Category: Blog

If only moving to a new country was as easy as they make it look in the movies. Unfortunately, it involves more than packing some large suitcases and hugging your friends goodbye at the airport. There are a lot of steps involved, and it can feel more than a little overwhelming.

What is the best way to begin the process? Take it one step at a time. We have three things to do before moving to a new country to help you get started on the right foot.

#1: Start Planning Immediately

The sooner you create and follow a plan, the smoother the entire process will go. The plan should include anyone helping you move, an international move checklist, and a schedule to help you stay on track with each task.

#2: Organize Your Documents

It’s essential to know as soon as possible what documents and paperwork you will need for the country to which you are moving. Contact immigration right away to get the list of required paperwork. This will give you ample time to collect the documents and get the process rolling. It’s never a good idea to put this task off to the last minute because delays are inevitable.

You’ll also need to collect legal and personal documents like passports, birth certificates, and medical and education records. Keep them in a safe, easily-accessible place so you will have them when you need them.

#3: Contact Experienced International Movers

No need to Google every question you have about moving to another country when our reliable international movers are here to guide you. From creating a customized moving abroad checklist to packing and transporting your belongings, we take the stress and hassle out of the process of moving to a new country. We can even help you unpack and get settled once you arrive at your destination.

Ready to tackle this upcoming move? Take a deep breath and get in touch with our friendly team at Nilson Van and Storage to schedule moving services with the best international moving company in the area.

Is moving food a good idea for your upcoming relocation? You may be trying to determine how much of your food you can or should pack up and haul to your new residence. While no one wants to waste food, you should know a few things when it comes time to pack food for moving. Let’s dig in…

Top Tips on How to Move Food

Here are the best strategies for moving food:

#1: Eat as much as you can before the move.

Go ahead and have a cleaning-out-the-freezer dinner party. The less you have to transport, the easier it will be for you.

#2: Pack only food items you think will travel safely.

If you transport frozen or refrigerated food a long distance, you may risk food safety issues unless you have the proper storage equipment. If there’s any question about food safety, it’s better to err on the side of caution. One option is to hire a refrigerated truck for the transport if you have large quantities of frozen or refrigerated food that you don’t want to lose. They can make your task to pack a fridge for moving much easier and safer.

#3: Avoid moving canned goods—they weigh a lot!

Because canned goods are heavy, they can add quite a bit to your moving expenses if your rate is based on weight. Further, canned goods are cheap, so it will likely cost you more to move them than the food is worth. A better plan is to donate canned goods to a local shelter or soup kitchen.

Keep in mind—these tips are for people who want to learn how to pack up their own food for a move. If you are using a moving company, check with your coordinator about their policy for transporting food. In some areas, laws prohibit companies from moving perishable goods.

For more tips on moving food, strategies to pack a fridge for moving, and other best practices for your upcoming relocation, reach out to the friendly experts at Nilson Van and Storage.

If you’re facing a corporate or business relocation, what you need are company move money-saving tips. Moving an office is a huge undertaking, and watching the bottom line is a priority. We’ve got four ways you can save money when moving your company.

#1: Plan, Plan, Plan

Planning and scheduling as far ahead of your move as you can is critical. The closer to the move date you schedule your moving company, the more you’ll pay. Get a free estimate and book it as soon as you know your move date.

#2: Move During the Offseason

A relocation during the peak moving seasons, which include summer and the end of the year, will be the most expensive. Move during the offseason to save your company money.

#3: DIY Packing

You should leave some items to the professionals, like technology and fragile electronics. But most items from personal belongings to office supplies can get the DIY treatment. Get your staff on board with packing those items to save on professional packing services.

#4: Stagger Your Move

Being off the grid even for a few days can be costly to a business. Staggering your move to leave a skeleton crew at your old location while another group moves is an option for keeping your daily operations intact and will help you save money during a company move.

Every business is different with different needs. For customized money saving strategies for your business relocation, contact the experienced team at Nilson Van and Storage.

If you’re planning a move soon and need to put some of your belongings in storage, you could benefit from some simple summer storage tips. If technology is on the list of items going into a storage unit, there are some precautions you can take to protect it from the summer heat.

 

Tip #1: Understand the Different Types of Storage

Most storage facilities offer two types of units – climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled. Knowing the difference before you sign a contract is critical, especially if you have sensitive belongings that include electronics and technology. Without climate control, your items could encounter moisture, condensation, mold and mildew, and extreme swings in temperature. Technology must be in a unit that has heat in the winter and AC in the summer, as well as sealed walls and interior doors to keep the weather and moisture out.

 

Tip #2: Pack it Right

Proper packing will help keep your technology safe while in storage. When packing items in boxes, ensure there is plenty of packing paper and cushion around fragile components to provide extra protection. Don’t leave extra space at the top of packed boxes or the boxes can crush when stacked. Packing tape will help secure the boxes to protect the contents.

Summer storage risks can affect your belongings, especially your technology. Taking precautions can help protect those costly items and ensure they come out of storage in the same condition they went in. For packing, moving, and storage solutions that you can count on to keep your belongings safe any time of year, contact Nilson Van and Storage.

Moving to a new home is stressful but moving with pets takes it up a notch. They can get very anxious and confused by the increased activity, boxes and packing paper, things out of place, and routines disrupted. There are some ways to reduce the stress for both humans and animals. These three tips for moving with your pets can help.

Tip #1: Create a Pet Kit

Losing track of your pet’s food and supplies during a move is less than ideal. Instead, pack a kit full of their things, including toys, food, blankets, beds, and treats. Whatever they need to be comfortable and for you to take care of them should go in a separate bag or box that goes in the car with you.

