Top 10 Supplies You Need for Moving

Whenever you decide it's time to move, you need specific supplies to make the move easier. Whether you're a student moving into a new apartment or dorm room or you need to move your family across county to a big city, such as Chicago for work, the right tools will make moving much easier. Here are seven of the top supplies you should have ready when it's time to move.

Labels

Labeling your boxes is one of the best ways to make packing and unpacking easier. Whether you choose a fancy label maker or you simply use markers, you need some type of tool and system for labeling.

It's best if all of the boxes going to the kitchen are labeled in one color, while all of the boxes going to the other areas of the house all have their own color, as well. This makes it easy to spot which boxes need to go where when unloading the truck.

Clear Ziploc Bags

Ziploc bags are one of the best things you can have around when packing for a move, according to lifehacker.com (http://lifehacker.com/347680/five-essential-tools-for-moving). Before you start packing go to the store and get a few boxes in different sizes. They will come in handy when keep small items together, especially is you need to disassemble pieces of furniture.

Bubble Wrap, Boxes and Other Packing Materials

Of course, you need the right boxes, bubble wrap and packing materials for your items. A professional moving company will use specific boxes designed to transport items, such as flat screen TVs, dishes, aquariums, fine art and other fragile items. If you plan to handle packing on your own, you need to use the same type of boxes. You cannot trust just any old box and expect your items to arrive undamaged. Make sure you get the proper boxes before you start packing. We recommend you try Chicago Green Boxes as they are eco-friendly, sturdy, and reliable.

Chicago Green Boxes

Furniture Sliders

When you're doing the moving on your own, furniture sliders come in handy. They help you move large pieces of furniture without scratching the floor and without needing to lift the item the entire way.

Hand Truck

A hand truck will make moving heavy items much easier. You can also move multiple boxes at one time making the number of trips you need much less. If you're taking on the move by yourself, a hand truck is a vital tool for your move.

Dollies

Moving furniture isn't easy, but with dollies it becomes easier. In most cases, dollies will give you the ability to roll a piece of heavy furniture to the moving truck.

Proper Transportation

Whenever you move, you need the right type of transportation. Without the right type of moving truck, you may not be able to move all of your items safely or in one trip.

Lifting Straps

It may be worth renting some lifting straps, also known as moving straps, if you plan to move heavy objects. These straps will help with weight distribution and make lifting easier.

Furniture Pads, Plastic Wrap and other Moving Supplies

You may also need to get the right furniture pads, plastic wrap and other items to help protect your belonging, while in transit.

A Professional Moving Company

The final tool you need for a successful move is a professional moving company. If you hire the right company to handle your move, you won't need to worry about any of the other tools. Not only will they transport your items, but they will also pack and unpack for you. Even if you do the packing yourself, you will be able to get all the right packing boxes and materials from the moving company you hire.

The Pro Move

These essential tools are necessary if you want to ensure your move is successful. It doesn't matter if you're just moving across town or if you need to move across the country, the right tools will make the process easier.

Moving to Chicago: What Clothes do I need?

Chicago is known as the windy city, but there's more than wind throughout the year. You really do experience four full seasons in Chicago and it may be quite different than your current home city. If you're planning on moving to Chicago, you may need to choose the right clothing for each season. It's probably necessary to do a little shopping and pick up some new items, if you want to survive the city's four seasons.

Clothing for Winter in Chicago

Chicago is a very cold and snowy city in the winter time. You cannot survive a Chicago winter without a quality winter coat. This isn't an area to go cheap on since zippers often break on cheaply made coats. You will also need gloves, a good hat, scarves, snow boots and other winter gear. Make sure you leave all of these items out and available if you are moving to Chicago in the Winter - you'll need them!

Moving in Chicago's Winter

You may not think it's that big of a deal, if you're coming from an area that experiences winter. However, if you don't live in a big city, you may not have the luxury of using your car to get to work every day or to the store. Many residents of Chicago don't drive their vehicles as much because they use public transportation and walk quite a bit. If this is going to be you, make sure you have proper winter clothing to dress for being out in the cold.

