5 Ways to Make the Day of a Move a Success

Are you relocating? If so, you have probably been eagerly awaiting the day you move. It’s exciting, but there is a lot to do. It can be quite stressful, but you sincerely desire a smooth transition. So, how do you make it a success? Take a look at these five tried and true tips:

#1. Update Your Address

Remember to change your address with the utility companies, banks, your employer, and the government. Also, to prevent overcharging in the final bills, take a photo of the meter readings.

#2. Don’t Take Chances

Aim to secure the services of a reputable moving company. Seek referrals from family and friends, check online reviews, and ask your friends and community groups on social media. Make sure the company you choose holds the right insurance to protect you and them.

#3. Plan for Your Arrival

If you’re moving to a rental, remember to inform the building or property manager of your estimated arrival time. This will help ensure you have access to your new home. It also helps to secure an elevator and truck parking to allow timely offloading.

#4. Plan Carefully

Sometimes moving takes longer than expected, so it’s best to prepare. Have a bag that contains water and snacks to keep you energized, a phone charger, medications, a change of clothes, and anything else you might need before you can unpack.

#5. Done? Revisit One More Time

Before leaving, double-check all rooms and outdoor spaces to confirm you didn’t leave anything behind. If it was a rented house, make sure to take photos as proof of the state you left it. This helps protect you from future complaints from your previous landlord.

The day of your move doesn’t have to be stressful. Using the tips above and hiring a reliable moving company can make it all smooth sailing. For professional movers you can count on when relocating, reach out to our team of experts at Nilson Van.

Why You Should Hire Professional Movers for Your Local Move

Are you planning a local move? One question you may be facing: should you do it yourself or hire a professional mover? Keep reading to consider your top options.

Achieve Unexpected Time Savings

No doubt, moving is time-consuming. There is planning, packing, labeling, and unpacking. Moving is never easy, especially if you have a busy schedule. If you decide to take on the moving process by yourself, you’ll likely underestimate the amount of stuff you have and the amount of time it will take. As a result, you may spend more time and money doing something professional movers could do for less of both.

Decrease Stress – Make It Easier on Yourself

Relocating is stressful, and this could take its toll on you. When you decide to move, you need to handle all of the planning, shop for packing materials and boxes, pack everything in your house, and hire a truck and movers. It may seem simple, but it’s a lot of work, especially if it’s your first time.

People love a good DIY project, but a move might not be the best time for taking it all on yourself. A reliable moving company can handle it for you, reducing your stress and your workload.

Handle Your Belongings with the Utmost Care

Imagine this: you decide to move by yourself, but unfortunately your antique piece gets damaged. It would be a bitter pill to swallow, but the good thing is, it’s totally avoidable. When you hire an experienced professional mover, you can rest easy knowing your items are in experienced, reliable, insured hands.

Plan for a Success Local Move with the Right Pro Team

A local move doesn’t have to make you pull your hair out. With the benefits they provide, a professional mover is your best bet. It’s convenient, and it can reduce your stress during what is generally a very stressful time. Contact our team at Nilson Van for the best professional movers for your local move.

3 Ways to Prepare for a Military Relocation

What steps make military moves fast and easy? We’ve got your plan for success.

Military moves can be a major source of stress. With a simple plan for staying organized, you can start your new life in a new place without pulling your hair out. Here are four ways to prepare for a military relocation:

1. Moving Company vs. DIY

Members of the military sometimes consider the Do-It-Yourself route, but your actual costs might be more when doing everything on your own. That’s especially true if items get damaged or if you injure yourself with heavy lifting. Besides, the benefits of hiring a full-service mover often pay for themselves in convenience alone. Before you make a final decision, definitely consider full-service movers.

2. Request Several Quotes

A word of warning: email and phone quotes usually aren’t binding. You need someone to come to your house, see your belongings, and talk to you about your new place to provide you with an accurate estimate in writing. You’ll want to make sure your mover is a professional and has the insurance needed to protect your goods.

