Category: Blog

Moving internationally can be much trickier than moving across town. Deciding what goes with you and what goes on the truck to be shipped could be confusing. So what should you ship and what needs more personal care when moving, and which items should you avoid packing altogether?

If you are making a list for your international move, here are the 13 items you should leave off the list:

1. Paint, paint thinner, or fingernail polish remover
2. Lighter fluid
3. Oxygen or propane containers
4. Fireworks
5. Matches
6. Gasoline
7. Chemicals of any kind
8. Firearms
9. Cash
10. Expensive or valuable jewelry
11. Important documents or family photos
12. Perishable food or food stored in glass jars/bottles
13. Prescriptions needed for immediate use

Hazardous materials are non-transportable since they put the driver, movers, and anyone else on board at risk—both physically and legally. Items such as paint, paint thinners/removers, anything flammable like matches and lighter fluid, anything deadly like firearms, or anything explosive such as gas tanks should all be left behind and purchased again once the move has been made.

Valuables and collectibles should be stored with you; this includes cash, rare items, anything of great personal or monetary value, important documents that can’t be replaced, or items that are needed immediately or in the case of emergency, such as prescription drugs. These should all be transported personally by the owner and not left up to international movers.

Food items, especially if they are perishable, should also be left behind because they can easily be replaced once you get to where you’re going. This includes anything in glass bottles or jars, since they can break or spoil during an international move and cause a mess the movers will have to deal with.

For more information on moving internationally, contact us today!

Want some tips on how to prevent damages during your commercial moves/business relocations? Consider this list of simple steps you can take to keep carpets, walls, doors, equipment, and office furniture safe while moving:

•Plan ahead.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any move, and it’s especially important when it’s your office or business. Before the move, measure all doors and spaces, and then measure the objects you will move to make sure everything will fit. Get adequate and trustworthy help. Most business owners choose to hire a moving company to ensure the safety of their items during a move. Research commercial moving companies to find the best fit for your business.

•Acquire floor coverings.

The best way to protect your floor or carpet during moves is to get floor coverings to place on the floor before moving heavy equipment or office furniture. Moving blankets, plywood sheets, plastic sheet carpet protectors, and flattened cardboard boxes are all items you can utilize to protect the floor space.

•Protect door frames and walls.

Towels, tape, and corner and doorway pads can all be used to help protect from damage while moving. Blankets and covers can also be used over furniture to protect the edges and corners, which will also keep the walls from getting nicked or damaged.

•Hire professional movers.

The best way to ensure your floors, walls, door frames, and office equipment remain damage-free is to hire a commercial moving company. Professional movers know how to move your business the right way—effectively and efficiently, avoiding damage and injury to your business building, furniture and other items.

In addition to having the proper manpower for the job, a professional moving company will have the equipment and tools necessary. This is important for a large-scale commercial business move.

Are you planning a commercial move or business relocation? Let our team at Nilson Van & Storage answer your questions and help you put together a professional moving team to minimize damage and accidents. Visit us online to learn more about the benefits of going with the pros for your next commercial move/business relocation.

If you’ve ever wondered what the best options are for transporting your vehicle in long distance residential moves, worry no more. Read on to discover the options available to help make this move less stressful for you and your family. Whether you have a car or truck, a personal or recreational vehicle, a new hotrod, or a grocery-getter with a lot of miles, you are going to need to get it there, safely and securely.

Thinking about Handling Residential Moves on Your Own?

You could decide to move the automobile yourself, but that could be difficult depending on what type of vehicle it is and what kind of condition it’s in. Also, if you have multiple vehicles, you could run into trouble finding enough drivers to help you transport.

You must also consider the cost of driving your own vehicle. There is the obvious cost of gas, but there is also the cost on your vehicle—wear and tear and mileage—as well as the cost of your time. One other thing to keep in mind: the unmeasurable cost on your health—driving long distances can take a toll on your body, your sleep, and your emotional state from the mental and physical stress.

Considering a Moving Service to Help with Your Residential Move?

If you haven’t considered a professional moving service yet, you should. While the benefits to using a moving service to help you transport furniture and other possessions are well-known, most people don’t realize there are transporting options for your automobile as well.

A good moving service can help you pack with care, help you move your belongings with you wherever you need to go, and can also transport your vehicles—all the while, making your move as easy and stress-free as possible. At Nilson Van, we are here to help you with any and all of your moving needs, including your automobile transport. Contact our team of residential moving experts to find out how we can help you with your long distance residential moves.

