Why Should I Hire Movers?

Moving is a huge undertaking, especially if you're moving to a new city. Most people dread the process of moving, even if they know the new location is far better for them. The packing, lifting, unloading and unpacking are not something most look forward to. There are several reasons to hire professional movers and many benefits. Whether you simply don't have the time or you want to eliminate some of the stress of moving, the right professional moving company makes a huge difference. Here are five reasons why you should always hire a moving company.

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Free Up Time for Other Things

Moving day is one of the most hectic days of your life. Every single time you go through it, you wish there was an easier way. Not only do you have to get all of your belongings from one location to another, but you also have to handle other things, such as turning off/on utilities, getting your family to your new home, changing your driver's license and many other tasks.

Hiring a moving company will allow you to concentrate on other tasks instead of moving. Some moving companies will even pack and unpack all of your things for you.

No Need for Additional Equipment or Supplies

Whether you just need to move furniture or you have a valuable collection to move, the right equipment makes a difference. Sometimes, you have to rent or purchase additional supplies or equipment for specialty items or heavy items. It may be something as simple as a tool you need to take apart a piece of furniture.

A professional moving company will have the tool you need, along with all the other equipment/supplies necessary for moving. It doesn't matter if you're moving fine art or just basic household furniture, hiring a moving company will give you everything you need for moving day.

You Won't End Up Injured

One of the most common things people forget about when moving is their own health. Moving heavy items isn't easy for somebody not doing it on a daily basis. Professional movers handle things like heavy pianos and oddly shaped pieces of furniture every single day. They know how to move these items safely.

If you try to move everything yourself, you may be sore for a few days. Even worse, you may end up in the hospital with an injury because you didn't properly lift or handle a heavy item.

Your Things Remain Insured and Safe

With experienced professionals, you have the ability to safely move your belongings without as much concern. Not only are they experienced in moving, but they also carry insurance for your belonging. This gives you additional peace of mind when moving.

In addition, professional movers understand how to properly wrap and pack your items. Even fragile items are well protected when you hire a professional moving company.

You May Actually Save Money, in the Long Run

Without professional movers, you may end up in the hospital, with broken items, lost items or racking up unexpected moving expenses. You have to rent a truck, put gas in the truck, get the right tools and equipment and you may need to provide food and refreshments for those helping you. It can add up in a hurry.

Professional movers will give you an estimate and you will only need to pay what they charge. There won't be additional charges for equipment you didn't know you needed and you won't underestimate the amount of gas you need, either.

There are several excellent reasons why you should hire a professional moving company. If you want to take the stress out of your next move, a professional is the way to go.

What is a Normal Tip for Movers?

After choosing the right moving company, you must also figure out how much too actually tip the movers. Tipping movers can be a touchy subject and you may need guidance for this situation. You are trusting movers with your personal belongings, they are taking care of the heavy lifting and in some cases, they will also be packing and unpacking for you. They should be rewarded for their hard work, but how much is the right amount to tip your movers? While movers get paid to provide the service and haul your things from one place to another, a little extra recognition is always appreciated. If you're happy with your movers, please consider tipping them. While they may not stand in front of your home waiting for a tip, a little extra cash is the best way to show your true appreciation for this very personal service they have provided for you.

How Much to Tip Your Movers

The amount you tip your movers depends on the service they provide for you but is of course completely at your discretion. If you have large items, such as a piano or a heave billiards table, you may need to tip a little extra for the extra work.

It's best to tip your movers based on the time they spend on the move. A good rule of thumb is to tip between $15 and $25 per person for moves requiring up to 4 hours of time. If it takes longer to move than 4 hours, you should tip between $35 and $45 per person.

In addition, you should consider tipping extra if the movers have to deal with a heavy piano or another specialty item. Even if the item isn't heavy, if they have to handle something valuable or fragile, add on another $5 to $10 per person.

Other factors to consider when tipping movers include:

• Weather conditions

• Packing

• Unpacking

• Additional services provided

If your movers are packing, loading, moving, unloading, unpacking and assembling your things, a larger tip may be necessary. Remember, to tip a bit more if the movers are providing additional services outside of just loading and dropping off.

A Few Things You Shouldn't do When Tipping Movers

Whenever you hire a professional moving company to handle your things, make sure you avoid doing any of the following when tipping the moving crew:

Don't offer a beer or other alcoholic beverage at the end of the move. Most companies have policies against this.

If you prefer to buy them lunch, don't just order a pizza without asking what they would like. Remember, some may have diet restrictions or simply not care for specific types of food. However, buying your movers lunch is acceptable and much appreciated.

Don't tip them until the entire job is done. You can't take it back if you're unhappy with the move.

