7 Tips for a Successful Move in 2019

If 2019 is the year you make your big move, you need to make sure you are ready for it and do what it takes now to make it a successful one. That means preparation, using proper supplies, packing the right way, and making sure your system is setup well to unpack when you arrive to your new house.

The last thing you want to do when you arrive at your new home is open boxes to find broken items, find boxes damaged, have trouble locating an item you need, or forget details like hiring a pet sitter and tipping the movers. There are so many details to keep track of but this go-to guide will make it easier than ever to handle each task at a time. Take a look at the 7 tips you’ll need for a successful move this year.

(This post has been updated at the end to include bonus tips we’ve learned through the years.)

Preparations

You’ll first want to prepare yourself for the task of moving by coming up with a strategy and squaring away the details. How many boxes will you need and what type of packing materials do you want to use? You’ll need a variety of shapes and sizes of boxes and you’ll need to decide between cardboard moving boxes and plastic crates that can be rented for the move.

Packing supplies could include markers and labels, packing peanuts, packing paper for fragile items, and cushioning for creating layers between items. Give yourself a plan that lasts 30 to 60 days to actually pack up and leave your house and think of a strategy for getting from point A to point B on moving day.

Author: Nicolas Huk; Source: Flickr

Buy supplies

Now that you’ve come up with a strategy for the days leading up to moving day and how the actual move can be coordinated, it’s time to start shopping for supplies. Don’t forget to get a variety of boxes that will fit all of your items in different sizes and weights.

You don’t want to overpack or underpack a box, leaving room for shifting or making it too heavy which could cause a box breaking. Get labels and markers to indicate the room and contents of the box. Get all of your packing supplies from a moving store or work with a moving crew that will be packing your items for you and provides the supplies.

Hire the movers

It’s time to talk to a moving crew to see what services can be provided for you and what tasks you’ll be handling yourself. Hire a local professional crew like The Professionals Moving Specialists who can handle your move efficiently and carefully. When you have items like plants, large antiques, and fragile china, you don’t want to worry about thing breaking during the move. Hiring a great moving company in town will set your mind at ease during this stressful transition.

How to pack

If your moving crew is only handling the moving part, you’ll want to make sure you pack with care. You’ll need to add packing peanuts to the bottom of boxes, put the heaviest items on the bottom, and then add layers between items to avoid damage. Make sure boxes don’t weigh more than 30lbs and that like items stay together. You’ll want to arrive with items packed by room and sets packed into the same box.

Take inventory

Once you’ve packed your home, make sure you take inventory with box numbers and the corresponding list of contents. It will make life easier when you need your shampoo or bedding after arriving to your new home and find there are dozens of boxes to unpack.

Tasks before moving day

Before the actual move, make sure you’ve considered how moving will go. You don’t want to worry about the pets, so be sure to hire a pet sitter for the day. You may not even want to worry about the kids, which means hiring a nanny for the day may make life simpler.

Make sure utilities will be setup when you arrive so that you can turn the lights on and have water in your faucets. Leave yourself time to greet your new neighbors and make sure you won’t be disrupting your neighbors at an inconvenient time of day.

When you arrive

When you arrive at your new house, make sure you introduce yourself to a few neighbors and utilize a box that you’ve labeled “open first” where you can locate your household essentials easiest. You may want to cook a meal or take a shower without going through every box to locate these essentials.

Make sure you’ve left some cash handy to tip the moving crew and make sure you’ve scheduled any furniture deliveries for the day after moving in to avoid too many movers trying to get in the house at once.

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Additional Tips for Your Move (Updated February 2019):

Prepare yourself and your home

Just like in previous years, preparation is always vital to a successful moving process. Start with sorting through your home into the “donate,” “keep,” “sell,” and “toss” piles in order to only take with you the things that you really want in your new home. Donating and tossing items will take a weight off while the things you choose to sell will bring in some extra cash that you can spend to enjoy the restaurants and attractions when you arrive at your new home.

