Month: September 2016

Moving in the military can turn into a waiting game.

Moving in the military has its fair share of horror stories. Lost shipments, broken furniture, and surprise expenses are among the most commonly touted complaints. You know that family who waited more than a month for their beds to arrive? Those stories aren’t just urban legends. Delays happen, but there are simple ways to help prevent them.

Follow these tips to ensure your property arrives on time when moving in the military:

• Hire the right movers.

Nilson Van has “loads” of experience getting service members set up in their new homes. We’re a trusted, approved military mover, and we take that status seriously. Rest assured we’ll take care of your belongings.

• Stick to your schedule.

Stopping for burgers or to see the sights could have devastating effects on your delivery. By law, we’re unable to leave your furniture at your residence without someone in authority signing for your shipment. If you’re not at the agreed upon address, our only option is taking your load to a storage facility while we wait for you to show up.

• Ask someone to stay at your house.

Whether your spouse or parent flies ahead of your arrival or a friend agrees to help you out, it’s always a good idea to enlist someone in accepting your shipment if you’ll be late. Once in storage, it can take weeks for your belongings to be delivered because of backlogs caused by missed delivery dates.

Contact Nilson Van for more information on moving in the military and all the ways you can streamline the process. Say goodbye to stress and focus on what’s most important. We can also provide helpful tips for starting life out in a new location without any hiccups.

Moving internationally presents special challenges.

Moving internationally is an adventure, but one that comes with real risks. During your move, your items are packed into storage containers. First, they travel by train or truck and then are placed on ships. As your goods are transported over road, rail, and sea, accidents are always a possibility. Make sure you work with a moving company capable of protecting the value of your goods.

Determining Coverage Limits

The most important consideration is whether you want to be covered for replacement value or actual value after depreciation. Know the protection you’re purchasing at the time of your move. If you select replacement value, you may be paying more than necessary. At the same time, you’ll have the advantage in the case of an accident.

You’ll also want to determine whether your coverage is No Fault or At Fault. No Fault coverage reimburses you whenever there’s an incident where your goods are lost or damaged. The only exception, of course, is if you pack prohibited items. For instance, meat products tend to be restricted by customs. Attempting to move them in your house or business loads could result in the loss of your property and hefty fines.

At Fault coverage will only pay for loss and damages caused by the moving company. When your shipment is misplaced or items are broken during normal transit, the company will reimburse you or pay for repairs. Other forms of value coverage that protect your move may be protected as well. Speak with your moving professional about the best way to keep your belongings safe during your move.

Contact our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage for a quote on moving internationally. Our friendly professionals will discuss packing, planning, and the value coverage we have available.

How do you prevent loss and damage during commercial moves?

Commercial moves can be fraught with problems. Lease issues, utility delays, and stubborn former tenants who refuse to vacate are just a few of the potential hiccups. One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is lost or broken property. Work with a professional service so you have plenty of protection from bumps and drops.

The following packing supplies will help:

1. Billions of boxes: If your moving company packs for your commercial move, there’s no doubt you’ll be annoyed by the number of boxes they use. You may even get angry or worry they’re trying to scam you on material costs. They’re not. There’s a good reason behind using so many boxes; they stack easily in a moving van. They’ll also protect your belongings and make unloading faster and more organized.
2. Moving blankets: A moving blanket is a thick, often insulated blanket used to cover large pieces of furniture and office equipment. They’re useful when an object is too big for boxing or when damage is likely. For instance, an antique writing desk could easily be scratched or gauged by another piece of furniture. A moving blanket is perfect to protect the piece while not interfering with packing or unpacking.
3. Bubble wrap: Do professional movers use bubble wrap? Absolutely! The material cushions valuables of all kinds. Bubble wrap is also useful when filling empty spaces within larger boxes. This prevents packaged items from banging around while keeping weight as light as possible.

Contact Nilson Van for help with residential or commercial moves. We have the experience to protect your gear and get your business back up and operating in no time.

Did you know residential moves vary greatly in price?

Depending on how you handle each leg of your journey, residential moves can be very affordable. They can also double your budget. Because cost varies so widely, it’s important to get the best guideline possible for potential costs. Invite your mover to your home for an in-home estimate, and roll into your move well prepared.

In-House Estimates Don’t Lie

At Nilson Van, we perform estimates at your property for a reason. There’s nothing like seeing your belongings to know how much time, space and effort will be needed to move them. Specifying the size of your house or apartment really doesn’t help. A rough estimate can be made based on jobs of similar size, but until they see your furniture, your mover won’t know how much time your move will take.

What Happens When You Can’t Pay

Horror stories abound of people who couldn’t pay their moving fees. What happens next is largely determined by local laws and location. In some areas, movers have the right to put your property in storage until you pay off your bill. Others can tack on storage fees on top of that rate. What you considered a low estimate could count as highway robbery if you wind up using the wrong company.

Make sure you always ask for—and check—mover references. Ask about the expense, but also about moving time and property condition upon arrival. Value protection is an important factor in which company to select. Make sure it’s included somehow in your moving contract.

Contact us for a free quote on commercial or residential moves. Never trust a moving business that gives quotes over the phone. Insist they meet you in person, so you can head into the process well informed.