Author: splashme@splashomnimedia.com

No matter the reason for the move, an office relocation is a huge undertaking that requires careful planning. Of course, knowing where to start is half the battle, but we’ve got you covered with this office move checklist you can use now and throughout the process.

• Determine your budget – this is critical to the process. You must know how much you can spend on each aspect of the move.  
• Set your ideal move date – you want minimal impact on your business operations and customer contact.
• Contact moving companies – get quotes and information on moving details and services. Compare rates from two to three different companies to help provide you with an overview of their services and which fit best with your needs.
• Notify employees – let your team know of the move so they can adjust to what the move will mean for their drive and proximity to their homes, kids’ schools, activities, etc.
• Get the staff on board – set expectations and create planning committees to get them involved.
• Set up task lists – employees do well with a timeline and schedule they can follow to avoid overwhelm or having a communication disconnect.
• Communicate externally – inform partners, vendors, clients, and suppliers of the move, including the address and expected move date.

With many employees moving to work remotely and the reduced need for office space, many companies are choosing to relocate to downsize. Other companies are booming and need more space for the work they do. No matter the reason for your business relocation, count on a reliable team of moving professionals to ensure it goes smoothly. Contact the Nilson Van and Storage team today for a free quote and all the support you need for your office move.

Residential moving often includes putting items in storage for the short or long term. Before you do, make sure you prepare them for winter storage. Here are some tips from the pros that can help keep your items safe.

Clean Before You Store

Cleaning before things go into a storage unit might seem unnecessary, but it’s a great way to help protect them. Dirt and dust can damage your things if left on them for an extended period, especially if you stack other items on top of them causing friction. Additionally, dirt can attract pests which you do not want in with your stuff.

Cover with Cotton

If you decide to cover any of your furniture or belongings, be sure to use cotton covers. Cotton will keep dust and dirt out and protect the surface of your items without trapping moisture which can lead to mold and mildew. Another option is wool, which won’t trap moisture in but will help keep dust and pests out.

Elevate the Electronics

Electronics are sensitive, and the winter cold can seep in and cause irreparable damage. Avoid putting them on the ground or the floor, which can hold onto the extreme cold and moisture, leading to damaged electronic equipment. Instead, put it up on furniture or stacked boxes to keep it cleaner, warmer, and drier.

Moving is hard, but combining a move and storage creates some new challenges. Make sure you prep your items for winter storage to keep them safe, and use a moving team that can ensure the safest and cleanest storage options. Contact Nilson Van and Storage to find out about mid-move storage and to get a free quote.

Everyone wants to save money on moving, but most think doing it themselves is the trick. However, we’ve got some news for you – using a moving company can save you more money than a DIY move.

Time is Money

How much is your time worth? We all live busy lives, and whether you work full-time, have a family, a social life, activities you enjoy, or all of the above, your time is valuable. Packing, prepping, loading, and unloading trucks for a move is labor and time intensive. Hiring a moving company to manage this for you leaves you open for other things and frees up your valuable time.

DIY Isn’t Free

Before you decide that a DIY move is the most cost-effective approach, be sure to price all that goes into that moving method. You’ll need boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and potentially a storage space. You’ll also have to pay for a rental truck, including insurance, taxes, and gas, in addition to the cost of renting moving equipment such as pads, hand trucks, and tie-down straps. You might also have to hire some muscle to load and unload heavy furniture and to carry it up and down stairs.

Liability Can Be Costly

It’s tempting to ask your friends to help you move, offering them some beer and pizza in exchange for their time and effort. When you’re in your twenties, that seems like a reasonable choice. But as people get older, they are much less interested in helping friends move. And if someone gets hurt on your property while moving your belongings, no matter how good of a friend they are, you are liable for that injury, which can cost you a pretty penny.

Before you spend the mental, emotional, and physical costs of moving yourself, consider what you can save by hiring a professional mover. Then, contact the experienced team at Nilson Van and Storage for more information and to get a free quote.

Residential moving requires serious planning, including knowing the best time to contact movers. You can’t wait until the last minute, or you might be stuck moving yourself in a rental truck. You also don’t need to book a year out because who can plan a move that far ahead? Your destination and how much stuff you have are factors but there are other things to keep in mind when booking a moving company.

