Month: March 2015

Does moving in the military really break the bank?

Moving in the military is just a part of normal life for military families, and it happens often enough that smart moving companies have created valuable, affordable relocation plans for those in service. These are the providers who’ve spent years fine-tuning their skill sets to meet the needs of military homeowners, and in doing so, they’ve been awarded GSA approval, so you know who to trust.

Here are just a few ways using a military-mover impacts cost:

Full-packing services

Most military moves are full-service. This cuts down on the time it takes to complete the move, which is the biggest expense. The total weight of your items will have a big impact on the bottom line, but professionals have an advantage. They know how to pack your items for easy stacking, allowing your possessions to fit in a smaller truck. Smaller trucks cost less too, and they often use less fuel. All of these elements combined can lead to a surprisingly affordable full-service package.

Provided packing materials

While many people forget to figure these items into the cost of a move, everything from tape to cardboard boxes add up in some way. Free boxes you get on the curb pose the biggest threat to your budget if, for instance, they turned out to be infested with cockroaches. If you need specialty packing items for china plates or electronics, those will also add to your costs, but they’re often included in the price if you’re using professional movers.

Gas, dolly rentals, and “insurance”

If you decide to go DIY to keep your costs low, renting a moving van is likely in your future. Don’t forget about the high cost of gas to get from one destination to another, and watch out for random fees on your total bills. From driving insurance you don’t need to cleaning and other miscellaneous fees, your cheap move could turn out much more expensive than anticipated.

Getting a guaranteed quote can go a long way to calm your nerves when you have to move in the military, so call 844-668-3721 today to get your free quote from the friendly professionals at Nilson Van.

What’s the best way to get established when moving internationally?

Moving internationally can be nerve-wracking, especially when you don’t have many contacts in-country. Work with an experienced moving company that provides destination services. These can ensure you get your property as soon as possible and increase your chances of everything being in tip-top shape once it arrives.

Here are just a few of the benefits you get with destination service:

• Auto relocations

Not every moving company is capable of handling oversea vehicle moves. They can be especially tricky if you have an auto with a powerful engine or advanced computer systems. The right business will be able to pack your car securely, move it without incident and help you take possession of it upon arrival. There may be a waiting period, but you’ll have assistance in tackling any obstacles that come your way.

• Temporary storage

If you’ve moved to a country and discovered – like many Americans do – that you have too much to fit comfortably in your new home, it’s important to find reliable storage. Facilities can protect your belongings from both thieves and environmental conditions.

• Filing claims for broken or lost items

Trusted destination service providers will help you in filing claims in the event any of your possessions are broken or lost. They won’t give you the run around. In contrast, they often go the extra mile to make sure you get problems resolved quickly and to your satisfaction.

If you’re moving internationally, it’s essential to work with a South Carolina-based company that has contacts overseas. The professional team at Nilson Van understands the ins and outs of moving internationally and we are here to help you, so call us today at 800-845-2682.

How much can you rely on staff during commercial moves?

Commercial moves are tedious but necessary to help your business grow. It’s easy to keep your costs low by hiring the best company for the job. Unfortunately, some business owners attempt to save even more by giving their staff the brunt of the work. That’s a bad idea that can cost everyone more than it’s worth.

If you’re wondering how much to ask of your staff during your business move, consider the following:

• Your employees have personal items at work.

Pictures, clothing, tech devices, and other belongings sometimes get left at work for the sake of convenience. To prevent company and personal claims from intermixing, your employees should pack and move any of their personal property from your old location to your new one.

• Your business relies on certain information to make profits every day.

Back up your CRM, your payroll, and other programs. Store copies on removable media kept in possession of a trusted employee or store the information on the cloud.

• Certain items are restricted.

Plants, chemicals, and perishable food items are just a few of the things you’ll be expected to move on your own. Staff may not be able to help with all of them, so make sure you talk to someone at your moving company about alternatives. They may have special services to cover these goods.

• Finally, your staffers aren’t trained to pack items.

As menial as the job might seem, packing and loading boxes for moving really is a skill honed through experience. Done poorly, it can lead to damage or personal injury. It can also affect the value protection plans available through your mover, so in most instances, it’s best to let the professionals handle the job. It will likely be more affordable than you’re expecting.

Find out how much commercial moves really cost. Call our friendly moving professionals at Nilson Van by calling 844-668-3721 and request a free, guaranteed quote for your commercial move.

What essential packing materials do you need for residential moves?

Residential moves are a necessary evil for most people. The chances of living in one home for life have dwindled remarkably over the years. It’s much more common now to move several times during your life, so know what you’ll need to make the transition go as smoothly as possible.

The following materials will keep your possessions organized and safe and make it easier to move them back and forth:

• Cardboard boxes

While at first you may inclined to ask for boxes from the store or a friend, doing so might wind up being your biggest mistake. Of all the moving supplies you get, make sure your boxes are either new or from a trustworthy source. Those used boxes from the grocery story could be infested with moth larvae. The boxes you got from your friend may have compromised strength. Add in South Carolina’s famous humidity, and you could have a box rip when you’re halfway down a stairway.

Make sure you have plenty of medium-sized boxes too. They’re easier to carry than large ones, and they can be filled with smaller boxes of like items for maximum portability and organization.

• Packing tape

As ridiculous as it seems, some people try to avoid buying a $4 roll of tape by tucking in their box tops. What they don’t realize is the lumpy result will prevent boxes from stacking neatly inside a moving truck. Plus, untaped boxes are far more likely to spill their contents!

• Poster markers

This is especially true if you’re using professional movers. Using a thick marker, label each box in the room you want them to wind up in, be it a kitchen, bathroom or “Bedroom #1.” This kind of simple system really speeds up unloading and unpacking.

• Butcher paper

Purchased in thick rolls, this paper resists dirt and oil, while providing protection for even your delicate items. You don’t need to buy expensive bubble wrap. If butcher paper isn’t available, call the local paper and ask if they sell end rolls of newsprint. You can generally get a surprising amount for one or two dollars.

• Packing blankets

If you have large pieces of furniture, large appliances, or other bulky items, you can purchase, rent, or borrow moving blankets to keep them protected during a move. Blankets come in many different styles too, from those with extra cushion to those with plush exteriors and insulation.

Moving companies often get cast-off supplies after residential moves, so adding them into your moving plan can cost very little extra. Call our friendly team at Nilson Van today at 800-845-2682 to learn more about professional pricing for residential moves.