Chicago Moving Checklist: Your Complete Week-by-Week Timeline

Introduction

Moving in Chicago comes with challenges you will not find anywhere else. Between reserving freight elevators, applying for street parking permits through the city, and dealing with unpredictable weather, a generic moving checklist just will not cut it. You need a plan built for the realities of moving in the Windy City.

That is exactly what this moving checklist for Chicago delivers. We have taken our 20-plus years of experience as a family-owned Chicago moving company and turned it into a week-by-week timeline that covers every detail, from your first planning steps eight weeks out to your final tasks after you are settled in your new home.

Whether you are moving from a Lincoln Park walk-up to a South Loop high-rise, relocating from Lakeview to the suburbs, or settling into your first Chicago apartment, this checklist keeps you organized and on track. Print it out, bookmark it, and check items off as you go. By moving day, you will feel prepared instead of panicked.

8 Weeks Before Your Move: Research and Big Decisions

The eight-week mark is when your move shifts from “someday” to “it is happening.” This is when you lock in the decisions that affect everything else on your timeline.

Hire Your Moving Company

Start getting quotes early. Chicago’s moving season runs hot from May through September, and the best crews book up fast. Look for a company that is fully licensed and insured with the Illinois Commerce Commission and has a strong track record of verified reviews.

• Get at least three written estimates from licensed movers

• Ask about hourly rates, stair fees, long carry charges, and any potential extra costs

• Verify licensing with the ILCC and check for complaints

• Confirm insurance coverage and what it includes

• Book your moving date as soon as you find the right fit

If you want a stress-free experience, consider booking professional packing services at the same time. Bundling your move and packing saves time and ensures your belongings are protected by trained hands.

Start Decluttering Room by Room

Eight weeks gives you plenty of time to sort through every room without feeling rushed. The less you move, the less your move costs and the faster it goes.

• Go room by room and sort items into keep, donate, sell, and toss piles

• Schedule a junk removal service for large items like old furniture, broken appliances, or mattresses

• List sellable items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist Chicago

• Donate usable items to local organizations like Brown Elephant or The Salvation Army

Evaluate Your Storage Needs

If there is a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, or if you are downsizing and need time to figure out what fits, now is the time to arrange storage. Chicago’s extreme temperature swings make climate-controlled storage especially important for protecting furniture, electronics, and anything sensitive to heat or cold.

6 Weeks Before Your Move: Paperwork and Logistics

With your movers booked and decluttering underway, the six-week mark is about handling the administrative side of your move. This is where Chicago-specific logistics start to matter.

Apply for a Chicago Street Parking Permit

If your moving truck needs to park on a public street at either your current or new address, you will likely need a temporary parking permit from the City of Chicago. This is not optional. Without a permit, your movers may have to double-park or circle the block, which wastes time and adds to your cost.

• Apply through the City of Chicago’s 311 service portal or call 311 directly

• Submit your application at least two weeks before your move, though earlier is better

• The permit reserves a specific section of street in front of your building

• You will receive “No Parking” signs to post 24 to 48 hours before your move

• Cost varies but typically runs around 50 to 75 dollars depending on duration and location

If you are moving into or out of a high-rise, contact your building management now to ask about loading dock schedules and freight elevator reservations. Many downtown and lakefront buildings only allow moves on specific days or during certain hours.

Notify Your Landlord and Review Your Lease

If you are renting, check your lease for move-out requirements. Many Chicago landlords require 30 to 60 days written notice, and some buildings charge move-out fees or require a security deposit for the freight elevator.

• Submit written notice to your landlord within the required window

• Schedule your move-out inspection

• Ask about any building-specific move-out rules, including required floor protection in hallways and elevator padding

• Document the condition of your apartment with photos and video before you start packing

Begin Transferring Utilities and Services

Chicago-area utility transfers can take longer than you expect. Start the process now so everything is live on move-in day.

