What Should You Look for When Hiring a Moving Company?

The Pro Move - Chicago Movers

Moving is an expensive and stressful experience for most people. Nobody really likes to go through the process, but sometimes, it's necessary.

Finding a moving company you can trust will help to relieve your stress. There are several things you should look for before hiring a moving company. Here's a short list of the most important things.

Reputation Speaks Volumes

Any moving company worth using will have a great reputation online and offline. You can easily check out their online reputation by reading customer reviews. Of course, there may be a few poor reviews here and there, as nobody is perfect. However, you want to see the positive reviews outweighing the negative reviews.

Experience Plays a Factor

Another thing to look for when hiring a moving company is their experience. They don't need to be huge or even nationwide. However, they do need to be experienced. The last thing you want to do is hire some new moving company and find out they don't have a clue what they are doing.

It takes more than just a few guys with muscles to move your things. Experienced movers know how to lead their team and they know how to get your things from one place to another without damage. Check their website for an about page and find out how long they have been in business before hiring.

Proper Licensing

Every moving company should have the proper licensing for their business. If you run across a moving company without the right licensing, don't hire them. This could cause more issues than it's worth.

Check the Better Business Bureau

There are a few reasons why you always want to check the BBB before you hire a moving company. First, this will be the place you will find any serious complaints and discover if the company is a repeat offender. Second, a moving company with a high rating on the BBB is always a good sign. Finally, you will be able to search for any other business names they have used to see if they are avoiding a bad rating by switching names.

Get References

It may seem like a hassle, but any moving company worth hiring will be able to provide you with references. You can call the references and verify the company is a good choice by asking specific questions.

Watch out for the Large Deposit

When you hire a moving company, they may ask for a deposit up front. This isn't a good sign, in most cases. Reputable movers won't ask for any type of cash up front or large deposit before moving. They will ask you to pay upon delivery.

If you pay a moving company in advance, you lose control over the situation. You may never see your things again, they may not show up on time or at all or you may become a victim of some other type of scam. It's best to use a credit card, if you feel it’s okay to pay a deposit. This will give you at least some level of protection from fraud.

Whenever you need to hire a moving company, it's important to find the right choice for your specific needs. Don't take this process lightly, as there are many fly-by-night companies and scammers out there ready to take your money. Make sure you hire a reputable moving company with plenty of experience.

How to reward yourself after a move

After a long day of moving, many of us don’t feel like unpacking right away, and that’s fair enough. While you don’t want to wait too long to settle in, don’t feel guilty about wanting to take some time to unwind. Want to reward yourself for a move well done? Here are some ideas if you aren’t sure what to do:

Give yourself a night in

Order in

You’re tired, and don’t want to go out. But you can’t imagine having the energy to cook, either. Treat yourself, and order in! Dinner is delivered right to your door and you can either take a nap on the couch, lie down with a book or, if you’re so inclined, start unpacking a few things.

Games night

If you’ve got access to board games or card games, clear a space on the floor (or at the table, if it’s set up) and unwind for a few hours.

It’s okay to invite friends over—just be sure there’s enough room and no boxes in their path!

Movie night

Unless you have a large family that requires a bigger screen to watch a movie, pull out your laptop or tablet and put on your favorite film—no need to unpack the entire DVD collection or set up the TV.

Give yourself a night out

Dinner

You probably aren’t in the mood for cooking or unpacking your kitchen supplies, so step out for a few hours and relax at a nearby restaurant (bonus points if it’s in your new neighborhood!).

If you’ve completed the move earlier in the day, take the kids, roommate, or your significant other out for ice cream or another sweet treat!

Movie

Don’t want to pull out the TV or DVD collection? Treat yourself to a movie and relax for a few hours.

Event

Is there a sporting event or theater performance taking place that night? Your house is full of boxes, so a great reward could mean going out to watch your favorite local sports team or artist.

What's your favorite way to relax or reward yourself after a move?

Sam Landa is Content Manager and social media manager for You Move Me, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and WOW 1 DAY Painting. Back in her college days, she had to move in and out of her dorm apartment, twice a year, for six years. Her favorite things about her current downtown apartment are the water view and lounging on her sectional. Connect with Sam on Google+ or LinkedIn.

6 Tips for Moving During the Winter by Niccole Schreck

Snow Truck

The winter can be a great time to move. Most Americans move between May and September, and the winter is notoriously slow for apartment hunting – which means you're more likely to get a great deal on an apartment and save on your moving costs. The downside to moving into your new place in winter is that you deal with the weather. Even if the sun has been beating down all week, a sudden blizzard might pop up just as you're pulling away in your car. Here are a few cold weather moving tips for a safe transition:

1. Keep an eye on the weather. Periodically check weather reports, and keep an eye on the weather map for approaching storm fronts that could inhibit your move. Even if you've been watching for a few days, weather is fickle and may change with little warning. You should also keep an eye on traffic reports. Plan the route to your new apartment around roads that have stalled traffic. Avoiding busy streets during poor weather will help keep you and your apartment furnishings safe.

2. Don't pack winter supplies. Keep items such as a shovel, ice scraper, salt and winter accessories like gloves and hats in the car with you. If there is a lot of snow on the ground, you may have to dig a path to your new apartment when you arrive. Instead of going through boxes, you'll have the shovel out and ready to go. If the sidewalk leading to your apartment is icy, throw salt on the ground. This will melt the ice and keep you and your fellow movers safe.