The time of year makes a big difference regarding pricing and availability of moving companies. During the busy season, they’re going to cost more and have limited dates and times available because everyone else is moving at the same time. You’ll have more time during the off-season. A quick guide for reference includes:

• Moving in the summer – book at least eight weeks out if you can. You’re more likely to get the day and date you need for your move. Peak season runs from April through September, with the busiest months including June, July, and August when most kids are out of school.
• Moving in the off season – fall and winter are significantly slower than the summer months for residential moves. Except for the holidays, which are surprisingly popular for relocations, the cooler months are less hectic for moving companies. Two to eight weeks should be enough planning to schedule your move.

No matter when or where you’re moving, the best time to contact movers is as soon as you know your relocation date. Contact Nilson Van and Storage for a free quote and to get on their schedule as soon as you know the date you want to head to your new home.

Do you know how to safely pack your valuables? If you’re prepping for a move to a new home, don’t forget to plan for moving your treasures. Keeping them safe is more than sticking them in a box and hoping for the best.

Start With an Inventory

Moving valuables can be stressful, so it’s important to have an inventory. First, determine what’s valuable, both monetarily and sentimentally, and make a list. Next, take photos of each item, including at least two angles and any defining characteristics such as brands, labels, or stamps.

Pack Thoughtfully and Label Carefully

Labeling boxes when moving is critical to finding what you need when you need it at your new home. Be specific with your labeling, except when it comes to your valuables. For example, you can label books, pots and pans, office supplies, and coffee mugs, but don’t put a big note on a box that indicates it holds jewelry, family heirlooms, or a priceless baseball card collection. Instead, be vague or come up with code words for your precious items.

Hire Professional Packers

Some of your cherished and valuable belongings are bound to be fragile or delicate, and you want them to get to their destination in one piece. Hire a moving company that offers professional packing and has experience moving valuables. They can ensure that your items will be safely packed and protected from harm and gives you peace of mind knowing they’re in good hands in transit.

For residential moves that include any amount or size of valuables, count on the experts in moving and packing and contact Nilson Van and Storage for a free quote.

Moving in with your significant other is a big step and can be life-changing. Before you risk your relationship with poor preparation, take a look at our quick guide to cohabiting.

Compare Notes

Being on the same page is the foundation of a successful move when combining two households and lifestyles. It’s essential to consider your finances, how you’ll manage them, how you’ll combine them, and how you’ll resolve conflicts that arise when you can’t just hang up the phone to end them. It’s also important to talk about your belongings and furniture and what will make it to the shared space and what won’t. This can mean deciding what to keep and what to toss, and you might not agree on everything. Be honest and work on compassion and compromise in areas where you might not be in sync.

Talk Logistics

Residential moving is exciting, but it’s also challenging and stressful. This is especially true when two people are moving from two homes and combining them into a new one. Understanding the move process will help it go smoothly, as will working with an experienced moving company that can help you manage the logistics. Professional packing and scheduling to help you and your significant other arrive at the same place will take some of the stress out of the process.

When you’re taking the leap and moving in with your significant other, the first thing to do after celebrating the decision is to schedule your moving company. Contact Nilson Van and Storage for all the support you need to make your new togetherness a reality.

Residential moving is a challenge even in the best circumstances, which is why knowing how far in advance to hire movers is a key factor. Reducing the stress and headaches will make the entire process easier.

Moving in the Summer

Eight to ten weeks out is the best timing and will help ensure you get the crew, trucks, date, and timing you need. This is especially true during the busy summer months when most people tend to relocate. If you’re moving internationally, 12 to 16 weeks is even better if you can swing it.

Moving in the Off-Season

Residential moving companies book up any time of year, but outside of summer, you can schedule them closer to your move. If you’re staying in the same city or metro area, you can sometimes get away with booking two to four weeks before your move date. If you’re heading out of state, aim for eight weeks of lead time for booking a moving company. Are you moving internationally outside of the summer season? Three to six months is the average for moving to another country because they require much more than packing boxes and loading them onto a truck.

