How to Store Your Car in Chicago During the Winter

Moving to Chicago may be necessary for a new job opportunity. If you're planning to relocate to Chicago or you recently moved to the city, you may be concerned about how you will handle storing your car for the winter. This is especially true if you own a convertible or a sports car you don't plan to drive again until spring. Storing your car during the Chicago winter might seem tricky, but there are plenty of options available to you. Here are a few of the best ways to handle this situation after moving to Chicago.

A Heated Storage Garage

Many storage companies throughout the Chicago area offer heated storage for vehicles. Sometimes, this is referred to as "climate-controlled" storage and it's the best choice for those looking to store a convertible or a sports car.

Some of the fluids in a vehicle can freeze during Chicago winters. However, if you choose a heated garage for storage, you won't have to worry as much.

Covered Parking

If there is any possibility you will drive the vehicle during the winter, covered parking may be a better option for you. While your vehicle won't be protected from the cold, it will be protected from the snow and ice. You will need to winterize the vehicle by checking the fluids and flushing any fluids that could freeze.

Specialty Sports Car Storage

Some companies throughout Chicago offer storage for sports cars, such as Ferrari’s. They may offer in and out services to allow you to drive your vehicle whenever you want. Another big plus of a specialty storage company is the battery tender service and other mechanical services they may offer.

This type of car storage in Chicago won't be inexpensive and can run as much as $250 per month or more. However, you will usually have options to make sure your vehicle remains in good, running condition all throughout the winter. You won't have to worry about a dead battery come spring if you choose the right specialty storage company.

Outside Parking

Of course, you can always park your vehicle in a long-term outside parking facility. This will be the least expensive of the car storage options and will probably require a good car cover, along with full winterizing of the vehicle. However, if your budget is tight, outside parking may be the right solution.

A Private/Friend's Garage

Many Chicago residents will rent out garage space of their own for winter car storage. If you can find a good place near where you live, this may be a good option. Of course, it's even better if the private garage happens to be owned by someone you know.

While there are plenty of options for car storage during the winter in Chicago, some of the best options fill up fast. It's important to make sure your vehicle is winterized if it won't be stored in a heated garage. Make sure you go through all of the steps to winterize your vehicle or you may discover major issues come spring.

Winter Moving Services

How to Label Your Moving Boxes Like a Pro

Even the most organized person can quickly become disorganized during moving. Residential moving is one of the most chaotic and stressful times in most people's lives. However, proper labeling of your moving boxes will help to ensure it's a less stressful process. With a smart labeling system, you will make unpacking much easier and there will actually be a system to loading and unloading the truck.  It's best to start the labeling process as you start packing. Here are a few tips to help you label your moving boxes like a pro.

Get the Right Labeling Tools

You need more than just a sharpie to label your boxes. The best type of labeling system requires markers in a variety of colors. Make sure they are good quality markers, as you don't want one to go out halfway through the process.

Quality markers won't be the cheapest on the shelves. Make sure they come from a brand you can trust and you get at least five different colors. It's also best to use permanent, waterproof markers for labeling moving boxes.

Along with the markers, you should get colored tape matching the colors of your markers. While most of the packing tape you will use will be clear, a roll of each color will help with your labeling process. If you are using our Chicago Green Moving Boxes, use masking tape and mark where the boxes need to go. We can supply most of these items here and here.

Use a Color Coding System

Now that you have your markers and your colored tape, it's time to put together your system. Choose a color for each of the major rooms, such as green for the kitchen, red for the family/living room, blue for the bedroom, orange for the bathroom(s) and yellow for the dining room. You can assign the colors to any room you want, as long as it makes sense for you.

Now, as you pack up each room, use the marker with the corresponding color to write on each box. Write the room name in large, capital letters one each box. Then, list out the items in the box in smaller print.

You will also want to use the colored tape on each box. Just one strip on the top or on the side of the box will be enough. It just provides another easy way to recognize the color for the room.

Let Your Movers Know About Your System

When the movers arrive to pick up your items, have a sheet of paper printed out with each color and what it means. If they don't know your system, they won't be able to put the boxes in the right place when they arrive at your new home. Giving this sheet to the movers before they pack up the truck will allow them to better load the truck, as well.

Using a color coded labeling system will take the guesswork out of unpacking. You'll be able to easily spot an out-of-place box and your movers will know where the boxes go before they arrive.

It's also important to make sure you tape over or black out any old markings if you're reusing boxes. When you write the description of what's in the box, you should be as specific as possible, as well. This will help with your own confusion as you start unpacking.

Additional Moving Services Offered by The Professionals Moving Specialists

When it's time to hire a moving company, it’s best to understand the full range of services offered. Many moving companies do far more than just pick your stuff up and deliver it to your new location. For example, when hired as a local moving company, The Professionals Moving Specialists can provide these additional moving services to Chicago movers.

Box Renting/Selling

Maybe you don't want to worry about having your professional moving company pack and unpack for you, but you need supplies. Most moving companies will sell you boxes or even rent them to you, and we’re no different. At Chicago Greenbox, we offer moving box rentals, including green moving supplies and boxes that are made of 100% recyclable materials.

Quality Rental Moving Boxes

Packing

Yes, you can hire your moving company to come and pack up all of your things. This service can help save you time and will take away the worry of packing things incorrectly. Also, with us handling your packing, you will know the right boxes and supplies to use to ensure every item arrives undamaged to your new location.

