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Moving Countries: What to Leave Behind

A move to a new home is exciting! But it’s also stressful and a lot of work. Moving from one town or state to another is hard enough, but moving to another country takes the process to another level. Being prepared is critical to reduce moving stress. The first step is to make a list […]

moving countries

A move to a new home is exciting! But it’s also stressful and a lot of work. Moving from one town or state to another is hard enough, but moving to another country takes the process to another level. Being prepared is critical to reduce moving stress. The first step is to make a list of necessary items to take and items to leave behind. Whether you’re taking a short-term adventure or making a permanent move, we can help you move across countries with this checklist.

Travel Light – Leave the Furniture Behind

Companies set international moving prices by weight, so the less you take, the easier and more affordable the move. It’s tempting to take everything from your old home and transfer it to your new house but think twice before loading up your antique buffet and 10-foot dining room table for an international move. For the price of moving those items, you could potentially replace them when you get there. If a piece holds sentimental value then you can consider taking it with you; otherwise, sell, donate, or store your other furniture.

Toiletries Do Not Require Expensive Shipping

Of course, you’ll want to take your toothbrush, toothpaste, and the toiletry items you use daily, but there are many toiletry and personal care items that you can and should leave behind. Liquids are not allowed on any type of move, so don’t plan on taking those items with you.  

Leave the Bedding and Linens Behind

Taking your favorite comforter or blanket is reasonable, especially if you can use it as packing material for other items. However, taking extra sheets, blankets, towels, and pillows is not recommended. Not only will you end up with more stuff than you need, but you’ll spend way more than you want to on moving costs to get them to your new home.

Store the Files and Paperwork

Take your passport, visa, birth certificate, driver’s license, and medical certificates, and leave the rest behind. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have some of that paperwork with you. An easy solution is to digitize it before you go. Scan anything important and save it to the Cloud or an external storage device and leave the hard copies in a file in storage or shred them if you don’t need them and let them go.

You Won’t Need Your Vacuum

You can leave your vacuum, blender, mixer, curling iron, and electric razor behind. Why? Because they’re easy to replace wherever you go, and you’ll most likely need one with a different plug. Many countries outside the U.S. use different types of outlets, so your household items won’t work overseas. Unless you are willing to purchase an adapter for all of your corded items, leave them behind.

Moving to another country is exciting, scary, challenging, and fun, and a lot of work. Leaving behind unnecessary or easily replaceable items are both ways to reduce the stress and cost of moving to another country. The easiest way to relieve international moving stress is to hire a moving company with extensive international moving experience. Contact the Nilson Van and Storage moving team today for a free estimate and some handy guides to help you prepare for your big move.


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Finding the Right Commercial Moving Company

Your business is your single biggest investment. So when it’s time to move to a new location, you don’t want just any moving company taking care of your assets. Use these tips to find the right commercial moving company. Make Sure They’re Licensed Anyone can build a website, buy a truck, and call themselves a moving company. […]

commercial moving company

Your business is your single biggest investment. So when it’s time to move to a new location, you don’t want just any moving company taking care of your assets. Use these tips to find the right commercial moving company.

Make Sure They’re Licensed

Anyone can build a website, buy a truck, and call themselves a moving company. But do you want those guys handling your electronics, office furniture, and equipment? Probably not. When hiring a moving company, check to ensure they have a license, which also ensures they have insurance and experience to do the job without leaving you liable.

Check Their Reputation

It’s easier than ever to check the reputation of any company you do business with, including commercial moving companies. Ask for referrals from business associates, check the Better Business Bureau, and look at online reviews before committing to a company.

Know Their Affiliations

Many independent moving companies have affiliations with larger van lines that help support them in equipment, training, and certification. These affiliations let you know they have met the criteria and standards set by the national brand name moving companies, so you know your move isn’t in the hands of an inexperienced rookie.

Find Out Their Specialties

Some moving companies specialize in various types of commercial moves such as appliances, large-scale manufacturing equipment, high-end technology, or customer service centers. Do your research to ensure you’re working with a company with the experience you need for your industry, company, and specific needs. Make sure you have a representative come to the site and do a walkthrough, so they are able to see the specific items to be relocated. They should also view the destination site as well.

Your representative can assist with the proper logistics on your relocation, so all goes as seamlessly as possible, with very little interruption to your clients.