Tip #2: Send Them to Daycare

Nothing is more stressful to an animal during a move than being stuck in the middle of the action. It can also make the process more difficult because they tend to get underfoot or can escape out the door as movers come and go while loading the truck. Send your pet to daycare, boarding, a friend or family member’s house, or lock them in a room away from the commotion.

Tip #3: Give them Time to Settle In

Just like people, pets need time to adjust to new surroundings. They might be restless and anxious in their new house, wondering where they are and when they’re going home. Get them settled by putting down their familiar beds, toys, and food dishes. And try to stay calm and give them lots of extra attention.

If you have pets and are planning a big move, don’t forget to pay attention to these tips and basic moving your pet guide to make sure they are as low-stress as possible. For more information, a free move estimate, and to schedule our team of moving professionals, contact Nilson Van and Storage.

If you’re moving to a new home this summer and are looking for some ideas to make it easier, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got the moving tips for summer that you need to make it all go smoothly.

 

Tip #1: Book Early!

Summer is the busiest time for families to relocate, which means it’s also the busiest time for moving companies. So, it’s essential to book your moving team as soon as you have a date for your move.

 

Tip #2: Give Yourself Plenty of Prep Time

The more time you have for preparations, the better off you’ll be. Decluttering, organizing, and packing take time. The sooner you can get those things underway, the better off you’ll be come move day. If you don’t have time for all that needs doing, a reliable moving company will offer packing services to take some of the pressure and work off your plate.

 

Tip #3: Watch the Heat

Summer can be sweltering and moving is a stressful and labor-intensive undertaking. Be aware of the heat and prepare by wearing light clothing and make sure to stay hydrated and in the shade as much as possible. Your movers will be grateful if you provide bottled water or cool beverages to make sure the heat doesn’t get to them either.

Heavy lifting can be a lot to manage along with everything else that goes with a move, especially during the hot summer months. Hiring a team of professionals to get the work done right can help make your move seem less overwhelming and can get your belongings to your new home safely. As soon as you know what date you want to move, contact Nilson Van and Storage for a free estimate, more information on your summer moving guide, and to schedule your move.

Do you have your international move preparation checklist ready to go? If you’re facing a global move or relocation to another country, you need to prepare differently than a local or national move. We’ve got you covered with a list of tips that can help your move go smoothly.

1. As soon as you know about the move, start planning. Create a schedule that can help keep you on track.
2. Cancel your lease, sell your home, or plan to rent your current residence. Give yourself time to get this taken care of.
3. Time to cull! Nothing like moving internationally that will motivate you to declutter and get rid of things you don’t need. The more you move, the higher the cost, so start sorting your belongings now.
4. Schedule your moving company. Movers are busier now than ever, and international moves can often take longer to get on the books, so schedule them as soon as you know your move dates.
5. Check with immigration to find out what paperwork and documents you’ll need for the country you’re moving to, and start collecting them now. Sometimes it can take time to process. Don’t wait until the last minute. 
6. Collect all of your personal and legal documents to you have them handy when you get to your destination, just in case. Birth certificates, passports, legal documents, education, and medical records should all be in one place.
7. Set up banking at your destination so you can shop and pay for things without having to wait and get stuck without cash or credit when you need it.

This basic list will help you get started preparing for your move out of the country. Contact the experts at Nilson Van and Storage for more information and to schedule the most reliable international moving company in the area.

If you’re helping an elderly family member relocate, make sure you work with a senior moving service. It’s the best way to protect your loved one during a stressful time. Here’s what moving services for seniors should look like.

Experience

A team of movers that offer senior moving services should have experience. Whether your family member is moving to a smaller home, a retirement community, or an assisted living facility, experience is critical. Knowing how to help downsize or rightsize, including making the transition a positive experience, can make all the difference in reducing stress.

Packing Services

Some seniors might struggle with the physical demands of packing a home to prepare for a move. Moving services for elderly individuals must offer full packing services. The services should include providing all of the supplies, carefully packing belongings safely and securely to prevent breakage, a detailed packing list, and supervision by a team member, so your loved one doesn’t have to watch and worry.

Support Through the Process

Moving is challenging, stressful, and emotional for everyone, but seniors moving from a long-term home to someplace can feel that anxiety acutely. Having a moving team that understands what they’re going through and who can support them through the process can help reduce the anxiety and make their move feel positive. From scheduling the packing to arranging the move date and unloading at their new home, knowing you have a reliable company working to help make the entire process go smoothly will help give you and your loved one peace of mind.

Contact Nilson Van and Storage today for senior moving services you can trust to take good care of your elderly loved one from start to finish.

If you’re putting your belongings in storage for more than a few weeks, you need the right long-term storage containers. You don’t want to come back weeks, months, or even years later to find damaged items. How can you ensure your stuff has the protection it needs? By using the best boxes and containers. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard is the old standard when it comes to packing and storing your stuff. Boxes are easy to find, affordable, lightweight, sturdy, and stackable. When it comes to long-term storage, however, cardboard isn’t always king. They break down easily and deteriorate over time, they won’t protect your items from moisture, pests, or rodents.

Plastic Bins

Plastic is more expensive than cardboard, but it’s often worth the investment if you’re storing things from your home for an extended period. Like boxes, they’re easy to pack, easy to stack, and you don’t have to tape them shut, you just put on the lid. They protect your belongings from both moisture and pests, they won’t crush or buckle, and if you get clear ones, you can see what’s inside each bin.

Other Containers

Not everything will fit in a standard plastic bin. Things like TVs, electronics, large kitchen items, art, and other household large items require something more specialized. You can find specialty boxes and containers in both plastic and cardboard that hold the larger items that need protection in long-term storage.

For everything you need to keep your things safe, talk to the experts the best long-term storage containers. The team at Nilson Van and Storage has everything you need and the expertise to help make it easy. Contact them today to find out more.