Category: Blog

Those planning a military move should ask certain questions of their moving company.

What questions should you ask the movers before your military move gets underway? There are many queries that professional movers commonly field from service members and their families. Fortunately, experienced movers know how to keep everyone properly informed. Here’s what you should ask:

Question #1: How Long Will It Take?

When you receive orders to be at a certain place on a certain date, you absolutely must comply. That expectation is why it is vital that your movers give you a firm arrival date and stick to it. If they don’t, you shouldn’t hire them.

Question #2: How Much Will This Cost?

While it may seem a little confrontational to come right out and ask your movers how much their services will cost, keep in mind that they hear this question every day. Ask for clear details and if you question the price, ask why it is so high – or so low. They can give you a quote well before your move to help you plan. All reputable movers stick by their quotes.

Question #3: Can I Get Valuation Protection?

Valuation protection ensures coverage for your possessions in the event of a mishap. There are varying levels of valuation protection. Make sure you ask your mover about it so you can get the right plan for your move.

These are the most important questions you should ask your movers before your military move, but there are other points to ponder as well. Contact us today to find out how we can help you prepare for the big move. We have a great deal of experience in this area, so you can rest assured that we know what we’re doing.

Got orders to move? A military move checklist can help you keep everything straight.

If you are in the military and receive orders to relocate, you may want to create a military move checklist. Moving as a member of the military is more complicated than moving as a civilian. You have to make sure you follow the orders regarding your move to the letter. Also, there is a lot of paperwork that you have to complete (as there is with seemingly everything in the military). Thankfully, there is a pre-move checklist you can follow that makes your relocation much easier.

#1: PPM or Government Move?

If you’re in the military and you have to move, there are two options. You can choose a PPM, also known as a Personally Procured Move. A PPM means you take care of moving yourself. On the other hand, you can let the government take care of the move for you. Most members of the service choose to do personally procured moves.

#2: Plan for All Moving Expenses

Creating a plan may seem difficult to do on your own if you’ve elected for a personally procured move. However, remember that a professional moving company will happily provide you with a detailed quote, and when it’s all done, the military will reimburse you for nearly all moving expenses.

#3: Sort All Your Possessions

If you’ve been in the military for a while, you no doubt can quickly sort through all your possessions in preparation for a move. However, this step is so important that it bears repeating. Figure out what you’re going to sell, what you’re going to throw away, and what you are going to move.

Moves can be especially tricky for members of the military. One way to stay organized is to ask your movers: What should be on my military move checklist? Reach out to us and make use of our military moving expertise. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Find out what you can expect when it comes to finances and moving in the military.

Are you making plans for moving in the military? If so, you are probably trying to find out what kind of out-of-pocket expenses you can expect and what the military will cover for you. It’s true that the military will reimburse you for most expenses when you are going through a Permanent Change of Station, also known as a PCS. However, for many military families, additional expenses will crop up and the move can still be a costly experience—even if you have the military financial assistance.

The key to getting through the move without a huge drain on your own bank account is planning ahead. Get your finances in order, know what you can expect from your military coverage, and develop a strict budget to keep your expenses in check. This will help you to avoid spending a little here and a little there on unnecessary expenses that add up to major expenses over time.

What Will Be Covered?

The amount of money you will receive from the military will depend on your rank, your status, and your individual situation. It will also depend on the entitlement programs for which you qualify. It’s important to talk with your division’s Relocation, Transportation and Finance Office to get a clear picture regarding the entitlement programs available to you. This will help you to plan out your budget and know how much money you will need to save in advance.

Create a Budget and Stick to It

Just like any other costly times in your life, developing a budget for your military move is one of the smartest things you can do. Of course, you must take it one step farther than planning out the budget; you have to stick to it as if it were your marching orders.

From packing costs and transportation costs to meal costs and your first grocery store trip to restock your home, you will need to think about all of the expenses that will come up during this time. Make a list, check it twice, and determine how much money you will need to have on hand for each expense. Planning ahead will not only ensure you have the funds available and keep you from overspending, but it will also alleviate the stress that tends to come with unexpected expenses.

Contact our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage for more information on moving in the military and the tips you need to make the most of your moving budget.

How can you help your pets get through your residential move?