Hiring the right movers for any relocation is essential to a successful move, especially for business and corporate moving. Contact Nilson Van and Storage for reliable, knowledgeable, and experienced commercial moving.


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3 Tips for Relocating Business to Another State

As a business owner, relocating to another state means also relocating your business. No matter the size of your company, moving it can be a complex process. The good news is we’re here to help. With these three tips for corporate interstate moving, you’ll be ready. Tip #1: Start Early Even if you think you […]

relocating to another state

As a business owner, relocating to another state means also relocating your business. No matter the size of your company, moving it can be a complex process. The good news is we’re here to help. With these three tips for corporate interstate moving, you’ll be ready.

Tip #1: Start Early

Even if you think you have plenty of time to prepare, always err on the side of caution. Planning the logistics of interstate relocation can take longer than you might imagine. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row regarding the legal details, securing a property, and ensuring your employees are ready for their relocations.

Tip #2: Manage the Details

Put together a moving plan as soon as you can. Map out details about who is going with the company, positions you’ll need to fill when you get there, what equipment and furniture is going and what isn’t, the final move dates, and when you need to be out of your old building and offices. Organize a committee of employees to help with the plan so they can feel included in the process and assist with all the fine details of the planning.

Tip #3: Get a Moving Company on Board Early

The best way to make corporate interstate moving go smoothly is by hiring a moving company to help. Reliable, experienced corporate movers know how to help you plan, can do all the packing to secure your equipment, and can even provide short-term storage if there’s a gap between your departure from your old property and arrival in your new one.

If you’re relocating your business to another state, don’t fly by the seat of your pants during the process. Instead, get a team of professionals in your corner as soon as you know the move will happen. Contact Nilson Van and Storage today for a free quote and all the support you need from their corporate relocation team.


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Moving Your Business: Self-Storage vs. Storage in a Warehouse

Are you working toward a business or office relocation? No matter how small or large your company, the need for storage could be a factor. Here’s what you need to know about self-storage vs. warehousing and if storage in a warehouse is the best option for your company. What is Self-Storage? Many Americans have more […]

storage in warehouse

Are you working toward a business or office relocation? No matter how small or large your company, the need for storage could be a factor. Here’s what you need to know about self-storage vs. warehousing and if storage in a warehouse is the best option for your company.

What is Self-Storage?

Many Americans have more stuff than they can fit in their homes, which is why self-storage is so abundant. But self-storage can work for businesses too, including during a company relocation. If you have a gap between your move-out and your move-in dates, storage is a great option for keeping furniture, electronics, equipment, and office supplies. If your new location is in the middle of renovation when it’s time to move, a storage space can house any extra stuff until you can move it into the new building. The drawback to self-storage is that you must do it all yourself or hire a moving company to move things into the space now and then again to move it back out of the storage unit later.

What is Storage in a Warehouse?

Warehousing is like self-storage because it offers space to securely store office equipment and supplies during a business or company move. Whatever the reason, be it a timing gap or excess furniture, warehousing is a great solution, especially when your moving company is the one offering it. They will move your items to their warehouse and keep them safe and secure until it’s time for them to move them to your office location.

To find out if self-storage or storage in a warehouse is the right option for your company during a relocation, talk to moving professionals with experience to guide you to the right decision. Contact the moving experts at Nilson Van and Storage to find out more.


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4 Things to Consider Before a Job Relocation

Could a job relocation be on your radar? Before you pack the car and hit the road, there are some significant factors that you should think about before deciding to stay or go. Here are four things to consider before a job relocation. #1: The Cost of Living A new job can be exciting and […]

job relocation

Could a job relocation be on your radar? Before you pack the car and hit the road, there are some significant factors that you should think about before deciding to stay or go. Here are four things to consider before a job relocation.

#1: The Cost of Living

A new job can be exciting and full of promise, but not if you end up with a pay cut due to an increased cost of living. Before committing to relocating for work, research the cost of living in the new location and compare it to where you live now, your current income, and how the salary offered might impact your lifestyle.

#2: Schools in the New City

Sure, the new job sounds great, but how will it affect your kids? Look at the schools in the area in and near your new job’s location. You might want to reconsider the job offer if the schools are not up to your expectations.

#3: Advancement Opportunities

With any new job or promotion, it’s vital to look at the job itself as well as how it will affect your career trajectory. Understanding advancement opportunities, or lack thereof, will help you make an informed decision about whether the relocation is right for you in the long term.

