Category: Blog

When it comes to residential moves, most homeowners trust a reputable moving company to move their personal belongings. However, what happens if something goes wrong and your belongings are damaged in transit? Will the moving company’s liability be enough to repair or replace your belongings, or should you look into additional insurance? Is it even worth it if you’re just moving across town?

Understanding Company Liability and Residential Moves

Whether or not a residential move requires insurance beyond the company’s liability depends on your own personal preferences. All moving companies are liable for the belongings they are transporting, as per the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This means the company cannot damage your belongings and deny responsibility, but it also provides little protection or recourse for you should damages occur.

Moving companies provide two levels of liability: “full” value and “released” value. Full value liability comes at a cost, but it means the mover is liable for the entire value of your shipment, and they must repair, replace, or offer a cash settlement for any damaged items. Released value doesn’t cost you extra, but the company is only responsible for 60 cents per pound per item for damages. This means the company may only pay you pennies to replace damaged items worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Insurance Options Available for a Residential Move

So you’re ready to make the big move, and you’ve decided to add on additional insurance to the moving company’s liability, just in case something happens. Here are your primary insurance options:

• Some moving companies sell insurance offered by their affiliates. This is not possible in all states (check your state to see if it’s legal), and there is a chance of buying a bogus policy you won’t be able to recoup. Remember that, even if your policy is legitimate, the insurance company will be an advocate for the moving company, not for you. This means claims may be processed slowly, or be at higher risk of rejection.
• Most homeowner’s insurance companies will either provide coverage for moves already or add them to your policy for a small fee. Call your insurance agent to see what options are available to you under your homeowner’s policy.
• If your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t offer moving insurance, there are third-party companies that can provide it. Costs vary depending on the declared value of your belongings, and you have to keep the deductible in mind in the event nothing goes wrong during the move. Also, remember that as with insurance offered by moving companies, there are shady insurance companies that will take your money for a “policy” but never pay up in the case of a claim. Don’t get burned!

Insurance for a Residential Move…a Smart Idea!

It might seem a bit silly to pay for moving insurance when you’re only relocating a few miles away. However, damage can be done regardless of the distance traveled, so moving insurance may be a good investment for you if you have a lot of possessions with high dollar values. However, as with any industry, there are shady companies and scam artists waiting to take your money, so make sure you properly vet any company before signing a contract.

We here at Nilson Van & Storage look forward to assisting you with your move. Contact our team of residential moves experts to explore the best options for your situation.

Moving in the military has its own set of rules and considerations that set it apart from any other kind of relocation. Because it’s an inherent part of your service, there will be many costs the military handles, but some moving expenses will be on you.

Breaking Down the Costs of Moving in the Military

The armed forces look at certain things within a soldier’s service to determine what he or she will receive as their DLA or Dislocation Allowance. This is the amount of military based money a service man or woman will have to spend on their relocation.

DLA is money that is separate from the mileage, per diem and other finances that are set aside for a move of station. You can ask for an advance to help you manage your expenses, but the actual amount you’ll get is based on your rank and how many dependents you have when you receive your relocation orders or PCS (Permanent Change of Station).

Arming Yourself for a Change of Military Station

There are certain steps you can take to ensure you are ready to transition to your next post:

• Know what the military will cover before you start your move by meeting with the Relocation, Transportation and Finance Offices of your division.
• Find out what restrictions there may be in getting an advance on your DLA, per diem and other things, should you need it.
• Confirm the various resources available to you should you need emergency funds during your move or go over budget.
• Make sure all the paperwork necessary to expedite reimbursement and more is in order.

Making the Most of Your New Marching Orders

No matter how many times you’ve been through a military move, do legwork as if it’s your first. Regulations are ever-changing which means new rules may apply to your current transfer.

Meet with the different offices in your organization and talk to Nilson Van & Storage about your move ASAP. Our team has years of experience relocating service men and women, so contact us to learn more about how you can make moving in the military as smooth as possible.

If relocating down the street takes a lot of planning, imagine what goes into moving internationally. The logistics of handling it all can feel overwhelming. However, finding the right moving company to provide the support and professional moving assistance you need will make all the difference.

Demystifying the International Move

Ultimately, this move is like any other move. The preparation that goes into it may seem more complicated, but it can be manageable if you treat it like it is: a long-haul relocation.

Don’t let your mind go wild and create more stress and worry than is necessary just because your move includes the word “international.” Keeping it simple in your mind will make the tasks of moving easier to tackle. The fact that the move is to another country should make it all the more obvious that you need a professional moving company on your side. When you find the right company, you can rely on their expertise—this in itself can reduce stress and give you peace of mind.

What to Keep in Mind as You Choose the Right Moving Company

There are four questions you can use as your barometer when contemplating a company for your international move:

1. Do they manage both loading and unloading of your belongings—working end-to-end?
2. Do they know how to pack for an international move?
3. Are they equipped to manage all customs and international paperwork for an easy global transition?
4. Are they certified international movers who have a track record of relocating abroad?

