10 Things You Don't Need But Should Bring To Your Dorm Anyway

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College can be the best time of your life, but also very stressful.  Where else is it normal to see young adults sprawled and asleep in the most random places, curled up on the couch or floor like a child?  Once finals week hits, it’s a free for all and everyone is eating and sleeping in those free minutes in between studying for a different class.

This is exactly why you should have an escape.  For those moments when school is too much and you need to relax with your friends, make sure you have everything you need.

Here are 10 things to bring to your dorm that you don’t really need, but will be glad you brought anyway.

TV

You never need to bring your TV.  It’s just nice to have around, especially if you are like me and watch basically every show on air.  It’s also a nice, mindless activity for the moments when you don’t want to think.

Game Station

Whether you have an Xbox or a Playstation, bring it with your TV.  Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing that gunning down enemies in Call of Duty or beating all your friends in Super Mario.

Snacks

This is sort of essential, but sort of not.  It depends on what kind of snacks and food you bring.  Sometimes you just need to be unhealthy and stuff your face with chips and chocolate.

Board Games

Video games can only take you so far.  Sometimes there is nothing better than breaking out the old Monopoly board or a surprisingly aggressive game of Cranium.

Nintendo DS

Do you have one?  Because if you don’t you should get one…or a PSP.  Yeah, I know phones have apps nowadays, but battery life goes so fast.  Not to mention, those games aren’t half as complicated as the ones you can play on the DS.

Snuggie

Whoever created the Snuggie is a genius, especially on those winter nights where it’s warm in your room, but somehow you still have a chill under your skin.  Not to mention they are great during testing weeks when you fall asleep where you are studying.

Books

They weigh a lot and take up space, but sometimes you just need your favorite stories with you.  You know, the ones that are beat up with pages ripped because you’ve read them so much.

Stuffed Animals

Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like stuffed animals because they are most likely evil.  There is nothing better than cuddling up with your favorite teddy bear as you are trying to figure your way through the chemistry textbook which seems to be written in every other language but English.

Baking Sheets

There are moments that can be made a thousand times better by the smell of baked goods.  Every dorm has a kitchen and every kitchen has an oven.  Grab some of your friends and whip up a batch of brownies or cupcakes or something.  It’s fun and you’ll have something sweet to eat after.

Kirugumi

Kirugumis are the proper name for animal onsies.  They are so comfy, you really need to get one.  So what if you’re a college student?  The time to do it is now because you won’t have an excuse later.  On cold days, have a Kirugumi party with your friends.

For more information about student moving in Chicago, click here.

Helping Seniors Move

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Moving is a difficult procedure when you’re young, so imagine how challenging it is when you are a senior citizen and you can no longer move as agilely as you did in your youth.  Not to mention, as you get older you develop a set routine and it becomes harder to adapt to change.  If you are helping Seniors Move or elderly adult in their advanced years move in the Chicago area, check out some of these tips to make the transition an easier experience for everyone.

Explanation

It’s important to explain to your senior citizen what is happening.  It is imperative to tell them that they are moving several months ahead of time so they can become accustomed to the idea.  It may be a new apartment, or a new house, or an assisted living facility.  Whatever it is, it is most likely different from what their current living arrangement is.  Walk them through what living in their new place is going to be like.  Also explain to them what is going to happen on moving day.  Once the movers come in everything will be happening quickly.  This might be overwhelming for the elderly if they do not know what is going on.  Also, it gives them a semblance of control over this change.  They will be able bring up some ideas of specific needs that you can keep in mind.

Early Start

It’s always smart to start packing early.  It gives you more time to sort through your stuff and decide what you want to keep and what you want to throw away.  After living for so long, it is very likely that things pile up.  It will take a while for your senior to get through all the clutter they have collected throughout the years.  Starting early is especially vital if they are moving to a smaller location.  A lot is going to have to be thrown out, donated, or stored away.

Medication

If your senior citizen is not on some sort of medication then he or she is very healthy and I applaud his/her health.  Unfortunately, as the body ages the need for medication arises and it is more likely than not that your older adult has a cocktail of pills they need to take every day.  Keep the medication with you.  Pill bottles can be easily lost in mess that is moving and packing and you don’t want to be ripping open boxes if an emergency happens.  Also, check out the new area before the move.  Find out where the local drugstores and doctors are.  Once your elderly person has properly moved in, you can show them where to fill out their prescriptions and the way to the doctor’s office for appointments.

