Plan your Move

PLANYOURMOVE

Let face it moving is a hassle.  It’s stressful on everyone and especially so when you have a family or moving an office in Chicago, IL. That’s why we look for everything we can to make the move less troublesome.  So what’s the best advice out there?  There’s basically just one.  Plan, plan, plan.  At the end of the day, there is nothing worse than scrambling around because you didn’t plan things properly.

Plan As Early As Possible

We all know things change.  However, it’s always smart to plan your move early so that you can account for change as they come.  If you have a core plan already, it’s easier to shift things around rather than making a new plan on the spot.  It also gives you more time to think and notice the small details you might have forgotten otherwise.

Have Important Moving Documents Close.

 It can be a box or a binder.  It’s just something for you to keep everything that is related to the move.  You’ll have phone numbers of moving companies, lists of things that need to be completed before the move or a simple moving checklist,  notes for the real estate agent, and more.  By keeping the paperwork in one place, you can easily access what you need.

Packing

Packing is undoubtedly the most time consuming part of moving.  If you need help packing, The Professionals Moving Specialists offers packing and unpacking services.  If you prefer to do it by yourself, make it fun!  Throw on some music and get your friends and family to help.  You’ll be done before you know it.

Labeling

It’s easier when you know where everything goes.  That way, when you move, boxes with all the pots and pans will go straight to the kitchen and he ones with pillows will go to the bedroom.  It’ll save you hours of shifted heavy boxes and walking through unpacked clutter to put things where they belong.

Have A List

People like lists because it helps they stay organized.  Make a list before you move and check it off as you complete each task.  It’s always the smallest things that get forgotten.  Remember to notify people about your change in address, cancel memberships, and stop the electricity, water and heat in your old home and start it in your new home.

Before Moving in Chicago

Chicago

Every town has its own personalities and establishments.It has restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, parks, best school for your kids and more.However, there are 7 places that you should always know before moving in Chicago neighborhoods.While you may never need some of these establishments, it’s always best to know these places before before moving in Chicago in case of emergencies.Whether it’s a town over or across the street , in Chicago, IL do some research and figure out where they are.

Doctors

We hope that we never need medical attention, but you should always know where the local hospital is just in case.On top of that, also know where your local doctor’s office, pharmacy, dentist, etc., are.Being healthy is a top priority to living a happy life.You also never know when an emergency will occur, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Food

Find your local grocery stores.Maybe there’s even a farmer’s market near you!Knowing what’s around you is a great way to save money when buying food.Some stores have certain deals while other have different ones.You should also check out the restaurants around your home.Sometimes you just don’t feel like cooking and that’s when you want to know where all the good places to eat are.

Emergency Services

This kind of goes along with knowing where the hospital is.On top of that, you should know where the fire department is locates, as well as the police office.You may never need them, but knowing where they are located can give you piece of mind at the very least.

Gas Station

Transportation is important no matter where you live.As most people do drive, it’s smart to know where the local gas stations are.That way, since gas is so expensive nowadays, you can compare and contrast prices and get the best deal.

Public Transit

Chicago is a busy city and one thing all cities have is public transportation.Whether you prefer the bus or the train or have to use one or the other, makes sure you know what to take before you leave the house.It’s a pain trying to decipher Google maps on your phone while you’re onthe bus trying to see each stop or underground where you get no service.

DMV

Each state has different driving laws.If you are planning on staying in Illinois after moving from another state, you’re going to have to replace your license.The DMV is where you will need to go to get information about new laws and to apply. List of Chicago DMV Offices

Schools

If you have kids, knowing where the schools are in Chicago is one of the most important things.You don’t want to be scrambling the morning of the first day trying to figure out where you need to go to get to the school or where the closest bus stop is.Make life less stressful by being prepared. List of Chicago, IL Public Schools

Getting Acquainted With Your Neighbors When Moving in Chicago

Getting Acquainted With Your Neighbors When Moving

Moving into a new neighborhood in Chicago can be a very dreadful situation, if you do not know anything about that neighborhood. You are surrounded by strangers, in a place that is unfamiliar to you.At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we understand that moving can be a very difficult process, but assimilating into a new area can be just as daunting.Therefore, it is very important that upon arriving in a new location, that you try to get better acquainted with your surroundings.One of the best ways is to make friends, to ease into the transition of moving.

Getting Acquainted With Your Neighbors When Moving in Chicago is significant advantages.Neighbors can help you understand where things are in your neighborhood, where all the entertainment centers are, where to shop, which are the fastest routes of travel, what schools are the best, which areas to avoid and other important information.Beyond these advantages sometimes it can just be nice to have people that you can talk and relate to, and share in exciting new experiences.Meeting new people for the first time though can be a very nervous task, so the following are some helpful ideas to help you get better associated with your neighbors, and assimilate better into your neighborhood.

Attend Neighborhood Events

Attending neighborhood events and getting involved in your community is an excellent way to make new friends and get better familiar with your area.Things like neighborhood watch , city council and other neighborhood socials are a great way to voice your opinion about different aspects of your community and give yourself a more enriching experience.You will meet people, learn about events and become more sociable.

Invite Neighbors to a House Warming Party

Inviting neighbors to a housewarming party can be a great way to introduce yourself.You can impress them with your culinary skills, enjoy a movie, drink wine, and any other enjoyable activity you can think of.House warming parties do not necessarily have to be exactly what was mentioned before, nor do they have to be extravagant events.Simply inviting someone over for lunch is a sufficient way of showing your interest to be more sociable.