#4: Do You Like the Destination?

The most important factor to consider when weighing the pros and cons of a job relocation is whether you want to live in the new location. Do you like the weather and the climate? Is it too urban or too rural for your lifestyle? Does it have access to recreation, culture, restaurants, and other activities you enjoy? Will your family be happy and thrive there? Before deciding, you should spend time there to be sure it’s a good fit.

If a job relocation is the right move for you, let the experts help you get there. Contact Nilson Van and Storage for a free estimate.


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How to Keep Business Running During Relocation

If your business is moving, one of the most crucial elements in knowing how to prepare for an office move is to keep the business running during the relocation. Instead of running screaming from the building, take a look at some tips to keep things humming along, even when you’re moving to a new building. […]

keep business running during relocation

If your business is moving, one of the most crucial elements in knowing how to prepare for an office move is to keep the business running during the relocation. Instead of running screaming from the building, take a look at some tips to keep things humming along, even when you’re moving to a new building.

Get and Stay Organized

The best advice we can give for an office relocation is to get and stay organized. This means coming up with a master plan for the move from long before the trucks arrive until everything is back in order. Make a list that includes what needs to be done, who is doing what, and where things need to be when.

Communicate With Your Staff

Communication is key whether you have a handful of employees or hundreds of them. As soon as you decide on the move, let your crew know. Get them involved. Help them create committees to handle different aspects of the move, answer questions, and keep everyone on track. They’ll have more skin in the game to help make things go smoothly if they’re in the loop on the process. And you won’t have to do it all on your own, so they can help keep the business running at the same time.

Hire Professional Movers

When your business is relocating, you have a lot on your mind and on your to-do list. But, even with a small business and a few employees, you want to avoid managing the physical packing and moving yourself, especially if you’re trying to keep your business running at the same time. Professional movers can pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack your office equipment, technology, electronics, files, and furniture much more quickly, efficiently, and safely than you can, which will help you keep running the show even on move day.

It’s critical to keep your business running during relocation. A reliable moving company can help. Contact Nilson Van and Storage today for a free quote.


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Navigating the Gap Between Moves

Is your lease up but your new office space isn’t available yet? There is a solution if you have a gap between move-out and move-in. Temporary storage between moves is the answer. Here’s how to navigate that process. How to Prepare for a Move with a Gap Preparing for a move with a gap between […]

temporary storage between moves

Is your lease up but your new office space isn’t available yet? There is a solution if you have a gap between move-out and move-in. Temporary storage between moves is the answer. Here’s how to navigate that process.

How to Prepare for a Move with a Gap

Preparing for a move with a gap between move-out and move-in is like prepping for a same-day. Get organized, create a plan, and then pack your belongings or have the pros at your moving company pack them. The only thing that requires different consideration is the items you’ll need between the old location and the new one. Think about how much time you’ll have before moving into your new office, and keep that in mind when you pack what you’ll need for your staff to continue with daily operations. A move-in/move-out checklist can help keep you organized with what you’ll need and when.

Take Advantage of Temporary Storage

Whether you have one day or one month between your move-out date and your move-in date, you need a solution for storing furniture between moves, and safely storing electronics, documents, and files. The process should never include leaving them in a rental truck in a parking lot. However, the last thing you have time to manage is renting a storage unit for the gap in your move. Instead, hire a moving company that offers temporary storage between moves. Short-term storage provided by your moving company will ensure safe, secure, climate-controlled storage for your items.

Contact Nilson Van and Storage today for a free quote on your move that includes a gap, including packing, transporting, and warehousing service.


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Hotel Installations: Reducing Guest Disruptions

The first priority for any hotel is guest experience, including during hotel furniture installation. Any furniture or fixture upgrade is a significant investment in your facility, and losing customers because of a poorly executed installation process is unacceptable. Therefore, reducing guest disruptions is job number one. Here’s how to get it done.   Preparation is […]

hotel furniture installation

The first priority for any hotel is guest experience, including during hotel furniture installation. Any furniture or fixture upgrade is a significant investment in your facility, and losing customers because of a poorly executed installation process is unacceptable. Therefore, reducing guest disruptions is job number one. Here’s how to get it done.  

