Month: June 2015

Learn how to reduce your storage expenses when moving in the military.

Moving in the military often includes temporary storage when you’re overseas. There are items you can’t move out of the United States—because of export laws and because it would be too expensive. You can store those items while you’re away at no expense to you as long as you follow a few simple measures.

Make sure you get the best value from your storage company by following these steps:

• Choose a company based on credentials. If you’ve been surprised by your moving orders, you may want to get things scheduled and out of the way. Just make sure you take the time needed to find a company with experience in storing goods, as well as moving them. You can work with two different companies, but with the quality options available in the Columbia area, there’s really no need. Talk with companies, make sure they can handle the job and then get your plans squared away.
• Watch weight limits. The military will pay for up to 18,000 lbs. of your goods to be moved and stored. Certain members will be able to receive an additional 2,000-lb. allowance for business materials. However, whether you’re at an 18,000- or 20,000-lb. limit, you are responsible for any overage. Talk to your shipping company about determining the weight of your goods and how they handle billing for any amount over your limit.
• Schedule multiple services, if needed. Chances are, you’ll be taking some of your belongings with you on your move, even if you also need to hire storage. The military will cover more than one shipment, but the weight limit is cumulative. If you’re over your weight limit before your move is complete, it may be in your best interest to pare down your belongings.

Click this link or call 800-845-2682 to schedule a time with Nilson Van to get a free quote the next time you’re moving in the military.

Understand the restrictions and potential ramifications that come with moving internationally.

Just like there are goods US companies can’t sell to other countries, there are goods you can’t take with you when moving internationally. Whether you are aware of these restrictions or not, if you are moving these goods they may be detected during shipping and seized by the government. Similarly, there are items that cannot be shipped into the country you’re moving to that might be held by their customs department.

Here are the steps you should take if your goods are seized:

• Determine who made the mistake. Anyone is capable of making a mistake, and customs policies change regularly. It can be hard for workers and shipping companies to keep things straight. If professional movers packed and shipped your items, you should be able to file an insurance claim. The company may also be able to communicate with customs to have your items returned.
• Request the return of your items. Whether customs made an error, or you knowingly shipped something you should have kept at home, you may be able to have your property released to a trusted family member or friend. Customs receives these requests on a regular basis, and a good number of people are successful. Customs is much more likely to return, say, a guitar containing a type of restricted wood than they are a pallet of counterfeit purses.
• Seek legal representation. If the seized item is important or was seized in error, or if you’re facing legal consequences for breaking import/export laws, you may need a lawyer. A professional moving company may be able to connect you with someone experienced in custom disputes.

Click this link or call 800-845-2682 to contact Nilson Van to learn which items may cause problems when you’re moving internationally.

Learn the best way to kick start commercial moves.

Business owners can help make commercial moves faster and easier by employing a professional moving company. Not only can they safely shift equipment, furniture, and supplies of every size, but they can also help with packing. You provide your expertise to those in need, so don’t ignore the resources available to you when it’s time to use them.

Here are three benefits to hiring a commercial moving company to pack your business:

• They have experience. Professional movers have years of training and experience with moves of all sizes. Knowing the best way to pack and organize isn’t second nature. Much is learned through trial-and-error, as well as industry peers and the experience of on-the-job mentors. Your staff likely has little experience moving, and more than likely, they don’t want to.
• They have insider knowledge. Along with experience come tricks of the trade that allow for cheaper, faster packing and moving jobs. For instance, many laymen assume professional packers go overboard with boxes, but the truth is these boxes offer several benefits. Boxes help keep track of like items, which prevents things from being lost and makes unpacking easier. They protect items from damage during relocation. They also make things easier to stack in a moving van, which makes it possible to fit more inside a smaller moving vehicle, saving money for you in the process.
• They have insurance. One of the biggest benefits to hiring professionals for this job is the security of insured work. If something goes wrong and your employees are doing the hefty lifting, damages are on you. With a professional mover, your losses are covered.

Click this link or call 800-845-2682 to contact our expert team at Nilson Van in anticipation of any Columbia-area commercial moves.