Category: Blog

Learn the tips to simplify residential moves.

Residential moves can be fairly simple for those who are well-prepared. Having a plan definitely helps things flow easily from one home to another. Having the right tools on hand is also an essential part of the process. Moving without the right materials can lead to damaged belongings and wasted time. For example, having the right number and size of boxes can make all the difference.

Consider the following when deciding how many boxes you need for your residential move:

Ease of Transport

While it may be possible to cram all of your belongings into three appliance size boxes, it probably isn’t your best bet. First, the boxes would be tremendously heavy and take more effort to move than the savings would be worth. Second, it would be hard to organize your things in a way that protected them from damage. You don’t want to have to repurchase your belongings once you move to your next house, so take care when selecting your moving supplies.

Box Alternatives

Most everything you move should be stored in a box to make transport as easy as possible. Flat boxes are more stable when stacked on one another than when pushed in around loosely packed items. Even floor lamps are better off in a box, because it’s protected from the bumps of the road.

There are a few alternatives to cardboard boxes, however. Drawers can be packed with clothes and other soft items. Large pieces of furniture are often wrapped in moving blankets. Fragile or specialty items–like fine china and electronics—can be packed in containers specifically suited to their shapes.

Professional moving companies often recommend the amount of supplies you’ll need based on the size of your home and how long you’ve been there. The adage of “less is more” does not apply on moving day. When in doubt, opt for more boxes than you need. Not only will you have all your necessary supplies on hand, you’ll be more likely to pack in a way that is injury and damage free.

Preparing for a residential move is never easy, but having professional movers on your side helps. If you’re in the Columbia, SC, area, contact Nilson Van for expert help for residential moves.

Learn how to the streamline the process of moving in the military.

Moving in the military is just part of the life. If you’re enlisted or if you’re married to someone who is, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the process. Using a handful of resources can make your transitions easy as can be.

Once you have your moving orders, be sure to look into the following:

Meet with the appropriate branch office.

Each branch of the military does things a little bit differently, which can confuse the process a little. After you receive orders, members of the Army will make an appointment with the Installation Transportation Office to discuss the particulars of your move and get the process started.

Members of the Air Force should meet with someone from the Traffic Management Office. Both the Navy and the Marine Force plan moves through the Personal Property Shipping Office. Coast Guard members go through the Household Goods Shipping Office, and those employed through the Department of Defense plan through the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office. You can also visit the Defense Personal Property System online.

Contact the family center at your new location.

That’s right; the family center where you are doesn’t have much help to offer besides support. Reach out to the center at your up-and-coming installation for help in getting established in your new home. Again, depending on the branch you’re in, these can go by different names. You’ll be making a call to the Army Community Service Center, Air Force Family Service Center, Marine Corps Community Service Center, Navy Fleet and Family Support Center, National Guard Family Assistance Center, or something similar.

Talk to the housing office.

You’ll need help finding new digs, but you’ll have special instructions for clearing out too. Contact your current housing office as well as the one at your new installation, just be prepared to be placed on a waiting list and ask about your options in the meantime.

Contact available movers for a quote.

Early in the process, you’ll receive a list of approved military movers. Look for an experienced company with a straightforward estimate process and guaranteed quotes. Keep in mind, it may be necessary for them to visit your home to get a good sense of how much time and materials will be needed to move your household.

Find out about moving in the military from the professionals at Nilson Van; contact us or call 844-668-3721 to learn more about the process.

Learn how you can simplify when moving internationally.

Moving internationally will be one of the most nerve-wracking things you accomplish, but you can simplify the process by keeping certain paperwork on you during the move. Do not place it in checked luggage and keep copies on a USB drive you keep on your person, just in case your carry-on gets stolen.

The following documents can make or break your initial days in any new country:

• Passports: Passports should absolutely never be placed in checked luggage. They shouldn’t be copied straight to disc either. Certain modifications should be made to prevent anyone who might come across the files into using them to steal your identity. Just make sure enough is left intact to prove who you are in a pinch.
• Birth certificates and certificates of citizenship: Every person in your moving party should have a certified copy of their birth certificate handy. Certified copies are notarized and are not merely photocopies. They also aren’t the fancy adorned copies you might have received from the hospital. Official copies can be purchased through the courthouse in the county where you were born or requested through the mail. If you’ve changed nationality, make sure to bring a copy of those papers along as well.
• Marriage, divorce, adoption, and child custody paperwork: If you’re attempting to leave the country with a child, you will absolutely need proof that you’re able to legally make that decision. Without it, expect to have your trip delayed.
• Important contact information: From your old doctor’s office to your new utility companies, it helps to collect all of the numbers you may need in an emergency before you travel. Keep these on paper with the rest of your things, just in case something happens to your phone.
• New lease, lodging, or purchase agreement: Whether you need help finding your new place or just need to prove residency, having an official agreement or receipt can go a long way in being taken seriously.