• Contact ComEd to transfer or set up electric service

• Contact Nicor Gas or Peoples Gas depending on your service area

• Transfer or set up water service through the City of Chicago

• Schedule cable and internet installation with your provider (Xfinity, RCN, and AT&T are the most common in the city and wait times for installation can stretch to two weeks during busy periods)

• Forward your mail through USPS starting the week of your move

4 Weeks Before Your Move: Packing Begins

You are one month out. By now your movers are booked, your permits are submitted, and the paperwork is moving. It is time to start packing.

Gather Your Packing Supplies

You have two main options here. Traditional cardboard boxes work fine, but if you want a more sustainable approach, consider eco-friendly reusable moving boxes through The Chicago Green Box. These reusable Recopack crates are sturdier than cardboard, stackable, and waterproof, which is a real advantage if you are moving during a Chicago rainstorm.

• Stock up on boxes in various sizes, or order reusable crates

• Pick up packing supplies including tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers

• Grab wardrobe boxes for closets (saves a surprising amount of time)

• Get mattress covers to protect against dirt and moisture during the move

Start Packing Non-Essential Rooms

Begin with rooms and items you will not need in the next four weeks. Think guest bedrooms, storage closets, holiday decorations, books, and out-of-season clothing.

• Label every box on the top and at least one side with the room name and a brief description of contents

• Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes

• Wrap fragile items individually and fill empty space in boxes with packing paper

• Keep a running inventory list as you pack (a simple spreadsheet works great)

• Number your boxes and note the count for each room

Update Your Address

Do not wait until the last minute. Some address changes take weeks to process.

• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, and investment accounts

• Change your address with your employer and payroll department

• Notify your doctor, dentist, vet, and pharmacy

• Update your Chicago city vehicle sticker registration if you are moving to a new zone (the city sticker is tied to your address and ward)

• Transfer or update your voter registration through the Cook County Clerk’s office

2 Weeks Before Your Move: Final Preparations

The two-week mark is when everything comes together. Your home should be partially packed, your logistics should be confirmed, and you should be tying up loose ends.

Confirm Everything with Your Moving Company

Call your moving company to confirm your date, arrival time, and any special requirements. This is especially important for Chicago moves where timing and access can be complicated.

• Confirm your move date, time window, and crew size

• Review any special items that need extra handling (piano, antiques, oversized furniture)

• Confirm building access details: which entrance, which elevator, any time restrictions

• Ask your movers to bring floor runners and door frame protectors (a must for Chicago apartments and condos with strict hallway damage policies)

• Get your mover’s certificate of insurance if your building requires one

Post Your No-Parking Signs

If you received temporary parking permit signs from the city, post them in the designated spots 24 to 48 hours before your move. This gives other vehicles time to relocate. If cars are still parked in your reserved zone on moving day, you can call 311 to have them ticketed and towed.

Finish Packing Main Living Areas

With two weeks left, start packing your kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Leave out only what you truly need for the next 14 days.

• Pack kitchen items you rarely use first (specialty appliances, serving dishes, extra utensils)

• Wrap and box all wall art, mirrors, and decorative items

• Disassemble furniture that can be taken apart (bookshelves, bed frames, desks)

• Bag and label all hardware and screws in zip-lock bags taped to the corresponding furniture piece

1 Week Before Your Move: The Final Countdown

This is the home stretch. Most of your home should be packed. This week is about the last-mile details that separate a smooth move from a stressful one.

Pack Your Essentials Box

This is the single most important box you will pack. It stays with you, not on the truck, and it contains everything you need for the first 24 hours in your new home.

• Phone chargers and laptop

• Medications and toiletries

• A change of clothes for each family member

• Basic cleaning supplies (paper towels, all-purpose spray, trash bags)

• Toilet paper (trust us on this one)

• Snacks and water bottles

• Important documents (lease, IDs, moving contract)

• Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, box cutter)

• Pet supplies if you have animals

Handle Season-Specific Chicago Prep

Chicago weather does not care about your moving schedule. A little preparation goes a long way depending on the season.