Have a garage sale

Take the “sell” pile and host a garage sale well in advance from your move. You’ll love having the weight of the things you don’t need any more leaving your house and getting some extra cash in the process. This is also a great way to inform some of the neighbors that stop by of your upcoming plans to move.  Anything you don’t sell can be donated with your “donate” pile, and saving the receipts will allow you to deduct some of the value from your income taxes.

Take inventory of what’s coming with you

Now you can take inventory of what you are moving to the new house so that you can decide how much you’ll need when it comes to moving supplies. You can use sites like www.moving.com to help you determine the right amount of boxes and supplies from their Packing Calculator.

Hire the moving team

Now it’s time to hire your professional moving crew. A reliable moving company with great reviews, a license, and insurance to move, and one that you have professional and great interaction with is the one to go with. Make sure your movers inform you of what you’ll need to do and what they will do for you, as well as a moving quote, and plans for a timeline.

Choose your moving date wisely

Speaking of a timeline, you’ll want to choose your moving date carefully. It’s been found in the past and still applies today that moving in the middle of the week and in the middle of a month tends to work out nicely. Most people are moving at the beginning or end of the month and they tend to favor the beginning or end of the week. This means that the middle allows for better prices, less competition, and a less busy traffic experience.

Pack your belongings

Now it’s time to start your packing unless the moving crew you’ve hired is packing for you. Be sure to pack everything with protection, such as layering between items, putting packing peanuts on the bottom of boxes, and keeping the heaviest items towards the bottom to avoid any damage. Don’t overdo any boxes making them too heavy to carry. Organize items by room to make it easier when you arrive.

Take inventory of what’s going

Account for what is in each box and take inventory before your move. You want to make sure you can find things at the destination and that you know which boxes will be for what room. If any items come up missing, you can speak to the movers with proof of your inventory.

Notify all parties

Now it’s time to make sure you’ve notified friends and family of the move and your new address. You’ll also want to handle all of the important contacts like doctor’s offices, the dentist, and the schools of your new address. If you are moving to a new area, you’ll need to collect paperwork to help with the transfer of schools and medical offices.

Make sure to collect all the paperwork you need to transfer yourself into new these new service providers, schools, and other places you visit frequently. Make sure you’ve also hired a pet-sitter and babysitter to help you out on moving day, and had all of your utilities scheduled in advance for shutoff from your current home and to be turned on at your new home upon arrival.

Do an energy audit of the new house

One great way to set up your family for success this year is to have an energy audit done in your new home. In exchange for paying for an audit, you’ll be able to find out if there are any issues with the home that will end up costing you more in your utility bill each month. For example, a hot or cold air leak may mean you could use some work in your home’s insulation or ductwork. Knowing this and fixing it up right away will saving you hundreds in your budget.

Donate your pantry items to a food pantry

Instead of packing up the pantry, why not donate to a great cause and starting fresh when you arrive? Organizations like Move for Hunger will take your non-perishable foods and get it to a nearby food bank.

Plan Your Relocation with this Office Moving Checklist

A commercial move is a huge deal. When you're relocating your office from one place to another, you need to make sure you're organized. Whether your lease ran out or you're moving into a larger space, you need the right office moving checklist.

With the right checklist, you'll know everything has been properly packed and moved to the new location. If you need to relocate your office, here's an office moving checklist you can use to help get the job done.

Three to Six Months Before Moving

While this category says three to six months before moving, it should be things you do as soon as you're sure you'll be moving. These items include:

• Figure out the Time Frame and Schedule for your office move - Include the dates when you will be moving all the equipment, when the staff will begin working at the new location, etc.

• Find and Secure a New Location - If you don't already have a new location for your office, this is the time to find and secure your new location.

• Assign Responsibilities and Tasks - It's time to let your employees know you'll be moving and assign the necessary tasks and responsibilities to be done.

• Create an Inventory List - You should also create a list of your existing equipment and furniture. This will help you to see what you need and don't need. Consider selling anything you no longer need before moving.

• Create a Budget - You will also want to consider a budget for your move. Consider the cost of a moving company and everything else involved.