Those with special needs may also want to carry copies of their medical or dental records, travel insurance, or other essential paperwork. Being prepared for the worst will help you stay safe and secure while you establish your new residence overseas.

Plan now for moving internationally. Contact us to learn from the moving pros at Nilson Van how to make the process of moving internationally as easy as possible.

Here’s what you can expect for business relocations.

Business relocations can take a lot longer than you think. Planning in advance helps manage the stress, but if you can work with an experienced mover, you’ll wind up avoiding common problems.

Consider how the following can cause delays in your office move:

• Property renovations: Many times a space needs to be renovated before you can move in. This part of the process is the most tenuous. Contractors can be notoriously difficult to work with, so take your time in selecting the right company for each job. Also, schedule them by order of priority. If you need modifications for your property to meet regulations, square those away first, and worry about installing new lighting later.
• Lease negotiations: Whether you’re battling things out with a former landlord, creating a new agreement with someone else, or purchasing a property, negotiations can wreak havoc on your business. Make sure you get a written contract before you find a mover.
• Hiring a mover: The easiest and fastest way to schedule a mover is inviting someone to your office to look over your equipment and furnishings. This allows you to receive a written, guaranteed quote. Make sure you get quotes for different levels of service too. You may find the fees for packing or storage are much less than you assume.
• Packing items for a move: Too many office managers make the mistake of having their staff pack up the business. First, this opens you up to liabilities. If someone is injured, you could face a worker’s compensation claim or damages to equipment that won’t be covered by your insurance policy. Also, it takes longer, breeds resentment, and usually isn’t done very well.

Depending upon the area to which you are moving, the amount of equipment you have to shift over, and the complications of the changes that need to be made to a property before business begins, you could be looking at several months of waiting for tasks to be done. Work with an experienced team to help you move from point A to point B with the least worries.

Find out how long commercial moves really take. Call 844-668-3721 and request a free, guaranteed quote from Nilson Van.

Learn how residential moves work when you go out of state.

Residential moves out of state are a little more complicated than moving down the street. Thankfully, there are many ways to ensure you wind up well-established in your new home. The right advice will make your move as easy as possible.

Before you start planning your out-of-state move, consider the following:

• Your budget: The renting process changes from state to state and landlord to landlord. Certain areas require first and last month’s rent, along with a deposit of the same amount. Other areas have sizeable utility deposits for water or electricity. If you’re buying instead of renting, look for an affordable house in a good area. It’s advisable to keep your monthly housing expenses under one-third of your budget.
• Your belongings: Cutting down on clutter is a good idea before you move. Figure out the furniture and belongings you want to keep. Measure large pieces of furniture and compare them to your new space. You don’t want to pay to move a bulky couch or chair that winds up stuck in the hallway.
• Moving services: Once you know what you’ll be taking with you, moving companies will have an easier time of providing accurate quotes. Prepare for company reps to visit your home. Unless done in person, estimates can’t be guaranteed.
• Necessary moving supplies: If you’re hiring a packer and mover, you won’t need to worry as much about supplies. If you’re packing on your own, plan to purchase small- and medium-sized boxes, moving blankets, carts, and packing tape to protect your belongings in transit.
• Essential contact numbers: The day of your move, you’ll want the number of your new landlord or realtor, utility companies, and service providers all in one space, right along with contact info for your moving company. You may want the numbers for your old ones too, just in case there are problems entering your old residence to shut off your services. Make sure you have these printed out. Moving day is a hectic time, but planning for the worst can help you out of any situation.

Moving companies can help you transition during residential moves. Call our expert moving team at Nilson Van at 800-845-2682 to learn about professional pricing for residential moves.

Does moving in the military really break the bank?