Moving Internationally Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

There are more things to think about, such as whether the company you’re considering is certified with FIDI, the organization that oversees international movers. As you take a look at the different companies, you can keep all of this in mind to help you decide on which mover to use.

Start investigating as soon as you know that moving to another country is on your horizon. Reach out to the expert at Nilson Van & Storage to get the support and professional assistance you need when moving internationally. Our company’s 70-year history in global relocation offers a level of comfort and expertise you won’t find with other companies.

Putting together successful commercial moves or business relocation requires unique and detailed preparation. Part of that planning process is creating a budget for all of the many moving expenses. One thing to keep in mind is that cost prep involves more than simply getting a moving company quote. Businesses have a lot of moving parts, which is why to ensure you’ve covered all of your financial and operational bases, you’ll want to enlist some help from employees and members of your business team.

Rallying the Right Team for Commercial Moves/Business Relocation

Moving an entire company to a new location takes a lot of work. Keep the process organized by designating certain individuals to manage the logistics behind the move. Getting the necessary support and assistance behind the scenes can help you to keep your budget under control. This team can also help you to identify the prep costs you can expect for the move.

Designating Specific Tasks to Move Your Company Successfully

Moving a business can be a confusing process, but it helps to put a team of employees that places a priority on good communication. You can assign a business relocation project manager to oversee the entire project and delegate tasks wisely. The tasks you will find to be essential to your commercial moves include:

• Interfacing with the new site manager for location specific costs such as deposits, utilities, parking, and amenities.
• Running an inventory on existing equipment, tools, etc. as well as a list of what’s needed in the new space.
• Working with the previous landlord to discuss move-out, cleaning costs, early termination costs (if they apply), etc.
• Managing the man-hours of the actual move.

As the information from this collaboration comes together, you’ll start to get a better idea of just what your budget for the move will entail.

Getting on with the Business of Moving Your Company

Before you take the first step to moving your business, it’s a good idea to identify what you are willing to pay; then, plug in the actual numbers compiled by your team. Finally, you can take the quote from your moving company for the business relocation and fit the cost into your bottom line.

Did you know you can save time, hassle and money by working with a relocation specialist to create and stick to your moving budget? Learn more about what you can expect when it comes to commercial moves/business relocation from our team of moving experts at Nilson Van & Storage. With the right planning and assistance, before you know it you’ll be business as usual in your new offices.

Determining when your possessions will arrive at your new home depends on which type of residential move you are considering and the practices of the moving company you are using. Before you begin the moving process, it will help you to have a rough timeline of what will take place, so your move remains organized and your stress level stays as low as possible.

Understanding Residential Moves

Moving from one home to another can be stressful even under the best of circumstances. There’s a fair amount of planning that goes into relocation; sitting down with your moving company before you purchase packing supplies or take any other steps, will help you get answers to questions and plan accordingly.

Questions to Ask Before a Residential Move

Whether you’ve decided just to move across the street or all the way across the country, distance is only one thing that determines when your possessions will arrive at their destination. When you sit down with your moving company, there are some questions you need to discuss to help you know what to expect for the timeline:

• Is the move a short or long haul move?
• Will you require overnight or long-term storage?
• Will you be doing the packing or will you be hiring someone?
• Are there any special considerations such as unique items that need to be shipped a certain way, hazardous materials, etc.?

Discussing these and other issues will help you and your moving company to create a moving plan that meets your needs and schedule.

Research and Prep Time Make all the Difference in a Home Move

A prep meeting with your movers will prove to be time well spent and will give you a clear idea of when you can expect your items. The right moving team will take all important factors into consideration, so you can feel good about the timeline and have a plan set in place to give you peace of mind.

Set up a consultation as soon as you’ve decided to relocate so you can clarify the logistics for a smooth transition. Get more information on residential moves from our team of experts at Nilson Van & Storage, and you’ll discover just how easy it is to move out of the old and into your new home in no time.

Moving in the military is a challenge, but knowing what to do with your belongings during your move doesn’t have to be. There are options available to you as a member of the armed forces to keep your items safe during a permanent change of station.

When it comes to moving in the military, your options depend on the length of time for storage:

Short Term Storage

If your storage needs are not likely to exceed 90 days, you’ll be looking for storage-in-transit options. Many private companies offer storage-in-transit storage for military personnel to provide a safe and secure place to store your belongings without paying for a long-term contract that you don’t need. This option is great when you’re facing an unexpected move and need storage options fast.

Long-Term Storage

If your storage needs are likely to exceed 90 days, you’ll be looking for non-temporary storage. This more extended storage option is right for military personnel who are facing long-term or overseas training in addition to restricted assignments. Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to non-temporary storage benefits if you’re unable to take all of your belongings with you during an international tour.

There are lots of resources and benefits for military personnel to cover your storage needs, but knowing how long you’ll need a storage unit is the first step.

Moving in the military is a service we provide at Nilson Van. We offer moving as well as storage options to provide you with a full-service moving experience. Find out more about our military services.

Moving internationally presents significant challenges, even when everything goes as planned. In the process, there are many opportunities for damages to occur, even those that are purely accidental. If your couch shows up in your new home as a sectional, even though it was all one piece when you left, you may not know who to talk to about the damage to your item.