3. Get some help. Hiring a moving company has a lot of benefits, including a faster move and no heavy lifting, and those benefits are amplified when you move during the winter. But if you can't afford to hire movers, get as many friends and family members involved as possible, which will lighten the load and prevent you from moving in and out of the cold all day long. Once all the boxes are inside, order some hot food to thank them for their efforts.

4. Board your pets. Boarding your pets during your move is a good idea for a few reasons. First, pets can get under the feet of people carrying boxes and heavy furniture – especially in a small apartment – which is a hazard for everyone. Second, with doors open and people moving in and out, there's a chance your pets might get out. Moving is stressful enough without a missing pet! Lastly, adjusting to a new home isn't always easy for your pet. In fact, more than a third of renters in a recent Rent.com survey listed their pet's emotional trauma as their biggest concern during a move. It's best to move your dog or cat last so he or she will be greeted by familiar scents in your new apartment.

5. Regulate body temperature. Dress in layers so you can shed clothing if you start to overheat. Moving boxes, especially up and down stairs, is heavy work. You can also prevent your body from getting fatigued by leaving the door to the building and your new apartment open. This balances the temperature between inside and outside of the apartment and allows your body to stay at one consistent level. Otherwise, changing between hot and cold can take a toll on you.

6. Keep it clean. Have towels in the car to wipe down boxes and other items that get wet with dirty snow. This will keep your objects and your apartment safe from the damaging effects of moisture. Put padding down on your apartment floor to soak up any excess water that clings to boxes or your shoes.

Niccole Schreck is the rental experience expert for rent.com, a free rental site that helps you find an affordable apartment and provides tips on how to move.

Hiring the Best Moving Company

movers

You’ve just found the house that you wanted and you are ready to move in, the only problem is that you can’t simply abscond and start life in your new home, you need to move in.  Moving is a tenuous process, and it involves bringing all the possessions you need from your current residence into your new one.  However, choosing a moving company isn’t as simple as picking the first name out of a phone book, or choosing the first name that appears on your Google search.  Every moving company offers different services, for different clients, and it is important to sort out the ones that are most beneficial to you.  At the Professionals Moving Specialists, we want to help you remain aware of the various aspects you should consider when choosing a moving company that is best for you, and to make sure you are not taken advantage of in the process.

Make Sure The Moving Company is Licensed

One of the first things you should do when choosing a moving company for your move is to make sure that they are licensed.  Movers that are located within your state should have a state license verifying their legitimacy.  If the moving company is an interstate mover then they should have a unique license number called a US DOT number that can only be issued by the United States Department of Transportation.

Make Sure The Moving Company has Generated Positive Ratings

In order to make sure that you receive a positive experience from your moving company you should verify the company’s ratings online.  Yelp, Citysearch and other social media sites, provide reviews on companies and businesses based on customer’s first hand experiences.  You can use these ratings as an indication of what to expect from your moving company, as these ratings can also include detailed descriptions of the benefits and faults of the company’s service, as well as a better understanding of how they do business.  For a more official rating system you can also check your company’s rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).  The Better Business Bureau offers comprehensive standards that verifies a company’s legitimacy and also provides accreditation for professional businesses.

Make Sure The Moving Company Has a Long History of Service

A company with a competent record, and a long standing history of successful business operations is more than likely to be a legitimate and professional business.  Understanding the history of the business can also help you determine if they are best suited to help you out with your move as you are able to determine whether or not this moving company possesses the sufficient experience to be able to carefully manage your belongings.  If you are asking your moving company to help you move your antique, fine art or valuable items, it is in your best interest to check the company’s history of moving antique items so that you know if your belongings will be properly cared for.

Make Sure The Moving Company Is Insured

One of the most important things to consider is whether or not your moving company is insured, as this is a crucial indicator of the legitimacy of the moving company.

Examine Their Rates

Doing an examination of a moving company’s rates is important to understanding exactly what it is you will be charged for during the course of the move.  Some moving companies charge by the hour, and add additional fees for services such as packing.  Mileage is also a consideration most moving companies take when considering the cost, as the greater distance they have to travel to your locations, the more they will charge you for the move.  Make sure you verify all rates and charges so that you have a rough estimate of the cost of the move and so that you are not surprised by overcharging and scams.

What Are Their Special Services

Some moving companies offer in addition to the standard services and rates, additional services that could be beneficial in determining the right mover for you.  Things such as packing, antique and fine art moving, and state of the art storage facility access are just some of the things a company may offer in addition to basic service.  Be sure, when you are researching moving companies that you keep all of these things into consideration, so that you choose the company with the services that you find most appealing.

In conclusion, a moving company should be a combination of all of the things previously discussed.  They should be licensed, professional, and high rated to ensure a thorough and complete moving process.  The combination of affordable rates, appealing services and professionalism should provide you with the moving company that is best suited for you, and will provide you with the best service that is within your budget.  Be sure, once your movers are chosen, that they have an idea of where you want everything to be placed, that they provide you with a detailed description of their services, and that they give you a thorough walk-through before they begin moving and transferring your belongings.

Remember to keep all of these things in mind, and if you are looking for a moving company in Chicago be sure to contact the Professionals Moving Specialists, one of the most trusted names in the moving industry.

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.