3 Things to Do When Relocating a Business

If you are in the first steps of the business relocation process, you may be feeling overwhelmed. There are a lot of factors to consider, and it is often difficult to know who should handle which tasks and when. At Nilson Van & Storage, we have just the tips you need to ensure your business move goes off without a hitch. Keep reading for the three things you need to do when relocating a business.

#1: Start with a Moving Plan

Just like any process in your business, having a plan in place saves time and keeps everyone on the same page. Your employees need to know what their responsibilities are in the moving process up front and will also appreciate a timeline for the move. Being as organized and clear as you can in the beginning will keep the moving process running as smoothly as possible.

#2: Donate Any Office Equipment and Other Items You No Longer Need

The less equipment, furniture, and technology items you have to move, the better. Now is a good time to take a careful assessment of your business belongings and identify the items that are no longer in use. Being able to donate those items now will save you time and money and will help you to do something good for other small businesses or individuals who could benefit.

#3: Consider Hiring a Pro Moving Company

Want to know the absolute best thing you can do to ensure the success of your business move? Let the pros do it. It’s amazing how much easier and more organized the entire process will be when you have the experts make it happen for you. After all, you still have a company to run, so it’s unlikely you have the extra time or staff available to accomplish moving tasks correctly and in a timely fashion. By hiring a pro moving team, you can continue to focus your efforts on your business operations and growth—even during the move.

Connect with our team at Nilson Van & Storage online now or call 800-845-2682 to get services for your upcoming business relocation. Whether you need a free quote for your move, or just have some questions to ask, one of our friendly team members is happy to help.

Tips and Tricks on Packing Clothes for a Big Move

Finding efficient ways to pack your clothes away for your residential move will save you effort and headaches when it’s time to unpack at your new residence. Rather than having to dig through boxes, hoping to find what you need, you’ll know exactly which box holds your favorite sweater.

Here are the top tips and tricks from the team at Nilson Van & Storage for packing clothes like a pro:

#1: Get Rid of Anything You Aren’t Wearing

Moving is the perfect time to cut back on excess stuff. If you haven’t worn a clothing item in a year, get rid of it. It’s just taking up unnecessary space in your life! The less you have to pack away and move, the easier your job is, and the less clutter you will have in your new space.

#2: Make Sure Clothes Are Clean Before You Pack

The last thing you want is to open boxes of clothes at your new home and find they are stinky or dirty. Make sure you launder everything before it goes in a box.

#3: Pack Valuable Clothing Items in Garment Bags

Whether it’s a special gown or your grandmother’s fur stole, it’s a good idea to take extra care when transporting. You can buy inexpensive garment bags to protect these items when packing and moving.

#4: Organize as You Pack

Even if your drawers are a disorganized mess, you can take this time to organize your clothing. Put t-shirts in one box, sweaters in another. Even if they are just different sections in one box, packing in categories will make your life easier when you unpack.

If you need some help ensuring your clothes are neat, tidy, and organized for your move, turn to the professionals at Nilson Van & Storage. Whether you need additional moving tips or would like our experienced movers to take it from here, we ensure we can make your upcoming residential move more efficient.

Questions to Ask a Moving Company for a Military Relocation

Although you may feel like you are a moving pro since you have likely done it before, you need to ensure you have the best team for the job when it comes to your upcoming military relocation. Not all moving companies are the same. In fact, if you’ve moved a lot while in the military, you’ve probably experienced some unsatisfactory results.

To avoid a worst-case scenario for your next move, here are two questions to ask a potential moving company before you hire them:

Question #1: Do the Movers Understand the PCS Process?

The Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, is the way the military identifies moving. Once you receive PCS orders, you need to determine which of three options you will choose for your move. These options include:

  • Letting the military moving you
  • Hiring a private company to handle the move
  • Using a combination of the previous two moving methods

The right moving company can help you determine which option is ideal for your moving process and budget.

Question #2: Do the Movers Understand the Reimbursement Process?

If you decide to hire a private company to perform your military move, you can expect the US military to reimburse your fees. The amount they will pay-out is dependent on certain guidelines and factors; it can be difficult to know what the amount of the reimbursement will be unless you are knowledgeable about the specific formulas the military uses. Ask the movers you are considering if they understand the formulas and reimbursement process. Choosing a company that is familiar will help you to keep your move within your budget.

At Nilson Van & Storage, we have been helping families with their military relocations for years. We are intimately familiar with the details and guidelines necessary to make your move hassle-free and on budget. Connect with us online now to get a free quote for your upcoming move.

Moving Tips to Be Thankful for This Year

Moving can be a major headache, but with the right moving tips you will be feeling a spirit of thankfulness instead of stress. When you work with a professional moving company, tasks that seemed overwhelming and difficult become easy. Keep reading for the three moving tips that will make you feel more than thankful this year.

