Where do I donate used clothing in Chicago

danatingclothinginChicago

Once the clutter has dissipated, and the dust has settled after what was a rough late of last minute packing before your big move, you may find that there are a lot of things you won’t desire to take  to your new residence, particularly in the area of clothing. Below are a list of charitable organization on Where do I donate used clothing in Chicago.  If you’re anything like me, clothes shopping is a near weekly occurrence and the amount of clothes you have shoved in closets and drawers throughout the house can appear to be more than a little unsettling.

Old clothing, and especially ones that you will never wear again or are out of style, there is no point having it being packed and stuffed into your moving trucks only to become an annoyance when your looking for places to store it all in your new residence.  Opt to simply throwing your unused clothing away, look to donate it to charities and organizations that can give it to those who could put it to good use.  But where and how can one accomplish such a feat?  At the Professionals Moving Specialists, we can help you determine how to donate your unused clothing in order to benefit those less fortunate, and to provide some relief for yourself during the moving process.

For Chicago residents, there are a numerous amount of places that you can seek out that provide you with assistance in donating your unused clothing when moving to a new location in Chicago.  If you live near the Logan Square area of Chicago, one organization that you could try an contact could be the Infant Welfare Auxiliary, associated with the Infant Welfare Society of America, located at 3600 W. Fullerton (773-782-5041).  According to the organization’s information page they provide health care and medical services to children and women who are uninsured and under served.  The organization will gladly accept any household items, and clothing that individuals are willing to donate to help further their cause.

The following is a list of places located outside of Logan Square that will also accept clothing donations for the needy:

• Cornerstone Community Outreach

Provides job training programs, educational programs, social programs and serves as a homeless shelter; located at 4628 N. Clifton. (773-303-0119)

• Sarah’s Circle

A social service agency that provides clothing for women and children; located at 4750 N. Sheridan, Suite 220. (773-728-1014)

• The Brown Elephant

Supporting the Howard Brown Health Center, and one of the largest healthcare organizations in the nation; located at 3651 N. Halsted. (773-549-5943)

• White Elephant Resale Shop

Supporting the non-profit Children’s Memorial Hospital; located at 2380 N. Lincoln Ave. (773-883-6184)

• The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army as stated in their website, is a non-profit, tax-exempt charity organization that operates in Chicago in its metropolitan division.  You can contact the Chicago division at http://www.salarmychicago.org/aboutUs/

• 2nd Chance Shop

Accepts a variety of donations, not limited to clothing which includes art, collectibles, books and more.  Money raised goes to the Animal Care League Shelter, which is a non-profit organization that brings in abandoned cats and dogs and give them shelter, food, and any required medical attention.  Located at 808 Harrison Street, Oak Park.  (708-383-9660)

• Avenues to Independence Thrift Shoppe

In addition to accepting donation of clothing, they also accept small appliances, books, houseware and china.  According to their website, the money raised by the Avenues to Independence assists those who suffer from developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy by providing them with community living programs and jobs.  Located at 7710 W. Touhy Ave (773-631-6230)

• Goodwill

Goodwill is a social enterprise and organization that helps to fund job programs, employment services and other community programs, while accepting donations for clothing and other household items as part of its service.  Goodwill has many locations throughout Chicago in donation centers and retail stores, all of which can be found by visiting http://www.goodwill.org/

In addition to these charitable organizations, the following are a list of other Chicago-area organizations that accept donations:

• Bridge To Success

• Catholic Charities in Chicago

• Cell Phones For Soldiers

• The Inner Voice

• The Stuff Stop

 The above are just a list of a few organizations in the Chicago area,  While these organizations will accept your undesired clothing, there are still regulations and guidelines that must be followed in order to provide a dedicated and professional service.  Your donated clothing cannot be dirty, ripped up or worn out, as that would be a disservice to those who are in need of proper attire.  In addition you are not  under any circumstances to submit dangerous or hazardous materials that could potentially inflict harm to individuals.  At the Professionals Moving Specialists, we hope that you take advantage of the availability of these organizations as an opportunity to give back to the Chicago community, and we hope that when you are ready to move into a new home in Chicago you The Professionals Moving Specialists

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.