Category: Blog

An international move requires meticulous planning. Let these five tips help you have a successful relocation.

You’re planning an international move. Whether it’s a long-term dream come true or an unexpected job transfer, successful relocation requires meticulous planning. Follow these five tips to make it go smoothly.

Tip #1: Make a Checklist

Create a timeline using a checklist detailing what needs doing. Begin about 90 days before the move. Excellent checklists are available online, or you can create your own.

Tip #2: Gather Your Records

Plan to obtain medical and immunization records, your children’s school records, renew passports, and get information about visas. Determine if you need an international driver’s license. Having proper documentation is critical to a smooth international move.

Tip #3: Select Your International Moving Company

Relocation specialists can answer all of your questions regarding customs and what you can and cannot ship to your destination country. Be sure to select an experienced, reputable international moving company that can help you every step of the way.

#4 Sort Your Belongings

Decide what you will take, what you will store, and what you will sell. Much of these decisions depend on your country of destination and the duration of your stay. Shipping is very costly, so you should be ruthless in taking only what you really need.

#5 Pack Up

Make a detailed inventory of each box. Take photos of the contents. If you pack yourself, leave the boxes open so the moving company can verify the contents to speed up the customs process.

If an international move is in your future, call us at Nilson Van & Storage today to speak to one of our service professionals. We can take the mystery out of your relocation and help you and your belongings arrive smoothly and safely, no matter your destination.

You have done your research and settled on a professional moving company. The problem is, you feel anxious because you don’t know how they work. We’re here to help. Here’s what to expect from professional movers.

Careful Assessment

A good moving company will assess your home and your belongings and give you a quote for your move. This allows them to plan for the amount of truck space and the number of movers needed for your relocation. It also allows you to plan your budget accordingly.

Guaranteed Timely Arrival

As professionals, movers should be punctual and alert you if there are any delays. You can expect them to come in branded vehicles big enough to accommodate all of your belongings.

World-Class Safety on Moving Day

Before moving, pro movers will apply precautionary measures. They will bring along equipment such as dollies, floor runners, furniture pads, carpet protectors, and thick moving blankets to protect your flooring and your belongings.

Loading the Truck

Your movers will load everything on the truck properly securing the heavy items with straps to prevent shifting. Be sure to do a final walk-through to ensure that they didn’t miss anything or leave anything behind.

Delivering Your Items to Your New Home

You have arrived in your new place. What happens now? The movers will unload your possessions, and you will confirm if anything is missing or damaged. They will put boxes in the right rooms if the boxes are appropriately marked and will help to make sure the furniture is where you want it.

You don’t have to go it alone when it comes to your residential move. Get the peace of mind and security that comes with hiring a professional moving company. Contact the experienced experts at Nilson Van and Storage to get a quote for your upcoming move.

Are you relocating? If so, you have probably been eagerly awaiting the day you move. It’s exciting, but there is a lot to do. It can be quite stressful, but you sincerely desire a smooth transition. So, how do you make it a success? Take a look at these five tried and true tips:

#1. Update Your Address

Remember to change your address with the utility companies, banks, your employer, and the government. Also, to prevent overcharging in the final bills, take a photo of the meter readings.

#2. Don’t Take Chances

Aim to secure the services of a reputable moving company. Seek referrals from family and friends, check online reviews, and ask your friends and community groups on social media. Make sure the company you choose holds the right insurance to protect you and them.

#3. Plan for Your Arrival

If you’re moving to a rental, remember to inform the building or property manager of your estimated arrival time. This will help ensure you have access to your new home. It also helps to secure an elevator and truck parking to allow timely offloading.

#4. Plan Carefully

Sometimes moving takes longer than expected, so it’s best to prepare. Have a bag that contains water and snacks to keep you energized, a phone charger, medications, a change of clothes, and anything else you might need before you can unpack.

#5. Done? Revisit One More Time

Before leaving, double-check all rooms and outdoor spaces to confirm you didn’t leave anything behind. If it was a rented house, make sure to take photos as proof of the state you left it. This helps protect you from future complaints from your previous landlord.

The day of your move doesn’t have to be stressful. Using the tips above and hiring a reliable moving company can make it all smooth sailing. For professional movers you can count on when relocating, reach out to our team of experts at Nilson Van.

What steps make military moves fast and easy? We’ve got your plan for success.

Military moves can be a major source of stress. With a simple plan for staying organized, you can start your new life in a new place without pulling your hair out. Here are four ways to prepare for a military relocation:

1. Moving Company vs. DIY

Members of the military sometimes consider the Do-It-Yourself route, but your actual costs might be more when doing everything on your own. That’s especially true if items get damaged or if you injure yourself with heavy lifting. Besides, the benefits of hiring a full-service mover often pay for themselves in convenience alone. Before you make a final decision, definitely consider full-service movers.

2. Request Several Quotes

A word of warning: email and phone quotes usually aren’t binding. You need someone to come to your house, see your belongings, and talk to you about your new place to provide you with an accurate estimate in writing. You’ll want to make sure your mover is a professional and has the insurance needed to protect your goods.

