What to Look for When Booking Professional Movers

Are you gearing up for a move and getting ready to book professional movers? Before you hire the first listing in a Google search, take a look at the most important things to look for in a moving company.

Good Reviews

Company reviews are easier to find than ever. With online review sites like Yelp, Google My Business, and Angie’s List, you can find customer reviews at your fingertips. Keep your eye on the verified customer posts first and look for responses from the company when there are complaints. This will tell you a lot about the business before you hire them.

Insurance and Licensing

It’s critical that you only hire a licensed and insured moving company. If not, you are liable for any damage to your belongings and potentially for any injury that might occur in the process of moving you from one residence to another.

Rates and Pricing

Your budget is a top priority, so rates and pricing are important when looking for a mover. Don’t go with whoever is cheapest, however, or you could end up with an inexperienced, careless moving company. Be sure to find out how they charge and what their different rates cover. This is especially important if you want them to pack your belongings as well as move them.

Moving is stressful, no matter how you slice it. But the right moving company can help it go smoothly and keep it as low stress as possible. Nilson Van and Storage has been moving people for over 70 years. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your upcoming move.

3 Pro Tips for Your International Move

Are you preparing for an international move? If a local move is stressful, an international move takes it up to a whole different level. But you don’t have to pull your hair out or lose sleep over your relocation. Take it from the pros. These tips can help keep you on track and make your move go smoothly.

Tip #1: Create a Schedule

As soon as you know, when your move will take place, create a schedule based on how much time you have. Include things like selling, renting, or relinquishing your current residence, sorting through and culling your belongings, creating a budget, and hiring a moving company.

Tip #2: Hire an Experienced Moving Company

A company with international moving experience is critical. You don’t want someone with little to no background in the complexities of relocating outside the United States or returning to the United States from abroad managing your move.

Tip #3: Get Your Paperwork in Order

You’ll need to complete the paperwork with your moving company, but you’ll also need to make sure you have documentation for your move. That might include passports, visas, educational and medical records, and banking information for your arrival. You should also hand-carry important documents such as birth certificates, naturalization documentation, marriage licenses, and any insurance policies you hold.

Moving is stressful, especially if you’re moving out of the country. Let the experienced team at Nilson Van and Storage help make your international move go as smoothly as possible. Contact us today for a free quote and some helpful tips and tricks for your international relocation.

Checklist for Moving with Kids

tips

A move to a new home can be challenging and stressful, especially if you’re moving with kids. The good news is it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right prep, it can all go smoothly. Here’s are some handy checklists for moving with kids that can make it seem easy.

Prep for a New School

Changing schools can be one of the biggest challenges when moving with kids. Make sure you do the following:

  • School districts – research the school district where you’re moving and find out what your home school will be and the potential for enrolling at a school of your choosing.
  • Registration – as soon as you know what school your child or children will attend in your new location, get them registered. This will help the school and the teachers prepare for their arrival.
  • Updated records – make sure to get updated records for your children. This includes medical records, vaccination records, and school records.

Packing for Children

Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it can also be hard on kids. It can be upsetting and make them feel a little lost in the shuffle. When you pack for them, be sure to mark their boxes so you can unpack them first. Setting up a new room right away can make them feel at home. Also, be sure to pack essential separately so you can carry them with you instead of putting them in the moving van. This can include special toys or stuffed animals, blankets, or books.

If you’re moving with kids, a few simple steps can help make the process easier and make them feel more at ease. For more information on streamlining and easing the move process, contact the team at Nilson Van and Storage. We can give you a free quote and more tips for a successful move.

Ways to Embrace National Moving Month

tips

Did you know May is National Moving Month? If you’re planning a move in the near future, we’re ready to help you embrace it. Take a look at these tips in honor of the month-long recognition of the joy of moving.

Tip #1: Start by Choosing Your Moving Company

Moving can be hard and a little daunting. Choosing the right moving company to help you can make all the difference. Start early and do your research to find the best company in your area. Nilson Van and Storage has been serving South Carolina with local, cross-country, and international moves for over 70 years.

Tip #2: To Pack or Not to Pack?

The next step is deciding whether or not you will pack your own belongings or have your moving company do it for you. Packing services have many benefits, including a quick process, secure packing, all of the supplies provided by your mover, and less stress for you.

