Month: August 2017

Looking for tips to make your military relocation easier? The reality is that most military households move about every three years and it never seems to get much easier. A PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move is not the standard. By understanding the differing aspects, you can streamline the move as much as possible.

Understand Weight Allowances

The most unusual aspect of military moves is the weight allowance on the amount of goods covered by the military for household moves. This number depends on the rank of the service member and whether there are dependents. Essentially, anything moved by the military must fall within the weight allowances. This proves to be a challenge for the service member and his/her family, as they have the responsibility of providing an accurate accounting of the weight of their belongings. The only exclusions are items not covered by a military move and pro gear, which have different moving requirements.

Expect and Plan for Uncovered Expenses

You should expect and plan for uncovered out-of-pocket expenses. The fee above and beyond the covered weight limits can add up fast. In addition, you may need to move certain items yourself. This could mean several road trips to the new home or renting a trailer or small truck to move things the military will not carry. Such expenses can add up quickly.

Wait on Orders

To be able to plan your move, you need official orders. You likely know your move date, but until orders arrive, you are stuck unable to complete much-needed details, like buying or renting a home and more. While you wait, do the things you can do, such as tying up loose ends and downsizing your belongings.

Contact our expert team at Nilson Van now to get answers about your military move or to schedule an estimate.

Any move can be a challenge to undertake, but there are major rookie mistakes to avoid when moving out of state. Such moves require more attention to detail than a simple across town move. Know the top mistakes and how to avoid them when you are getting ready for your move across state lines.

Mistake #1: Being Unorganized

Take the time to get thoroughly organized before your move. Schedule movers as early as possible and create a comprehensive list of necessary action items. A calendar or lists organized by week will help keep you on track.

Mistake #2: Not Doing Your Homework

Before choosing a moving company, shop around and compare the different ones serving your area. Ask for references and read reviews on their service. Get estimates from the different companies. For better accuracy, make sure estimates happen with a personal visit. Read all the documents and get clear on any limitations.

You should also invest in insurance coverage for the move. While the movers offer coverage on your belongings, it is typically less than a dollar per pound. You need coverage that will cover the full value of your goods.

Mistake #3: Poor Packing

Before you start packing, you need to know what is okay for your move. Depending upon state regulations, there might be items you cannot move across state lines. In addition, you probably have many things you actually don’t need to move. Tackle this by decluttering and ridding your home of things you don’t need or use. If you choose to pack on your own instead of using professional packers, do some research on how to pack well. Be sure to include sufficient padding and label every box.

Streamline your move by making sure you avoid these mistakes. To learn more about the rookie mistakes to avoid when moving out of state or to set up a time for an estimate, contact our team at Nilson Van now.

A simple three-step process for clearing customs when moving abroad would be a great resource for those moving out of the country – but each country is completely different when it comes to clearing customs. For that reason, it is impossible to give a comprehensive multi-step process that covers every situation. However, we can provide you with guidelines that will expedite the process.

Knowledge Is Power

Before your move, take the time to familiarize yourself with the guidelines for clearing customs in the country to which you are moving. Because each country is different, it is important to do your research. It is also critical to know what items cannot enter that country or which have restrictions on them. This will save you tremendous grief later.

Organization Is Key

Getting organized before your move to a new country is the key to quickly and easily clearing customs. You must label, number and inventory every single box, so that customs can pull it and know exactly what should be in it.

Be Prompt in Contacting Customs

As soon as you arrive at your new country, contacting customs needs to be at the top of your to-do list. Claiming your belongings and getting them cleared will prevent them from possibly winding up in storage, where they will accumulate additional storage/demurrage fees.

The most effective way to handle clearing customs when moving abroad is to have your professional movers guide you. They have the experience and know-how to pave the way. Contact our expert team at Nilson Van now to get more details on the process for clearing customs when moving abroad.

Uncover pro tips to nail your next residential move from those who do it every day.

Whether you are moving for the first or twenty-first time, we have pro tips to help you nail your next residential move. Moving is a pain, but those who repeatedly do it get better at it because they learn something new from challenging experiences. Those who work as professional movers deal with moves every day and can help you get it right.

What to Do One Month or More before Your Next Move

• Schedule your movers/packers as far in advance as possible to ensure the dates you want.
• Invest time in organizing and decluttering. Many of the things in your home go unused from year to year and can be re-homed rather than moved.

Packing Pro Tips

• Make sure drawers that will stay filled during a move have no breakable, spillable, valuable, or sentimental items in them.
• If doing DIY packing, start with the basement, attic or garage and then pack one room at a time.
• If you have professional packers handling your move, be sure to group boxes properly to help things go more efficiently.
• Clearly mark all boxes, and add a special marking to indicate those that should take priority when opening.
• Create a first-night box to carry with you or load last onto the truck. It should include toilet paper, hand soap, towels, some cleaning products, shower curtain, basic hygiene products, disposable plates and cutlery, and snacks.

Bonus Moving Tips

• Know the basics of your new city or town before you get there. Online resources make it easy to discover the favorite pizza place, local grocery stores and more.
• Move the following items yourself: prescription drugs, collections, family photos, important papers, cash, moving documents, and jewelry.

Take the stress out of your next residential move by handing it over to the professionals. Contact our team at Nilson Van today to get a free quote on your move.