How to Pack Your Holiday Decorations for a Big Move

Some of the last things many people consider when getting ready for a big move are their Christmas decorations. You’ve spent a lot of time and money collecting your holiday décor, don’t let it get smashed and trashed when you move to a new house. Here’s how to pack it all to keep is safe and sound.

Untangle the Lights

Tangled lights are a holiday tradition, but they can be a big bummer when you’re trying to move. Untangle them now before you pack them. Each strand can get put in its own container or Ziploc bag for moving and for storage.

Invest in Boxes and Storage Containers

You can store your wreath, decorations, and holiday wrapping paper in containers that keep them separated and protect them from damage. Investing in bins and boxes now will help all of your decorations make it through your move safely. You’ll be glad to have them every year when the decorations come down and head to storage.

Put Your Tree in a Bag

If you have an artificial Christmas tree, it’s a great idea to get a bag for it. You can get an inexpensive tree storage bag online and use it year after year. It will also help your movers get the tree out of your old house and into your new one, all in one piece.

Moving can be hard but getting to your new house only to find broken holiday decorations can really take the fun out of a new home. Packing them carefully and finding trustworthy, experienced movers to care for them can help ensure your ornaments, lights, and other holiday items arrive safely. The professional movers at Nilson Van and Storage will treat your items like their own. Book today so you’ll be holiday ready after your big move.

3 Things to Do Before the Moving Truck Arrives

Are you planning a bit move? Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, there are a few things you need to do before the moving truck arrives. Here are the three most important tasks to handle now:

#1: Declutter Your Home

If you don’t want it and don’t need it, there’s no sense moving it. A moving company will charge you for the amount of stuff it moves for you. The less you have, the lower the cost. Plus, you don’t want to have to unpack and discard items when you get to your new home. It’s great to move in and unpack only the items you want, need, and love.

#2: Understand What You Can and Cannot Move

If you’re moving locally, it’s easy to put stuff in your car and take a few trips. But if you’re moving across the state or across the country, it’s a little more difficult. Check with your moving company ahead of time, so you know what they will and will not take on their trucks. Examples of items most movers won’t take include hazardous materials such as motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, paint, lawn chemicals, and propane tanks. Set these aside to go in your car, dispose of them, or donate or give them away.

#3: Get Organized

Before the movers arrive, get organized. Create lists of what is moving and what is not, clean out your pantry and your refrigerator, group items together for easy packing, drain your lawnmower, and strip all of the beds.

Being organized is critical to a smooth move. You can count on the team at Nilson Van and Storage to help you with all of your move prep so you’re ready when the moving truck arrives. Contact them online today for all of the moving support you need.

Moving Out of State Checklist

Are you moving out of state? Are you prepared? Whenever you move to a new house, you need to have a plan. Moving out of state means even more prep work is necessary to have a smooth move. What you need is a checklist. Here’s one to get you started:

1. Set your budget

Before deciding what moving company to use and what services you want, set your budget. It will help you determine if you will pack yourself or hire packers, what kind of moving supplies you should get, and what moving company is the best fit.

2. Schedule your movers

The sooner you can get on the books, the better. Book as far out as possible to ensure your moving company is available the dates you need them.

3. Declutter

Moving out of state is more expensive than local moves. Most companies charge by the weight of the contents. The more you can declutter, the less you’ll have to haul from state to state, and the more budget-friendly your move will be.

4. Create a packing plan

Whether you are packing your own items, or your moving company is packing for you, it’s good to have a plan. Break down what needs to go on the truck, what you’ll take with you, and what are the most fragile and/or valuable items that need special care and handling.

5. Pack an “unpack first” box

This box will be the first thing you unpack in your new home. It should include cleaning supplies, paper plates, plastic cups and silverware, paper towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, toilet paper, and a first aid kit. It will give you easy access to all of the things you’ll need when you first arrive but haven’t yet unpacked your other boxes.

6. Hit the road

Your belongings will take longer to get to your new home than you will. Take some time and enjoy the drive.

Moving out of state requires plenty of preparation. For all of the help and support you need, contact the team at Nilson Van and Storage today to book our professional movers for your big move out of state.

4 Tips for Moving During the Holiday Season

Moving can be a lot of work, but moving during the holiday season comes with its own set of challenges. There are some ways you can prepare to relocate during what’s already a crazy time of year. Here are four tips from the pros:

Tip #1: Book as Soon as Possible

The holidays are actually a busy time of year for moving companies. Kids are off school, people get vacation time, and the movers themselves have holiday commitments. The best way to get the schedule and timeline you need is to book your movers as soon as you can.

Tip #2: Pack Holiday Decorations Separately

Moving is hard, but moving into a new home without being able to decorate for the holidays can make it even more difficult. Pack your holiday decorations separately and mark them so you can open them first. Even a few familiar ornaments and some lights can make your new house feel like home.

Tip #3: Watch the Weather

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Make sure you pack extra coats and winter weather attire someplace it’s easily accessible. Should the weather turn colder, you don’t want to have your winter coats and sweaters stuck on a moving van or packed in a box you can’t find.

Tip #4: Keep an Eye on Your Budget

The holidays are an expensive time of year. If you’re paying to move at the same time you’re paying for holiday gifts, it can put you in a financial crunch. Be careful with both your gift and your moving budgets, so your finances don’t add to the stress.

Do you have to move during the holidays? Count on the moving professionals at Nilson Van and Storage to get you to your destination without taking away your holiday cheer. Contact them online today to schedule your move.

3 Things to Do When Relocating a Business

If you are in the first steps of the business relocation process, you may be feeling overwhelmed. There are a lot of factors to consider, and it is often difficult to know who should handle which tasks and when. At Nilson Van & Storage, we have just the tips you need to ensure your business move goes off without a hitch. Keep reading for the three things you need to do when relocating a business.

