5 Essential To-Do Items for a Chicago Moving Day

Moving day is a huge day and usually one that comes with fear, anxiety and excitement. Nobody really enjoys the process of moving. However, it has to be done and sometimes it leads us to bigger better things.

When moving day arrives, there are certain items you should always have on your to-do list. Here are some of the most essential items to add to your checklist for your next Chicago moving day.

Important Documents

Imagine arriving to your new home without the documents you need. This could quickly become a catastrophic situation, especially if you're moving from out of town or state.

Before you hit the road, make sure all important documents are in a file and with you. Even when you hire a professional moving company, you want to keep your most important documents on hand, such as your new lease, bank documents, employment documents, dentist/vet/doctor records and anything else considered vital.

Extra Packing Supplies

It's always best to be prepared for the unknown. Extra packing supplies will help to ensure you get everything packed properly at the last minute. It's very easy to underestimate what you need to get everything packed. Make sure you have more than you need or you may end up making trips to the store, which could throw your entire schedule off.

Consider the Children

If you're moving with children, you should consider what they might need. Moving is stressful on them, as well. A favorite toy, snacks, drinks, games and other things to help keep them occupied will go a very long way.

Consider the Pets

Maybe you are moving with a dog, cat or other type of pet. If this is the case, you have to make sure you have what you need for them. It's not necessary to haul around a 50-pound bag of food, but make sure you have left out enough for the day.

If you are moving from one area of Chicago to another, it may be best to put your pets up in a pet hotel for the day or a couple of days. This will provide your pets with a less stressful environment, while you prepare their new home.

Pack an Overnight Bag

Even if you're just moving across town, an overnight bag is essential. Keep a change of clothes for everybody, toiletries and other items you would normally pack if you were staying in a hotel for the next.

You never know what might happen and you may not have access to running water, electric or even your new home the first night. In an emergency situation, your overnight bag will come in handy.

There are several things you should put on your to-do list for your next moving day in Chicago. Even when you're just moving across town or down the street, it can be a stressful day. With the help of a professional moving company and a thorough to-do list, you can take the stress out of your next moving day.

When is the Best Time to Move in Chicago?

Whether you are relocating to the windy city or just moving from one apartment to another, it's important to know the best time to move in Chicago. The answer to this question isn't exactly straightforward. It depends on your needs. Here's what you should know about moving in Chicago.

Moving to Chicago in the Summer

Chicago summers are very beautiful and provide a great time to move. However, this is also one of the most popular times of the year to move because of the weather. The summer season is also the time when rentals and homes for sale become readily available. They also rent and sell fast, which leaves less room for negotiating.

Winter Moving in Chicago

The winter can be cold, icy, snowy and no fun for moving. This isn't the best time to move in Chicago, but there are some pros to moving in the winter.

During the winter season, fewer rentals and for sale options will be available. However, the owners are often ready to negotiate because they need a tenant or a buyer. You may be able to get a shorter lease or a better price during the winter.

Busiest Time to Move in Chicago

If you want to avoid the busiest months for moving in Chicago, you will want to avoid May and August. Both months are full of college students moving and many others moving. These two months are super busy in Chicago, so if you're looking for less competition, don't move during May and August.

Slowest Month for Moving in Chicago

Those seeking less competition when moving in Chicago will enjoy moving in November. The weather may be cold and you may see some snow, but there will be far less people looking to move during November than most other months of the year.

The slower season in Chicago for real estate, rentals and moving typically starts in November and runs through February.

Two Moving Days in Chicago

Many real estate agents and landlords are aware of the two moving days in Chicago. However, are you aware of these two days?

About 20% of the properties sold or rented will be moved into on October 1st and May 1st every single year in Chicago. In the real estate industry, these two days are known as the moving days.

Depends on your Neighborhood

Of course, with everything above, it can vary depending on your neighborhood. Some neighborhoods cater to a younger audience and see a larger turnover, while other neighborhoods provide housing for older families and couples willing to stay longer. Each Chicago neighborhood will be a little bit different when it comes to the best time of the year to move.

Choosing the best time of the year to move in Chicago isn't cut-and-dry. It depends on what you want and need. If you need to move because you are relocating for a job, you may not get much say in the time of year you move. However, if you just want to move because your lease is up, you may be able to negotiate a few extra months to move during a slower time or a time when more rentals are available.

What Should You Look for When Hiring a Moving Company?

The Pro Move - Chicago Movers

Moving is an expensive and stressful experience for most people. Nobody really likes to go through the process, but sometimes, it's necessary.