Summer moves (June through September): - Have cold water and sports drinks ready for your moving crew - Keep windows and doors open at the new place to let heat escape before moving furniture in - Be aware that Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, and North Side streets may be crowded on game days and festival weekends

Winter moves (November through March): - Confirm your movers have experience with Chicago winter moving and use proper floor protection - Salt and shovel walkways, stairs, and loading areas at both locations - Protect electronics and wood furniture from extreme cold with blankets during transport - Watch for Chicago snow emergency route restrictions that could affect truck parking

Spring and fall moves: - Rain is common in both seasons, so have tarps and plastic wrap available - Falling leaves in autumn can make stairs and ramps slippery

Do a Final Walk-Through at Your New Home

If possible, visit your new place before moving day to check a few things.

• Verify that all utilities are active and working

• Measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells for your largest furniture pieces

• Note any existing damage and photograph it for your records

• Test all locks and make copies of keys

• Clean the empty space before your belongings arrive (much easier now than after)

Moving Day: Your Chicago Game Plan

Moving day is here. If you have followed this checklist, you are in great shape. Now it is about execution.

Morning of the Move

• Wake up early and do a final walk-through of every room, closet, and cabinet

• Confirm your movers are on schedule (a quick text or call works)

• Strip beds and pack bedding into labeled bags

• Defrost and clean out the refrigerator if you have not already

• Clear a path from every room to the front door or freight elevator

• Set aside boxes and bags you want to transport personally (essentials box, valuables, documents)

When Your Movers Arrive

• Walk the crew lead through your home and point out fragile items or special instructions

• Show them the path to the truck, including which elevator to use and where to park

• Stay available to answer questions but let the crew do their job

• Offer water and point out the bathroom (a small courtesy that goes a long way)

• Avoid hovering in hallways and doorways where crew members are carrying heavy items

Before You Leave Your Old Place

• Check every room one more time, including closets, cabinets, and the medicine cabinet

• Check the garage, storage unit, and back porch

• Turn off all lights and lock all windows

• Set the thermostat to the appropriate setting per your lease

• Leave keys and garage openers as agreed with your landlord

• Take final photos of the empty apartment for your records

At Your New Home

• Direct movers on where to place large furniture (it is much easier to decide now than to rearrange later)

• Check off boxes against your inventory list as they come off the truck

• Inspect furniture and boxes for damage before signing the delivery receipt

• Set up beds first so you have a place to sleep tonight

• Unpack the essentials box and get the bathroom and kitchen functional

Post-Move: Your First Week Settling In

Congratulations, you made it through moving day. But a few tasks remain to make sure your transition is fully complete.

First 48 Hours

• Unpack kitchen essentials and set up the bathroom

• Assemble beds and get bedrooms functional

• Test all appliances and note anything that does not work

• Introduce yourself to your new neighbors (a Chicago tradition that still matters)

• Locate your nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and urgent care

First Week

• Unpack room by room in priority order (kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, then living areas)

• Break down boxes and recycle them, or if you used reusable crates, schedule your return pickup

• Update your driver’s license address with the Illinois Secretary of State (required within 90 days of moving)

• Update your Chicago city vehicle sticker if applicable

• Register your dog with Chicago Animal Care and Control if you have moved to a new ward

• Set up any remaining furniture and hang pictures once you know where everything goes

Within 30 Days

• File a change of address with the IRS

• Update your vehicle registration if you moved to a new county

• Find new local service providers (doctor, dentist, vet, dry cleaner)

• Leave a review for your moving company if they did a great job (honest reviews help other Chicago movers make smart choices)

Final Thoughts

Moving in Chicago is not like moving anywhere else. Between building rules, city permits, unpredictable weather, and the sheer logistics of navigating one of the country’s largest cities, you need a plan that accounts for all of it. This week-by-week moving checklist gives you that plan.

The key is to start early, stay organized, and work with a moving company that knows Chicago inside and out. At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we have been helping Chicagoans move since 2004. With over 4,500 five-star Google reviews and a commitment to transparent pricing with no hidden fees, we take the stress out of your move so you can focus on what matters: settling into your new home.

