Month: December 2016

Find out what you can expect when it comes to finances and moving in the military.

Are you making plans for moving in the military? If so, you are probably trying to find out what kind of out-of-pocket expenses you can expect and what the military will cover for you. It’s true that the military will reimburse you for most expenses when you are going through a Permanent Change of Station, also known as a PCS. However, for many military families, additional expenses will crop up and the move can still be a costly experience—even if you have the military financial assistance.

The key to getting through the move without a huge drain on your own bank account is planning ahead. Get your finances in order, know what you can expect from your military coverage, and develop a strict budget to keep your expenses in check. This will help you to avoid spending a little here and a little there on unnecessary expenses that add up to major expenses over time.

What Will Be Covered?

The amount of money you will receive from the military will depend on your rank, your status, and your individual situation. It will also depend on the entitlement programs for which you qualify. It’s important to talk with your division’s Relocation, Transportation and Finance Office to get a clear picture regarding the entitlement programs available to you. This will help you to plan out your budget and know how much money you will need to save in advance.

Create a Budget and Stick to It

Just like any other costly times in your life, developing a budget for your military move is one of the smartest things you can do. Of course, you must take it one step farther than planning out the budget; you have to stick to it as if it were your marching orders.

From packing costs and transportation costs to meal costs and your first grocery store trip to restock your home, you will need to think about all of the expenses that will come up during this time. Make a list, check it twice, and determine how much money you will need to have on hand for each expense. Planning ahead will not only ensure you have the funds available and keep you from overspending, but it will also alleviate the stress that tends to come with unexpected expenses.

Contact our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage for more information on moving in the military and the tips you need to make the most of your moving budget.

What are you overlooking when it comes to moving internationally?

Anyone who has ever planned for moving internationally knows it is an involved process that requires advanced preparation. If you are in the middle of this process or in the beginning planning phases, now is the time to ensure you have your ducks in a row, so that you don’t find yourself at your moving date unable to make the trip because you have not planned appropriately. Trust us, it happens all the time!

At Nilson Van, we are dedicated to making sure our clients understand the ins and outs of an international move. From providing step-by-step moving guides to perfectly packing your belongings so they are ready for travel from country to country, we make your successful move our priority.

To help ensure you have your bases covered, here are two often overlooked tasks you will need to take care of when moving internationally:

1. Set up new policies and accounts.

While you are busy planning out how you will get your belongings to another country, it may be easy to forget about the new policies and accounts you will need to set up. For example, will your auto insurance and health insurance policies transfer, or will you need to set up new policies with a new provider? What about your cell phone provider? Do they offer service in your new country? Will you need to open a bank account in your new country? If you do, will you have the necessary paperwork to accomplish the task? These are all important questions to ask before you make the move.

2. Research the laws in your new location.

It will be important to understand the laws and rights you will encounter in your new country. Laws vary from country to country, of course, so it’s a good idea to contact the U.S. embassy there or their local government to find out what you need to know. It’s much better to know before you go. Fewer surprises are always a good thing when you are in a new country.

Want to be as prepared as possible when it comes to moving internationally? We can help! Contact our team of international moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage today. We are available to discuss planning and packing and can answer any questions you may have about your upcoming international move.

Do you have a plan in place to help employees through your commercial move?

If you are in the process of planning for a business relocation, it’s important to have a solid plan in place to prepare your employees for the transition. Commercial moves can be stressful for everyone from the top down, but taking a proactive approach will help to alleviate stress and make the entire process go smoother for everyone while keeping productivity as high as possible. Keep reading for some ideas to make your business relocation as easy as possible for your employees.

Get Employees on Board with the Move

By including your employees in the planning process for your commercial move, you will help them to feel a part of the change. They won’t be left wondering what’s going on or feel slighted by rumors or lack of communication. Be as open with them as you can about the upcoming changes, providing them with a timetable for the moving process. This timeline should include important dates, including when they should have their personal office packed and when the physical relocation will happen.

Let employees know what they can expect and how the move will impact their workload. Whether that means holding a special meeting to present them with the details or sending out regular e-mail communication to keep them updated, taking the time to help them feel in the loop can go a long way toward supporting employee morale during this time.

Leave the Communication Lines Open

Let your employees know they can contact the administration or managers with questions and concerns throughout the process. You can also set up a forum online or an e-mail thread for questions and answers. By letting employees know you care about what they are thinking and what they have to say about the move, you will build rapport and create value in your employee relationships.

Are you feeling overwhelmed with your upcoming business relocation? You don’t have to go through the process alone. Contact Nilson Van & Storage for help with your commercial moves. We can help you to make your business relocation successful and hassle-free.

How can you help your pets get through your residential move?

When it comes to residential moves with pets, things can get a little stressful. But when you have a plan in place, you can help to alleviate your stress and keep your pets as calm and safe as possible during this transition. Here are three tips to keep in mind as you plan for your upcoming move to a new home—whether you are moving across town or across the country:

1. Consider gradually introducing your pet to a crate.

Taking the time to introduce your cat or dog to a crate in the weeks prior to your move will enable your pet to be more comfortable and safe throughout the moving process. You can simply leave the crate out in your home and encourage your pet to explore the space. Leave treats inside to sweeten the experience a little. By the time the move rolls around, your pet will likely view the crate as a safe spot to find some peace and quiet.

2. Stick to your pet’s routine.

With all of the busyness involved in a move, you may find yourself short on time. While you may be tempted to skip your dog’s afternoon walk, it’s a better idea to stick to your pet’s typical routine. This will keep your pet happy, which will make him or her easier to deal with during the move. If you neglect the routine, you may see your pet act out and cause issues that will make the move more stressful and hectic than necessary.

3. Keep a Box Handy with Pet’s Medications and Food

As you begin packing up your home, be sure to set aside any items your pet may need during the move. You can put together a special “pet box” that will stay separate from the other boxes going into the moving truck or van. Keep this pet box with you and your pet, so you can access treats, a week’s worth of food, and any medications, including medication for motion sickness.

If you want additional tips for moving with pets, or just need some extra help during the moving process, get in touch with our team of experts at Nilson Van & Storage today. You can also contact us for a free quote on commercial or residential moves. We are here to make your move as smooth and hassle-free as possible.