#1: Start with a Moving Plan

Just like any process in your business, having a plan in place saves time and keeps everyone on the same page. Your employees need to know what their responsibilities are in the moving process up front and will also appreciate a timeline for the move. Being as organized and clear as you can in the beginning will keep the moving process running as smoothly as possible.

#2: Donate Any Office Equipment and Other Items You No Longer Need

The less equipment, furniture, and technology items you have to move, the better. Now is a good time to take a careful assessment of your business belongings and identify the items that are no longer in use. Being able to donate those items now will save you time and money and will help you to do something good for other small businesses or individuals who could benefit.

#3: Consider Hiring a Pro Moving Company

Want to know the absolute best thing you can do to ensure the success of your business move? Let the pros do it. It’s amazing how much easier and more organized the entire process will be when you have the experts make it happen for you. After all, you still have a company to run, so it’s unlikely you have the extra time or staff available to accomplish moving tasks correctly and in a timely fashion. By hiring a pro moving team, you can continue to focus your efforts on your business operations and growth—even during the move.

Connect with our team at Nilson Van & Storage online now or call 800-845-2682 to get services for your upcoming business relocation. Whether you need a free quote for your move, or just have some questions to ask, one of our friendly team members is happy to help.

Tips and Tricks on Packing Clothes for a Big Move

Finding efficient ways to pack your clothes away for your residential move will save you effort and headaches when it’s time to unpack at your new residence. Rather than having to dig through boxes, hoping to find what you need, you’ll know exactly which box holds your favorite sweater.

Here are the top tips and tricks from the team at Nilson Van & Storage for packing clothes like a pro:

#1: Get Rid of Anything You Aren’t Wearing

Moving is the perfect time to cut back on excess stuff. If you haven’t worn a clothing item in a year, get rid of it. It’s just taking up unnecessary space in your life! The less you have to pack away and move, the easier your job is, and the less clutter you will have in your new space.

#2: Make Sure Clothes Are Clean Before You Pack

The last thing you want is to open boxes of clothes at your new home and find they are stinky or dirty. Make sure you launder everything before it goes in a box.

#3: Pack Valuable Clothing Items in Garment Bags

Whether it’s a special gown or your grandmother’s fur stole, it’s a good idea to take extra care when transporting. You can buy inexpensive garment bags to protect these items when packing and moving.

#4: Organize as You Pack

Even if your drawers are a disorganized mess, you can take this time to organize your clothing. Put t-shirts in one box, sweaters in another. Even if they are just different sections in one box, packing in categories will make your life easier when you unpack.

If you need some help ensuring your clothes are neat, tidy, and organized for your move, turn to the professionals at Nilson Van & Storage. Whether you need additional moving tips or would like our experienced movers to take it from here, we ensure we can make your upcoming residential move more efficient.

Questions to Ask a Moving Company for a Military Relocation

Although you may feel like you are a moving pro since you have likely done it before, you need to ensure you have the best team for the job when it comes to your upcoming military relocation. Not all moving companies are the same. In fact, if you’ve moved a lot while in the military, you’ve probably experienced some unsatisfactory results.

To avoid a worst-case scenario for your next move, here are two questions to ask a potential moving company before you hire them:

Question #1: Do the Movers Understand the PCS Process?

The Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, is the way the military identifies moving. Once you receive PCS orders, you need to determine which of three options you will choose for your move. These options include:

  • Letting the military moving you
  • Hiring a private company to handle the move
  • Using a combination of the previous two moving methods

The right moving company can help you determine which option is ideal for your moving process and budget.

Question #2: Do the Movers Understand the Reimbursement Process?

If you decide to hire a private company to perform your military move, you can expect the US military to reimburse your fees. The amount they will pay-out is dependent on certain guidelines and factors; it can be difficult to know what the amount of the reimbursement will be unless you are knowledgeable about the specific formulas the military uses. Ask the movers you are considering if they understand the formulas and reimbursement process. Choosing a company that is familiar will help you to keep your move within your budget.

At Nilson Van & Storage, we have been helping families with their military relocations for years. We are intimately familiar with the details and guidelines necessary to make your move hassle-free and on budget. Connect with us online now to get a free quote for your upcoming move.

Moving Tips to Be Thankful for This Year

Moving can be a major headache, but with the right moving tips you will be feeling a spirit of thankfulness instead of stress. When you work with a professional moving company, tasks that seemed overwhelming and difficult become easy. Keep reading for the three moving tips that will make you feel more than thankful this year.

Tip #1: Creating a System Saves Time and Your Sanity

If you have ever gone through a move where you resorted to throwing things in boxes to get the job done, you know how problematic that strategy is. By having a packing system in place, you can avoid chaos and will know exactly where things should go as you pack and where to find them when you unpack. The right strategy will involve labeling boxes and organizing what will go where before you pack a single item. Then, on move-in day, you will simply unpack the correct boxes for each room and make yourself at home.

Tip #2: Get to Know Your New Neighborhood or Town before the Move

By researching or visiting your new town in advance, you’ll be able to scope out all of the most important spots. Find out where the post office is, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and, most importantly, the coffee and pizza shops, so you won’t have to spend time figuring it out when you get there.

Tip #3: Use a Professional Moving Company to Make Moving a Cinch

Perhaps the most important tip to be thankful for is lining up an experienced moving company to handle the job for you. The right team will save you tremendous amounts of time and effort and ensure your items arrive at their destination safely and in a timely fashion. You can focus on letting you and your family adjust to your new home and let them handle the rest.

Turn to the expert movers at Nilson Van & Storage for the professional moving services you need. We are here to offer all the moving tips to usher in a spirit of thankfulness no matter what time of the year you move. Connect with us online now for a free quote.

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.