When moving in the military, unexpected issues are common. Whether you are moving yourself, your government office, or your whole family, these 10 tips will help make your next move easier:

1.Understand that planning is your friend

Don’t stress yourself out when you receive word for your next move, but definitely plan ahead. Have a plan in mind and put it in place, so once your orders arrive you will be ready.

2.Create a binder for important paperwork

You are going to need all of your paperwork in one place, and multiple copies of certain papers, like orders, birth certificates, social security cards, etc. Creating an organized binder will help keep track of all these important documents.

3.Don’t pack items you will need for the first day

You won’t be able to control what goes on and comes off the truck, or when. Instead, pack a freezer bag with these items and label them bathroom, bedroom, etc. Mark with an “X” and a note that says, “do not pack,” so movers know to leave it.

4.Lighten your load: Declutter

Throw away anything that is broken. Donate or sell anything that hasn’t been used in two years (or since your last move) or anything that is unneeded or unwanted.

5.Get out your camera

Take a picture, or a photo inventory, of everything you are packing. In the event of having to make a claim due to loss or damage, actual photo proof will be your best asset.

6.Keep your packing liquid-free

Since you probably know by now that transporting liquids of any kind is prohibited, and since most of us don’t like to waste the things we buy, consider switching to powder items where possible once your orders arrive.

7. Use colored duct tape

Pack each box using a different colored duct tape designated to specific rooms or people in your home. This is especially handy for families with children and will make unloading the truck much easier for all people involved.

8.Pack and move important or expensive items separately.

Things can get broken or misplaced. Personally handling these valuable items and shipping them to your destination separately could prevent such accidents.

9.Pay the cleaning fee.

Don’t add to the stress of a move by obsessing over passing a cleaning inspection. Let a professional cleaning business take care of it for you.

10.Feel free to fire movers.

Always remember, if things are going wrong, or you don’t feel confident about your movers, you can contact the transportation office and request replacements.

If you are planning on moving in the military, contact our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage today. We are ready to answer your questions and ensure you get the professional moving services you need.

Moving to another state can be stressful and complicated in itself, but who should you count on for help when moving internationally? You definitely shouldn’t just give your money (and possessions) to the first company you see. So how do you pick the moving company that’s right for the job? How can you trust you are picking a company that will leave you with a smile on your face and a job well done for this important move?

Here are 5 examples of what a reputable international moving company looks like:

1.The company has been around for a while.

If the company you are considering to move you to another country hasn’t been in business long, then you might want to be wary. Similarly, if you can’t find any buzz about the company, either in the Yellow Pages, online, or in any discussion forum, you should keep shopping. Reputable companies will have been around long enough to establish a good name in their local area.

2.Positive feedback or reviews.

Research the company, and consider where the reviews are posted and what the reviewer is saying. If someone posts a negative comment about something that isn’t relevant to what the company does, then obviously that comment shouldn’t be considered. Some negative feedback can be overlooked, as long as there is more positive out there than negative.

3.The company is BBB accredited.

Search the company name and address in the Better Business Bureau’s database. The BBB will track any negative reviews or any fraudulent activity, and will let you know how quickly those occurrences were resolved. A respectable business will have a rating of at least an “A,” but A+ is even better.

4.The company hires pre-screened employees and keeps customer satisfaction a top priority.

A respected company runs efficient screening and background tests for its employees, to ensure customer satisfaction is high.

5.The company is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce.

This is not a requirement to make a business reputable, but it is definitely a sign that a business is highly respected in its community. You can find out if a company is part of the local Chamber of Commerce by contacting the company directly.

Research any moving company you are interested in using, especially for something as significant and complicated as an international move. When you are ready to get serious about finding the right team to help you with moving internationally, contact our friendly team of professionals at Nilson Van & Storage.

When considering commercial moves/business relocations, it may be difficult to understand certain terms and conditions. It doesn’t help when most paperwork is written these days using legal terminology the average person won’t understand. If you have ever felt this way when trying to differentiate between a binding estimate and a non-binding estimate, you are not alone.

Read on to get it all straight and discover what a binding estimate can do for your commercial move.

 

Binding vs. Non-binding: What’s the Difference?

