be packed along with your goods. Avoid paying to ship candy wrappers across state lines. Do your best to contain your mess before movers arrive.
• Provide refreshments. Surely you want movers in and out of your home as quickly as possible, but they are still guests in your home. If a day is especially hot and humid, or cold and clammy, provide appropriate refreshments for your moving team. This could include chilled bottles of water, coffee, and crackers or other light snacks. Also provide a clearly labeled receptacle for collecting related trash.

Hiring someone to move your furniture can be awkward, but it’s important to respect the boundaries of their jobs. Getting involved generally creates more problems than it’s worth and can lead to improperly packed items.

Call 800-845-2682 to schedule a date with one of the best furniture moving companies in your area.