Category: Blog

Are you worried about packing and moving internationally?

The idea of moving internationally can be very exciting, but it can also be a little bit stressful and scary. There is a lot to do when you make that kind of a move, and you want to be sure things are done correctly. Your items will have to go through customs and will need to make their way into the other country without damage, so they need to be packed the right way for the trip and your new location.

Here are 3 useful tips and tricks to help you make the smartest choices when packing for an international move:

1. When You Make an International Move, You Have to Start Early

It’s possible to make a move nearly anywhere in the country on fairly short notice, but moving internationally is not the same. Instead of just packing up and going, you will need to prepare for the new country and understand what’s required to move there.

Passports, lodging, and sometimes proof of a job there or other funding for a particular period of time all matter. Additionally, your belongings may take longer to get there than you do, so you’ll need to bring the things that are very important to you and make sure you have all the essentials. By working with your moving company, you can get what you need more easily and feel more prepared.

1. Packing Items Solidly Can Keep Them from Breaking

One of the most important tips to remember for an international move is that the items you pack may be handled differently than they would be for a local move. That doesn’t mean the boxes will be mistreated, but they will have to go through a longer period of travel. Because of that, consider:

1. Letting professionals pack your boxes.
2. Adding extra padding or cushioning around items.
3. Packing boxes lighter, so there is less chance of damage.
4. Make Sure Customs Forms Are in Order for an Overseas Move

Any paperwork that needs to be filled out to get your belongings into the country should be taken care of properly and early on in the process. That way, it’s one less thing you have to worry about. When you choose a moving company that is experienced with international moving, you can get what you need in order to make your move as stress-free as possible.

For information about moving internationally, reach out to our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage today and get your planning started the right way.

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.

How can you make residential moves easier on yourself and your family?

It is very common for individuals and families to make residential moves to other areas of the country for jobs, to be closer to family, or for all sorts of other reasons. But those moves can be stressful and difficult if you don’t think them through and plan ahead.

Fortunately, there is plenty you can do in order to make your residential move more efficient. Here are 3 packing tips to get you started on the right track:

1. Make Sure You Start Packing Up Your Home Early

Don’t wait until the last minute before you start packing. The chances are high that a lot of things in your home are items you want to keep but that you really don’t use every day. If it’s sentimental or seasonal, you can pack it up so it’s ready to move and out of the way.

As your moving date draws closer, keep thinking about what else you can pack up. The more you have in boxes, the easier it will be when you actually start to pack up the last things and get them onto the truck.

1. Boxes of a Uniform Size Make Moving a Household Easier

If you have a jumble of boxes and totes, it can be harder to fit them all in together. That could take up more space, and cost more. Instead, consider:

1. Buying boxes that are all one size, or only specific sizes.
2. Working with a moving company to provide boxes
3. Having a professional pack your things (you can still start early).
4. Talk with Your Moving Company Ahead of Time for Your Household Move

Just like you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to pack, you also want to start talking to your moving company early on in the process. That can help you schedule things better, get the moving date you want or need, ensure you can get your questions answered and make any adjustments needed to avoid last minute surprises.

When you are ready for more information regarding how to make your residential move easier, reach out to our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage.

Moving in the military is unavoidable – but it doesn’t have to be a major hassle. Find out what you need to know.

When you are moving in the military, you have two choices: you can move yourself, or you can have the military move you. There are benefits to both options, as well as drawbacks. If you are moving in the military, it helps to know the benefits of moving yourself before you decide to have the military move you. You may just decide that doing it on your own is the better option.

Make Money Moving in the Military

If you move yourself, it is possible to make some money on the move. If you keep your costs low, your reimbursement from the military, which is based on weight and distance, could be more than you actually paid to move. Get an estimate from the transportation office on what you will be reimbursed. You don’t want to go over, because then you will lose out.

Taking Care of Your Belongings

When you move yourself, you are always in charge of your belongings. You won’t be sending them to get moved with an unknown company. You are bound to be more responsible and careful with your own belongings.

Move on Your Timetable

If you move yourself, you will be able to move on your own timetable. You won’t have to wait for movers to be available to pack, load and unload your belongings.

Pick Your Own Moving Company

One of the greatest advantages when you are moving in the military and you want to move on your own is that you get to pick your own moving company. You can decide which company fits your budget, which company you are most comfortable with, and which company works for your timetable.

When it comes time to relocate, you have two options for moving in the military. Learn more about the benefits of moving yourself when you are in the military. Simply contact our team at Nilson Van to get all the information you need to make a smart military move.