Unpacking

Of course, your moving company can also unpack things for you. Some of the best moving companies will do this for you. However, if you allow the moving company to unpack for you know that they will likely empty boxes onto countertops and the like to give you a head start.  This will allow you to place things where you prefer and avoid the headache of trying to figure out where everything went.

Handling Specialty Items

Whether you need to move a pool table, piano or piece of fine art, we can handle it for you. It's not necessary for you to figure out how you will get your specialty item from your current home to your new home. Most of these types of items require a specialized process to ensure proper care and handling, and that’s a service that we pride ourselves on.

Remember these before you plan your next move, as they are only a few added options that we may provide for you. Be sure to check the full range of services offered to find a move that fits your scenario. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call or email The Professionals Moving Specialists today!

What goes into an Estimate for Moving?

When you get an online estimate or an in-person estimate for moving from one place to another, it's nice to know what goes into it. There are several factors used to determine the total cost for your move. Here's a look at some of the major factors used in a moving estimate.

Your New and Old Addresses

The address you will have your belongings picked up at and the address where they will be dropped off is where the moving estimate starts. Good moving companies will ask for this information before they move forward with anything else. The more details you provider, the more accurate your quote will be, as well.

For example, if you're just moving from one apartment to another, the addresses are great, but knowing what floor the apartments are on is even more helpful. You may also need to inform the moving company if you have things at a second address needing picked up along the way.

The Amount/Size of the Things Needing Moved

Along with the location your stuff is going from and to, the amount of things and the size of the things you have will also be factored into the moving estimate. If you have a grand piano and a large pool table needing moved, along with regular household belongings, your moving estimate will likely be higher due to those large items. Again, the more details you can give a moving company about the things you want moved, the more accurate your quote will be.

The Time of Year You Want to Move

In Chicago, moving in the winter may have a different cost compared to moving in the summer. Just like any industry, moving has peak times and off-peak times. If you move during a peak time of year, it will likely cost you more because many others are also moving during this time of year.

Often, in Chicago, the peak moving times are in the spring and fall when school is starting and ending. However, you may run into other peak times, depending on what is going on and when you plan to move.

Factors Making Your Move Less or More Expensive

While the main three things going into your estimate are the locations, your things and the time of year you move, there are other factors that will affect the price. Here are a few things you should understand when it comes to a moving estimate.

Labor

The number of actual movers required to get your belongings from point A to point B is a huge factor in how much it will cost for your overall move. For example, if you have a heavy piano needing moved, it may require a third mover for safety reasons. Without a heavy item, the moving may be able to be done by two movers, which won't cost as much.

Time

The number of hours spent on the actual job also factors into the overall cost. If the move is estimated to take only 3 hours, it won't cost as much as a move estimated to take 6 hours.

Distance

Long distance moves cost more than in-town moves. If you're just moving a few miles across town, it won't cost as much as moving the same belongings outside of the city.

Understanding what goes into a moving estimate is necessary. Not only will the estimate make more sense to you, but it will also help you compare one company to another.

Long Distance Moving

How Much Does it Cost to Move Fine Art?

Moving fine art isn't the same as moving a couch or another large item. It's fragile, may be very valuable and needs to be moved properly. Since this type of item is rather unique, it cannot be lumped into the moving estimate with all the other items. Fine art, such as paintings, sculptures, collector's items, chandeliers, statues and pictures requires a professional moving company capable of moving the type of item you own. The cost may vary widely, depending on the item or items you need moved. Here are some of the considerations a professional moving company will make when quoting a price for moving fine art.

The Value of the Art

If you plan to insure the fine art during the move, the value will make a big difference in the price. You may need to pay for an appraisal before the item is moved to ensure its value is correct. More valuable pieces are more expensive to move simply because they will cost more to replace if damaged or lost.

The Size of the Art

Size is another huge factor. It's not going to be the same price to move a simple 24" x 36" painting compared to a 300-pound statue. The larger the item is, the more you can expect to pay to have it moved, especially if the larger size means more weight.

With heavier items, moving companies may need to bring out special equipment or staff an additional mover to ensure the move is handled properly. This will cost more and just one extra mover can up the hourly rate by $75 or more per hour.

Moving Fine Art

How Fragile is the Art

Fragile art requires special packing materials and a specific strategy for moving. For example, if you have a highly valuable chandelier you need moved made of crystal, it will probably cost more than moving a painting. The chandelier may be large, oddly shaped and incredibly fragile, while the painting can simply be crated and moved.

If you own very fragile fine art, you should expect the cost of moving it to be much higher compared to moving a handful of valuable paintings. While all fine art must be handled with care, fragile items require an even higher level of care.

Benefit of Hiring a Professional to Move Fine Art

While it's very hard to narrow down even a simple price range for moving fine art, there are several benefits to hiring a professional moving company to handle your fine art. The benefits include:

• Safety - Professional movers know what they are doing and you will no longer be risking yourself when moving.

• Less chance of Damage - With a professional moving company, your fine art will be packed properly leaving the chances of damage at slim to none.

• Saves you Time - You no longer have to spend the time tracking down the right materials and packing the art yourself.

• Affordable - Usually, the cost of moving fine art is far more affordable than trying to handle it yourself.

The cost of moving fine art will vary widely, depending on what needs to be moved. Just as art can be very subjective, so can the estimate for moving it. If you need to move fine art, it's best to get an estimate from a professional moving company specializing in fine art moving.