Month: June 2023

A move to a new home is exciting! But it’s also stressful and a lot of work. Moving from one town or state to another is hard enough, but moving to another country takes the process to another level. Being prepared is critical to reduce moving stress. The first step is to make a list of necessary items to take and items to leave behind. Whether you’re taking a short-term adventure or making a permanent move, we can help you move across countries with this checklist.

Travel Light – Leave the Furniture Behind

Companies set international moving prices by weight, so the less you take, the easier and more affordable the move. It’s tempting to take everything from your old home and transfer it to your new house but think twice before loading up your antique buffet and 10-foot dining room table for an international move. For the price of moving those items, you could potentially replace them when you get there. If a piece holds sentimental value then you can consider taking it with you; otherwise, sell, donate, or store your other furniture.

Toiletries Do Not Require Expensive Shipping

Of course, you’ll want to take your toothbrush, toothpaste, and the toiletry items you use daily, but there are many toiletry and personal care items that you can and should leave behind. Liquids are not allowed on any type of move, so don’t plan on taking those items with you.  

Leave the Bedding and Linens Behind

Taking your favorite comforter or blanket is reasonable, especially if you can use it as packing material for other items. However, taking extra sheets, blankets, towels, and pillows is not recommended. Not only will you end up with more stuff than you need, but you’ll spend way more than you want to on moving costs to get them to your new home.

Store the Files and Paperwork

Take your passport, visa, birth certificate, driver’s license, and medical certificates, and leave the rest behind. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have some of that paperwork with you. An easy solution is to digitize it before you go. Scan anything important and save it to the Cloud or an external storage device and leave the hard copies in a file in storage or shred them if you don’t need them and let them go.

You Won’t Need Your Vacuum

You can leave your vacuum, blender, mixer, curling iron, and electric razor behind. Why? Because they’re easy to replace wherever you go, and you’ll most likely need one with a different plug. Many countries outside the U.S. use different types of outlets, so your household items won’t work overseas. Unless you are willing to purchase an adapter for all of your corded items, leave them behind.

Moving to another country is exciting, scary, challenging, and fun, and a lot of work. Leaving behind unnecessary or easily replaceable items are both ways to reduce the stress and cost of moving to another country. The easiest way to relieve international moving stress is to hire a moving company with extensive international moving experience. Contact the Nilson Van and Storage moving team today for a free estimate and some handy guides to help you prepare for your big move.

No matter how many times you receive a PCS, the process of moving can be overwhelming. The best way to beat that feeling is by getting organized. A permanent change of station can be exciting and stressful, but having a checklist is a great way to stay in control without pulling your hair out. We’ve compiled a handy pcs moving checklist that will keep you coordinated without adding another complicated component to your to-do list.

#1: Connect with the Base Transportation Office, Finance Office, and Family Center

Schedule a meeting with the office in charge of relocation for your branch. At the meeting, gather information, including the moving options available based on your rank and family size. They can help you determine whether a DITY move or having the military provide movers is best for your situation and can assist in making the arrangements for your move. In addition, the finance office can tell you what relocation benefits you can take advantage of, based on your eligibility. You’ll also want to contact the family center at your new base for information on any assistance programs they offer at your destination and for helpful guidance on the new community you’ll be joining.

#2: Get Your Paperwork in Order

The military handles your move orders, but you need to make sure you carry copies with you and have all your other paperwork ducks in a row. If you’re going overseas, don’t forget to get and update all family members’ passports. You’ll need driver’s licenses and identification cards if you’re staying in the U.S. Ensure you have copies of dental and medical records for yourself and all your family members, including immunization records. Hand-carry birth certificates, social security cards, and marriage licenses and/or divorce decrees with you to your destination. If you have kids, get copies of their school transcripts. Other paperwork to have on hand includes wills and power of attorney, shipping and storage documents, insurance policies, real estate titles and deeds, and copies of income taxes.

#3: Start Culling and Packing

Start purging, and get rid of, sell, or donate any items you don’t use or need. Be sure to have clothes clean and folded, dishes clean and in cupboards. This makes It easier for the packers to pack. The lighter the load, the easier the move. Don’t wait until you get to your new home before decluttering. Put together a box of essentials to carry with you in the car or plane and mark the box so you know to open it first. Bring a carry-on bag with clothing, toiletries, essential documents, and personal items so you have easy access to what you need. Remember if you pack anything, leave the box unsealed so the packers can inspect it.  Plan on the packers coming prepared to pack all that is relocating.

#4: Work with an Experienced Moving Company

Some military members use the DITY method when changing bases, which is great for some people. But for others – especially those with limited time, a family, or a large household – it’s less stressful, more efficient, and more affordable to work with a moving company for a successful PCS. In addition, they can help you with your pre-move assessment, full packing services, shipping, secure storage, and even unpacking. 

Frequent relocations are part of the job for military personnel, but that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult and stressful. Using a moving company with extensive training and experience handling PCS moves is vital to an easy and smooth process. If you’ve got PCS orders, don’t wait to reach out to military relocation professional. Contact Nilson Van and Storage for help and guidance with everything you need for your relocation. We hope this PCS moving checklist makes your move go smoothly!