Preparing for a Move: Little Things Now Save Big Headaches Later

Getting ready for a move can can make for a good, or bad, experience with local movers. A carefully thought-out moving plan is the key. Below are some of the best tips and tricks to help make sure your move is hastle-free.

Create A To-Do List

Moving involves a lot more effort than merely packing up with a Chicago local mover, so develop a checklist to help keep you on track.

Some things to potentially add to your to-do list timeline are:

• Changing your mailing address.
• Contacting companies to disconnect the internet, cable, electric, water, and gas.
• Take snaps of your devices plugins for easier putting back together, especially the wires in the back!
• Rooms that need to be tidied up or renovated.

Investigate Local Movers

Local movers are a great asset when you are moving.

Do some research on the top moving companies in Chicago. Be sure to hire them a 4-6 weeks ahead of time to help you keep everything organized.

When moving day comes, assign one person to work with the local movers to delegate which boxes go where.

When you’re researching local movers, ask questions such as:

• What are their prices
• What kind of additional services do they offer
• Do they have a insurance or warehouse in case you need additional storage while you get settled
• What’s expected from their local movers

Donate/Sell Stuff

Allocate a box for giving away and a separate bag to sell items. If you haven't used it in half a year to a year, it's best to let it go or sell it. Use the extra money towards your relocation, or to invest in your new home.

Moving Supplies Checklist

Draft a moving supplies inventory. It should include items like:

• a variety of different sized, sturdy boxes
• packing paper
• bubble wrap
• permanent markers
• packing tape

Contact friends and family and ask if they can donate these to you. Take advantage of laundry baskets, storage containers and duffle bags you may have around the house, by filling them with miscellaneous items. Keep in mind, professional moving companies will require all items be packed in boxes or plastic totes with a tight-fitting lid. They cannot move items in plastic bags, open top boxes, etc., because these cannot stack inside the truck and/or can tip over.

Pack Decorative Things First

Artistic displays like art, tapestries, figurines, and other knick-knacks are not necessary in your home other than adding aesthetic value to your home. If they are not essential to your everyday function in your home, add them first to your moving boxes. Gradually packing this way takes a huge chunk of stress out of the process.

Categorize

Labeling boxes, especially when you will need necessary items right away like toiletries, clothes, and essential belongings. When you get to your new town, having each box labeled and categorized helps you and your local movers know where they go.

Pack less

Here's something to keep in mind: do not pack all your belongings. Well before your move date, start the process of decluttering. Moving is the perfect opportunity to donate, recycle, and if needed, toss unwanted items. It’s simple math: Less stuff equals less stress.

The right box. The right material.

Different items have different packing requirements. Be sure the dimensions of the container, and the filler material you use, are right for the items you pack.

For heavy items, smaller is better; you don’t want a oversized box full of books. Fragile items need room in the container for padding. Wrap China pieces individually before they are packed. Make sure to get the right boxes and materials.

If you are unsure about how to pack certain items, take a look at our packing advice page.

Label Label Label

First, code by color. It may be as basic as boxes with blue labels go to the living room. The idea is that the mover simply needs to see the label to know in which direction to go. Don’t over complicate it, but do make it helpful.

Write bold. You don’t want to have to hunt for the label. Make it obvious and put it on more than one side of the box.

If you abbreviate, make sure they are obvious as well. Is “BR” bathroom or bedroom? Better to take the time to spell it out now than waste time trying to decipher it later.

Finally, label your new home. For smaller homes, this may not be a big deal. But, if you have a large number of bedrooms, it’ll be helpful if each room is uniquely labeled, with the appropriate room name or number on the box.

Packing for the kids

Getting settled into a new home can be quite the undertaking, especially when you have children. Prepare a few designated boxes that have the crucial items your kids will want during the initial settling-in period. It may be treasured action figures or dolls, art supplies, or electronic devices. Scouring for these items while trying to get the rest of your belongings sorted and organized is not fun. Make it easy on yourself and keep these boxes within reach.

The early essentials

Adults are not much different than kids. There are things we want to have available as soon as possible. Pack a few boxes that will have your must-haves to get through the first week. Changes of clothing, toiletries, books or e-readers, or even card games. These are the boxes that, if you can get no additional items, will get you through the initial week.

Contact Corrigan

Need more advice? Get in touch with us to schedule your no-cost, no-commitment, on-site move estimate. Our Chicago move representatives and local movers have the experience to guide you through your most complex moving details. Contact us and see why Corrigan has been an industry leader for over 90 years!