Moving in the military is just a part of normal life for military families, and it happens often enough that smart moving companies have created valuable, affordable relocation plans for those in service. These are the providers who’ve spent years fine-tuning their skill sets to meet the needs of military homeowners, and in doing so, they’ve been awarded GSA approval, so you know who to trust.

Here are just a few ways using a military-mover impacts cost:

Full-packing services

Most military moves are full-service. This cuts down on the time it takes to complete the move, which is the biggest expense. The total weight of your items will have a big impact on the bottom line, but professionals have an advantage. They know how to pack your items for easy stacking, allowing your possessions to fit in a smaller truck. Smaller trucks cost less too, and they often use less fuel. All of these elements combined can lead to a surprisingly affordable full-service package.

Provided packing materials

While many people forget to figure these items into the cost of a move, everything from tape to cardboard boxes add up in some way. Free boxes you get on the curb pose the biggest threat to your budget if, for instance, they turned out to be infested with cockroaches. If you need specialty packing items for china plates or electronics, those will also add to your costs, but they’re often included in the price if you’re using professional movers.

Gas, dolly rentals, and “insurance”

If you decide to go DIY to keep your costs low, renting a moving van is likely in your future. Don’t forget about the high cost of gas to get from one destination to another, and watch out for random fees on your total bills. From driving insurance you don’t need to cleaning and other miscellaneous fees, your cheap move could turn out much more expensive than anticipated.

Getting a guaranteed quote can go a long way to calm your nerves when you have to move in the military, so call 844-668-3721 today to get your free quote from the friendly professionals at Nilson Van.

What’s the best way to get established when moving internationally?

Moving internationally can be nerve-wracking, especially when you don’t have many contacts in-country. Work with an experienced moving company that provides destination services. These can ensure you get your property as soon as possible and increase your chances of everything being in tip-top shape once it arrives.

Here are just a few of the benefits you get with destination service:

• Auto relocations

Not every moving company is capable of handling oversea vehicle moves. They can be especially tricky if you have an auto with a powerful engine or advanced computer systems. The right business will be able to pack your car securely, move it without incident and help you take possession of it upon arrival. There may be a waiting period, but you’ll have assistance in tackling any obstacles that come your way.

• Temporary storage

If you’ve moved to a country and discovered – like many Americans do – that you have too much to fit comfortably in your new home, it’s important to find reliable storage. Facilities can protect your belongings from both thieves and environmental conditions.

• Filing claims for broken or lost items

Trusted destination service providers will help you in filing claims in the event any of your possessions are broken or lost. They won’t give you the run around. In contrast, they often go the extra mile to make sure you get problems resolved quickly and to your satisfaction.

If you’re moving internationally, it’s essential to work with a South Carolina-based company that has contacts overseas. The professional team at Nilson Van understands the ins and outs of moving internationally and we are here to help you, so call us today at 800-845-2682.

How much can you rely on staff during commercial moves?

Commercial moves are tedious but necessary to help your business grow. It’s easy to keep your costs low by hiring the best company for the job. Unfortunately, some business owners attempt to save even more by giving their staff the brunt of the work. That’s a bad idea that can cost everyone more than it’s worth.

If you’re wondering how much to ask of your staff during your business move, consider the following:

• Your employees have personal items at work.

Pictures, clothing, tech devices, and other belongings sometimes get left at work for the sake of convenience. To prevent company and personal claims from intermixing, your employees should pack and move any of their personal property from your old location to your new one.

• Your business relies on certain information to make profits every day.

Back up your CRM, your payroll, and other programs. Store copies on removable media kept in possession of a trusted employee or store the information on the cloud.

• Certain items are restricted.

Plants, chemicals, and perishable food items are just a few of the things you’ll be expected to move on your own. Staff may not be able to help with all of them, so make sure you talk to someone at your moving company about alternatives. They may have special services to cover these goods.

• Finally, your staffers aren’t trained to pack items.

As menial as the job might seem, packing and loading boxes for moving really is a skill honed through experience. Done poorly, it can lead to damage or personal injury. It can also affect the value protection plans available through your mover, so in most instances, it’s best to let the professionals handle the job. It will likely be more affordable than you’re expecting.

Find out how much commercial moves really cost. Call our friendly moving professionals at Nilson Van by calling 844-668-3721 and request a free, guaranteed quote for your commercial move.