If damage occurs to your belongings when moving internationally, you should direct your concerns to one of two places:

1. The Moving Company

The first place to go if damage occurs is direct to your moving company. It’s not advisable to bring up your concerns with the movers because they won’t be able to help solve the problem, and telling the movers doesn’t guarantee that they’ll follow through on it.

It’s best to read the contract of your moving company and talk to someone in the business that can handle the matter. They’ll be able to provide you with information to open a claim if they have their own liability insurance covering your belongings.

2. Your Moving Insurance Company

You may have opted to purchase moving insurance. If your moving company does not cover the damages, the next place to go is to your moving insurance company. As long as you declared the damaged item, you should be able to submit a claim for reimbursement.

Broken items during an international move are not always preventable, but knowing where to go when damage occurs will leave you feeling less stressed about that possibility.

Nilson Van is well acquainted with the process of moving internationally. Contact us to find out more about our international moving services and how we can help move your items overseas.

Commercial moves/business relocations mean you’ll have to move those impossibly heavy filing cabinets and giant desks. If the thought of moving a single filing cabinet about five feet is already tiring you out, imagine dozens!

You might be asking yourself, “Do I need to empty out all the desks and filing cabinets before the move?”

Commercial moves/business relocations generally need to have all desks and filing cabinets emptied for a couple of reasons:

1. Sheer Weight

The weight of a fully stocked filing cabinet brings to mind heavy things like cars, elephants, and other items you can’t lift with a single hand. The weight of the files can make just moving a cabinet into a 3- or 4-man job. Although moving it can be done, it becomes a safety issue for anyone moving it.

Lateral filing cabinets definitely need to be empty because the weight is distributed over a wider area, making it harder to lift. On the other hand, vertical cabinets may retain some of their contents if it’s not too heavy. If in doubt, empty the cabinet to avoid having to empty it on moving day when things can get misplaced.

2. Small Loose Items

Desks like to collect things. Little things such as paper clips, white out bottles, and pens. Although the doors of your desks should be taped, it’s easy for the tape to come undone and for little items to shower the ground, creating serious risks during the move. It’s best to empty out desks of everything to make it lighter and less risky for things to fall out.

With a little organization and preparation, your large items will be lighter on the day of your move.

Nilson Van offers professional services for commercial moves/business relocations. Contact us today to find out how we can help during your next commercial move.

Interstate residential moves mean that your moving company will be driving a long distance to get your belongings to your new home. When the distance is a factor in your move, weight becomes a significant concern in determining the final cost.

Moving companies handle this by writing the contract for your move in one of two ways: as a binding or non-binding estimate.

For residential moves, we will briefly discuss the characteristics of a binding and non-binding estimate:

1. Binding Estimate

A binding estimate involves setting a fixed price for your move that will not change on the day of your move. This type of assessment can give you peace of mind by knowing how much you’ll spend ahead of time. However, baseline binding estimates are generally higher to account for weight variances.

The challenge with binding estimates is that you must know what will be moved and what will not. If there are new items to move on the day of your move, and those items were outside of the original estimate, you may incur an additional fee. This variable can be overcome by having a clear understanding of what will be moved and what will stay behind.

If there are items that aren’t readily visible (such as an outdoor tool shed), the moving company may not be able to provide a binding estimate. This uncertainty is because the weight of your belongings, in this case, cannot be accurately determined.

2. Non-Binding Estimate

A non-binding estimate gives you a specific number before your move, but that number may change depending on the final weight of your items on the day of your move. If the final weight of your belongings is higher than the original estimate, you’ll end up paying more for your move. If the weight is lower than the initial estimate, you’ll pay less.

If you’re unsure which items are going to be included in your final move or have items that are not visible during your estimate, it may be necessary to perform a non-binding estimate.

At Nilson Van, we do our best to give the most accurate estimates for residential moves. Contact one of our moving professionals today to get your moving process in motion.

Moving in the military can get expensive, especially if you aren’t aware of the government benefits available for moving expenses. If you’re faced with a permanent change of station, you’re entitled to specific benefits to help decrease your out-of-pocket expenses. However, navigating the details of your benefits can be a headache in itself. Luckily, there are plenty of online resources to help you understand your benefits.

Information about expense benefits for moving in the military can be found in a couple of places:

The IRS Website

The IRS website may not be visually appealing, but it’s the most accurate place to obtain information about your moving expense benefits. Specifically, Publication 521 covers all types of moving deductions, including information for members of the armed forces.

Websites for Military Personnel

Several websites like military.com, goarmy.com, and stripes.com provide excellent information about military benefits, including moving expense benefits for members of the armed forces. These sites are geared towards helping military members understand the specifics of military life, including the government benefits that come with service.

The more you know about your covered military expenses and allowances, the less you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket when it comes time to move. Take advantage of the assistance provided to you for your courageous service!

When it comes to moving in the military, Nilson Van has an exceptional track record in helping members of the armed forces move trouble-free. Contact us about our military services. We’re happy to help you plan your next military move.