Top 6 Things You Might Forget to Do When Moving

The moving process is an overwhelming one, and it can be easy to forget to handle certain details. You may be tempted to choose the first moving company you come across without comparing option, just like you may find it tempting to just pack everything up without getting rid of unused things first.

Did you pay for a bunch of moving boxes you'll never use? Did you look into Green Moving Solutions? There are so many things to keep track of and handle before the move that preparing ahead time will help you avoid rushing through the process and neglecting important tasks. Jot down these 6 things that you may forget to do when moving so that you can cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s.

Sort your items and label the boxes

First, you’ll want to start looking at your items to see if there are things you no longer need. It’s smart to do this before a move so that you can spend less on moving expenses. Sometimes there are things you never use or that you know you’re ready to part with, such as furniture that won’t look good in the new house, wardrobe items, or old holiday items.

Consider what items would be great for donating or put in a garage sale to earn some extra cash for the move. When it’s time to pack everything up, be sure to label each box thoroughly and remind yourself which room each box was intended for, such as “kitchen box” or “bedroom.” We have free moving labels available if you need them!

Get the pets a check-up

Since you’re moving somewhere new, it may take time to find a new doctor, dentist, and vet. Now is the time to get your pet in for a check-up before going somewhere new, and to ensure your pet is handling the stress of the move well. Your pet’s health is important before taking a long trip to a new place, and it will help to have updated pet records from your current vet for when you go to a new vet.

Collect important documents

Now is the time to gather and maintain important documents for your move. You don’t want to have to dig through boxes to find your resume, medical records, or school records when you need them in your new town. Keep your important documents and records handy so as to not pack them into boxes that may not get unpacked for a while.

Compare moving companies

Be sure to do your homework to find a reputable moving company (*wink wink*) rather than hiring the one with the best price or the first one on your google search. Be sure to compare services, prices, conditions, and reviews, and select a reliable moving company in your area that can prove they are licensed and insured, will do an in-home visit, and has a great reputation in the community.

Create your moving checklist

Creating a moving checklist will help you avoid forgetting some of these tasks and others that may slip your mind later. Remind yourself to call for quotes with moving companies, to call around for free moving boxes, and to get utilities set up at your new home.

Remind yourself to redirect your mail and have the furniture sent to your home the day after you’ve moved everything. Be sure to have all of the times and dates on your checklist, as well as things to do and things not to forget on there.

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Pack an essentials box

Lastly, make sure you pack a “first week essentials” box. This should include things you’ll need to access right away, such as a shower curtain and towels, cookware and cups, as well as medicine and dog food. These types of things can end up packed with your regular household goods, and make the time after your move a stressful one.

These are the top 6 things that you won’t want to forget to do when it’s time for your upcoming move.

Moving Insurance: Do you Need it? What is the Cost?

It doesn't matter if you're moving one neighborhood over or across the country; you may want to consider moving insurance. Before you decide to buy moving insurance, however, it's important to understand what it will protect and how much it costs.

Most homeowners choose a good moving company instead of going through the stressful process of packing and moving. Will using a residential moving company guarantee an item that covered if lost or damaged? Is the coverage offered good enough or should you get moving insurance?

Are Moving Companies Liable for Your Things?

Licensed moving companies in Illinois are liable for the value of the items they transport. If an item becomes damaged, while they are moving it, they are responsible. Moving companies have to offer two levels of liability, which are Movers Liability and Valuation.

With Valuation coverage, there is usually a fee associated. If an item is damaged the moving company will attempt to repair the damage and if not repairable the client will receive depreciated value for the item.

Movers Liability coverage is usually included in your move and the moving company will pay, if an item is broken. However, they only pay up to 30 cents per pound, per item. So, if you have a heavy coffee table worth $1,500 and it's damaged, the company only pays 60 cents per pound. Even if it weighs 100 pounds, that's only $30.