3. Prepare Your Items for the Big Day

If you go the full-service route, as many military families do, you can cut down on packing time by grouping your like-items. Pile all your books in one place. Gather your garden tools into a group. You can label each bundle of items with a note about where it should go in your new home too in order to stay better organized once you arrive.

Are you looking forward to a military move? Give yourself the breathing room you need to get excited about your new home and the new opportunities you’ll find there. Contact Nilson Van for a team of experts that can provide you with low-stress military moves.

What surprises pop up during residential moves? Hope for the best while we help you prepare for the worst.

Residential moves into first homes are so much more complicated than moving between dorms or apartments. Not only do you have more responsibilities, but it takes a long time to organize your house. How can you simplify? Hiring a professional company can help. Here are three things to consider before moving into your first house:

1. Someone Has to Let Your Movers In

Having someone available to access your new home is especially important for people who are moving across the country. Whether you’re taking a plane, train, or automobile, you need to make sure someone can open the house once your movers arrive. This might mean flying in early, so a flight delay doesn’t interfere with your moving plans or connecting with your realtor in the event of an emergency.

What happens if no one’s home? It depends on the company you choose for your move. At Nilson Van, we place your items into short-term storage and will deliver them later. However, this comes at an additional cost.

2. Sometimes It’s Cheaper to Replace an Item Than to Take It With You

It’s common for someone to lug their old college sofa to their first real home and store it down in the basement. What better makings for a man cave, right? The problem is that the couch might not be worth very much. The cost of your move depends on weight and time, so a heavy item might wind up costing more to move than the item is worth. To save money, it’s a good idea to pare down your belongings before you pack.

3. To Stay Organized, Take Notes

No one wants to waste money replacing items you can’t find after a big move, but that’s what often happens when you can’t remember exactly where you put your socks or hair dryer. If you don’t label your boxes with detailed notes, you might not remember what you put in each one. It’s a good idea to mark contents down as you go, either on the outside of the box or in a notebook corresponding to your box label.

Are you facing a move into your first home? Don’t fret! Schedule your residential move with Nilson Van & Storage today to save time and money, and reduce your stress.

How much should you budget for commercial moves? It might cost less than you think!

Commercial moves can be tough. They interrupt business, put your property at risk, and can leave your employees in limbo, sometimes for days. Poorly organized moves can disrupt progress for weeks. Avoid all that by following these three handy tips.

1. Hire Professional Movers

Some business owners assume they have the bodies and the equipment to handle a move on their own. Unless you run a moving company, this is a losing proposition. Your employees won’t know how to pack and move items properly, and they’re likely to hurt themselves in the process, leaving you liable. Professional movers have years of experience invested in quick and convenient moving practices. We also have insurance to cover any accidents or mishaps.

2. Use a Box for Every Item

It might seem ridiculous to box up a floor lamp or a monitor, but boxes offer more than just protection. They make it easy to organize the moving van, move items on and off the truck efficiently, and to fit everything in a smaller area. Having everything in its own box speeds up unpacking and organization too, meaning you get back to work in record time.

3. Label Boxes in Detail

The age-old advice of labeling boxes with a room name is a great start for residential customers. For commercial clients? It’s important to use more detail. Homeowners benefit from detailed descriptions too, but the amount of time you’ll save as a business owner makes this a no-brainer. Don’t use “office” or “kitchen”; descriptors when you can get down to the nitty-gritty. “Customer files 2010 Q1” will let you know exactly what is in a particular box and where it has to go.

We know how important it is to keep your items safe and organized, so that you can get back to work as soon as possible. Contact Nilson Van as soon as you know about your move so you can cut costs and reduce move time during commercial moves.

Are you prepared for the curve balls long-distance moves can throw your way?

Long-distance moves are a pain in many ways, but a bloated budget doesn’t have to be one of them. Make room for surprise expenses in your moving plan. Being prepared can help you get into your new home without busting your budget.

Get a Written Estimate

Moving companies charge based on weight, miles, and the time it takes to move your items. A phone estimate usually isn’t binding. It’s best to schedule an in-person estimate. At Nilson Van, we can assess your needs and provide a written quote with a guaranteed price. You can also see all the fees and taxes included in the final cost.

Avoid Storage Fees

The one thing movers can’t prepare you for is a last-minute need for storage. If we arrive at your new location and aren’t able to get inside your new home or apartment, we’re not going to leave your boxes on the street. We’ll put them into temporary storage and schedule a follow-up delivery. The costs for those services can be expensive. Your contingency plan should include having someone onsite who can let us in as soon as your moving truck arrives.

Plan for Travel Expenses

Are you driving cross-country? Don’t forget to plan for food and lodging. Restaurants and hotels can gobble up your budget in no time. Consider packing meals ahead of time or relying on foods you buy fresh at the grocery store instead of the high cost of restaurants and fast food. Do some research before you go to find affordable hotels and motels on your route to your new home. Websites like Priceline and Hotwire can help you find inexpensive places to stay during a move.

What’s the best way to plan ahead? By talking to the right moving company that can help you prepare and complete your move without significant hiccups. We’ll also help you avoid unexpected costs so you can get your new life started on the right foot. Get in touch with the team of experts at Nilson Van & Storage today to request a written quote for your long distance move.