Tip #3: Pack Your Essentials

There is usually a gap between leaving your old home and arriving at your new home, even if your move is local. Plan ahead by packing essentials in separate boxes or suitcases, so you have them available and easily accessible when you’re traveling to your new home and when you get there. This includes personal items, high-value items, important documents, and clothing.

Nilson Van and Storage wants to help you embrace National Moving Month. Call us today for a free estimate for your move, whether local, cross country, or international.

4 Spring Cleaning Tips from the Pros to Prepare for Your Move

Are you preparing for a big move? Why not tackle spring cleaning too? Here are four tips from the pros to help you clean and prep for your move at the same time.

Tip #1: Downsize and Donate

Decluttering is always on the spring-cleaning to-do list, and it should be on the move prep list as well. Go through your drawers and closets and pull out things that no longer fit, that you no longer use, or that you don’t want anymore. Sell or donate these items to lighten the load for your move.

Tip #2: Clean as You Go

As you pack your belongings, dust and wipe them down before you put them in boxes. You don’t want to unpack dusty, dirty items when you get to your new home. Cleaning as you go will mean you’ll have a cleaner home when you get to your destination and unpack.

Tip #3: Clean Your House as You Pack It

Lots of people pay for move-out cleaning. Instead of packing and leaving things dirty, clean as you go, and you’ll leave a clean house behind and save money not using professional cleaning.

Tip #4: Get Organized

Spring cleaning usually includes getting organized. This is especially important if your spring cleaning goes hand in hand with a move. Get organized now, so your home and belongings are not in chaos when you get to your new home.

Getting tips from the pros can make a huge difference in how smoothly your move goes. At Nilson Van and Storage, our goal is to make sure your move goes off without a hitch. Contact us today to schedule your move, and for all the resources you need for a move that is simple and stress-free.

4 Tips for Protecting Your Stuff in a Move

If you’re moving from one home to another, you’re probably starting the packing process. Before you end up with a bunch of broken belongings at your destination, learn how to pack your valuables and breakables. Take a look at these four tips for protecting your stuff in a move.

#1: Put Heavy Stuff on the Bottom of the Box

Putting heavy stuff at the bottom of your boxes will keep it from crushing things that are lighter and easier to crush or break. This is true for local moves and long-distance moves.

#2: Fill Gaps with Clothing and Linens

It’s hard to pack boxes without leaving some gaps. Instead of leaving space for stuff to shift and break, fill in the gaps with your towels, sheets, and clothes. It will get these items packed for the move while protecting your belongings in boxes.

#3: Use the Right Packing Materials

For dishes, glassware, and other breakables, make sure you use the right packing materials. Wrap plates in packing paper with paper in between the plates for cushion. Wrap glasses and other breakables in bubble wrap with packing paper around them to cushion them in the box.

#4: Don’t Leave Open Space

A common way for boxed belongings to break is when there is space left at the top of the box. When this happens, boxes stacked on top of it will cause it to crush, breaking things inside. Make sure to pack all boxes solidly to the top to protect what’s inside.

Instead of spending a lot of time packing and then worrying if you did it right, count on Nilson Van and Storage professional packers to do all of the packing for your big move. Contact us today for all of the information you need to prep for your move.

Master Moving Season: Tips from the Pros

It’s moving season, and it can get overwhelming. Instead of letting it turn you into a stressed mess, take a look at these tips from the pros. They’ll help you master your move without pulling your hair out.

Tip #1: Schedule Ahead of Time

Scheduling your move as far in advance as possible is critical. The sooner you know your desired move date, the more likely you can get your movers scheduled on the day you want. It can also give you plenty of lead time for packing, organizing, and arranging for everything you’ll need for your relocation.

Tip #2: Buy Moving Supplies

Before you can move, you have to pack. Before you can pack, you have to have packing supplies. Pro tip number two is having the right supplies on hand for your move. Proper moving supplies include:

  • Boxes
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper
  • Tape
  • Box labels

Tip #3: Get Organized!

An unorganized move is a stressful move. Get organized ahead of time to reduce your stress and make your move easy and painless. This can include making a comprehensive to-do list, creating a schedule, gathering all of your moving supplies, numbering rooms and boxes, and delegating tasks to various family members.