3. Prepare Your Items for the Big Day

If you go the full-service route, as many military families do, you can cut down on packing time by grouping your like-items. Pile all your books in one place. Gather your garden tools into a group. You can label each bundle of items with a note about where it should go in your new home too in order to stay better organized once you arrive.

Are you looking forward to a military move? Give yourself the breathing room you need to get excited about your new home and the new opportunities you’ll find there. Contact Nilson Van for a team of experts that can provide you with low-stress military moves.

3 Things to Consider Before You Move into Your First Home

What surprises pop up during residential moves? Hope for the best while we help you prepare for the worst.

Residential moves into first homes are so much more complicated than moving between dorms or apartments. Not only do you have more responsibilities, but it takes a long time to organize your house. How can you simplify? Hiring a professional company can help. Here are three things to consider before moving into your first house:

1. Someone Has to Let Your Movers In

Having someone available to access your new home is especially important for people who are moving across the country. Whether you’re taking a plane, train, or automobile, you need to make sure someone can open the house once your movers arrive. This might mean flying in early, so a flight delay doesn’t interfere with your moving plans or connecting with your realtor in the event of an emergency.

What happens if no one’s home? It depends on the company you choose for your move. At Nilson Van, we place your items into short-term storage and will deliver them later. However, this comes at an additional cost.

2. Sometimes It’s Cheaper to Replace an Item Than to Take It With You

It’s common for someone to lug their old college sofa to their first real home and store it down in the basement. What better makings for a man cave, right? The problem is that the couch might not be worth very much. The cost of your move depends on weight and time, so a heavy item might wind up costing more to move than the item is worth. To save money, it’s a good idea to pare down your belongings before you pack.

3. To Stay Organized, Take Notes

No one wants to waste money replacing items you can’t find after a big move, but that’s what often happens when you can’t remember exactly where you put your socks or hair dryer. If you don’t label your boxes with detailed notes, you might not remember what you put in each one. It’s a good idea to mark contents down as you go, either on the outside of the box or in a notebook corresponding to your box label.

Are you facing a move into your first home? Don’t fret! Schedule your residential move with Nilson Van & Storage today to save time and money, and reduce your stress.

3 Tips for a Less Expensive and More Efficient Move

How much should you budget for commercial moves? It might cost less than you think!

Commercial moves can be tough. They interrupt business, put your property at risk, and can leave your employees in limbo, sometimes for days. Poorly organized moves can disrupt progress for weeks. Avoid all that by following these three handy tips.

1. Hire Professional Movers

Some business owners assume they have the bodies and the equipment to handle a move on their own. Unless you run a moving company, this is a losing proposition. Your employees won’t know how to pack and move items properly, and they’re likely to hurt themselves in the process, leaving you liable. Professional movers have years of experience invested in quick and convenient moving practices. We also have insurance to cover any accidents or mishaps.

2. Use a Box for Every Item

It might seem ridiculous to box up a floor lamp or a monitor, but boxes offer more than just protection. They make it easy to organize the moving van, move items on and off the truck efficiently, and to fit everything in a smaller area. Having everything in its own box speeds up unpacking and organization too, meaning you get back to work in record time.

3. Label Boxes in Detail

The age-old advice of labeling boxes with a room name is a great start for residential customers. For commercial clients? It’s important to use more detail. Homeowners benefit from detailed descriptions too, but the amount of time you’ll save as a business owner makes this a no-brainer. Don’t use “office” or “kitchen”; descriptors when you can get down to the nitty-gritty. “Customer files 2010 Q1” will let you know exactly what is in a particular box and where it has to go.

We know how important it is to keep your items safe and organized, so that you can get back to work as soon as possible. Contact Nilson Van as soon as you know about your move so you can cut costs and reduce move time during commercial moves.

Unexpected Things to Budget for During a Cross Country Move

Are you prepared for the curve balls long-distance moves can throw your way?