Ready to check the biggest item off your list? Get your free moving estimate today and let our team build a moving plan around your timeline.

How to Choose the Right Moving Company in Chicago (And Avoid Scams)

Introduction

Every year, thousands of Chicago residents get burned by dishonest moving companies. Some lose hundreds of dollars to inflated final bills. Others watch their furniture get held hostage on a truck until they pay a surprise fee in cash. A few never see their belongings again at all.

Here is the frustrating part: most of these situations are preventable. The warning signs are almost always there before you book. The problem is that most people have never hired a mover before and do not know what to look for — or what to run from.

This guide will show you exactly how to choose a moving company in Chicago the right way. You will learn how to verify that a mover is actually licensed, how to spot the red flags that scam operators hope you will miss, how moving estimates really work, and what a legitimate, trustworthy moving company actually looks like. Whether you are planning a local move across Chicago or a residential move to the suburbs, this information could save you thousands of dollars and a massive headache.

Why Moving Scams Are So Common in Chicago

Chicago is one of the largest moving markets in the country. Between apartment lease turnovers every May and October, a constant flow of relocations to and from the suburbs, and one of the busiest rental markets in the Midwest, demand for movers stays high year-round. That demand creates opportunity — for legitimate companies and for scammers alike.

How Scam Movers Operate

Most moving scams follow a predictable pattern. A company gives you an unusually low estimate over the phone — often without asking many questions about what you actually own. On moving day, a crew shows up in an unmarked truck with no uniforms. They load your belongings, then inform you the price has doubled or tripled. If you refuse to pay, they drive off with your things.

Some operations are even less subtle. They collect a large cash deposit and never show up. Or they deliver your items weeks late, damaged, or with pieces missing.

The Illinois Attorney General’s office and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) both report that moving fraud complaints spike every summer. And Chicago, with its dense population and high move volume, is consistently one of the most affected cities.

Why It Keeps Happening

Scam movers survive because most consumers do not know the rules. Illinois requires movers to hold a specific state license, but most people have never heard of the licensing body or know how to check. Meanwhile, scam operators invest heavily in fake online reviews and polished websites that look indistinguishable from legitimate companies at first glance.

The good news is that once you know what to check, these operations are easy to identify and avoid.

How to Verify a Moving Company Is Licensed in Chicago

This is the single most important step you can take, and it only takes a few minutes. In Illinois, every moving company that operates within the state must be licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Companies that cross state lines must also carry a USDOT number registered with the FMCSA.

Step 1: Ask for Their ILCC License Number

Every legitimate Illinois mover carries an ICC-MC number issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission. This is not optional — it is state law. When you contact a moving company, ask for their ILCC license number directly. A trustworthy company will provide it immediately and without hesitation.

If a company cannot provide their license number, or if they dodge the question, that is your answer. Move on.

Step 2: Verify the License on the ILCC Website

Once you have the license number, go to the Illinois Commerce Commission website and search their database of licensed movers. Confirm that the company name matches, the license is active (not expired or suspended), and the license type covers the services they are offering you.

Step 3: Check the USDOT Number on the FMCSA Site

For any move that crosses state lines, your mover must also carry a USDOT number. You can verify this on the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move tool. This database shows you the company’s safety record, insurance status, complaint history, and whether their operating authority is active.

Even for local Chicago moves, checking the FMCSA database can reveal useful information about a company’s history and legitimacy.

What the Numbers Mean

• ILCC MC# — This is the Illinois Commerce Commission license number. It proves the company is authorized to operate as a mover within Illinois.

• USDOT# — This is the federal Department of Transportation number, required for interstate moves. It ties to the company’s safety and insurance records.

• ICC-MC# — This older federal number (Interstate Commerce Commission Motor Carrier) is sometimes still referenced and can be used to look up a carrier’s history.

A company like The Professionals Moving Specialists, for example, publicly displays their ILCC MC# 136144 on their credentials page. That kind of transparency is exactly what you want to see.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Moving Scam Before It Happens

You do not need to be an industry expert to spot a dishonest mover. Most scam operations share the same warning signs. If you notice even one of these, proceed with extreme caution. If you notice two or more, walk away.