Tip #1: Creating a System Saves Time and Your Sanity

If you have ever gone through a move where you resorted to throwing things in boxes to get the job done, you know how problematic that strategy is. By having a packing system in place, you can avoid chaos and will know exactly where things should go as you pack and where to find them when you unpack. The right strategy will involve labeling boxes and organizing what will go where before you pack a single item. Then, on move-in day, you will simply unpack the correct boxes for each room and make yourself at home.

Tip #2: Get to Know Your New Neighborhood or Town before the Move

By researching or visiting your new town in advance, you’ll be able to scope out all of the most important spots. Find out where the post office is, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and, most importantly, the coffee and pizza shops, so you won’t have to spend time figuring it out when you get there.

Tip #3: Use a Professional Moving Company to Make Moving a Cinch

Perhaps the most important tip to be thankful for is lining up an experienced moving company to handle the job for you. The right team will save you tremendous amounts of time and effort and ensure your items arrive at their destination safely and in a timely fashion. You can focus on letting you and your family adjust to your new home and let them handle the rest.

Turn to the expert movers at Nilson Van & Storage for the professional moving services you need. We are here to offer all the moving tips to usher in a spirit of thankfulness no matter what time of the year you move. Connect with us online now for a free quote.

4 Foolproof Tips for a Cross-Country Move

If you are planning a cross-country move, follow these four foolproof tips to make the move as smooth as possible.

A cross-country move will really test your mettle. Here are four foolproof tips to make the task a bit easier.

#1 Plan, Plan, Plan

The better organized you are, the better off you’ll be. Begin at least three months ahead, if possible, by making or downloading checklists. Get estimates from moving companies and plan the moving dates. Also, it’s time to begin to collect moving materials and start to go through your belongings.

#2 Be Ruthless

Now is the time to clean out those closets, drawers, the basement, garage, and attic. The cost of a long-distance move depends on weight – and everything weighs something. If you don’t love it, haven’t used it, or don’t need it, then don’t take it. Make piles in each room labeled donate, discard, or pack. That way, when it comes time to pack you will have already gone through everything.

#3 Hire an Experienced, Reputable Moving Company

Cost is a factor, but the cheapest isn’t necessarily best. Do plenty of research and ask lots of questions before you make your final decision. A cross-country move is stressful enough without having to deal with a scam or inexperienced movers.

#4 Consider Your New Space

Will your new home be smaller or a different style than your current one? Perhaps that oversized sectional couch just won’t fit in your new home. Decide NOW not to take it.
Maybe you’ll have less wall space to hang pictures. Will the kitchen have enough storage space for all those appliances you seldom use? Be thoughtful about what you take with you.

When there is a cross-country move in your future, call us at Nilson Van & Storage for expert advice and a free estimate. We’ll give you peace of mind knowing that your precious belongings are in secure hands.

Don’t Get Tricked: Why You Should Always Hire Professional Movers

To reduce the stress of moving, always hire professional movers to do the job right.

You’re moving! There are so many things to do. Here’s why hiring professional movers should be one of the first decisions you make.

Movers vs. Friends and Family

Unless you are moving into a dorm or your first apartment, you probably have more heavy furniture than your friends or family want to handle. Not to mention that the last question friends want to hear is the “do you want to help me move?”

Professional movers have the training and experience to squeeze your sofa through the doorway and up and down the stairs without damaging the sofa or the doorway. Can you say the same for Uncle Bob?

Insurance and Loss

Professional moving companies carry insurance against damage to your belongings or injury to one of your moving professionals. If your cousin drops your framed diploma, is she going to give you $300 to have it redone?

Things have a way of disappearing during a move. A moving company will inventory your belongings and compensate you for any losses, should the need arise.

Packing

By the time you have purchased all the packing material, boxes, and tape required for packing, you probably have saved very little. You could use that time to organize your things for the move.

Proper Tools

There are times when furniture needs dismantling. Bed frames, dressers, mirrors, TVs, and light fixtures are just a few of the things that need taking down or apart. Professional movers bring the proper tools to handle all these situations. They also bring dollies, blankets, rollers, and hoists to get delicate or heavy pieces loaded and unloaded.

No matter how organized you are, moving is stressful. For peace of mind, security, and reliability, always hire professional movers. For more information on moving services, call Nilson Van & Storage today to speak with one of our friendly specialists.

Don’t Let an International Move Spook You: 5 Tips For a Successful Relocation

An international move requires meticulous planning. Let these five tips help you have a successful relocation.

You’re planning an international move. Whether it’s a long-term dream come true or an unexpected job transfer, successful relocation requires meticulous planning. Follow these five tips to make it go smoothly.

Tip #1: Make a Checklist

Create a timeline using a checklist detailing what needs doing. Begin about 90 days before the move. Excellent checklists are available online, or you can create your own.

Tip #2: Gather Your Records

Plan to obtain medical and immunization records, your children’s school records, renew passports, and get information about visas. Determine if you need an international driver’s license. Having proper documentation is critical to a smooth international move.

