What Forms Do I Need When Moving in the Military?

Moving in the military is stressful, but the right forms can help you to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you are moving in the military, it may not be for the first time. Depending on the type of job you do and your skill set, you may have to move frequently. Additionally, you could be sent somewhere you aren’t used to, and that can raise questions about which forms you need to fill out and file for your move.

Military Moves are Not the Same as Other Moves

You will receive relocation orders and will need to fill out and sign any requested forms or information that come with those orders. This type of move is not voluntary, so getting forms returned to your commanding officer as soon as possible is important. If you need storage in transit or temporary housing, you may need to fill out forms for those things as well.

The sooner you begin working with your moving company and learning about the area you will be moving to, the easier the move will be. If you have a family that is coming with you, there may be additional forms that have to be filled out with their information. The military will need to know exactly who they are moving and make arrangements for everyone to have a place to stay.

Depending on Your Duty Station, You May Need Customs Information

If you aren’t being relocated somewhere in the United States, you may also need customs information. Consider:

  • Which country you are being sent to
  • Any requirements that have to be met for military entry
  • Any requirements that must be met for your family

The Right Company Can Help Keep Your Military Moving Forms in Order

When you use a professional moving company that has experience with military moves, you have far less to worry about. They can help you with all of your forms, so you don’t need to be concerned about missing something that could cause a problem with your move. The more you work with your moving company and stay prepared, the easier your move will be.

For more information about moving in the military, contact our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage. We are happy to answer your questions about your next military move.

3 Useful Tips and Tricks to Packing for an International Move

Are you worried about packing and moving internationally?

The idea of moving internationally can be very exciting, but it can also be a little bit stressful and scary. There is a lot to do when you make that kind of a move, and you want to be sure things are done correctly. Your items will have to go through customs and will need to make their way into the other country without damage, so they need to be packed the right way for the trip and your new location.

Here are 3 useful tips and tricks to help you make the smartest choices when packing for an international move:

  1. When You Make an International Move, You Have to Start Early

It’s possible to make a move nearly anywhere in the country on fairly short notice, but moving internationally is not the same. Instead of just packing up and going, you will need to prepare for the new country and understand what’s required to move there.

Passports, lodging, and sometimes proof of a job there or other funding for a particular period of time all matter. Additionally, your belongings may take longer to get there than you do, so you’ll need to bring the things that are very important to you and make sure you have all the essentials. By working with your moving company, you can get what you need more easily and feel more prepared.

  1. Packing Items Solidly Can Keep Them from Breaking

One of the most important tips to remember for an international move is that the items you pack may be handled differently than they would be for a local move. That doesn’t mean the boxes will be mistreated, but they will have to go through a longer period of travel. Because of that, consider:

  1. Letting professionals pack your boxes.
  2. Adding extra padding or cushioning around items.
  3. Packing boxes lighter, so there is less chance of damage.
  4. Make Sure Customs Forms Are in Order for an Overseas Move

Any paperwork that needs to be filled out to get your belongings into the country should be taken care of properly and early on in the process. That way, it’s one less thing you have to worry about. When you choose a moving company that is experienced with international moving, you can get what you need in order to make your move as stress-free as possible.

For information about moving internationally, reach out to our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage today and get your planning started the right way.

When Is the Best Time to Relocate My Commercial Business?

Learn how to handle commercial moves and business relocations in the best way possible.

Dealing with commercial moves/business relocations isn’t the same thing as moving a family from one city to another. Often, a commercial move is a local move in the sense that a company isn’t leaving the city. Moving to a bigger location is common, and some companies even downsize. Either way, any company that wants or needs to move should do so with plenty of forethought to make the move easier on the company and its customers.

Commercial Businesses Should Move When Expansion Is Necessary

If your company really needs to move, don’t keep putting it off. The longer you wait, the more likely it will be that your move will become difficult. Companies that wait too long to move can end up rushing through the process, which can mean unhappy customers. Often, making a customer unhappy means that person won’t come back and will also tell others about their bad experience.

You don’t have to let that happen to your business, though, if you are willing to acknowledge when you really need to move and don’t put it off simply because it might not be convenient.

Did You Give Your Customers Plenty of Move Warning?

Even though you should move when you want to, you should also warn your customers as far in advance as possible. Consider:

  • Mailing notices to your customers.
  • Sending email reminders as the moving date gets closer.
  • Printing new magnets, key chains, etc. with the new address.
  • Putting up posters and other information at your current location.

What Is the Weather Like Where Your Business Is Located?

Weather plays a factor in any relocation and can be a significant consideration when it comes to a business move. Depending on the type of company you have, there may be equipment that is sensitive to heat and cold. If so, and this equipment is large or difficult to move, you will want to work closely with your moving company and plan your move accordingly to protect your investment.

If you’re considering moving your business and need more information about commercial moves or business relocations, reach out to our team at Nilson Van & Storage.

3 Packing Tips for a More Efficient Move

How can you make residential moves easier on yourself and your family?

It is very common for individuals and families to make residential moves to other areas of the country for jobs, to be closer to family, or for all sorts of other reasons. But those moves can be stressful and difficult if you don’t think them through and plan ahead.

Fortunately, there is plenty you can do in order to make your residential move more efficient. Here are 3 packing tips to get you started on the right track:

  1. Make Sure You Start Packing Up Your Home Early

Don’t wait until the last minute before you start packing. The chances are high that a lot of things in your home are items you want to keep but that you really don’t use every day. If it’s sentimental or seasonal, you can pack it up so it’s ready to move and out of the way.

As your moving date draws closer, keep thinking about what else you can pack up. The more you have in boxes, the easier it will be when you actually start to pack up the last things and get them onto the truck.

  1. Boxes of a Uniform Size Make Moving a Household Easier

If you have a jumble of boxes and totes, it can be harder to fit them all in together. That could take up more space, and cost more. Instead, consider:

  1. Buying boxes that are all one size, or only specific sizes.
  2. Working with a moving company to provide boxes
  3. Having a professional pack your things (you can still start early).
  4. Talk with Your Moving Company Ahead of Time for Your Household Move

Just like you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to pack, you also want to start talking to your moving company early on in the process. That can help you schedule things better, get the moving date you want or need, ensure you can get your questions answered and make any adjustments needed to avoid last minute surprises.

When you are ready for more information regarding how to make your residential move easier, reach out to our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage.

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.