Tip #4: Hire a Moving Company

Nothing makes a move easier than hiring the right moving company. They can help you with boxes and supplies, packing, timelines, and to-do lists. They can manage the process so you can focus on getting your family situated in your new home.

Looking for more tips from the pros so you can master your move? Contact the team of professional movers at Nilson Van and Storage today.

Key Benefits of Moving in the Spring

moving

If you’re planning a move this spring, you may or may not know that you’ve picked the best season to relocate. Here are some of the key benefits of moving in the spring.

The Weather is Usually Good

Spring weather is ideal for moving. Unlike the scorching days of summer or the cold, blustery days of fall and winter, spring is generally mild. This makes for perfect moving weather. You might experience some rain, but spring moving usually means no weather delays or dangerous travel.

Beat the Summer Prices

The majority of moves take place during the summer months. This is peak season for people moving as well as for moving companies, which is why summer is when moving prices are the highest. You can beat rising moving costs by doing yours during the spring. Not only that, but you’ll also have greater access to the move schedule you want because moving companies have greater availability in the spring months.

Get Spring Cleaning and Moving Done at the Same Time

Moving means cleaning out cupboards, closets, dressers, and basements. So does spring cleaning. When you move in the spring, you can get both done in one fell swoop. Moving in the spring also means you’ll be ready to relax when summertime rolls around.

Are you planning a move to a new home? Spring is the best time of year for a relocation. From mild weather to flexible scheduling with a moving company, you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck by getting out of your old home and into your new before summer. When you’re ready to schedule your spring move, contact the team of moving professionals at Nilson Van and Storage today.

4 Tips to Make Your Office Relocation Go Smoothly

move

Worried about planning your office relocation? We’ve got the info you need to bring your stress level down.

You don’t have to lose sleep over your office relocation. We have some great tips to make it go smoothly. Take a look at our four favorites.

#1: Plan Ahead

The sooner you can start planning your office move, the better. You’ll feel more organized, less stressed, and you’ll be able to book your commercial movers when you want them, instead of when they’re available.

#2: Get it On the Calendar

It’s critical to book your moving company as soon as you can. Not only will it ensure you get to use your company of choice, but it will allow ample time for them to help you through the process.

#3: Set a Budget

You must set a budget and stick to it. A reliable moving company can give you an accurate quote for your move, which will provide you with a guide for spending. Sticking to the budget can help reduce your stress and the stress on your company’s bottom line.

#4: Make Plans for Your Technology

Make sure you include your IT department in your move logistics and planning. You want to be up and running as soon as you hit the floor at your new location. Including IT in the planning can reduce your downtime and keep your business humming along with only minor delays during your move.

If a move to a new location is in your company’s future, don’t panic. With foresight, careful planning, and the right team of professionals in your corner, it can be smooth sailing. Office moves are more complex than residential moves, but at Nilson Van and Storage, we’ve got you covered. We have years of experience with office relocation and can get your business from one location to another without a hitch. Contact us today to schedule your free assessment and quote.

3 Things You Need to Know About Warehouse Moves

move

A warehouse move is no small feat, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Use these tips to help get you through it without a glitch.

If your business is warehousing and your growth means it’s time for a move to a bigger location, don’t panic. Warehouse moves can be daunting, but we’ve got some tips that can help make it smooth sailing. Take a look at three things you need to know about warehouse moves.

#1: Find the Right Moving Company

The moving company you choose can make or break your warehouse relocation. Choose one with plenty of experience with commercial moves and logistics, including warehouse moves. Get referrals from other industry professionals, check reviews online, and make sure you spend some time talking to them about their process. Make sure it’s a good fit for your business.

#2: Get Organized

Knowing your inventory, what your numbers are, and the weight of what you want to move will help in the process. Since most moving companies charge by weight, any excess inventory or overstock you can sell or get rid of before the move will save you on the overall cost.

#3: Get Your Employees on Board

Your employees can be a huge help during a warehouse move. Get them involved by assigning tasks, delegating jobs, and having them help with packing. The more hands on deck, the better.

If your business is moving its warehouse to a new location, it can seem overwhelming. At Nilson Van and Storage, we have the experienced team you need to make it go off without a hitch. Contact us today for a free estimate and help with logistics for your warehouse move.