Month: April 2015

Learn how to the streamline the process of moving in the military.

Moving in the military is just part of the life. If you’re enlisted or if you’re married to someone who is, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the process. Using a handful of resources can make your transitions easy as can be.

Once you have your moving orders, be sure to look into the following:

Meet with the appropriate branch office.

Each branch of the military does things a little bit differently, which can confuse the process a little. After you receive orders, members of the Army will make an appointment with the Installation Transportation Office to discuss the particulars of your move and get the process started.

Members of the Air Force should meet with someone from the Traffic Management Office. Both the Navy and the Marine Force plan moves through the Personal Property Shipping Office. Coast Guard members go through the Household Goods Shipping Office, and those employed through the Department of Defense plan through the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office. You can also visit the Defense Personal Property System online.

Contact the family center at your new location.

That’s right; the family center where you are doesn’t have much help to offer besides support. Reach out to the center at your up-and-coming installation for help in getting established in your new home. Again, depending on the branch you’re in, these can go by different names. You’ll be making a call to the Army Community Service Center, Air Force Family Service Center, Marine Corps Community Service Center, Navy Fleet and Family Support Center, National Guard Family Assistance Center, or something similar.

Talk to the housing office.

You’ll need help finding new digs, but you’ll have special instructions for clearing out too. Contact your current housing office as well as the one at your new installation, just be prepared to be placed on a waiting list and ask about your options in the meantime.

Contact available movers for a quote.

Early in the process, you’ll receive a list of approved military movers. Look for an experienced company with a straightforward estimate process and guaranteed quotes. Keep in mind, it may be necessary for them to visit your home to get a good sense of how much time and materials will be needed to move your household.

Find out about moving in the military from the professionals at Nilson Van; contact us or call 844-668-3721 to learn more about the process.

Learn how you can simplify when moving internationally.

Moving internationally will be one of the most nerve-wracking things you accomplish, but you can simplify the process by keeping certain paperwork on you during the move. Do not place it in checked luggage and keep copies on a USB drive you keep on your person, just in case your carry-on gets stolen.

The following documents can make or break your initial days in any new country:

• Passports: Passports should absolutely never be placed in checked luggage. They shouldn’t be copied straight to disc either. Certain modifications should be made to prevent anyone who might come across the files into using them to steal your identity. Just make sure enough is left intact to prove who you are in a pinch.
• Birth certificates and certificates of citizenship: Every person in your moving party should have a certified copy of their birth certificate handy. Certified copies are notarized and are not merely photocopies. They also aren’t the fancy adorned copies you might have received from the hospital. Official copies can be purchased through the courthouse in the county where you were born or requested through the mail. If you’ve changed nationality, make sure to bring a copy of those papers along as well.
• Marriage, divorce, adoption, and child custody paperwork: If you’re attempting to leave the country with a child, you will absolutely need proof that you’re able to legally make that decision. Without it, expect to have your trip delayed.
• Important contact information: From your old doctor’s office to your new utility companies, it helps to collect all of the numbers you may need in an emergency before you travel. Keep these on paper with the rest of your things, just in case something happens to your phone.
• New lease, lodging, or purchase agreement: Whether you need help finding your new place or just need to prove residency, having an official agreement or receipt can go a long way in being taken seriously.

Those with special needs may also want to carry copies of their medical or dental records, travel insurance, or other essential paperwork. Being prepared for the worst will help you stay safe and secure while you establish your new residence overseas.

Plan now for moving internationally. Contact us to learn from the moving pros at Nilson Van how to make the process of moving internationally as easy as possible.

Here’s what you can expect for business relocations.

Business relocations can take a lot longer than you think. Planning in advance helps manage the stress, but if you can work with an experienced mover, you’ll wind up avoiding common problems.

Consider how the following can cause delays in your office move:

• Property renovations: Many times a space needs to be renovated before you can move in. This part of the process is the most tenuous. Contractors can be notoriously difficult to work with, so take your time in selecting the right company for each job. Also, schedule them by order of priority. If you need modifications for your property to meet regulations, square those away first, and worry about installing new lighting later.
• Lease negotiations: Whether you’re battling things out with a former landlord, creating a new agreement with someone else, or purchasing a property, negotiations can wreak havoc on your business. Make sure you get a written contract before you find a mover.
• Hiring a mover: The easiest and fastest way to schedule a mover is inviting someone to your office to look over your equipment and furnishings. This allows you to receive a written, guaranteed quote. Make sure you get quotes for different levels of service too. You may find the fees for packing or storage are much less than you assume.
• Packing items for a move: Too many office managers make the mistake of having their staff pack up the business. First, this opens you up to liabilities. If someone is injured, you could face a worker’s compensation claim or damages to equipment that won’t be covered by your insurance policy. Also, it takes longer, breeds resentment, and usually isn’t done very well.

Depending upon the area to which you are moving, the amount of equipment you have to shift over, and the complications of the changes that need to be made to a property before business begins, you could be looking at several months of waiting for tasks to be done. Work with an experienced team to help you move from point A to point B with the least worries.

Find out how long commercial moves really take. Call 844-668-3721 and request a free, guaranteed quote from Nilson Van.

Learn how residential moves work when you go out of state.

Residential moves out of state are a little more complicated than moving down the street. Thankfully, there are many ways to ensure you wind up well-established in your new home. The right advice will make your move as easy as possible.

Before you start planning your out-of-state move, consider the following:

• Your budget: The renting process changes from state to state and landlord to landlord. Certain areas require first and last month’s rent, along with a deposit of the same amount. Other areas have sizeable utility deposits for water or electricity. If you’re buying instead of renting, look for an affordable house in a good area. It’s advisable to keep your monthly housing expenses under one-third of your budget.
• Your belongings: Cutting down on clutter is a good idea before you move. Figure out the furniture and belongings you want to keep. Measure large pieces of furniture and compare them to your new space. You don’t want to pay to move a bulky couch or chair that winds up stuck in the hallway.
• Moving services: Once you know what you’ll be taking with you, moving companies will have an easier time of providing accurate quotes. Prepare for company reps to visit your home. Unless done in person, estimates can’t be guaranteed.
• Necessary moving supplies: If you’re hiring a packer and mover, you won’t need to worry as much about supplies. If you’re packing on your own, plan to purchase small- and medium-sized boxes, moving blankets, carts, and packing tape to protect your belongings in transit.
• Essential contact numbers: The day of your move, you’ll want the number of your new landlord or realtor, utility companies, and service providers all in one space, right along with contact info for your moving company. You may want the numbers for your old ones too, just in case there are problems entering your old residence to shut off your services. Make sure you have these printed out. Moving day is a hectic time, but planning for the worst can help you out of any situation.

Moving companies can help you transition during residential moves. Call our expert moving team at Nilson Van at 800-845-2682 to learn about professional pricing for residential moves.