If you are considering moving internationally, here’s what you need to know before you go.

Moving internationally can be exciting, but it can also be a complicated venture. It requires significant planning in advance in order to execute it smoothly. The place you are moving along with the length and purpose of your stay will determine what type of documents and paperwork you need to move internationally. Once you make the decision to move, you need to contact the consulate for your host country, so they can give you all the information regarding what is needed to move to their country.

Is Your Passport Current?

A government issued passport is usually required to enter any country. It verifies the identity and nationality of the holder and authorizes them to travel internationally. Before you move, make sure your passport is up-to-date. It is important to note that some countries won’t let you use a passport if it is set to expire during the length of your stay in that country.

Is Your Visa Ready?

A visa is an authorization of the government of your destination that allows you to remain within its borders for a specific purpose and timeframe. A visa is sometimes issued as a separate document and sometimes it is stamped onto your passport. There are student visas, resident visas, tourist visas, business visas and medical visas.

Do You Have a Work Permit?

You may need a work permit in addition to your passport and visa. This is usually the case if you are relocating for a job. Your employer can help you obtain your work permit. Depending on the country, work permits can be difficult to obtain.

What Other Documents Do You Need?

There are other documents you may need when you move internationally. These documents help verify your identity, verify legal arrangements, pay taxes and apply for licenses and permits.
They include:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Medical records
• Driver’s license
• Social security cards
• Immunization records
• Child custody papers
• Veterinary International Health Certificate

Having multiple copies of these documents is important. Do not pack them with your goods to be shipped, but rather take them with you on the plane.

Moving internationally – without losing your mind – takes a lot of planning and paperwork. On top of all that red tape, you’ve also got to take care of moving your belongings from here to there. Contact the Nilson Van moving experts today to get all the help you need.

Here’s what you need to know before April 15th when it comes to commercial moves and business relocations.

Commercial moves and business relocations can be expensive. When you are dealing with picking up and moving an entire business, you need to know what is deductible and what is not. Keep reading to learn how you can recoup some of your moving expenses at tax time.

Expenses You Can Deduct for Commercial Moves

It costs money to move business equipment, supplies, and inventory from one location to another. These are all deductible expenses, as are the costs associated with the purchasing or renting of the new location. It is important to keep good records when it comes to business relocations. You must be able to substantiate all the costs associated with a move in order to deduct them on your taxes.
Some of the commercial moving expenses you can deduct include:

• Transportation costs including moving and storage
• Living arrangement expenses
• Travel expenses including vehicle rentals, meals, and accommodations
• Cost of ending your lease
• Cost of purchasing a new residence

You can also deduct your own personal costs if they are directly related to a commercial move. They have to pass two IRS tests: the distance test and the time test:

Distance Test for Business Relocations

In order to pass the distance test for the IRS, your new primary job location has to be at least 50 miles farther in distance from your former home than your old job location was from your home. If this is the case, you may be able to deduct personal moving expenses on your tax return.

Time Test for a Business Move

To deduct personal moving expenses if you are self-employed, you need to have worked full-time for at least 78 weeks in the first 24 months. This includes 39 weeks in the first 12 months after you relocate to your new area.

When you move a business, it can be costly. You can recoup some of the expenses from your commercial move by deducting certain expenses on your tax return. You can also deduct personal moving expenses related to a business move.

No matter what your situation, it’s a good idea to manage your commercial move or business relocation with the help of an experienced team of professionals. A conversation with a moving company that knows what you’re up against can give you wise advice and make the move as smooth as possible.

Connect with our friendly team at Nilson Van today, and make this commercial move a smart one.

What if delays happen in residential moves? What do you with your belongings? If you can’t keep them in your current space and you can’t move them to your new place yet, you have a real problem on your hands.

When you are planning a residential move, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes there are unexpected delays that can pose a big problem. Most notably, what do you do with your things when you have delays in your move? Fortunately, you do have options.

Storing Your Possession during Residential Moves

If you have an unexpected delay when you are in the middle of a residential move, most likely you are going to need to find some place to store your belongings. The easiest thing to do is to store your belongings with the company you have hired to help you move since many moving companies offer short-term storage.

You want to look for a moving company that helps pack your things for storage. They should take an inventory of your items so they know exactly how many boxes and other items are being stored. They should also offer you access to your belongings in case you need them during the moving delay.

Where Your Things Are Stored

Whether you choose to rent your own storage unit or have your moving company store your belongings, you want to make sure your belongings are stored in a secure environment. Ideally, the storage facility should be climate controlled and should also be monitored for security so that you know that your items are being well cared for.