Finding a moving company you can trust will help to relieve your stress. There are several things you should look for before hiring a moving company. Here's a short list of the most important things.

Reputation Speaks Volumes

Any moving company worth using will have a great reputation online and offline. You can easily check out their online reputation by reading customer reviews. Of course, there may be a few poor reviews here and there, as nobody is perfect. However, you want to see the positive reviews outweighing the negative reviews.

Experience Plays a Factor

Another thing to look for when hiring a moving company is their experience. They don't need to be huge or even nationwide. However, they do need to be experienced. The last thing you want to do is hire some new moving company and find out they don't have a clue what they are doing.

It takes more than just a few guys with muscles to move your things. Experienced movers know how to lead their team and they know how to get your things from one place to another without damage. Check their website for an about page and find out how long they have been in business before hiring.

Proper Licensing

Every moving company should have the proper licensing for their business. If you run across a moving company without the right licensing, don't hire them. This could cause more issues than it's worth.

Check the Better Business Bureau

There are a few reasons why you always want to check the BBB before you hire a moving company. First, this will be the place you will find any serious complaints and discover if the company is a repeat offender. Second, a moving company with a high rating on the BBB is always a good sign. Finally, you will be able to search for any other business names they have used to see if they are avoiding a bad rating by switching names.

Get References

It may seem like a hassle, but any moving company worth hiring will be able to provide you with references. You can call the references and verify the company is a good choice by asking specific questions.

Watch out for the Large Deposit

When you hire a moving company, they may ask for a deposit up front. This isn't a good sign, in most cases. Reputable movers won't ask for any type of cash up front or large deposit before moving. They will ask you to pay upon delivery.

If you pay a moving company in advance, you lose control over the situation. You may never see your things again, they may not show up on time or at all or you may become a victim of some other type of scam. It's best to use a credit card, if you feel it’s okay to pay a deposit. This will give you at least some level of protection from fraud.

Whenever you need to hire a moving company, it's important to find the right choice for your specific needs. Don't take this process lightly, as there are many fly-by-night companies and scammers out there ready to take your money. Make sure you hire a reputable moving company with plenty of experience.

How to Properly Pack Your Moving Boxes

Packing boxes is very important when you move. If the box is too heavy, it may break the bottom leaving you with a huge mess. Of course, if you don't pack your moving boxes properly, you may end up unpacking many broken items. If you want to ensure your boxes are packed properly, use our step-by-step process and tips below:

1. Group similar items together by size and weight. Keep them separated by the room they belong within, as well.

2. Get your box ready by covering the bottom with a layer of packing peanuts.

3. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap all of your heaviest items.

4. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box.

5. Wrap lighter items with packing paper or bubble wrap.

6. Add a layer of cushion foam between the heavier items on the bottom of the box and the lighter items you will place on the top of the box.

7. Before you complete the packing process, fill the rest of the box with packing peanuts or packing paper crumpled up and stuffed firmly into the spaces.

8. Keep all filled boxes under 30 pounds in total weight, but make sure they are full. Under packed boxes could collapse during the move, while over packed boxes may rupture or may hurt your back as you move them.

9. Close the box with packing tape and label it based on what's packed inside.

This step-by-step process will help keep lighter and fragile items from getting crushed by heavier items. It will also use the integrity of each box properly as you pack. We also recommend you look into using plastic totes from The Chicago Green Box.

Tips for Packing your Boxes Properly

There are several tips you should use when packing moving boxes including:

1. Pack one room at a time - When you pack one room at a time, it's easier to label the boxes and keep all similar items together. This will make unpacking easier, as well.

2. Use Bright Colored Tissue Paper for Small Items - Sometimes, smaller items get lost in the packing peanuts and packing paper. Instead of wrapping these items in the same packing paper, use bright colored tissue paper so they don't get lost.

3. Use Different Colors for Different Rooms - You can use dot stickers or different colored markers to indicate which boxes belong in which room. This will make unpacking easier.

4. Avoid Using Printed Newspaper for Packing - Printed Newspaper contains ink, which may bleed onto the item you are packing. Instead, use unprinted packing paper for all of your items

5. Use Boxes Designed for Moving - It may be cheaper to get your boxes from a store or restaurant, but those boxes are not designed for moving. If you want the best results, use only boxes designed for moving.

6. Avoid Odd Sized Boxes - Packing with boxes all of a similar size makes it easier when loading the moving truck.

Now you should easily be able to properly pack your moving boxes. Use our step-by-step process above and the tips we have provided and your move will go much smoother.