Follow these guidelines and use your best judgement when it comes to tipping your movers. Consider the type of move and how much time it takes them. You should also consider having some cold bottles of water, sports drinks and some healthy snacks available, if the move will take all day long.

While tipping movers may be a touchy subject, a cash tips is a great way to show appreciation. If you're not sure how much to tip, use the guidelines above and always plan to tip in cash, even if you're paying the actual moving company with a check or credit card.

How do Moving Companies Make Life Simpler?

Moving on your own is a hassle. You have to pack everything you own, find a truck and enlist friends to help you load and unload the truck. Long distance moving is even more difficult because your friends may not be there to help at the finish line. Instead of handling the move on your own, you may want to hire a moving company. With the right moving company, your life will become much simpler and here's how.

They Pack Everything For You

Moving companies provide the option to have their team pack all your belongings. You don't have to worry about something fragile not getting packed right and breaking on the trip. When a professional moving company packs your home for you, they will use all the best packing tricks to ensure your items arrive unharmed.

No Heavy Lifting

Were you wondering how you were going to move that couch, pool table, piano or any other large piece of furniture? Instead of calling five of your friends to help, the moving company will simply send a crew to handle all the heavy lifting. Even the light boxes will be carried by the moving company.

They Plan and Drive the Move

Planning a move requires more than just figuring out directions one point A to point B. Moving companies do it every day and they will fully plan your move for you.

In addition, the moving company will take their own truck and drive all of your belongings from point A to point B. They provide the experience you may not have and you won't have to worry about getting behind the wheel of a vehicle you're not used to driving.

You Gain Back Time

How many hours were you going to spend packing and moving boxes to the moving truck? How long would it have taken you to deal with unloading and returning the moving truck when you arrive?

All the time you would have spent moving, you gain back when you hire a moving company. Since they take care of everything, you don't have to put in nearly as much time. Instead, you can concentrate on the things that matter most, such as children, pets and your own emotions about moving.

They Handle the Stairs

One of the most dangerous things is moving yourself when you have to go up and down stairs. When you hire a moving company, they handle the stairs for you. There won't be any worries of slipping and falling with your couch, desk, table or even just a box.

They Save You Money

When you decide to move, you might be surprised at how much money a moving company may save you. Since you gain back time, you won't have to take off of work. If you're a business owner or a busy professional, you can continue to work and make money, while the movers handle everything. Missing a few days of work may add up in a hurry compared to the cost of hiring a moving company.

There are many ways a moving company will make your life simpler when you need to move. Whether you're just moving a few miles up the road or all the way across the country, hiring a moving company will help save you time, money and stress.

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Moving Green in Chicago

gogreen

You’re in Chicago and you’re moving, but relocation is no excuse to forget about the environment.  With our new found awareness of the world’s condition, why not implement some eco-friendly moving techniques and do your part to save the Earth? Moving Green in Chicago does not have to be a hard or costly one.

Greenbox

At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we have the Greenbox moving Containers to help you be more environmentally friendly.  Rather than using cardboard boxes, you can rent plastic containers from us to pack your stuff in.  This is both less expensive and more convenient.  Rather than wasting money buying boxes, tape, and packing paper, you just need plastic basins and maybe some bubble wrap. These containers are returned to us after you’ve unpacked.  That way, you don’t have to be bothered the clutter of unfolded cardboard boxes waiting to be thrown out or recycled.  If you do use cardboard boxes, though, always remember to recycle.

Throw It Out

Something you can do to help before you even start packing is to get rid of things you won’t need.  Bringing along items you will eventually throw out anyway is a waste of space and a waste of gas.  So go through everything you own first.  Recycle and donate what you can and throw away the rest.  You’ll be surprised at how much clutter you have lying around.

Wrap It Up

Bubble wrap and wrapping paper aren’t the only things you can use when covering your fragile items.  Reuse old newspapers.  You can also use old towels and bed sheets you were going to throw away.  It’ll give a layer of softness to cushion your plates and vases and while it’s heavier than bubble wrap, there are rarely stories of marine animals chocking on newspapers.

Clean Green

The cleaning products you use can make a difference as well.  Environmentally friendly soaps and sprays can be found almost anywhere.  Go to your local Target or Wal-Mart to pick up some before you start your moving out cleaning.  Not only is it better for the environment, but the lack of chemicals is beneficial for you as well.

Movers

Go the extra mile and check to see if your movers are going green as well.  Some own bio-diesel trucks and use moving pads made out of recycled materials.  Like The Professionals Moving Specialists, a lot of movers offer the option of renting packing crates.  Check out all of your options before choosing so you can be as environmentally friendly as possible.