The Red Flags Checklist

• No physical address. A legitimate moving company has a real office or warehouse. If their website only lists a P.O. box, or if you cannot find a verifiable address, that is a serious red flag.

• Cash-only payments. Reputable movers accept credit cards, checks, and digital payments. Insisting on cash means there is no paper trail — and no way for you to dispute the charge.

• No written estimate. Any mover who gives you a price over the phone without seeing your belongings (or doing a thorough video survey) is guessing at best and baiting you at worst.

• Unmarked trucks. Professional moving companies brand their vehicles. Unmarked rental trucks suggest an operation that does not want to be identified.

• Requires a large deposit upfront. Legitimate movers may require a small deposit for scheduling, but demanding a large percentage of the total cost before moving day is a classic scam tactic.

• No insurance documentation. Every licensed mover carries cargo insurance. If they cannot show you proof of coverage, your belongings are at risk.

• Dramatically lower estimate than competitors. If one company quotes you $800 and every other reputable mover quotes $1,500 to $2,000, the lowball offer is almost certainly a bait-and-switch.

• Vague or generic company name. Scam operations frequently use generic names like “Best Chicago Movers” or “A1 Moving” that are hard to trace and easy to rebrand when complaints pile up.

• No online presence beyond ads. A company with no reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but heavy paid advertising should raise questions.

• Pressures you to book immediately. High-pressure sales tactics (“this price is only good today”) are designed to prevent you from doing your research.

Print this list. Tape it to your fridge. Refer to it every time you talk to a moving company.

Understanding Moving Estimates: Binding, Non-Binding, and Not-to-Exceed

One of the biggest sources of moving day surprises is a misunderstanding about estimates. Not all estimates work the same way, and the type you receive directly determines how much protection you have as a consumer.

Non-Binding Estimate

A non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the mover’s assessment of your belongings. The final price can be higher or lower depending on the actual weight, volume, or time required.

What this means for you: A non-binding estimate is essentially a best guess. It gives you a ballpark, but you could owe more on moving day. Federal regulations require that you cannot be charged more than 110% of the estimate at the time of delivery for interstate moves, with the balance due within 30 days. However, for local moves within Illinois, state rules may differ.

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate locks in the total price. The mover agrees to complete the job for that specific amount, regardless of whether the actual work costs them more. If the move takes longer or your items weigh more than expected, the price stays the same.

What this means for you: A binding estimate gives you certainty. You know exactly what you will pay. The catch is that if the mover underestimates, they absorb the cost — which is why some movers pad binding estimates to protect themselves.

Not-to-Exceed Estimate (The Best Option for Consumers)

A not-to-exceed estimate sets a maximum price. You will never pay more than the quoted amount, but if the actual cost comes in lower, you pay the lower amount.

What this means for you: This is the most consumer-friendly estimate type. You get a price ceiling for budgeting purposes, but you benefit if the move goes faster or smoother than expected. If you can get a not-to-exceed estimate from a reputable mover, take it.

Always Get It in Writing

Regardless of which type of estimate you receive, make sure it is written, detailed, and signed. A verbal estimate is worth nothing if a dispute arises. The estimate should itemize your belongings, list all services included, specify the estimate type, and clearly state any potential additional charges (stairs, long carries, parking permits, etc.). You can learn more about what to expect and ask about on The Professionals’ FAQ page.

How to Read Chicago Moving Company Reviews the Right Way

Online reviews are one of your most powerful tools for choosing a mover — but only if you know how to read them critically. Scam operators have gotten sophisticated about gaming review platforms, so you need to look beyond the star rating.

What to Look For in Reviews

• Volume and consistency. A company with thousands of reviews accumulated over many years is far more reliable than one with 50 perfect reviews posted in the last month. Look for a steady stream of feedback over time.

• Specific details. Genuine reviews mention crew members by name, describe the type of move (apartment, house, office), and reference specific neighborhoods or buildings. Generic five-star reviews that say “great service, highly recommend” with no details are often fake.