Clothing for Spring in Chicago

The spring season isn't going to be super warm, but it will be a welcome break after winter. You will want to make sure you have a lighter jacket and plenty of long sleeve shirts for the spring. Some of the days will be warmer than others, so you need to be prepared for a little bit of both.

While the winter may bring lake effect snow and below zero wind chills, spring will bring warmer temperatures. However, prepare for days in the 30s and 40s, along with days in the 60s.

Clothing for Summer in Chicago

Shorts will start to come out on days when the city sees temperatures in the 60s. You will want to have plenty of summer cloths, especially if you plan to enjoy the local beach. It can actually get rather hot in Chicago when July and August roll around. Be prepared with tank tops, shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, plenty of sunscreen and other summer clothing items. There's no greater place to live than Chicago during the Summer!

Chicago Moving Professionals

Clothing for Fall in Chicago

Many local residents will tell you that fall is one of the best times of year in Chicago. There's just enough chill in the air, most days, to enjoy wearing jeans and a sweater at night, but it's still warm enough for shorts during some days. This is the time of year for a light jacket and long sleeve shirts, just like spring.

Chicago provides diversity within the weather system. It can be incredibly cold in the winter and very hot in the summer. If you're used to a more consistent climate, such as Florida, South California or another climate with steady, year-round temperatures, you may need to make serious adjustments to your wardrobe.

When you move to Chicago, you need a little bit of everything in your wardrobe. It's important to be prepared to wear flip flops and sandals in the summers, but also be prepared for heavy boots in the winter. Make sure you have clothing for all of the seasons if you're planning to move to Chicago.

4 Moving Myths to be Aware of

Some of the people you know will tell you that moving is a bad idea. They think it's too expensive, it's too much work and it's easier just to stay put. However, the best things in life require work and moving may lead to some great things for you. If you have dreams of living in a big city, such as Chicago, you might be preparing for a move. If this is the case, don't let naysayers sway you with their many myths. They will try to tell you that hiring a moving company is a bad idea and you can just do it all yourself, but have you ever really moved an entire home yourself. It's quite a bit of heavy lifting, logistics and not a fun experience.

Don't let other people sway you when you decide you want to move. Whether you're just moving across town or you're moving across the country, you should be aware of some of the common myths about moving.

The Best Day to Move is Friday

One of the biggest rumors out there is moving on Fridays is the best choice, according to realtor.com (http://www.realtor.com/advice/move/moving-myths/). Some say moving on Friday is the right choice because you have all weekend to unpack. While this is true, the weekends are also the busiest time for moving companies. Add in warmer weather and you may just find the prices are high and the movers are booked.

Free Boxes Work Great

We all want to save money and score a deal. However, using free boxes for your move may not be a great idea. You should never go cheap on the boxes, since they will protect your belongings. While you don't have to buy your boxes directly from the moving company you hire, it's usually a good idea. They will carry boxes for all different types of items, such as flat screen TVs, wine glasses and many other items.

Any Old Moving Company Will Do

Another huge myth you might hear about moving is that hiring any moving company will work just fine. However, when you hire a professional moving company compared to a fly-by-night operation, it may be the difference between hidden charges, high prices, theft, loss of good or damage. If you want to receive your goods and pay a fair price, you need to read the reviews, compare prices and hire a moving company with a solid reputation.

Moving Insurance will Cover it

Moving insurance is a good thing, but it's not going to cover you fully. Professional movers will explain their basic liability and what the insurance will cover if something is lost or damaged. Make sure you understand fully what is covered before you go ahead with the move. If you feel like you will need a full value moving insurance policy, you may need to use a third part or request this type of policy from the movers.

There are several moving myths you have to be careful of as others try to sway you not to move. Most people are comfortable where they are and some are simply afraid to every step out of that comfort zone. Don't let moving horror stories or myths change your mind.

The Professionals Moving Specialists

Things You Might Forget To Do Before You Move

Moving is a huge event and often comes with plenty of stress. The "to-do" list for moving from one home to another is a mile long. Even with helpful residential movers, it can be a very stressful process. While professional movers and packers can help with packing, moving and unpacking, there are many tasks you need to tackle, when moving, they can't help with. Here are some of the things you may forget to do before you move, if you're not careful.

