Hate Moving? Find Out All the Benefits of Hiring a Moving Company!

Does the thought of your upcoming residential move fill you with a sense of dread? You aren’t alone. Moving is not a fun process. It’s time-consuming and downright exhausting. The good news is that you don’t have to go through the moving process on your own. Keep reading to learn how you can avoid the moving tasks you hate by hiring the right moving company to handle every detail for you.

Top 3 Benefits of Hiring a Moving Company

From saving time and money to reducing your stress level, you’ll experience several benefits when you hire a reliable moving company for your residential move. Here are the top three benefits you can expect:

#1: High Quality Boxes and Packing Materials

Who wants to spend their afternoon driving around to grocery stores to ask for boxes? Not only is it a waste of time, but those boxes may not be suitable to keep your items safe. When you hire a moving company, the experts will carefully choose the best packing materials for your possessions. Not having to deal with mismatched, worn-out boxes is a perk that will make your move more pleasant.

#2: Safe Storage When You Need It

Do you have time between leases or need a safe space to store your boxes for several weeks until your new home is ready? The best moving companies also offer convenient short-term storage options. Look for a company that provides an insulated, monitored storage facility where you can store your belongings until you need them. Then, the moving company can pull the items out of storage and bring them to you when you are ready.

#3: Zero Strain on Your Muscles

When you try to move on your own, there’s a high risk of strained muscles and even back and neck injuries. Most people aren’t used to the heavy lifting involved in the process. Hiring a moving company means you will have a team to provide the muscle power and equipment for your move while you focus on other tasks. Plus, you won’t feel any of the pain the next day!

Don’t put yourself through the unnecessary stress and strain of a residential move when you can hire a moving company to get the job done right. Contact Nilson Van & Storage to get a moving estimate.

Will a Moving Company Move My Plants, Food, and Pets?

While hiring a moving company can make the entire moving process faster and easier, they may not be able to move everything you want to transport to your new place. There are certain items moving companies cannot move, and some things they can move that might surprise you. Here’s a list to help you know what you’ll need to move on your own.

Items Your Moving Company Cannot Move

Policies may vary from company to company, but there are specific items that most companies will not load onto their moving trucks. These include:

  • Perishable food items
  • Plants
  • Pets
  • Scuba gear
  • Family heirlooms
  • Any hazardous or highly flammable materials, such as nail polish and remover, other paints, fertilizer, pool chemicals, charcoal, and batteries

Will They Move Your Pantry Items?

Perishable food items like fresh, frozen, and refrigerated foods cannot go onto the moving truck, but the company will move your unopened non-perishable foods. Most foods you keep in the pantry, like pasta, soups, and canned goods, are on the “will-move” list. You may decide it’s too much hassle to box these items up for the move. In that case, donating them to a local food bank is a thoughtful alternative.

Do you have more questions about what a moving company will and will not move? The team at Nilson Van & Storage is here to help. Our goal is to make the moving process as hassle-free as possible. We will move everything we can and help you develop a plan to transport the rest. Contact the team at Nilson Van & Storage to get answers to your moving questions or to request an estimate.  

Why Hiring a Moving Company to Relocate Your Business Can Save You Time and Money

A business relocation can be both an exciting and stressful time. You may feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish all the necessary tasks. Hiring a moving company to manage and perform the relocation makes the entire process easier. Keep reading to learn how a professional moving team can save you time and money as you relocate your business.

A Moving Company Has a Streamlined System

One of the primary benefits of hiring the pros to move your business is that they know what they are doing. They’ve moved hundreds of companies and have the process down to a science. Instead of running around trying to figure out where to put items or where everything is after the move, use a moving company to ensure your move is highly organized and efficient. From packing and loading to unpacking at your new space, you will feel more at ease and have peace of mind, knowing the movers have it all under control.

Time Is Money! Don’t Use Your Employees to Move

Some business owners think they will save money by utilizing their employees to move for them. The problem is that your team members are not professional movers. They may not know the right way to pack boxes or how to lift a heavy box correctly. Putting that burden on them will take away from their work duties and may cause stress or even injuries. Each minute your employees are on the clock is potential money-making for your business. Make the most of each moment and dollar by hiring the moving experts instead of relying on your staff.

Want to schedule your upcoming business relocation with a reliable, professional moving company? Contact Nilson Van & Storage to request an estimate.

3 Things You Should Know About Hotel Installations

A hotel installation is a big job with a lot of moving parts. Planning in advance and having a professional team to assist you with the installation will streamline the process and minimize hassles. Here are three things you should know about a hotel installation to ensure you experience success throughout the project—from pre-planning to installation completion.

#1: Breaking Down the Installation into Smaller Parts Makes It More Manageable

Beginning a hotel installation project can seem overwhelming. By breaking the project down into smaller tasks, you can facilitate a smooth and more manageable process. Pre-planning before you begin the project is crucial. List out the smaller tasks and who is responsible for each task, along with the deadlines for completion to keep the installation on schedule.