A binding estimate simply means a guarantee on pricing with a contractual commitment. It means a moving company can’t charge any greater amount than what is specified in the estimate, even if additional charges occur during the move. On the other hand, a non-binding estimate means no guarantee on pricing and no contractual commitment. Cost can change based on inventory of customer goods, weight of shipment, services provided, and destination of shipment.

Understanding the 2 Different Types of Binding Estimates

The first type is “binding-not-to-extend,” which is most favorable to consumers because the consumer never pays more than the agreed upon amount, but can actually pay less than the estimated amount if the actual weight of the shipment is lower than the initial assessment.

The second type is the binding estimate, which can also be referred to as the “fixed price” estimate because the price stays the same regardless of varying weight or any other costs incurred. This is considered the fairest option for both parties.

Whether you’re looking for a binding estimate, a binding-not-to-extend estimate, or a non-binding estimate for your commercial move, make sure to research your options carefully and choose the best one for your company’s needs.

Nilson Van & Storage pledges to send a qualified professional to assess your needs and offer a quote that will be both accurate and clear. For more information on commercial moves and business relocations, or to learn more about our various moving services, contact our team today.

One of the best-known facts about the military is that you will be moving in the military a lot. Military personnel are moved from base to base depending on the needs of their branch and their job, and it can be extremely difficult to settle in one place, only to uproot and go elsewhere a year or two later.

How Is Moving While in the Military Different from Moving as a Civilian?

Every year, more than half a million active-duty U.S. service members move in the United States. In general, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are given for the summer months. Peak military moving season runs from late May through August each year, with the highest volume scheduled between Memorial Day and the 4th of July. It’s a good thing if you have children, as a move during the summer months will mean minimal disruptions while the school year is underway; however, it can be extremely stressful to attempt to get a move date that is optimal for you and your family.

Unless you’re living in government-provided housing, moving while in the military is similar to moving as a civilian. One major exception is your ability to call on your base transportation office. The actual agency that will handle your relocation will vary depending on your branch of service, but the sooner you apply for your specific move dates, the more likely you will have those dates approved.

Tips for Making Your Military Move Easier

Regardless of whether you are civilian or military, moving is never a simple task. But moving in the military brings up some unique challenges. In addition to meeting with the base transportation office, here are some tips for handling your military relocation, making the process easier along the way:

• Reach out to your new location’s family center. Learn everything you can about the area (if it’s a new area to you) and what it offers, as well as any relocation assistance programs offered by the center.
• If you live in government quarters, notify them as soon as possible about your new orders. Make sure you understand their requirements for clearing out your living space.
• Make an appointment with your base’s finance office. They will help you learn about any relocation benefits you may qualify for, as well as ease the financial strain moving may cause you.
• Make a checklist. There is no surer way of causing yourself unnecessary stress than not having things organized. Check out various sites like Military.com for examples of checklists you can use to keep on top of the details without getting too overwhelmed.

A Military Move Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult!

Unlike moving while a civilian, moving while in the military presents multiple challenges. One is that you may have a limited amount of time before you are required to relocate. Another challenge is knowing what to pack, where to store things you won’t need, and how to locate resources that will help you. Fortunately, there are both online and on-base resources that can assist you with relocation benefits, getting your optimal moving dates, and information about where you are moving to so you can acclimate to your new surroundings.

Here at Nilson Van & Storage, we want to help make your military relocation as smooth as possible. When you’re planning to move, contact us for an estimate. We will do a visual survey; this way if you are moving out of state we should be able to provide you a guaranteed priced quote. And not just a guess, based on minimal information. Contact our team of moving in the military experts to get started today.

Whether for business or personal reasons, if you are considering moving internationally, you know how difficult and exciting the process is. You know how expensive a move overseas will be, and you probably have an idea of what forms, documents, and other items you will need to have in order before leaving the United States. Or maybe you don’t! In either case, you can benefit from some professional support as you begin making plans.

When Should You Start Planning an International Move?

As with any other move, the sooner you can start planning, the easier it will be to prepare. Even though an international move generally involves crossing oceans as opposed to streets, you’ll still have many of the same hoops to jump through along the way. You will have to sort through belongings, sell or donate things you will no longer need, pack boxes, make plans for furniture, and contact a moving company to transport your belongings. Also, you will need to find out visa requirements for the country you are moving to, make sure all identification for family members is valid, and learn about the language, culture, and customs of your new home country.