Cancel Recurring Charges

This should be done about a month before you move and often people forget about things, such as a gym membership. Sometimes, you can just transfer to a gym closer to your new home, but you still need to make the changes with any recurring charges.

You should also be aware that some mail-order medications may cancel and not arrive if you don't update your address on the billing information. Make sure you create a list of any recurring charges you may need to cancel or change an address with before you move.

Switch Car Insurance (If moving to a new zip code)

If you're just moving down the road, you may just need to change your address with your car insurance company. However, if you're changing zip codes your rates may change. You need to call your insurance company a couple weeks before you move to make sure your address is up-to-date and you'll remain covered.

Change Your Address Early

Waiting until you're in the new home to change your address isn't a good idea. Even doing this online with the USPS won't make it happen instantly. If you want to make sure your mail arrives at your new home on time, change your address about two weeks ahead of time.

Keep Your Finances Organized

When moving, you want to make sure you have a system for your bills and keeping everything paid. Without a good system in place, you may lose something in the whirlwind and forget to pay it. This could cause damage to your credit or cause you to fall behind on something.

Take Pictures and Create an Inventory

When using professional movers, you want to make sure you take pictures of all your expensive items and create an inventory. This will go a long way if something were to happen to any of your items during the move.

Create a Go-To Box

The day before you move, you should create a go-to box with things you will need when you first move into your new home. This could include toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, towels, paper plates, silverware, clean sheets and anything else you think you will need when you first move in.

There are several things people tend to forget about during the stress of a big move. You are less likely to forget things when you hire a residential moving company to help with packing, moving and unpacking. However, use this list to create a checklist of things needing to be done so that you don't forget anything important.

The Professionals Chicago Moving Team

How to Relieve Stress During a Big Move

Chicago Professional Movers

Moving is stressful. Even when you hire a professional moving company to handle loading up your things and taking them to your new location, the move is still packed with stress.

When you go into a move, it's a good idea to have a plan of attack. You should not only plan for how things are going to get packed, moved and unpacked, but also plan in some ways to eliminate stress. Here are some of the top ways to relieve stress during your move.

Breathe

This is the easiest thing you can do on the entire list, but often forgotten. Whenever you start to stress out about a move, just take a few deep breaths. This will help you slow down and it will help to relieve stress immediately.

Meditate

If you need to take the breathing a little further, you can meditate. When you meditate in a quiet place with your eyes closed, you have the ability to destress very quickly. Don't dwell on your thoughts, however. Just let them pass through your head while you're meditating.

Exercise

While exercise may seem counterproductive, it's a great stress reliever. When you exercise, you actually release stress. If you're starting to feel the stress of your move, take a little break and hit the gym. Even just a walk around the neighborhood can do wonders for your stress level.

Take a Nap

Sometimes, you're tired from the move and it makes stressing out a faster process. If this is the case, take a nap. Even just 30 minutes can rejuvenate your body and spirit.

Get a Massage

Sometimes, the simple things won't take away the stress we feel. However, getting a massage is sure to relax you. With the right massage treatment, you can take a temporary break from the world and enjoy a stress-relieving treatment at the same time.

Turn off the Electronics

Too much of your phone, computer and TV can cause over-stimulation. This is especially true right before bed. If you're feeling stressed out during a move, take a break from your electronics for a few hours.

Take on a Small, Fun Project

Sometimes, crafts or other small projects give us a good and healthy distraction. If you need to forget about your move for a little while, take on a small project, such as a crafting project, puzzle or something else you enjoy doing.

Other ways you can relieve stress during a big move include:

• Taking a hot bath

• Listen to music

• Watch a funny movie

• Take a break to visit friends

• Write

• Eat

You can use all of these techniques to keep your stress level down when moving. However, the best way to relieve stress is to allow a professional moving company to handle everything. With the right moving company, you won't have to worry about packing, moving or unpacking. Taking all of these tasks of your plate is sure to relieve some of the stress you feel from the move.