Moving can be very stressful and time-consuming. The process doesn’t always go as smoothly as you would like. Sometimes unexpected delays happen and they can leave you in a real bind. But when you work with the right professional moving company, you can have the convenience and peace of mind you need to store your items if the moving process experiences an interruption.

Contact Nilson Van for assistance with your next residential move. Our team of moving experts can help you store your things if there is a delay in your move. It is our goal to make the entire process easy on you, so you can enjoy a low-stress moving experience.

Moving in the military can turn into a waiting game.

Moving in the military has its fair share of horror stories. Lost shipments, broken furniture, and surprise expenses are among the most commonly touted complaints. You know that family who waited more than a month for their beds to arrive? Those stories aren’t just urban legends. Delays happen, but there are simple ways to help prevent them.

Follow these tips to ensure your property arrives on time when moving in the military:

• Hire the right movers.

Nilson Van has “loads” of experience getting service members set up in their new homes. We’re a trusted, approved military mover, and we take that status seriously. Rest assured we’ll take care of your belongings.

• Stick to your schedule.

Stopping for burgers or to see the sights could have devastating effects on your delivery. By law, we’re unable to leave your furniture at your residence without someone in authority signing for your shipment. If you’re not at the agreed upon address, our only option is taking your load to a storage facility while we wait for you to show up.

• Ask someone to stay at your house.

Whether your spouse or parent flies ahead of your arrival or a friend agrees to help you out, it’s always a good idea to enlist someone in accepting your shipment if you’ll be late. Once in storage, it can take weeks for your belongings to be delivered because of backlogs caused by missed delivery dates.

Contact Nilson Van for more information on moving in the military and all the ways you can streamline the process. Say goodbye to stress and focus on what’s most important. We can also provide helpful tips for starting life out in a new location without any hiccups.

Moving internationally presents special challenges.

Moving internationally is an adventure, but one that comes with real risks. During your move, your items are packed into storage containers. First, they travel by train or truck and then are placed on ships. As your goods are transported over road, rail, and sea, accidents are always a possibility. Make sure you work with a moving company capable of protecting the value of your goods.

Determining Coverage Limits

The most important consideration is whether you want to be covered for replacement value or actual value after depreciation. Know the protection you’re purchasing at the time of your move. If you select replacement value, you may be paying more than necessary. At the same time, you’ll have the advantage in the case of an accident.

You’ll also want to determine whether your coverage is No Fault or At Fault. No Fault coverage reimburses you whenever there’s an incident where your goods are lost or damaged. The only exception, of course, is if you pack prohibited items. For instance, meat products tend to be restricted by customs. Attempting to move them in your house or business loads could result in the loss of your property and hefty fines.

At Fault coverage will only pay for loss and damages caused by the moving company. When your shipment is misplaced or items are broken during normal transit, the company will reimburse you or pay for repairs. Other forms of value coverage that protect your move may be protected as well. Speak with your moving professional about the best way to keep your belongings safe during your move.

Contact our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage for a quote on moving internationally. Our friendly professionals will discuss packing, planning, and the value coverage we have available.

How do you prevent loss and damage during commercial moves?

Commercial moves can be fraught with problems. Lease issues, utility delays, and stubborn former tenants who refuse to vacate are just a few of the potential hiccups. One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is lost or broken property. Work with a professional service so you have plenty of protection from bumps and drops.

The following packing supplies will help:

1. Billions of boxes: If your moving company packs for your commercial move, there’s no doubt you’ll be annoyed by the number of boxes they use. You may even get angry or worry they’re trying to scam you on material costs. They’re not. There’s a good reason behind using so many boxes; they stack easily in a moving van. They’ll also protect your belongings and make unloading faster and more organized.
2. Moving blankets: A moving blanket is a thick, often insulated blanket used to cover large pieces of furniture and office equipment. They’re useful when an object is too big for boxing or when damage is likely. For instance, an antique writing desk could easily be scratched or gauged by another piece of furniture. A moving blanket is perfect to protect the piece while not interfering with packing or unpacking.
3. Bubble wrap: Do professional movers use bubble wrap? Absolutely! The material cushions valuables of all kinds. Bubble wrap is also useful when filling empty spaces within larger boxes. This prevents packaged items from banging around while keeping weight as light as possible.

Contact Nilson Van for help with residential or commercial moves. We have the experience to protect your gear and get your business back up and operating in no time.