4 Foolproof Tips for a Cross-Country Move

If you are planning a cross-country move, follow these four foolproof tips to make the move as smooth as possible.

A cross-country move will really test your mettle. Here are four foolproof tips to make the task a bit easier.

#1 Plan, Plan, Plan

The better organized you are, the better off you’ll be. Begin at least three months ahead, if possible, by making or downloading checklists. Get estimates from moving companies and plan the moving dates. Also, it’s time to begin to collect moving materials and start to go through your belongings.

#2 Be Ruthless

Now is the time to clean out those closets, drawers, the basement, garage, and attic. The cost of a long-distance move depends on weight – and everything weighs something. If you don’t love it, haven’t used it, or don’t need it, then don’t take it. Make piles in each room labeled donate, discard, or pack. That way, when it comes time to pack you will have already gone through everything.

#3 Hire an Experienced, Reputable Moving Company

Cost is a factor, but the cheapest isn’t necessarily best. Do plenty of research and ask lots of questions before you make your final decision. A cross-country move is stressful enough without having to deal with a scam or inexperienced movers.

#4 Consider Your New Space

Will your new home be smaller or a different style than your current one? Perhaps that oversized sectional couch just won’t fit in your new home. Decide NOW not to take it.
Maybe you’ll have less wall space to hang pictures. Will the kitchen have enough storage space for all those appliances you seldom use? Be thoughtful about what you take with you.

When there is a cross-country move in your future, call us at Nilson Van & Storage for expert advice and a free estimate. We’ll give you peace of mind knowing that your precious belongings are in secure hands.

Don’t Get Tricked: Why You Should Always Hire Professional Movers

To reduce the stress of moving, always hire professional movers to do the job right.

You’re moving! There are so many things to do. Here’s why hiring professional movers should be one of the first decisions you make.

Movers vs. Friends and Family

Unless you are moving into a dorm or your first apartment, you probably have more heavy furniture than your friends or family want to handle. Not to mention that the last question friends want to hear is the “do you want to help me move?”

Professional movers have the training and experience to squeeze your sofa through the doorway and up and down the stairs without damaging the sofa or the doorway. Can you say the same for Uncle Bob?

Insurance and Loss

Professional moving companies carry insurance against damage to your belongings or injury to one of your moving professionals. If your cousin drops your framed diploma, is she going to give you $300 to have it redone?

Things have a way of disappearing during a move. A moving company will inventory your belongings and compensate you for any losses, should the need arise.

Packing

By the time you have purchased all the packing material, boxes, and tape required for packing, you probably have saved very little. You could use that time to organize your things for the move.

Proper Tools

There are times when furniture needs dismantling. Bed frames, dressers, mirrors, TVs, and light fixtures are just a few of the things that need taking down or apart. Professional movers bring the proper tools to handle all these situations. They also bring dollies, blankets, rollers, and hoists to get delicate or heavy pieces loaded and unloaded.

No matter how organized you are, moving is stressful. For peace of mind, security, and reliability, always hire professional movers. For more information on moving services, call Nilson Van & Storage today to speak with one of our friendly specialists.

Don’t Let an International Move Spook You: 5 Tips For a Successful Relocation

An international move requires meticulous planning. Let these five tips help you have a successful relocation.

You’re planning an international move. Whether it’s a long-term dream come true or an unexpected job transfer, successful relocation requires meticulous planning. Follow these five tips to make it go smoothly.

Tip #1: Make a Checklist

Create a timeline using a checklist detailing what needs doing. Begin about 90 days before the move. Excellent checklists are available online, or you can create your own.

Tip #2: Gather Your Records

Plan to obtain medical and immunization records, your children’s school records, renew passports, and get information about visas. Determine if you need an international driver’s license. Having proper documentation is critical to a smooth international move.

Tip #3: Select Your International Moving Company

Relocation specialists can answer all of your questions regarding customs and what you can and cannot ship to your destination country. Be sure to select an experienced, reputable international moving company that can help you every step of the way.

#4 Sort Your Belongings

Decide what you will take, what you will store, and what you will sell. Much of these decisions depend on your country of destination and the duration of your stay. Shipping is very costly, so you should be ruthless in taking only what you really need.

#5 Pack Up

Make a detailed inventory of each box. Take photos of the contents. If you pack yourself, leave the boxes open so the moving company can verify the contents to speed up the customs process.

If an international move is in your future, call us at Nilson Van & Storage today to speak to one of our service professionals. We can take the mystery out of your relocation and help you and your belongings arrive smoothly and safely, no matter your destination.

How to Move Efficiently on a Time Crunch

Are you pulling your hair out, trying to move efficiently while in a time crunch? In a perfect world, you would have plenty of time to plan and execute a move. Sometimes, however, time is not available. Here are some tips for how you can do it without losing your sanity.

Make and prioritize a list of things you need to do. Include items like the electric company, phone, and cable company.

Work Room by Room

Completing a room at a time helps with organization and alleviates overwhelm.

Make Piles

Organize three piles: pack, give away, throw away. Don’t move anything that you don’t need. You might not have time to assess every item, but purging and culling can lighten the load.

Try to have everything you need on hand, so you don’t have to stop to run out and buy more.

Color Code the Boxes

Color coding helps with the unpacking at your new home. When you get there, you will know exactly where each box belongs, saving time and avoiding searching and moving things around.

Create a ‘Necessity Box’

Create a box of necessities and keep it with you in your car instead of the moving truck. If something goes wrong, you will have this box with you. The box should include prescriptions, cell phones, eyeglasses – whatever you need if you must do without your things for a day or two.

Focus and Plan

Stay focused on the tasks at hand and plan meticulously. Be calm and don’t let panic take over.

Moving is an arduous and stressful task – no matter how much time you have. Call us today and let the moving professionals at Nilson Van & Storage. We can help you make your local, national, or international move as efficient and painless as possible.

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.