#2: Having a Professional Storage Solution Protects Your Valuables During Installation

In addition to hotel installation services, look for a provider that also offers convenient storage solutions. You will need a place to safely store and secure high-end items while you complete the installation. Choosing a company that provides both installation services and storage solutions will simplify the process.

#3: Hiring a Professional Installation Team Ensures Success

Choose a moving company that offers hotel installation services and can work closely with all project managers and designers to keep everyone on the same page to meet deadlines and project goals. Knowing you have experienced professionals handling the installation will give you peace of mind and confidence as you move forward.

The team at Nilson Van & Storage offers comprehensive hotel installation services to give you successful results. Connect with us online now to get an estimate.

When Should I Begin Contacting Movers for Estimates?

It’s honestly never too early to begin contacting professional movers for residential move estimates. Once you have decided to move, reach out to reputable moving companies as soon as possible, so you will have time to compare the estimates and make the best decision for your timeline and budget. If you are looking for a specific timeline for getting estimates, keep reading for the details to help you plan wisely.

The Best Time to Get Moving Estimates

Plan to begin contacting professional moving companies no later than two months prior to your preferred moving date. If you wait much longer to get estimates, you will find that you will have a limited choice of moving companies, and you may have to go with one that doesn’t offer the best prices or the comprehensive services you need.

The top professional movers are typically booked as far as two or three months out, so the sooner you can contact them for estimates, the better. Being able to have your choice from the best movers in your local area will ensure you have a smooth, successful move.

Moving Out of State or Internationally?

If you are planning a move out of state or an international move, it’s a good idea to get estimates from four to six months before your moving day. Most movers will require additional notice for these moves, especially if you are moving overseas. Keep in mind that when you plan to move will also impact the availability of the best moving companies. Summer is peak season, and choosing to move during the off-season will increase the likelihood of being able to schedule with the top providers in your area.

Contact the professional team at Nilson Van & Storage to get an accurate estimate today for your upcoming residential move. Our affordable moving and storage packages help you meet your deadlines and your moving budget.

4 Tips to Preserving Your Valuables During Your Office Move

It can feel like a challenge to keep your valuables safe and secure during an office move. Employees may be tempted to throw everything in boxes to expedite the process. Before you begin packing up for your relocation, consider these four tips from the moving professionals to preserve your valuables and minimize the risk of damage, so everything makes it to your new office in one piece.

#1: Take an Inventory of All Valuables

Let’s face it, an office relocation can feel chaotic at times. The best plan of action is to take a thorough inventory of all valuables before you pack a single box. Use a spreadsheet to create a list of each item, including the item name, box number, and where it should go upon arrival at the new office. Don’t forget to take a photo of each item. If something should happen during transit, you will be glad to have the photo for insurance.

#2: Store Critical Items Until You Are in the New Office

In some cases, utilizing storage services makes the most sense for your high-dollar valuables and equipment. This is especially true if you are dealing with a long-distance relocation or one that is taking place over several days. Choosing a reputable storage company will give you peace of mind, keeping your valuables secure and safe until you are settled in your new office space.

#3: Consider Taking Out Additional Insurance Coverage

It’s never a bad idea to take out additional insurance coverage for costly valuables. Check with your moving company to find out what kind of insurance coverage options they offer. Insurance will provide an extra layer of protection in case of damage during transit.

#4: Let the Professional Movers Pack the High Dollar Items

The ultimate tip to protect your office valuables is to trust a professional moving company with the packing and moving process. Using inexperienced employees to pack up your office may lead to less than desirable results. The professionals have the expertise and packing materials to keep your items safe.

Worried about preserving your valuables during an upcoming office relocation? Turn to the trusted team at Nilson Van & Storage for a safe, secure, successful move. Connect with us online now to request an estimate.

When Is the Best Time for Corporate Relocation?

If you are planning a corporate relocation, getting the timing right is essential. In fact, choosing the wrong time can lead to higher moving costs and scheduling challenges. Keep reading for five tips to help you choose the best time for your company’s relocation—whether you are moving across town or to a new city.

#1: Avoid the Weekend

Moving your company in the middle of the week will help you avoid the hassle of a weekend move. Plan for a move on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, avoiding the days closest to the weekend. Your employees will be more likely to assist during the workweek when they don’t have to sacrifice any of their weekend time.

#2: Move Mid-Month

If your company is like most companies, the busiest weeks are at the beginning and end of each month. Moving in the middle of the month can help you avoid those busier times and needlessly overworking your staff. A happier staff makes for a smoother move from beginning to end.

#3: No Afterhours Moves

Moving during business hours only is another way to keep morale high with your employees. Schedule all moving tasks during the business day, so you won’t have disgruntled employees packing boxes and moving after traditional business hours.