Two Months Before Moving Day

When relocation day starts to get a bit closer, you want to make sure you take care of the following:

• Change your business address with the USPS, IRS, Bank, and other important vendors

• Review your current lease to ensure you know what you need to do with your current space

• Hire the right office moving company and find out if anything you will be moving requires special attention.

• Start holding regular moving meetings to keep everybody on task.

One Month Before Moving

The day is nearly here and it's time to take care of the following:

• Transfer your utilities

• Make the moving announcement in a Press Release or public relations campaign

• ·Implement a labeling system

• Inventory and tag all equipment, furniture, office supplies, etc.

• Procure the necessary moving supplies

• ·Order new business cards and stationery

• Determine your security procedures for the move

• Get parking and moving permits

• Hiring professional cleaners for the old space

Two Weeks Before Moving

About two weeks before moving your office, you want to:

• Check the new location and make sure it's ready

• Clean as much as you can in the old space

• Back up any vital information on your computer system

• Call your Chicago moving company to confirm the date and time

The Week of the Move

The week is finally here and it's time to:

• Hand out new keys and employee cards for the new space

• Disconnect all electronics and major appliances

• Set aside anything not going with the movers

• Inspect your new office thoroughly to ensure it's ready to go

On Moving Day

It's time to relocate to your new space, but first, make sure you take care of the following:

• Designate your moving coordinators on-site to ensure everything runs smoothly

• Assign someone to do the final walk-through at the old space

• Meet with the movers and provide instructions for the day

Use this office moving checklist as a guide and customize it as you see fit. With the right commercial moving company helping you and this checklist, your office move should go very smoothly.

How to Store Your Items During the Winter

Storing your items for the winter can be a bit of a struggle if you don't know what you're doing. Some items can be damaged from the extreme cold, just as some items can be damaged from extreme heat in the summer. Here are a few tips to ensure your items are stored properly for the winter.

Get Things Stored Before the Snow

If possible, get all your things into storage before the snow arrives. It can be harder to move things into storage once snow is on the ground and it may require professional movers to ensure it's done properly and safely.

Before the coldest temperatures arrive and the snow and ice cover the ground, make the time to move things into storage.

Make Sure Everything is Clean and Dry

It's best to clean everything you plan to store before putting it into storage. Dirt can cause issues with stored items and can cause damage to some.

In addition, you want to make sure everything is dry. Moisture isn't good for many materials, such as metal and wood. It can cause issues to the item that's wet and even to other items in storage.

When storing hoses or other items used for water, keep in mind, the moisture can freeze and expand. This is another way moisture can cause an issue.

Repair Items Before Storage

If you plan to store something for the winter that needs to be repaired, get the repairs done now. When the spring comes along and you pull out things, such as a lawn mower or other outdoor tools, you may find the damage is worse because you didn't get the repairs done before storing the items.

Choose Climate Controlled Storage from Pro Move

Any old storage unit won't work for most items during the winter. Even boxed household goods could end up damaged due to the harsh temperatures.

It's best to choose climate controlled storage for your items when storing them for the winter. With climate controlled storage, you don't have to worry about items getting damaged due to cold or hot temperatures. It's the best option for winter storage and year-round storage.

Many items can be damaged due to the cold temperatures. Anything with a battery, liquid items, electronic, and many other items may not work the same or at all if you don't use climate controlled storage.

The changing temperatures and extreme weather can cause condensation within electronics, which may cause irreparable damage. Anything liquid may freeze and expand, which could cause cracks to the container and it may leak onto other items. This can also include battery cells in mowers, small engines, cars, and other battery-operated items.

Storing your items properly during the winter isn't always easy. You need to be sure to consider the items you're storing and the extreme temperatures the winter will bring. However, if you follow these tips and you use our climate controlled storage in Chicago, you'll have far less to worry about.

3 Things to do this Winter in Chicago After Your Move

Moving to Chicago is a big deal. During the winter there are plenty of things to do throughout the city. It's actually a wonderful time of year to move to the city.

Once you've settled in a little bit, you'll want to get out and see the city. Here's a look at three fun things you can do this winter in Chicago after your move.