Buying Moving Insurance

These policies will provide coverage much like a standard insurance policy, which means you, will pay upfront for the coverage and pay a deductible if you make a claim.

It’s important to understand the type of protection you’re getting when buying moving insurance.  With some insurance policies, you will need to create a selected inventory to be covered, while other policies just cover the total value of your goods.

While you may not think you need the added coverage, you’ll probably wish you had it, if something does happen. Even the best moving companies cannot avoid every accident, but with good moving insurance, you’ll be covered.

Third-Party Moving Insurance

While purchasing moving insurance from a third-party may seem like a good idea, it can be rather expensive. This type of coverage can run anywhere from about $200 to $1,000, which is often much more expensive than purchasing additional coverage from your moving company. In addition, the deductible may be much higher in order to make the upfront rate lower.

Moving insurance offers an additional level of protection for your items when you need to move. If you don't feel like the required coverage offered by your professional moving company is enough, consider purchasing additional moving insurance from your moving company for full protection.

Top Ways to Feel At Home in Your New Chicago Apartment

Sometimes apartment living can leave you longing for something that feels more like your own. Living in an apartment means that you are renting the unit from someone else, paying a monthly rent in exchange for a place to live that isn’t truly yours.

You have to follow the rules of living there, such as restrictions on decorating, no say on the finishes used throughout, and rules on areas like pet ownership and parking. It can get tiring to play by someone else’s rules, but luckily, there are hundreds of ways to make your Chicago apartment feel like you are right at home.

You won’t remember you are living in someone else’s building when you bring these touches into your space while overlooking downtown from your balcony. Take a look at these easy ways to feel right at home in your new apartment.

Start unpacking

The best way to start is to begin unpacking the larger items, including furniture, lamps, plants, and artwork. Getting these items approximately where you envision them living will help to start put the room together. You’ll feel less like you’re in someone else’s house and more like this blank slate is starting to look like home. Choose a place for all of the big items so that the little items can start to be unpacked next.

Put on some music

What better way to bring some joy into the unpacking process than to put on some of your favorite songs that you listen to no matter where you are each day? Putting on familiar music will not only make this feel like home, but it will reduce stress while you unpack all of your belongings.

Choose a room to unpack first

You may get overwhelmed with all of the packing that needs to be done, but starting with one room at a time will make it a breeze. You may find it easiest to have your kitchen unpacked so that you can begin cooking and bringing in familiar scents to your home, or you may find that it’s easiest to have an unpacked bathroom where you can start your day off right before exploring your new city.

For others, having the bedroom unpacked will allow for total relaxation while the rest of the apartment will all fall into place. Choose one room to completely setup and you’ll find that it’s easier to handle the rest while feeling at home and at peace in the room that’s done.

Bring out an item from home

What items makes you feel at home the most? Perhaps it’s a family photo, a piece of art, a favorite lamp, or jewelry box that was given to you as a gift. Whichever items come from home, choose one to setup first. Sometimes seeing a cherished, familiar item on display will allow you to feel more comfortable and reminisce in this new apartment.

Setup the bathroom and make the bed

Even if you’ve only set up your kitchen, you’ll want to make sure your bathroom is mostly put together and your bed is made. You’ll feel more setup for success knowing that your bed is ready to sleep in and you’ll be able to take a shower in the morning.

Locate that shower curtain, bathroom towels, soaps, hair dryer, and bath mats to setup your bathroom, and then make your bed right away. Having this all ready to go will allow you to get back to your routine while you continue to unpack slowly but surely.

Host a party and relax

Now it’s time to bring friends and family into the new home so that you can start to feel like it’s yours and the place where friends and family will start picturing you at. Have a dinner party and your friends are likely to bring you a housewarming gift to enjoy in the new place. Then after the party, relax on your couch with a favorite movie and enjoy a glass of wine while you get used to your new, beautiful home.

Use these tips to make sure you feel at home in your new Chicago apartment.