When it comes to residential moves with pets, things can get a little stressful. But when you have a plan in place, you can help to alleviate your stress and keep your pets as calm and safe as possible during this transition. Here are three tips to keep in mind as you plan for your upcoming move to a new home—whether you are moving across town or across the country:

1. Consider gradually introducing your pet to a crate.

Taking the time to introduce your cat or dog to a crate in the weeks prior to your move will enable your pet to be more comfortable and safe throughout the moving process. You can simply leave the crate out in your home and encourage your pet to explore the space. Leave treats inside to sweeten the experience a little. By the time the move rolls around, your pet will likely view the crate as a safe spot to find some peace and quiet.

2. Stick to your pet’s routine.

With all of the busyness involved in a move, you may find yourself short on time. While you may be tempted to skip your dog’s afternoon walk, it’s a better idea to stick to your pet’s typical routine. This will keep your pet happy, which will make him or her easier to deal with during the move. If you neglect the routine, you may see your pet act out and cause issues that will make the move more stressful and hectic than necessary.

3. Keep a Box Handy with Pet’s Medications and Food

As you begin packing up your home, be sure to set aside any items your pet may need during the move. You can put together a special “pet box” that will stay separate from the other boxes going into the moving truck or van. Keep this pet box with you and your pet, so you can access treats, a week’s worth of food, and any medications, including medication for motion sickness.

If you want additional tips for moving with pets, or just need some extra help during the moving process, get in touch with our team of experts at Nilson Van & Storage today. You can also contact us for a free quote on commercial or residential moves. We are here to make your move as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Moving in the military is stressful, but the right forms can help you to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you are moving in the military, it may not be for the first time. Depending on the type of job you do and your skill set, you may have to move frequently. Additionally, you could be sent somewhere you aren’t used to, and that can raise questions about which forms you need to fill out and file for your move.

Military Moves are Not the Same as Other Moves

You will receive relocation orders and will need to fill out and sign any requested forms or information that come with those orders. This type of move is not voluntary, so getting forms returned to your commanding officer as soon as possible is important. If you need storage in transit or temporary housing, you may need to fill out forms for those things as well.

The sooner you begin working with your moving company and learning about the area you will be moving to, the easier the move will be. If you have a family that is coming with you, there may be additional forms that have to be filled out with their information. The military will need to know exactly who they are moving and make arrangements for everyone to have a place to stay.

Depending on Your Duty Station, You May Need Customs Information

If you aren’t being relocated somewhere in the United States, you may also need customs information. Consider:

• Which country you are being sent to
• Any requirements that have to be met for military entry
• Any requirements that must be met for your family

The Right Company Can Help Keep Your Military Moving Forms in Order

When you use a professional moving company that has experience with military moves, you have far less to worry about. They can help you with all of your forms, so you don’t need to be concerned about missing something that could cause a problem with your move. The more you work with your moving company and stay prepared, the easier your move will be.

For more information about moving in the military, contact our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage. We are happy to answer your questions about your next military move.

Learn how to handle commercial moves and business relocations in the best way possible.

Dealing with commercial moves/business relocations isn’t the same thing as moving a family from one city to another. Often, a commercial move is a local move in the sense that a company isn’t leaving the city. Moving to a bigger location is common, and some companies even downsize. Either way, any company that wants or needs to move should do so with plenty of forethought to make the move easier on the company and its customers.

Commercial Businesses Should Move When Expansion Is Necessary

If your company really needs to move, don’t keep putting it off. The longer you wait, the more likely it will be that your move will become difficult. Companies that wait too long to move can end up rushing through the process, which can mean unhappy customers. Often, making a customer unhappy means that person won’t come back and will also tell others about their bad experience.

You don’t have to let that happen to your business, though, if you are willing to acknowledge when you really need to move and don’t put it off simply because it might not be convenient.

Did You Give Your Customers Plenty of Move Warning?

Even though you should move when you want to, you should also warn your customers as far in advance as possible. Consider:

• Mailing notices to your customers.
• Sending email reminders as the moving date gets closer.
• Printing new magnets, key chains, etc. with the new address.
• Putting up posters and other information at your current location.

What Is the Weather Like Where Your Business Is Located?

Weather plays a factor in any relocation and can be a significant consideration when it comes to a business move. Depending on the type of company you have, there may be equipment that is sensitive to heat and cold. If so, and this equipment is large or difficult to move, you will want to work closely with your moving company and plan your move accordingly to protect your investment.

If you’re considering moving your business and need more information about commercial moves or business relocations, reach out to our team at Nilson Van & Storage.