Hiring the Best Moving Company

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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

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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.

Chicago Associations

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The Professionals Moving Specialists locally based moving company in Chicago, IL joined association with community. For the Professionals Moving Specialists the participation and involvement is rewarding to those who strive for the improvement of the Chicagoland area.

Not only are we activity involved with our customers and relocation, we are also committed to engaging in causes of the community that allow the greatest diversity of people and organizations to participate.

Because we understand the importance of pets within the family unit, The Professionals Moving Specialists is committed to the causes of both PAWS Chicago Adoption Center and The Anti-Cruelty Society.

Our commitment isn’t just limited to that of the animal lover’s community. We are also active participants in with the NorthCenter Chamber of Commerce, Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce, and Chicago Association of Realtors, as all three have strong goals and commitments the improvement and endeavors of the community.

The Professional Moving Specialists are proud members of Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce, Northcenter Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Association of Realtors, PAWS Chicago Adoption Center, and The Anti-Cruelty Society.

Northcenter Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization dedicated to community and business development in the Northcenter neighborhood on Chicago's north side. The mission of the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce is to promote the interests of and secure the well-being of the businesses and neighborhood of the Northcenter community.

Chicago Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R), the “Voice for Real Estate” in Chicago since 1883, represents more than 15,000 members from all real estate specialties including commercial sales, development, property management, appraisal, auctions, and residential sales. Their mission is to help members prosper. Today, C.A.R. services 11,500 members through its two offices and is one of the largest local real estate association boards in the country! The Chicago Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R) array of member programs, products and services are unmatched.

Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce (RVCC) is a nonprofit organization committed to representing Roscoe Village businesses and to advancing the growth and prosperity of the Roscoe Village neighborhood. This year the RVCC expanded its service district to include the area from Belmont to Diversey and Metra tracks to the Chicago River. Their entire service area now includes everything from Addision to Diversey and the Metra tracks to the Chicago River. The Chamber chose to expand its geographic boundaries in order to include a territory that was previously without representation and is poised for growth.

PAWS Chicago Adoption Center is Chicago’s largest no kill humane organization, focused on implementing solutions to end the killing of homeless pets. Since PAWS Chicago's founding in 1997, the number of homeless dogs and cats killed annually has dropped more than 60 percent: from more than 42,000 homeless pets killed in 1997 to under 18,000 killed in 2011. PAWS Chicago is working to build a no kill Chicago - a city where pets are no longer destroyed just because they are homeless. PAWS Chicago will find new homes for more than 5,000 homeless pets this year at the state-of-the-art Lincoln Park Adoption & Humane Center.

The Anti-Cruelty Society (also known as the SPCA of Illinois), founded in 1899, is a private, open-admission, unlimited stay humane society, committed to helping both animals and people. Our programs and services include: Cat and Dog Adoptions - over 5,000 annually; Low or No Cost Spay/Neuter surgeries open to the general public - over 11,000 annually; Cruelty Investigations and Rescue Services - over 2,600 annually; Humane Education and Community Outreach programs - over 25,000 participants annually. Other services include a charity veterinary clinic, dog training classes; a free behavior hotline; and short-term accommodations for emergencies program, providing temporary housing for pets whose owners have been involved in crisis situations, e.g., domestic violence, fire, flood, illness, or foreclosure.

All four organizations are key components to the various communities within Chicago and The Professionals Moving Specialists is proud to be a part of their commitment and in association with each group.

20 Things People Forget When Moving

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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.

What's Your Moving Sign?

Hey!  Not sure if you've noticed, but we've recently relocated to bigger offices in Chicago, IL.  We're expanding our business, hiring more people, and adding more trucks to our fleet!  So in celebration of this, let's we've surfed the internet for some cool "we are moving signs"!  You never know when you might move and why use that stereotypical ones you find in hardware stores when you can use one so much more interesting and eye catching? 1.  You like cute?  I like cute and this is definitely cute.  I mean a giraffe driving a car with a cat and a bird riding in and on the trailer.  The kids will love it!

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2. Check out this puppy.  If you're able to break away from his soulless stare, you'll see that he's being very informative about the move.

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3. I quite like this one.  It has a simple, but eye-catching design and the desaturated color scheme is very complementary.  I'd use this if I was a more serious type of business, but still wanted to be a little unique.

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4. This one is just fun.  I mean, men with mustaches carrying a piano.  There's a joke in there somewhere.  I'm just not sure where....

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5. This is along the same line as the top one, just less colorful and a teensy bit less funny.  It's okay, though.  I've always liked the vintage art style.

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6. What's a post without our favorite sarcastic, writing, daydreaming dog?  Just a normal boring post.  Snoopy makes everything better, including your move.

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7. This moving sign is really cute.  It's not too out there, but it's different enough to catch your attention.

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8. Alright, this is one of my favorite.  It doesn't outright state that you're moving, but the sentiment is there.  It's laced with the subtle cynicism that can only be found in today's society.

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9. Little girl and Superman!  What's not to love?  (I like the girl.  She's smart.)

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10. I swear, there is nothing else better in this world than a bad pun...except maybe fried oreos...maybe.  Nothing makes the day better than a groan inducing pun so horrible you can't help but laugh.

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11. Are you a pessimist?  Then this is the sign for you!  I mean just look at it!  It's all looping swirls and elegant calligraphy and then BAM! Depressing message. (however true it may be.)

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12.  This one is so sweet....literally.  Why not soften the blow of stressful moving by a picture of a cavity inducing gingerbread house?  It's perfect for bakeries and the sorts.

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13. This one is just funny, like "I have no idea what is going on" kind of funny.  But hey, they're version of moving looks rather convenient even if it is scientifically impossible.

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14.  Make your own sign!  It's a nice little personal touch and it means that no one else will have the same sign as you.  Have a huge storefront window?  Grab some window paint and have a little fun!