Take a Walk Down Michigan Avenue

It's iconic. It's filled with attractions. It's Chicago at its finest. A stroll down Michigan Avenue will introduce to you to so much Chicago has to offer including the Magnificent Mile.

It only gets better that you get to stroll down Michigan Avenue in the winter time. During the holiday season this part of the city is amazing. Plus, the Magnificent Mile Holiday Lights Festival will be taking place all November and December. You can also enjoy plenty of activities including concerts, parades and fireworks shows over the Chicago River!

Check out the Lincoln Park Zoolights Festival

Seeing Lincoln Park is amazing on its' own, but when you go for the Lincoln Park Zoolights Festival you'll get to experience something special. More than 2 million lights will be up and ready for you to enjoy at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The event is free and includes plenty of themes throughout including ice carving demonstrations, synchronized music and lights show and even carolers. You will enjoy some of the finest ice art in the city, along with so much more.

The best part, you can grab a little hot cocoa and enjoy the light with someone special. This is a great spot for a winter date and if you just move to Chicago, maybe you moved for a special someone or you're ready for a first date.

Enjoy some Incredible Sports

The Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Bears are both in season when winter rolls around. You can even catch the Chicago Blackhawks if you love hockey. Catching a football game is always fun and will introduce you to an iconic stadium, as well.

The Bulls are another great show in town and the tickets will likely be less expensive than the Bears. If you love hockey, catch a Blackhawks game and you'll be glad you did.

There's nothing better than getting acquainted with your new city by catching a sporting event. It will help you get into the spirit of Chicago and help you really feel likely you're at home in your new city.

Chicago is filled with plenty of great things to do and there's no shortage of great places to go and see during the winter. If you're planning on moving to Chicago in the Winter, and you want to have some fun once you arrive, enjoy these three options. You'll be happy to get out and enjoy your new city as you take in the sights along the way.

How to Know if You Need Help from Professional Packers

Not everybody needs professional packers, even if they plan to hire residential movers to help with the moving of their home or apartment. However, some homes and apartments are in desperate need of professional packers. How do you know if you need to hire packers for your move?

There are several factors to consider and it starts with what your goals are for the move. Let's look at some of the reasons why you should consider hiring packers for your upcoming move.

Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of hiring packers to help with your move is the flexibility you gain. When you hire a packing service, you can take advantage of the full service or you can pick and choose what you would like them to pack for you.

For example, you could have the professionals take care of furniture, a heavy piano, heavy appliances, and other big items.

Safety

Another huge reason to hire packers for your move is the safety aspect. Moving everything and packing it up on your own can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Special packing techniques can be used to ensure your items don't break and nobody gets hurt.

Professional packers handle items every day. They know how to do so safely and keep your stuff from getting broken or becoming too heavy. When you hire professional packers, you won't have to worry about safety as much.

Professional Packing Supplies

While safety is super important, gaining access to professional packing supplies makes a difference, too. When professionals packer your things, they will bring high-quality packing materials for your items. If you have antiques, paintings, furniture, and other valuable items, this can be a huge benefit of hiring professional packers.

The packers will bring bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, markers, moving boxes and everything that needs to be used to pack your item. They will also have special boxes for things, such as TVs and other odd items to help ensure your things are well protected.

Better Efficiency

Professional packers will also be far more efficient with the packing than you will be. They are so efficient because they know what they are doing and have been doing it for many years. While they will be packing faster, they won't compromise safety at all.

If you have a large home, the efficiency can help quite a bit. You can really narrow down the packing time by hiring professionals to do the packing for you.

The decision to hire professionals to handle the packing is a big decision. If you have a larger home to pack up, it can be a huge time saver. Professionals are also very safe and you have the flexibility to choose what they will and won't pack for you.

For those with large items, fragile items or just a large amount of items, hiring professionals to handle the packing is a great way to go. Pair this with professional residential movers and you'll make your entire move is much easier. Here at The Professional Moving Specialists, we can handle ALL of this for you, so contact us today!