Preparation is Critical

Minimizing the impact of hotel furniture installation requires careful preparation and planning. Knowing essential information ahead of time will reduce hotel disturbance and make for a smooth installation day. It’s critical to document the building layout, doorway dimensions, freight elevator location, room floor plans, and short-term storage locations. Also, create a call sheet of what goes where to help the move-in and installation go smoothly with minimal disruption to the hotel operation and the guests staying during the installation.

Planning the Install

Day-of planning is as important as installation preparation. To minimize noise and common area interruption, create a logistics plan asking these questions:

  • How many pieces are moving in?
  • Is assembly required, and where and when will assembly take place?
  • Are there days and times with less traffic that will impact hotel staff and guests less?
  • Does existing furniture require removal and disposal?
  • Are there packing materials included with the new furniture?
  • Who will clean up post-installation?

Partnering with the Right Team of Professionals

Moving and installing your new furnishings requires a company with experience in hotel installation services. Knowing how to protect the pieces, move them securely, and install them efficiently is the best way to ensure a successful project while reducing guest disruptions.

For unparalleled service with pickup, transport, storage, and delivery of your new hotel furniture, count on the local team that has been in business since 1938. Contact Nilson Van and Storage to discuss your hotel installation and get a free quote.


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Developing a Corporate Relocation Policy

There are many reasons for a company to consider relocation. From growth to downsizing, changing demographics to searching for more traffic. Whatever the reason, one thing is sure – a corporate relocation policy should be in place long before the move ever comes to the table. If you don’t have one, we’ve got the guide […]

relocation policy

There are many reasons for a company to consider relocation. From growth to downsizing, changing demographics to searching for more traffic. Whatever the reason, one thing is sure – a corporate relocation policy should be in place long before the move ever comes to the table. If you don’t have one, we’ve got the guide you need to get started.

Outline the Why

Why does leadership believe a move is in the company’s best interest? This is the first step in creating a sustainable policy. Be clear about the intent, the why, and who it will impact. Consider employees, vendors, customers, clients, and the community.

Create a Budget

A corporate move can have a substantial cost attached, so a budget is critical. Expenses include the cost of the building, whether buying or leasing, new furniture if needed, retrofitting the new location to suit your needs, repairs and reconfiguration, property agents, legal consultation, and moving company services.

Identify Locations

Finding the best new location is vital to the company relocation policy. Don’t just point and pick a new building – compare available options, weigh the pros and cons of the locations, look at the demographics and surrounding community, and the accessibility for customers, vendors, shipping, deliveries, and employees.

Prepare a Checklist

Your move checklist should include relocation policy best practices, including communication, information, important dates, and resources for the new location. It also needs to include the prepping, packing, and transportation details of the move from the time of the decision to completion.

Rely on Professionals

Corporate moving professionals are your company’s best resource when creating a corporate relocation policy and planning a company move. Reach out to the Nilson Van and Storage’s experienced corporate move team to get started.


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Is a Winter Move for My Company a Good Idea?

Are you starting to line things up for a company relocation? Are you wondering if you should wait until spring? Corporate moving is full of logistical challenges no matter what time of year you do it, but the truth about moving in winter might not be what you think. In fact, it might be the […]

moving in the winter

Are you starting to line things up for a company relocation? Are you wondering if you should wait until spring? Corporate moving is full of logistical challenges no matter what time of year you do it, but the truth about moving in winter might not be what you think. In fact, it might be the best time to move.

Benefits of a Winter Move

Though winter moving might seem like a bad idea, there are many benefits you can take advantage of during the colder season.

  • Moving companies are less busy, so you can often schedule with less lead time and still get the date and timing you need for your business.
  • You can often get a discount or reduced rate when business is slower in the winter for the commercial moving business.
  • With less competition for prime shipping times, your office equipment is more likely to arrive at or earlier than the estimated time, especially if you’re moving out of state or long distance.
  • Special requirements and unique circumstances are easier to accommodate when moving companies are less busy.

Some Considerations for Winter Moving

Even in the south, winter weather can be extreme and unpredictable. Planning for rain and cold will help make your move go smoothly. Consider that doors will be open for an extended period as the movers take things out of the building to load the trucks. Walkways may be slippery, and everyone will need a safe way to get into and out of the building on moving day. And although moves don’t need rescheduling due to weather very often, it can happen. So have a backup plan in place just in case.

Saving money and having greater flexibility with your move date are just two benefits of moving in the winter. Contact Nilson Van and Storage for a free quote from their experienced commercial moving team and to find out how they can help make your winter company move go smoothly.


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