Ideally, you will want to leave yourself 6-9 months to accomplish all of these goals. This length of a lead time allows you to fill out paperwork for identification cards, visa applications, and other things without having to scramble for them at the last minute. It will also allow you the maximum time to go through your belongings, consolidate what you are taking with you, and figure out how you are transporting things to your new home.

Tips to Make Your International Move Smoother

Are you still a little overwhelmed by what you need to do before moving overseas? Here are a few rough timelines to remember that will help ease the process:

• About 6-9 months before your move, research your housing options, school admission requirements for your children, and decide whether you will sell your current home or rent it out. You might also want to make a pre-move visit to your future home country.
• When it’s 3-6 months until your move, you should contact a moving agency to survey what you will be sending overseas. Also, make sure you have copies of all important documents stored in a safe place, notify your children’s schools of the move, make sure everyone is up-to-date on vaccinations, decide how you will handle your finances, and hold a garage sale for any unwanted items. Also, be sure you notify the appropriate organizations about your change of address.
• With 6 weeks or fewer to the big move, make sure your movers are ready to transport your belongings. You will want to make sure your address changes have been finalized, check your travel plans to make sure they are in order, and contact utility companies to have services terminated.

Moving Internationally Will Be Worth the Effort!

Ask anyone who has immigrated to the United States, and they will tell you it was a long and difficult process to move here. The inverse is true as well; packing up your belongings, uprooting your entire life, and moving overseas is just as long and difficult of a process. This is why it’s important to leave yourself ample time to get everything situated. By doing this, you are far less likely to forget any steps along the way. It will all be worth the trouble when you arrive at your new home in your new home country!

We here at Nilson Van & Storage look forward to helping you as you make plans for moving internationally. To get the process started, get in touch with our team of experts today.

As your business grows, it may eventually be necessary for you to go through a commercial move or business relocation to make room for new employees or departments. Unless you are a small, one-person business with a desk and chair, there will likely be a lot of office furniture to move between your old location and your new one. While it may be tempting to disassemble, move, and reassemble your office furniture on your own, this also increases the chances of injury. When relocating your business, you might consider hiring professionals to do the work for you.

Why You Should Hire Pro Movers for Your Commercial Move

If you have ever tried to move your desk by yourself, you know it’s heavy! Desks, filing cabinets, and certain types of chairs—all of these items can be prohibitively difficult for one person to move without risking serious injury. And even if you conscript your co-workers to help with the move, all you’ll do is put more people at risk of injury.

Furthermore, what about the building itself? All it takes is one errant desk corner hitting the wall just right and you’ve got damage to the building, which can get expensive to repair. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about either of these potential scenarios when you hire a moving company.

Moving companies not only have highly trained technicians, but they also utilize gear and equipment designed to make relocation safer and to prevent damage to the furniture or either building as furniture is transported. Movers will carefully remove and (if needed) disassemble your office furniture, transport it to your new location, place pieces where you tell them to, and reassemble any furniture that was disassembled.

How to Make Things Easier During Your Business Relocation

Relocating an office is never an easy task, regardless of whether you’re moving across the street or across town. But by taking these simple steps, you can make the transition as smooth as possible:

• A day or two before the move, give each employee a box for personal belongings. Have them wrap fragile items, place pens and other small items into envelopes to keep them from getting lost, and encourage employees to consolidate their boxes to save space. Also, encourage employees to take personal belongings home rather than keep them at the office during the move.
• Upright file cabinets may be moved with all contents intact, but lateral cabinets will need to be emptied. Also, remember to unbolt any cabinets that are gang bolted together.
• Remove and secure the contents of supply cabinets. Lock, tape, or tie the doors closed.
• Remove books from bookshelves, standing them on end in cartons.
• Complete packing before moving day, as only authorized personnel should be present during the move for safety reasons.

A Commercial Relocation Is Easier Than You Think!

You might think you need to do all the heavy lifting yourself when relocating your office, both literally and figuratively. However, inexperienced movers cannot only cause themselves serious injury, they can risk damaging both furniture and the building, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. If you want to save both time and stress, you should look into hiring professional movers to get the job done safely and correctly.

When you book a corporate move with us here at Nilson Van & Storage, know that you’re paying for peace of mind and a job well done. Our highly trained movers will take care of your office furniture every step of the way. If you are ready to schedule your commercial move with the experts, contact our team today!