Moving is hard, but having a great moving company on your team can help ease the stress and make things go smoothly. Remember to book them as soon as you know when you’re moving to help ensure you get the dates you need and the company you want. Reach out to Nilson Van and Storage for all the residential moving information you need, a timeline you can work with, and a free estimate.

Whether you’re looking at local or long-distance moving, there’s lots of prep and planning involved, but there are big differences between the two. Here are the three major things to know about these two types of moves.

Moving Locally

Local moves are usually within a short distance. Technically a local move is generally within a 30-mile radius. However, local moves often go over that, sometimes up to 75 or even 100 miles, if the city or metro area is large or if it’s in the same state. When it comes to pricing a move, local or intrastate moves are usually by the hour, and the moving company determines the cost based on the number of trucks and movers needed to do the job.

Long Distance Moving

Interstate and cross-country moves are generally when moving to another state, usually 100 miles or more. Pricing for long-distance moves bases the estimate on the weight and size of the items going on the truck and additional insurance, gas prices, distance, and the number of trucks and movers needed.

Packing and Loading

In addition to price differences, moving local vs. long-distance also differs when it comes to packing and loading. Local moves tend to take place over one or two days, going short distances with items spending minimal time in transit. Movers still pack and load securely. However, long-distance moving requires greater consideration of how the load will shift and move as it travels across the country over many days.

Whether you’re planning to move a short distance or are facing long-distance moving, having the right team in your corner can make all the difference. Contact Nilson Van and Storage for all the move information you need and to get a free quote on your move.

Moving can be incredibly wasteful and anything but green, but eco-friendly moving is possible. So if you’re looking at ways to reduce your carbon footprint while still having a low-stress move, you’ve come to the right place. Here are three moving tips to make green moving easier.

Tip #1: Get Eco-Friendly Moving Supplies

Cardboard boxes are the biggest waste factor from moving. One way to green it up is by finding used moving boxes. You can ask neighbors and friends for theirs after their move or purchase them used. Regarding packing materials, you can reduce waste and negative land-fill impacts by avoiding plastic and foam peanuts and sticking to paper. Or, better yet, use towels, linens, and clothing, when possible, as packing material. And recycle both packing paper and moving boxes after your move.

Tip #2: Be Careful When Decluttering

It’s tempting to toss everything you don’t want to move in the trash, but there are better ways to ensure a green move. For example, have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle items before automatically sending them to the dump. Many items are easily repurposed and appreciated.

Tip #3: Avoid Multiple Trips

Instead of making more than one trip from your old house to your new one, have a professional moving company assess your belongings and give you an accurate quote. Evaluating your home before moving ensures the right number of trucks and movers to complete it in one trip.

Taking care of the planet is critical, even during a move. If eco-friendly moving is at the top of your priority list, make sure you work with a moving company that feels the same. Contact Nilson Van and Storage for a moving company you can count on.

When is the best time to move when dealing with an office relocation? Any time you move your business, it’s tricky. There are several critical considerations. Here’s a quick guide to help you create a plan.

Will You Interrupt Business Operations?

It’s almost impossible to prevent at least some interruption to your business operations when moving and office. The key is to plan for the least disruption possible. Consider your slowest times, when you have the least staff on-site, when the fewest clients and customers rely on your availability, and pick a move date and time based on that.

Is the Infrastructure Ready?

Another consideration for an office move is the infrastructure at your new location. If the new facility isn’t complete, even the final details, it can make moving an office significantly more challenging. You don’t want your employees to navigate through ongoing construction, electrical, and furniture set-up. Plan your move around the readiness of the new location infrastructure.

When Will Your Budget Allow for the Cost of Moving?

If your company is large and has the financial means to move at any time, that’s a huge bonus. But if your business is small, your budget may dictate when you can move your business. The beginning and end of the year is often the most cost-effective time to move with more discounts available than at other times of the year. Availability of your moving company can also drive the cost, and choosing a time when they are not as busy may allow for reduced expenses.

Whether your company is sizing up or sizing down, an office move is a big undertaking, and knowing the best time to move is critical. Contact the team at Nilson Van and Storage today for more guidance that can help you plan well and make your move go smoothly.