Month: January 2016

Do you know how to minimize your risks when moving internationally?

Moving internationally is an adventure, but there are several ways to feel less anxious during the process. Get your move off on the right foot by taking a few common sense steps. Responsibility #1 is learning about the legal issues surrounding your shift from one country to the next.

Here are three essential steps guaranteed to get you started on the right foot for your international move:

1. Contact the Consulate

Visit the consulate or embassy for the country you’ll be moving to and request information on obtaining visas, work permits, and the rules for moving your belongings. Certain items may not be allowed to cross the border, while others will require additional fees to process. Be sure to get all the forms you need for customs, both for exiting this country and entering your new one.

2. Collect Your Paperwork

Your passport is just one of the documents you’ll need to do day-to-day business in another country. Birth certificates, medical records, banking information, and tax returns will all be needed to secure housing and utility service and other activities.

3. Hire an Experienced Moving Company

It pays to hire a mover with a history of successful international jobs under their belt. From packing to customs and finding local partners to unload your items at your home will be easier if handled by someone with experience. So much can go wrong that you really can’t risk handing the job over to novices.

Moving internationally? Contact our team at Nilson Van to get your moving services squared away today, and avoid needless complications.

Commercial moves require special protection. Do you know what to look for in a moving company?

Commercial moves often involve millions in assets, but even if you own a smaller business, it’s essential that the moving company you hire is prepared for the job. Insurance is complicated, but it’s not something you can gloss over when switching out one location for another. Making that mistake can bury your business in the event of a problem.

Here are some tips to consider when planning a commercial move:

Watch out for Weight-Based Coverage

Simply having an insurance policy doesn’t mean much in the moving industry, namely because there are different types of coverage. Some are worth their weight in gold, while others are worthless. Weight-based liability plans, for instance, often provide less than $1 per pound of coverage. Opt for plans with replacement value coverage instead.

Limit Your Liability in Case of Mover Injury

Some companies hire independent workers and skip the expense of worker’s compensation. That will leave you vulnerable in the event of an injury. It’s also a good sign they’ll cut corners in other areas, so make sure any moving company you hire has their own house in order before you sign a contract.

Understand Federal and State Moving Licenses

The US government requires all professional moving companies who shift goods across state lines to have DOT licensure. However, extra requirements are needed for companies operating inside South Carolina. Make sure your commercial movers have both US DOT and SCP-SC numbers, and check to make sure they’re valid.

Schedule business relocation services from a company you know can handle commercial moves. You can be sure we have the insurance and licenses required by moving companies operating out of South Carolina. Contact Nilson Van, and secure your moving dates today.

Appliances complicate residential moves.

Appliances aren’t just a hassle during residential moves because of their size. They’re also complicated pieces of machinery you can easily damage unless you do things right. Make sure you take time to prep your stove, fridge, and other appliances for moving day if you want them to work once they get to your new home.

The following are some tips to help you make the residential move process go as smoothly as possible:

Unplug major appliances at least 24 hours before your move.

This is especially true for any units that need to be drained, like a dishwasher, washing machine, freezer or refrigerator. These tasks take time, and if ignored, can make a mess of your entire shipment. Talk to your move about how to contain appliance-related moisture and smells well before moving day.

Clear and clean your stove and other appliances.

Not only will it be more enjoyable moving into your new home with sparkling clean appliances, cleaning your stove, fridge, and other items is a common sense way to prevent smells from affecting the rest of your belongings. Clean appliances are also easier to move, cutting down on your potential damages and injuries.

Secure all of your appliances doors, racks, drawers and cords.

Loose items cause damages, and they can also injure your moving crew. Unfortunately, this step isn’t as cut and dried as it seems. A few appliances need their racks removed and packed separately – like dishwashers. Washing machines are even more complicated, as their drums need securing, and the best way of doing so differs by manufacturer.

Contact Nilson Van for help getting your appliances ready and to learn more helpful tips for residential moves. From start to finish, we make sure your belongings stay as safe as possible.