Tip #3: Select Your International Moving Company

Relocation specialists can answer all of your questions regarding customs and what you can and cannot ship to your destination country. Be sure to select an experienced, reputable international moving company that can help you every step of the way.

#4 Sort Your Belongings

Decide what you will take, what you will store, and what you will sell. Much of these decisions depend on your country of destination and the duration of your stay. Shipping is very costly, so you should be ruthless in taking only what you really need.

#5 Pack Up

Make a detailed inventory of each box. Take photos of the contents. If you pack yourself, leave the boxes open so the moving company can verify the contents to speed up the customs process.

If an international move is in your future, call us at Nilson Van & Storage today to speak to one of our service professionals. We can take the mystery out of your relocation and help you and your belongings arrive smoothly and safely, no matter your destination.

How to Move Efficiently on a Time Crunch

Are you pulling your hair out, trying to move efficiently while in a time crunch? In a perfect world, you would have plenty of time to plan and execute a move. Sometimes, however, time is not available. Here are some tips for how you can do it without losing your sanity.

Make and prioritize a list of things you need to do. Include items like the electric company, phone, and cable company.

Work Room by Room

Completing a room at a time helps with organization and alleviates overwhelm.

Make Piles

Organize three piles: pack, give away, throw away. Don’t move anything that you don’t need. You might not have time to assess every item, but purging and culling can lighten the load.

Try to have everything you need on hand, so you don’t have to stop to run out and buy more.

Color Code the Boxes

Color coding helps with the unpacking at your new home. When you get there, you will know exactly where each box belongs, saving time and avoiding searching and moving things around.

Create a ‘Necessity Box’

Create a box of necessities and keep it with you in your car instead of the moving truck. If something goes wrong, you will have this box with you. The box should include prescriptions, cell phones, eyeglasses – whatever you need if you must do without your things for a day or two.

Focus and Plan

Stay focused on the tasks at hand and plan meticulously. Be calm and don’t let panic take over.

Moving is an arduous and stressful task – no matter how much time you have. Call us today and let the moving professionals at Nilson Van & Storage. We can help you make your local, national, or international move as efficient and painless as possible.

What to Expect from a Professional Moving Company

You have done your research and settled on a professional moving company. The problem is, you feel anxious because you don’t know how they work. We’re here to help. Here’s what to expect from professional movers.

Careful Assessment

A good moving company will assess your home and your belongings and give you a quote for your move. This allows them to plan for the amount of truck space and the number of movers needed for your relocation. It also allows you to plan your budget accordingly.

Guaranteed Timely Arrival

As professionals, movers should be punctual and alert you if there are any delays. You can expect them to come in branded vehicles big enough to accommodate all of your belongings.

World-Class Safety on Moving Day

Before moving, pro movers will apply precautionary measures. They will bring along equipment such as dollies, floor runners, furniture pads, carpet protectors, and thick moving blankets to protect your flooring and your belongings.

Loading the Truck

Your movers will load everything on the truck properly securing the heavy items with straps to prevent shifting. Be sure to do a final walk-through to ensure that they didn’t miss anything or leave anything behind.

Delivering Your Items to Your New Home

You have arrived in your new place. What happens now? The movers will unload your possessions, and you will confirm if anything is missing or damaged. They will put boxes in the right rooms if the boxes are appropriately marked and will help to make sure the furniture is where you want it.

You don’t have to go it alone when it comes to your residential move. Get the peace of mind and security that comes with hiring a professional moving company. Contact the experienced experts at Nilson Van and Storage to get a quote for your upcoming move.

Moving Safety Tips for Businesses

Moving your business is a big job, be it a local or long-distance move. How do you handle it smoothly and safely? Below are some little-known safety tips to follow:

Be the Early Bird

Planning is critical and it’s the key to moving success. You can create a plan yourself or involve your employees, which helps eliminate last minute panics. The key is to plan carefully and plan early. As soon as you decide to relocate, it’s time to start planning the move.

Choose Your Mover Carefully

When choosing a professional mover, be sure to choose an insured company, because accidents happen. To avoid them as much as possible, be sure the moving company has experience moving your type of business and the types of furniture, items, electronics, and equipment that you use to run your business.

Simple Labelling

Being organized prevents a moving nightmare. When everything is properly marked, it allows the efficient retrieval of things in the new location. You can do this by marking the packing boxes and including a brief description of the contents.

Make Computers and Cables Feel at Home

Computers are delicate and deserve proper handling. When possible, pack them in their manufacturer’s boxes. Be sure your movers know how to handle this type of equipment properly. Cables and cords should be appropriately labeled and stored in zip-locked bags. This will help keep the right cables with the right electronic equipment and can prevent a tangled mess when you get to your new location.

Don’t try to move your business on your own. Get the help of seasoned professionals you can trust. Contact our team at Nilson Van for the best commercial moving team in the region.