Who Are Your Movers?

Who your movers are can be very important.  Let them meet the workers and talk to them.  It will help any anxiety they have about strangers handling their things.  They can also help with reassuring your senior citizen by explain their procedures.  Most importantly, do not let your older adult do any heavy lifting.  They are at greater risk for serious injury, so avoid the possibilities of any broken bones or dislocated joints by letting the movers do their job.

It’ll Be Okay

Everyone needs reassurance sometimes and that goes for the elderly as well.  The flurry of activity on moving day will most likely overwhelm them.  Stay by their side and make sure they are okay.  Comfort them when you need to and talk them through what is going on.  Half the panic is usually a result of not knowing.

The Professionals Moving Specialists

Here at The Professionals Moving Specialists, customer service is our number one priority.  We understand the stress of moving and it is our job to make it as minimal as possible.  We will work with you and your senior citizen so that the experience will be as comfortable as possible.  We can help pack and unpack your items and we will coordinate every step of the process with you.  With multiple awards and great yelp reviews under our belt, you know we are the movers you want when you are moving in the Chicago area.

What's Your Moving Sign?

Hey!  Not sure if you've noticed, but we've recently relocated to bigger offices in Chicago, IL.  We're expanding our business, hiring more people, and adding more trucks to our fleet!  So in celebration of this, let's we've surfed the internet for some cool "we are moving signs"!  You never know when you might move and why use that stereotypical ones you find in hardware stores when you can use one so much more interesting and eye catching? 1.  You like cute?  I like cute and this is definitely cute.  I mean a giraffe driving a car with a cat and a bird riding in and on the trailer.  The kids will love it!

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2. Check out this puppy.  If you're able to break away from his soulless stare, you'll see that he's being very informative about the move.

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3. I quite like this one.  It has a simple, but eye-catching design and the desaturated color scheme is very complementary.  I'd use this if I was a more serious type of business, but still wanted to be a little unique.

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4. This one is just fun.  I mean, men with mustaches carrying a piano.  There's a joke in there somewhere.  I'm just not sure where....

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5. This is along the same line as the top one, just less colorful and a teensy bit less funny.  It's okay, though.  I've always liked the vintage art style.

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6. What's a post without our favorite sarcastic, writing, daydreaming dog?  Just a normal boring post.  Snoopy makes everything better, including your move.

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7. This moving sign is really cute.  It's not too out there, but it's different enough to catch your attention.

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8. Alright, this is one of my favorite.  It doesn't outright state that you're moving, but the sentiment is there.  It's laced with the subtle cynicism that can only be found in today's society.

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9. Little girl and Superman!  What's not to love?  (I like the girl.  She's smart.)

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10. I swear, there is nothing else better in this world than a bad pun...except maybe fried oreos...maybe.  Nothing makes the day better than a groan inducing pun so horrible you can't help but laugh.

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11. Are you a pessimist?  Then this is the sign for you!  I mean just look at it!  It's all looping swirls and elegant calligraphy and then BAM! Depressing message. (however true it may be.)

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12.  This one is so sweet....literally.  Why not soften the blow of stressful moving by a picture of a cavity inducing gingerbread house?  It's perfect for bakeries and the sorts.

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13. This one is just funny, like "I have no idea what is going on" kind of funny.  But hey, they're version of moving looks rather convenient even if it is scientifically impossible.

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14.  Make your own sign!  It's a nice little personal touch and it means that no one else will have the same sign as you.  Have a huge storefront window?  Grab some window paint and have a little fun!

How To Avoid Moving Scams

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Scams are everywhere.  Internet scams, phone scams, bank scams, get rich quick scams, etc.  With today’s technology, it is getting harder and harder to tell what situation is a scam and what isn’t.  This goes for moving as well.

Nowadays, everything is searched for online.  Because of this impersonal form of communication, it gets harder and harder to tell if the business is as real and upfront as it claims to be.  Here are a number of waysand tips How To Avoid Moving Scams in Chicago, IL

Inspections

After giving you a quote online or on the phone, a real, licensed business will always have an in home consultation.  Why?  Because you can say you have a certain amount of stuff, but it translates differently once it’s all packed.  Experts are able to see this and calculate accordingly.  They may ask questions about your furniture and what may need to be disassembled and reassembled.  The estimate they end up giving you will be as close as possible to what they charge you.

