How long does a military move usually take?

Moving in the military takes plenty of preparation.

Nilson Van Building with moving truck outside

If you’re moving in the military, you may have only a few weeks to get ready. An experienced moving professional will already be prepared in many ways. From lists of allowable goods to a moving schedule to-do list you can customize to your timetable, Nilson Van has the resources you need to make this process as easy as possible. There are many things you can do to complete your move as fast as possible too.

Here are just a few ways you can help Nilson Van deliver your items ASAP:

  • Schedule your move right away. Contact Nilson Van as soon as you get moving orders. Schedule an in-person quote, and keep your weight limits in mind. Based on the number of belongings you own and the allotment you’re given for the move, you may want to leave certain items behind and replace them in your new location. Be sure to point these issues out when you’re visited by a Nilson Van representative.
  • Stay in contact throughout the whole process. Door-to-door service is the fastest move you’ll have available. The company shows up, packs your belongings, ships them to your new home and then unpacks them on arrival. Unfortunately, there are several types of military moves, so plans can be confused before and during the job. It’s important to let the movers know periodically that you’re expecting door-to-door service. You should also make sure you or someone helping you can be reached by phone at any time. If you can, get the contact information for your van driver, just in case any problems arise.
  • Be home to accept your goods. If you’ve heard horror stories about moves taking a month or more to complete, delivery was the likely problem. Moving companies, especially those with military contracts, stay very busy. If they’re ready to move your belongings and you aren’t home, they’ll have to unload your belongings somewhere while they get to work moving items for someone else. Once that happens, you’ll be placed on the storage delivery list, which can be just as long as the one used for door-to-door moving service.

If you’re moving in the military, schedule the job with Nilson Van to ensure a successful and stress-free process. Visit online today or call 800-845-2682 to speak with an expert.

How Do I Pack for an International Move?

The right service partners make moving internationally a breeze.

How do you pack when moving internationally? What are you allowed—and not allowed—to include? Which belongings are best left behind, and what won’t be available for replacement in your new location? Nilson Van can help answer all your questions.

Here are just a few pieces of information to help Columbia residents begin their international adventures on the right foot:

The cost of your move is determined by the weight of your goods.

Knowing the difference weight makes in an international move can help you weed out possessions you can do without. Dishes, books and heavy furniture are often best sold before your move with the money put toward replacements. However, if this isn’t possible, it’s important to know whether you can legally take your belongings with you.

You may need help with import and export rules.

Every country controls the products able to enter and leave its borders. Some of the items on the banned list can be surprising. Due to random bits of legislation, like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) for instance, there are dozens of prohibited items few people would think about, such as items containing Australian redwood or your video gaming console.

Packing safely will take the right tools.

Most homeowners don’t know the right way to pack. They rarely do it, but somehow expect themselves to be experienced enough to keep belongings safe. Skating by on good fortune may work for short moves, but if you’re headed overseas and your possessions will be in shipping containers, do yourself a favor and hire a professional packing team. Not only will they ensure the safety of your items, but they’ll also likely charge you much less than you’re expecting.

Click this link to contact Nilson Van when you’re moving internationally. We have tips on packing and ideas to help you make your relocation as possible. Visit online or call 844-668-3721.

When Is the Best Time to Move My Business?

Business relocations can boost your business when they’re motivated by the right things.

Commercial Movers parked outside of office building

Business relocations can help with retention, business generation and future growth. Just make sure you time them correctly. Moving from one building to the next is also one way small business owners gauge their success, so make sure you’re not jumping the gun.

Answer these questions before you move your business:

  • Will our new location fit our future needs? Moving your business is a monumental endeavor. Besides the backbreaking work and extra bills, your employees and clients are forced into change—a problem with sometimes surprising impact. It’s essential then to make sure you don’t have to move regularly. Aim for a new space capable of meeting your needs now and in the future.
  • How attractive is our new locale? Attractive isn’t just relevant to looks. Locations can be highly desirable for many reasons. An office in the right neighborhood might wow clients and draw the attention of high caliber employees. A new location may provide easier access to major roadways or high-speed Internet connections. Price alone rarely makes a move worthwhile.
  • What happens if we don’t move right now? Often, the most cost effective move is the one you decide not to make. Growing a business can make you antsy for progress, but it is best not to rush. If there’s not a pressing need to change your location, strongly consider staying put until you do need an expansion in order to grow your profits.

Once you’ve decided on the best date for your move, click this link to contact Nilson Van—Columbia’s expert on business relocations. Visit us online or call 800-845-2682.

How Should I Pack My Fine China for Moving?

Residential moves involve an endless number of special circumstances.

Residential moves pose many challenges for novice packers. Pictures, mirrors, china and other breakables require more than just a special touch. Professional packers can take care of all of these issues for you. However, you’ll need help if you plan to pack by yourself.

You’ll need to follow these expert tips to safely pack your china:

Newsprint, versus newspaper, makes the best packing paper.

You can often find cheap, blank newsprint at your local newspaper or online for very affordable prices. Newsprint is blank, so it doesn’t leave any marks or gum on the china you’re wrapping. It also doesn’t cover your hands in ink, so you don’t have to worry about staining other items.

Crumple, versus wrap, newsprint around each piece.

Many homeowners tightly wrap packing paper around plates and cups, leaving a bulk of paper they use as a cushion for the top. This leaves the majority of your china vulnerable. Instead, crumple the paper as you go and create a paper bubble around each item. Double or triple wrap when needed.

Secure delicate features separately.

Cups and teapots with elaborate and delicate handles should have those features protected separately. A paper cushion should be formed around the outside of the handle. Then the body of the cup should be wrapped. This should be followed by one sheet covering the entire item.

Stack plates in groups and pack them vertically.

China plates are vulnerable to cracking, so it’s important to pack them in a way to provide the most protection. To do this, it’s best to stack smaller plates together in groups of no more than three. The first plate is wrapped, the second is placed on top, and they are wrapped together. The third plate is placed on top of the stack, and it’s wrapped as one unit. The bundle of plates is then turned upside down, wrapped for a final time and placed on its side in the packing box.

Call 844-668-3721 or click this link to visit Nilson Van online to schedule help for residential moves. From packing fine china to moving pianos, we’ll have secure and affordable solutions for you.

Whether your move is big or small, our skilled movers are dedicated to helping you every step of the way, no matter where life takes you.