Greet New Members

In much the same way that you would like to be treated upon entering a new neighborhood, you should provide the same kindness to newcomers.Invite new neighbors to your house, give them tips and advice about living in the neighborhood in Chicago and make yourself available to them if they ever need any help.This can be a great way of making fast friends, and becoming more at ease with your neighborhood.

In general, making yourself more available to the community, and engaging in more sociable practices with your neighbors, can alleviate any anxiety of being a stranger in a strange land.At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we hope that you can use these tips to become better acquainted with your neighbors and make your moving experience a rewarding one.

For moving services and tips read our Chicago Movers Blog The Professionals Moving Specialists, one of the most trusted names in moving.

20 Things People Forget When Moving

Chicagomover

Through the course of your move, while you are rushing to get organized and get your things in order, your belongings can occasionally be misplaced or forgotten altogether. Amidst all of the chaos, it is therefore important to remain organized, and make sure not to forget critical things that you will need in your new residence. At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we want to make sure that you stay well coordinated in your move so that you don’t leave anything behind. Past moving experience of helping clients move from one location in Chicago, IL to another, we have unfortunately heard individuals have forgotten key items that they have needed later on. Below is a list of the top Items Regularly forgotten during moving process.These items include:

1. Personal Records - Often times during the moving process, one of the most significant and forgotten items are personal records. Personal records take a decent amount of time to accrue, and should be gotten weeks prior to your move. These include dental records, medical records, veterinarian, and birth certificates.

2. Valuables - Jewelry and other valuable items are sometimes forgotten as they are usually placed in hidden or well protected areas. Make sure that you have all of your expensive and valuable items packed before you begin your move.

3. Library Books - This is one is also one of the most forgotten items on the list. Typically people tend not to forget to pack their bookshelves and books, but they do forget that some of these books are library books and are, in fact, due to be returned. Make sure to return all lent and borrowed library books to their proper library.

4. Dry Cleaning - Dry cleaning is also a very common thing that most people tend to forget while moving, as people leave their clothes at the dry cleaners and forget to pick them up. Make sure that if you have laundry or dry cleaning tickets around you make sure to recover all your clothes and not leave them behind.

5. Plungers and Toilet Bowl Cleaners - This is an example of another item often forgotten that people forget is theirs and not apart of the home. Plungers and toilet bowl cleaners as well as all other bathroom appliances are necessary in your new home.

6. Phone Books - Other typically forgotten items are phonebooks and address books. Be sure that you remember to bring your phonebooks with you as you don’t want to leave behind all of your contacts.

7. Keys - Keys of all kinds can be forgotten during the moving process. This can include old house keys, new house keys, car keys, cabinet keys, safe keys etc. Make sure to recover all of your keys as it will cause you difficulty later on.

8. Household plants - Household plants are another very common item that is often forgotten. Do not forget your household plants as they will not be properly cared for and watered and will likely wither away in your absence.

9. Coffee Makers - Often forgotten as if a piece of the abandoned kitchen themselves, many people forget their coffee makers in their old house. Pack you coffee makers or else how else will you wake up in the morning!!!

10. Gardening Tools - Gardening tools are typically located outside of the home which explains why they are typically forgotten. Hoses, lawnmowers are among the most forgotten items, so be sure you do not forget them when you are preparing for your move.

11. Microwaves - Another kitchen appliance often thought of as part of the kitchen themselves, and the main reason why it is left behind. A microwave is a significant part of your home and home dining, so be sure not to forget to pack it.

12. Medicine - Often left in cabinets and closets, medicines are a very important and should not be forgotten. Some prescription medication is needed regularly and forgetting them can be an extreme detriment to your well-being. Be sure not to forget your medicines.

13. Tools - This refers to all kinds of household tools such as hammers, nails and thing of that nature. Make sure that you collect all of your tools and place them in a tool box that is easy to carry and manage.

14. Toilet Paper - Arguably the most important item on this list. Do not forget toilet paper...you will regret it later.

15. Mail/Bills - A common mistake people tend to make when moving is to inform the post office of their change of address. Failing to do this will result in your mail being sent to your old address, and you will not be able to get a hold of important bills and other significant mail.

16. Garage Door Opener - Another example of one of the most forgotten moving items. Garage Door Openers can sometimes be an expensive tool and most people forget to remove their openers to bring to their new residence.

17. Gym Memberships - In a similar light to mails/bills, most people forget to cancel their gym memberships in their old neighborhoods and still incur the costs associated with membership fees. Be sure to cancel your gym memberships and all other memberships and subscriptions.

18. Trash and recycle bins - Another group of items people often forget are their trash and recycle bins, as they are located on the outside of the home. Make sure to recover these items, as the new residents will most certainly use them.

19. Lamps and other lighting equipment - People often forget their lamps and other lighting equipment in the home as well. Make sure that anything that is plugged into an outlet is removed which brings us to the next item...

20. Chargers and other plug ins - Once again be sure to remove any items plugged into outlets. Chargers especially are important as you cannot use your phone without them.

The Professionals Moving Specialists hope is by showing you this list, and making movers aware of commonly forgotten items, you can become more organized in your move. And if you are looking for a superlative moving company to help you transition into your new residence, be sure to contact The Professionals Moving Specialists, one of the most trusted names in moving.

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

my-dorm-room

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.