What essential packing materials do you need for residential moves?

Residential moves are a necessary evil for most people. The chances of living in one home for life have dwindled remarkably over the years. It’s much more common now to move several times during your life, so know what you’ll need to make the transition go as smoothly as possible.

The following materials will keep your possessions organized and safe and make it easier to move them back and forth:

• Cardboard boxes

While at first you may inclined to ask for boxes from the store or a friend, doing so might wind up being your biggest mistake. Of all the moving supplies you get, make sure your boxes are either new or from a trustworthy source. Those used boxes from the grocery story could be infested with moth larvae. The boxes you got from your friend may have compromised strength. Add in South Carolina’s famous humidity, and you could have a box rip when you’re halfway down a stairway.

Make sure you have plenty of medium-sized boxes too. They’re easier to carry than large ones, and they can be filled with smaller boxes of like items for maximum portability and organization.

• Packing tape

As ridiculous as it seems, some people try to avoid buying a $4 roll of tape by tucking in their box tops. What they don’t realize is the lumpy result will prevent boxes from stacking neatly inside a moving truck. Plus, untaped boxes are far more likely to spill their contents!

• Poster markers

This is especially true if you’re using professional movers. Using a thick marker, label each box in the room you want them to wind up in, be it a kitchen, bathroom or “Bedroom #1.” This kind of simple system really speeds up unloading and unpacking.

• Butcher paper

Purchased in thick rolls, this paper resists dirt and oil, while providing protection for even your delicate items. You don’t need to buy expensive bubble wrap. If butcher paper isn’t available, call the local paper and ask if they sell end rolls of newsprint. You can generally get a surprising amount for one or two dollars.

• Packing blankets

If you have large pieces of furniture, large appliances, or other bulky items, you can purchase, rent, or borrow moving blankets to keep them protected during a move. Blankets come in many different styles too, from those with extra cushion to those with plush exteriors and insulation.

Moving companies often get cast-off supplies after residential moves, so adding them into your moving plan can cost very little extra. Call our friendly team at Nilson Van today at 800-845-2682 to learn more about professional pricing for residential moves.

Who handles payments when you’re moving in the military?

Moving in the military is a given, but it’s not always clear who pays for all of the expenses. Does the military help you move from one side of the country to the other or overseas? Will they pay for storage while you’re out of the country? Read on while Nilson Van answers your biggest questions.

What moving assistance is available from the military?

It’s important to meet with a few different departments before planning your move. Your rank, where you’re moving from (and to), and your family make-up can all impact the assistance available to you. Regulations are constantly changing too, so you may wind up losing or gaining benefits from the last time you changed bases. It’s essential to set up appointments with the Finance Office, the Relocation Office, and the Travel Office to get a comprehensive list of the allowances available to you.

Basic Military Moving Benefits

Like many employers, the military will help pay for your moving expenses for a move needed for work. Typically, you will hire a moving company that will pack and move your belongings, storing any that need to be stored either long-term or temporarily, as well as certain travel and lodging expenses.

In order to pay for these services in advance of your move, you can apply for an advance of up to 80 percent of your expected costs. If you spend more than your advance during your move, additional help is available through a number of organizations, including Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and the Air Force Aid Society.

You can file for an advance 2 – 3 weeks before your move. You will be asked to create a repayment plan at the time you file. Don’t worry. Once your move is complete, you simply file the receipts and paperwork to be reimbursed, and repay the loan out of those fees. However, it’s important to pay attention to how your repayment plan is established. You can often stretch them out as long as 12 months.

Personally Procured Move Program

If you’re familiar with military moves, you may have heard of DITY moves or Do-It-Yourself moves, where people received financial incentives to pack and haul their own property instead of hiring professionals. While these are still available, they’ve been renamed personally procured moves, or PPMs.

Upon receiving an estimated cost for professional moving, you may request an advance of up to 60 percent of this amount used for purchasing your supplies, renting moving equipment, gas, travel expenses and the like. Upon completion of your move, you receive 95 percent of your estimated cost.

By opting for a PPM, you miss out on the expertise a professional, experienced moving company can provide, as well as the practical value of having your items securely packed and stored. However, you may wind up with a little extra money as a result of putting your sweat equity to work.

If you’re worried about moving in the military, talk to the experts at Nilson Van and to get a free quote you can trust.