Long-distance moves are a pain in many ways, but a bloated budget doesn’t have to be one of them. Make room for surprise expenses in your moving plan. Being prepared can help you get into your new home without busting your budget.

Get a Written Estimate

Moving companies charge based on weight, miles, and the time it takes to move your items. A phone estimate usually isn’t binding. It’s best to schedule an in-person estimate. At Nilson Van, we can assess your needs and provide a written quote with a guaranteed price. You can also see all the fees and taxes included in the final cost.

Avoid Storage Fees

The one thing movers can’t prepare you for is a last-minute need for storage. If we arrive at your new location and aren’t able to get inside your new home or apartment, we’re not going to leave your boxes on the street. We’ll put them into temporary storage and schedule a follow-up delivery. The costs for those services can be expensive. Your contingency plan should include having someone onsite who can let us in as soon as your moving truck arrives.

Plan for Travel Expenses

Are you driving cross-country? Don’t forget to plan for food and lodging. Restaurants and hotels can gobble up your budget in no time. Consider packing meals ahead of time or relying on foods you buy fresh at the grocery store instead of the high cost of restaurants and fast food. Do some research before you go to find affordable hotels and motels on your route to your new home. Websites like Priceline and Hotwire can help you find inexpensive places to stay during a move.

What’s the best way to plan ahead? By talking to the right moving company that can help you prepare and complete your move without significant hiccups. We’ll also help you avoid unexpected costs so you can get your new life started on the right foot. Get in touch with the team of experts at Nilson Van & Storage today to request a written quote for your long distance move.

What Do I Do with My Vehicle When Moving Across Country?

Learn our secret to safe, secure vehicle transport during long-distance moves.

Long-distance moves present many challenges and practical obstacles, no matter your destination. If you want to keep your current car, transporting it can be another stressor. How can you get it to your destination? A great choice is hiring a moving company to transport it for you. You can save time, money, and stress by working with an established company who can handle your household packing and delivery, right along with moving your vehicle.

Decide on Acceptable Terms

There are several ways to move a vehicle. You can hire someone to:

  • Drive your car to your new location
  • Drive a vehicle on which your car rides in the open
  • Drive a vehicle containing your car in an enclosed area

Make sure you get the details in writing and ask about your mover’s insurance plan. How does it relate to your vehicle? For insurance to cover a car with specialty features, the policy might require additional protection.

Prepare Your Car for Transport

Once you’ve received an accurate quote from a moving company, it’s time to get your vehicle ready for transportation. Some of these steps are simple and take very little time or effort. Others might require a trip to a dealership. Still, others might fall under your moving company’s responsibilities. You’ll want to do the following before transporting your car:

  • Perform basic maintenance
  • Wash your car and clean the inside
  • Take interior and exterior photos
  • Check on inspection, registration, and insurance laws in your new location
  • Make an extra set of keys for the moving company

Call Nilson Van and Storage for quotes and information on auto transportation during long-distance moves.

5 Tips for Moving with Pets This Summer

Learn the secret to making residential moves stress-free and pet-friendly.

Residential moves involving pets add an extra element of stress to your plans. It’s one thing if you’ll be driving with your household items. If you’re flying – particularly overseas – you need the help of a professional company who can help you keep your pets safe. Here are five pet-friendly tips for preparing for a long-distance move.

1: Research Travel Laws

Moving pets across international borders takes more than a note from your veterinarian. You’ll have to time everything right if you want Fido to come home with you as soon as you touch down.

2: Request More Information from Your Airline

If you’re traveling by plane, you’ll need to know the company’s policies on pets carried in the cargo hold or in the cabin.

3: Double-Check the Local Laws of Your New Destination

Will your dog or cat need a license? What about a fenced in yard? Is your breed of pet allowed inside city limits? Don’t let local laws catch you off-guard. Call City Hall before your move so you will know your pet is legal from the first day you’re in town.