Scam movers, on the other hand, will not give an in-home consultation.  Instead, they will quote a price over the phone or online and low-ball it.  Though everyone loves to save money, you would do well to be a bit cynical.  If it’s too good to be true, it almost always is.

Payments

Legitimate moving companies will ask for payment after the move.  That way, you are safe in your knowledge that nothing is broken or lost.  And if something is, the moving company has insurance and paperwork for you to fill out.

On the other hand, rogue movers will do one of two things.  They will demand payment upfront.  Once you hand over the money, they no longer have to worry about treating your belongings well.  If anything breaks, you can’t take it out of the money you paid them or withhold paying.  Or they will give you an incredibly low estimate and raise it substantially once your belongings are on the truck.  They will force you pay the amount as they hold you items hostage.

Paperwork

As a legitimate business, there will always be paperwork to fill out.  There are federal regulations when it comes to moving and all the rules have to be abided by.  You should always be given a “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet if you are moving out of state.  For instate, there are various insurance forms and contracts.

If you mover has little to no paperwork for you to go through, they are doing it wrong.

Location

Movers usually have a place where their offices are located.  After all, the trucks have to gather somewhere and most companies offer storage services and packing supplies as well.  There is usually an address on the website you can go to.

If there is no address, we weary that the movers are not legitimately licensed.  If there is, you might want to visit.  The state of the office can tell you a lot.  Or maybe the office doesn’t even exist and the address is a local lake!

Company Name

What else is there to look for?  The company name of course.  When your call is answered, the first thing out after “hello” should be the company’s name.  If it’s not and something generic like “moving company” is used instead, there is a high chance that the business is not legal.  Also, look at the trucks.  Legitimate moving companies all have their company name and logo on the side of the truck.  It is an indication that it is family owned and part of a fleet of trucks meant specifically for moving.

The Professionals Moving Specialists

Now that you know all the signs of an illegal moving company, See Chicago Moving Company!  The Professionals Moving Specialist is based in Chicago, IL .  Our moving Company is a legitimate business, properly licensed, bonded, and insured.  If you have any questions or worries about moving, call us and ask!  Our aim is to provide the best service for you during the stressful time of your move.

When Couples Move In Together

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So your significant other is moving in.  You’re ready to start a new chapter of your lives together and this consists of coexisting in the same home.  And you guys have chosen your home for whatever reason.  Maybe it’s bigger or maybe it has a better view or maybe couples spend the most time there anyway.  Whatever the reason, there are some things that need to be before your couples move in together.

The Closet

The worse feeling is looking into your closet and knowing you have too much clothing, but never having anything to wear.  Well, you’re about to have a bit less.  There is no way you are going to fit both your clothes and your partner’s in the same closet considering the state it is in now.  This of course means it’s time to clean it out.  Throw or donate anything you haven’t worn in a year.  Old sweatshirts, t-shirts with holes in them, faded jeans, whatever it may be.

Hide Your Stuff

Or not, it’s up to you.  It depends on how comfortable you are around your partner.  But remember, the only kept secrets in a relationship are the bad ones.  So maybe you’re not ready to show your significant other your collection of limited edition signed Lord of the Rings novels or the pristine condition miniature figurines of all the Sailor Scouts that you usually keep in a glass case.  That’s okay, for now, but they will find it eventually.  There are only a number of hiding places in a house.

Fridge

Food is one of the most important things in…well, life really.  You and your partner may not have matching taste buds.  Maybe he’s allergic to nuts or she’s a huge fan of red meat.  Maybe you like tofu and have an affinity to cayenne pepper most shudder at. Whatever it is, you’ll have to reach a compromise and accommodate your partner’s taste as well as your own.

Chores

You know the drill.  You’ve had enough roommates in this lifetime to know how important it is to split up the chores.  I know you probably imagined endless cuddling in front of the TV and romantic take-out dinners when you both come from work exhausted.  You’ll still have those.  Except you also have to figure out who takes out the trash, who cleans the bathroom, who does the laundry, who washes the dishes, and more!  Keeping a home inhabitable is no easy task!  Especially when double the people means double the stuff and double the waste.

Enjoy It

Not that you don’t already enjoy each other’s company, but there’s just something about living together.  There’s no need to wake up early in the morning to go home and change before work.  Instead you can sleep in and know that everything is in your shared room, bathroom, home.

Read more moving tips from Chicago Movers The Professionals Moving Specialists