• How the company responds to negative reviews. Every company gets an occasional bad review. What matters is how they handle it. Professional, thoughtful responses to complaints signal a company that takes accountability seriously. Defensive or aggressive responses are a warning sign.

• Consistency across platforms. Check Google, Yelp, and the BBB. A company with glowing Google reviews but terrible Yelp reviews (or no Yelp presence at all) deserves closer scrutiny.

The Review Volume Benchmark

In a market as competitive as Chicago, the top movers have earned review counts that are virtually impossible to fake. When a company has accumulated 4,500+ Google reviews and 1,000+ Yelp reviews over twenty years, that represents tens of thousands of real customer interactions. That kind of volume cannot be manufactured overnight, and it tells you something meaningful about consistency. You can see what real customer feedback looks like on The Professionals’ testimonials page.

What a Trustworthy Moving Company Actually Looks Like

Now that you know what to avoid, here is what the good ones look like. These are the characteristics that separate a legitimate, trustworthy mover from the rest — the standards that any company worth hiring should meet.

Licensing and Insurance Are Public and Verifiable

A trustworthy mover does not wait for you to ask about credentials. They list their license numbers, insurance information, and any professional affiliations on their website and marketing materials. They welcome scrutiny because they have nothing to hide.

Look for active ILCC licensing, USDOT registration (for interstate moves), proof of cargo and liability insurance, and membership in industry organizations. A company that has held BBB membership since 2005 or earned consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards is demonstrating long-term commitment to professional standards.

Transparent Pricing With No Hidden Fees

The best movers explain their pricing structure clearly before you commit. They tell you exactly how charges are calculated (by the hour, by weight, or flat rate), what is included, and what might trigger additional costs. There should be no surprises on moving day.

Companies that explicitly commit to “no hidden fees” — and back that up with detailed written estimates — are signaling that they value long-term reputation over short-term revenue.

Real Physical Presence in Chicago

A trustworthy mover has a real office, a real warehouse, and branded trucks you can see on Chicago streets. They have been part of the community for years. You can visit their location, meet their team, and see their operation firsthand. Family-owned companies with deep roots in the Chicago area are often the most accountable because their reputation is personal.

Professional Crews and Clean Equipment

Legitimate movers invest in their people and their fleet. Their crews are trained, uniformed, and background-checked. Their trucks are clean, well-maintained, and clearly branded. This is not about aesthetics — it reflects a company’s operational standards and how they will treat your belongings.

They Offer Multiple Service Levels

A well-established mover can handle more than a basic load-and-go. They offer packing and unpacking, specialty item handling (pianos, antiques, fragile electronics), storage solutions, and flexible scheduling. Breadth of service reflects depth of experience.

They Encourage You to Do Your Research

This might be the most telling sign of all. Honest movers want you to compare, verify, and read reviews. They are confident enough in their track record to welcome the comparison. If a company discourages you from shopping around or pressures you to book before you have done your homework, they are not confident you will like what you find.

Your Pre-Booking Checklist: How to Choose a Moving Company in Chicago

Before you sign anything, work through this checklist. It takes about 30 minutes and can save you from a nightmare.

1. Get at least three written estimates from different licensed companies. Compare not just the price, but the estimate type and what is included.

2. Verify each company’s ILCC license on the Illinois Commerce Commission website.

3. Check the FMCSA database at protectyourmove.gov for complaint history and insurance status.

4. Read reviews on multiple platforms — Google, Yelp, and BBB at minimum. Look for volume, consistency, and detail.

5. Confirm insurance coverage and ask what happens if something is damaged or lost.

6. Ask about the estimate type — binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed — and get it in writing.

7. Visit or verify the physical address. A quick Google Maps check can confirm whether the address is a real office or a vacant lot.

8. Ask about additional charges — stairs, long carries, parking, packing materials, fuel surcharges. Get every potential charge listed on the estimate.