4: Update Your Pet’s Microchip Information

If your pet loses their collar in transit, what will you do? If your pet has a microchip, and we hope that they do, it’s critical to update your contact information with the microchip company. Make sure they have your new address and phone number if it changes.

5: Schedule a Physical with Your Veterinarian

From updating shots to getting a prescription for motion sickness, there are plenty of reasons to meet with your vet before making a big move. Help your furry (or feathered) friends feel more comfortable and secure with a well-designed moving plan.

Ensure your pets’ safety by scheduling residential moves with an established company like Nilson Van and Storage.

5 Pro Tips When Moving Offices

How bad can commercial moves be? Prevent the worst accidents with these simple tips.

Commercial moves leave plenty of room for major mistakes. You could end up with broken furniture, lost files, and damaged electronics, just to name a few. Handling these jobs the wrong way puts your business at risk. Prevent catastrophe with the following five tips.

1. Use Specialty Moving Supplies

It’s common to try to avoid extra costs by packing items without proper protection. However, there are benefits to putting everything in its own box. Computers, equipment, artwork, and other odds and ends are safer in boxes. They’re also easier to load, unload, and keep organized, which makes your move faster and reduces your downtime.

2. Opt for Professional Packing

One easy way to get all the supplies you need is by hiring a moving company for full-service relocation. We’ll securely pack your items before loading them on the moving trucks. Once at your new location, we’ll unload boxes, move them to their intended positions, and put together or install items as needed.

3. Connect Utilities in Advance

Many commercial accounts allow you to run electricity, water, phone, internet, and other services in two locations for a short time. This allows you to ensure everything is in working order before you sign off on the delivery.

4. Coordinate with Everyone Involved in the Move

How long it takes to move your office impacts the price in more ways than one. You want to keep things moving on a tight schedule to minimize your costs and your operational downtime. Unfortunately, delays are easy when someone is out of the loop. It’s essential for the following people to communicate:

  • Business owner
  • Office manager
  • Property manager
  • Moving truck driver

Lengthy delays could require storing your items temporarily, leading to extra costs and wasted time.

5. Work with Experienced Commercial Movers

The challenges of moving an office from one location to the next may be too daunting for amateur movers. It’s important to hire a business with commercial moving experience. Not only can you trust the job to be fully insured in case of accidents, but you’ll have extra help ensuring your transition goes as smoothly as possible.

Contact the pros at Nilson Van and Storage for a quote for your commercial move.

How to Protect Carpet and Hardwoods When Moving

Mismanaging residential moves can lead to damage. Avoid problems with these handy tips.

Few things are as inconvenient as damage to flooring during residential moves. Worst case scenarios run the gamut, from an angry landlord threatening you with legal action to the need for temporary housing while you repair the damage. But accidents happen. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to lower your risks.

More People for Heavy Lifting

Most people aren’t familiar with what it takes to hire a mover. They assume it’s out of their budget and settle for relying on rental vans and volunteer. This is an easy way to wind up without the manpower you need on the big day. Without friends and family capable of lifting heavy furniture, you are almost guaranteed to gauge wood flooring and tear apart carpet. In many cases, the damage caused far exceeds any savings from doing things DIY. Before you lose your deposit – or worse – get an accurate quote from professional movers.

Invest in Proper Floor Protection

Going it alone? If so, look into floor protection products. There are different types of floor pads and protective barriers meant to prevent stains, tears, and scratches. Some of them also make the move easier on your back. If you hire a mover, they’ll take care of the floor protection for you.

Moving companies carry insurance and use proper equipment intended to protect your valuables and home features. A responsible moving company will go over the contract ahead of time and offer guidance in minimizing your risks. For instance, you might want to empty drawers before a move to ensure heavy furniture pieces are as light as possible. You might also be able to hire a full-service mover to handle packing and moving, to reduce your stress and the potential for damage during the move.
Prevent expensive, inconvenient floor damage by hiring the professional team at Nilson Van and Storage for your residential move.