#4: Choose the Off-Season

The high season for moving companies is during the summer months. Scheduling your corporate move during peak season may leave you scrambling for a moving team that can fit you into their schedule. Plus, the rates are higher during peak season. The best plan is choosing to move in the spring or fall before or after the busiest moving months.

#5: Avoid Extreme Weather

Weather is another crucial consideration for your company move. Moving during snow or high winds only adds to stress and frustrations and can also put your equipment at risk. Keep your local weather forecast in mind as you schedule your relocation for the best results.

For a smooth company move, contact the team at Nilson Van & Storage. Our professional movers will make the entire relocation process hassle-free and successful. Connect with us online now for a corporate relocation estimate.

What Paperwork Do I Have to Fill Out When Hiring a Mover?

When it’s time to hire a mover, you want to know what you can expect from the process, including the paperwork you will need to fill out. While every moving company is different, there are a few standard pieces of paperwork and documentation you can expect from nearly all movers. Keep reading to get the details to help you prepare for what’s next.

Moving Paperwork: Get Your Signature Hand Ready

Most of the paperwork you fill out will only require you to read the information and sign on the dotted line. You usually won’t need a lot of additional information. Here are the three pieces of paperwork you can expect:

  • Moving Service Order

After you have selected the moving company you want to hire for the job and agree to the moving estimate, they will provide you with an official “Order of Service.” This document is a release form that explains the agreement between you and the company. Your signature gives the company’s employees permission to handle your items as the document describes. It also includes information such as the moving date, moving vehicle type, cancellation policies, total price, and any other items you have negotiated.

  • Inventory Lists

While the moving company will not require you to fill out an inventory list, it’s a good idea to do it on your own. The company will create their own list as they load boxes onto their truck. You can use your list to cross-check their list. The more descriptive information you can include about your belongings, the better.

  • Bill of Lading

Once the moving company has loaded your belongings onto the truck, they will present you with a Bill of Lading. This is the final contract from the company that includes all the details of the move, including payment and insurance information, delivery date and location, a valuation addendum, and a list of all services. You must sign the Bill of Lading before the moving truck can pull away from your property with your belongings.

Get a Smooth, Hassle-Free Moving Experience with Nilson Van & Storage

From the moving estimate and paperwork to the safe delivery of your items, the professional team at Nilson Van & Storage is here to make your move successful. Contact us online now to get an estimate for your upcoming move.

Am I Responsible for Damages During Moving?

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially when you start worrying about possibly being responsible for damages during the moving process. Thankfully, you can put your worries to rest! When you choose a reputable, licensed moving company, you can have peace of mind knowing that the company will have insurance and offers protection against item loss or damage. Keep reading to get the details.

What About Damages to a Home?

If there is any damage to your home when the moving company is moving you out or in, the company is almost always the one responsible. The only exception would be if the damage was impossible to avoid, like in the case of a loose handrail or stair that causes a mover to put a sofa through the drywall.

What About Damages to Your Belongings?

Accidents can happen during the moving process. A mover may drop a glass vase or bend a lampshade, or items might become broken during the transport. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a licensed moving company because the federal government requires them to have two levels of valuation coverage to reimburse or replace the items. You can also purchase additional insurance to give you the level of protection you desire for high-dollar possessions.

To get the ultimate assurance during your upcoming move, turn to the professional movers at Nilson Van & Storage. Our experts take the greatest care when handling your belongings and have a streamlined system to give you a safe and successful residential or commercial move. Connect with Nilson Van & Storage online now to get a free quote for services.

3 Things You Need to Know About Movers Valuation Coverage

A man and woman leaning on a moving box enjoying a cup of coffee

Should you purchase movers valuation coverage when you hire a moving company? If you are mindful of your moving budget, you want to make sure it is worth the cost. Keep reading to learn three things about movers valuation coverage you need to know to help you decide if you should take advantage of the coverage.

#1: The Federal Government Requires Moving Companies to Offer It

The United States government mandates that every licensed professional moving company offers valuation coverage, which is coverage for items that are destroyed, lost, or damaged during the move.

#2: The coverage offers two different levels of protection.

As a result of the government mandate, licensed moving companies offer two coverage levels—released valuation and full replacement value. The released valuation, also called “basic carrier liability,” is typically available at no additional cost to customers. It is part of the moving service package and requires the moving company to reimburse at 60 cents per lb. per item for anything that is damaged or lost during the moving process.

With the full replacement value coverage, the moving company will choose between reimbursing the customer for the full, current value of any lost or damaged item, replace the item, or repair it if possible. The valuation cost tends to be approximately five to six percent of your shipment’s weight.

#3: It is NOT insurance.

It’s important to understand that valuation is not the same as insurance coverage. Many moving companies offer insurance in addition to the standard valuation coverage options. The primary difference between the two is that insurance comes from an insurance company, and valuation coverage comes from the moving company.

To learn more about movers valuation coverage or to schedule moving services, contact Nilson Van & Storage online.

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.