9. Confirm the cancellation policy. Reputable companies offer reasonable cancellation windows (72 hours is standard) without penalty.

10. Trust your instincts. If something feels off during the estimate process, it will not get better on moving day.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right moving company in Chicago comes down to doing your homework before you commit. The scam operators rely on urgency, low prices, and your unfamiliarity with the process. When you take 30 minutes to verify licenses, read reviews critically, and understand how estimates work, you eliminate the vast majority of risk.

The trustworthy movers in Chicago — the ones that have been serving this city for decades, built their reputations on thousands of real customer experiences, and operate with full transparency — want you to ask these questions. They welcome the scrutiny because they know their credentials, their commitment to customers, and their track record speak for themselves.

Your belongings deserve better than a gamble. Do the research, follow the checklist, and hire a mover you can verify and trust. And when you are ready to get started, request your free moving estimate from a company that makes it easy to check every box on this list.

Preparing Your Home for the Winter

moveinwinter

Moving into a new home in Chicago and becoming a first time homeowner brings about a lot of responsibility when it comes to taking care of and providing proper maintenance of your residence.Moving can be a challenge, but a lot of the work comes down to making sure that your home is protected and that you provide the necessary effort to keep in ideal condition.Most people however, overlook the effect that changing seasons and weather can have on a house, as weather can corrode and damage the house in significant and sometimes unforeseen measures.At The Professionals Moving Specialists, wants to make sure that after we help clients move into their new homes, they get the help and knowledge of taking care of the home especially during the rough winter seasons.The best thing to do is by preparing your home for the Winter and to stay vigilant, the following winter tips below will help you stay ready for the upcoming winter season, and the random and debilitating weather that is often associated.

Outdoor Maintenance

-Repair Sidings: Siding stability is important to maintaining the strength and durability of your home.Make sure that your house sidings are properly inspected and that their is no evidence of damage or leakage that could cause potential abrasive damage in the future.If there is damage evident, the typical repair job involves using a primer or sealant in order to ensure that your sidings are waterproof and capable of protection during the rigid winter months.

-Repair roof shingles: The maintenance of roof shingles is also very significant in making sure that your home is properly protected against the ravaging weather experienced during the winter months.If there is evidence of cracking, or other kind of damage make sure to repair the shingles.Roofing nails and cement are effective in sealing and filling in any cracks in your roof shingles.

-Clear brushes and weeds from around your house: During winter storms typically outside brush and weeds are forcibly thrown around causing abrasive damage to the outside of your home.The collective damage can create scrapes and scratches along your house sidings.Make sure to trim all bushes and weeds around your property before the winter season begins.

Indoor Maintenance

-Reinforce Windows: Window screens and the windows themselves can be seriously damaged during the ravaging of winter storms.Tears and rips in window screens can occur as a result of the influx of heavy winds and this can in turn cause damage to the windows themselves.It is recommended that you replace your current window screens with storm windows.

-Check batteries in all alarm systems: Make sure that all of your alarm systems are working fully and efficiently.It is extremely important, especially during instances of heavy winter storms, that all of your alarm systems are working to prepare against any unexpected emergencies that may arise.Make sure that all of the batteries in these systems are fresh, so that in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide link, you are properly protected.

-Store Outdoor Furniture: Outdoor furniture must be stored indoors during the winter season.Winter storms can wreck havoc on all outdoor furniture including tables, chairs, and benches.Make sure that all of your outdoor furniture is stored in a secured area where it will not be damaged by prevalent winter storms.To this effect, also make sure if you have an outdoor pool it is properly drained.

At the Professionals Moving Specialists we want to make sure that you take all of these precautions into consideration, as they are important for preparation against the upcoming winter season.Winter storms can bring about unforeseen complications and damages to your home, and it is important to be properly protected and secure.Just remember that your work is not done simply after you finish moving.Home-ownership is a big responsibility, at we at the Professionals Moving Specialists, want to make sure you’re prepared for that challenge.And to prepare for your big move as a new homeowner Contact The Professionals Moving Specialists, for all your local moving in Chicago Metro Area.