Category: Blog

Did you know residential moves vary greatly in price?

Depending on how you handle each leg of your journey, residential moves can be very affordable. They can also double your budget. Because cost varies so widely, it’s important to get the best guideline possible for potential costs. Invite your mover to your home for an in-home estimate, and roll into your move well prepared.

In-House Estimates Don’t Lie

At Nilson Van, we perform estimates at your property for a reason. There’s nothing like seeing your belongings to know how much time, space and effort will be needed to move them. Specifying the size of your house or apartment really doesn’t help. A rough estimate can be made based on jobs of similar size, but until they see your furniture, your mover won’t know how much time your move will take.

What Happens When You Can’t Pay

Horror stories abound of people who couldn’t pay their moving fees. What happens next is largely determined by local laws and location. In some areas, movers have the right to put your property in storage until you pay off your bill. Others can tack on storage fees on top of that rate. What you considered a low estimate could count as highway robbery if you wind up using the wrong company.

Make sure you always ask for—and check—mover references. Ask about the expense, but also about moving time and property condition upon arrival. Value protection is an important factor in which company to select. Make sure it’s included somehow in your moving contract.

Contact us for a free quote on commercial or residential moves. Never trust a moving business that gives quotes over the phone. Insist they meet you in person, so you can head into the process well informed.

Moving is always complicated, but moving in the military is even more so. There’s the pre-inspection, post-inspection, and everything else in between. There are many more steps involved in a military move than a residential move. Time is valuable and you don’t want to get all packed and transferred only to realize you left something vital and important behind at the old residence.

Here are three details to remember on your next military move:

1. Important papers and moving documents: This includes your orders, inventory forms, any written up wills or power of attorney documents for you or your spouse, birth certificates, social security cards, mortgage or rental agreements, passports, etc. You should always keep these documents, and any copies, in an organized folder and carry it with you, on your person, when moving.
2. Valuables and other irreplaceable items: Any family heirlooms or jewelry or other expensive items that are valuable to you or irreplaceable should be transported with you on your person. If you have a safe or safety deposit box, make sure you clear them out before the move. Also, any hiding places where you have kept your valuables should be thoroughly checked before leaving, and make sure to grab any cash, purses, wallets, and pocketbooks.
3. An official inventory of all items you plan on taking with you: There is so much going on in a military move that there may be things lost or left behind in the chaos. It is a good idea to make an inventory list, or even better, take pictures of everything before you pack to keep track of all your possessions. If something gets lost, stolen, broken, or left behind, these pictures will serve as proof of the condition of the items before the move. You can go further with it by organizing the pictures by boxes packed or rooms where the items were kept and keep them in the folder along with your other important paperwork.

Contact our moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage today to learn more about the best practices for moving in the military. We are here to answer your questions and provide the moving solutions you need.

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.

When you have to pick-up and go, how do you transplant your beloved plants and garden vegetables safely during residential moves?

Plants do not like to be moved. They are not transient creatures and are not designed to be moved. Plants can be sensitive to changing environments, depending on the amount of sunlight, varying temperatures, differences in soil, and the amount of natural rain.

If you are planning a residential move, consider these 5 tips to help you transplant your plants and garden vegetables:

1. Don’t disturb the roots. This may sound crazy, as you have to disturb the roots somewhat to move the plant, but the more jostled they get the more damaged they will be. Be as careful as possible when digging up the plant. Dig around the plant in a big circle to make sure you don’t disturb the roots any more than necessary.
2. Make sure you have plenty of soil and water. Before you dig, you must first give the plant a good soak. Once you have carefully dug out the plant, you then want to make sure you transplant it with as much of the soil on the roots as possible. This is important for the roots and the plant itself to have the nutrients from the soil during the move.
3. Timing is everything. Transplanting is very tricky, and plants can be finicky. The best time to make the move is during the evening hours, preferably in the late fall or early spring. The summer heat is too brutal and smothering on a plant when being uprooted.
4. Store in a box to be moved along with your belongings. Once you have the plants and vegetables transplanted in pots, you can then either move them separately in your vehicle if the pots are large enough, or you can pack them in boxes to be placed in your moving vehicle.
5. Water, water, and more water. Probably one of the most important aspects is to make sure your plants get enough water before and after the move. Moving plants creates a great amount of stress on them and they will need as much water as possible to keep them alive during the process. A good water before the uproot, a good water during the replant, and a healthy watering every day for at least a week will keep your plants happy and healthy.

Get more information on residential moves or schedule a professional moving job with our team of experts at Nilson Van & Storage today. We are happy to answer any questions you have and help to make your residential move a success.

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.