One of the best ways to ensure a smooth and safe interstate relocation to or from Chicago is to equip yourself with a long-distance moving checklist. When you know how to pack your items to protect them from damage—and how to prepare yourself and your home for the move—you’re setting yourself up for an exciting rather than stressful experience.
Are you ready to learn some safety tips for long-distance moving? Let’s dive in.
Packing Safety Tips for Interstate Moving
Careful packing is a crucial step in planning a smooth interstate move. It might be tempting to try to save money on your long-distance move by skimping on packing supplies, but this can actually cost more in the long run if items are damaged and need to be repaired or replaced.
Instead, prioritize the packing process on your long-distance moving checklist. Treat your prized possessions to the top-notch packing materials they deserve, and do a little research on how to prep your home’s inventory for a safe interstate move.
Preparing Your Belongings for Interstate Transportation
As you prepare for your exciting new life in Chicago, get to know some packing safety tips for moving to Illinois. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use what you have at home. Blankets, towels, sweatshirts, and other soft household items make great cushions to wrap delicate items and fill empty voids inside your boxes.
- Make sure your boxes are clean and sturdy. If you’ve found some free moving supplies, make sure any cardboard boxes are free of dirt or debris and strong enough to handle what you’re packing into them. If a box is wet or beaten up, don’t use it.
- Get yourself some packing paper. Recyclable packing paper is great for wrapping glasses, plates, and other delicate items. It’ll help prevent scratches and breakage, and it doesn’t have to end up in a landfill after your move.
You’ll also want to protect your belongings by understanding what moving insurance covers. Even the best-packed items might be susceptible to damage during the long drive to or from the Windy City, and picking the right coverage is key to having peace of mind that your home’s inventory is covered.
Understanding What Your Movers Can’t Transport
Even the best long-distance movers have a list of items they aren’t allowed to pack or transport, and that list is usually dictated by local or federal laws. These items usually include hazardous materials like chemical-based cleaners, explosives like fire extinguishers or propane grill gas cans, and firearms or ammunition.
For the full list of items your moving company can’t help with, contact their customer service team well before the move.
A Long-Distance Moving Checklist for Keeping Your Family and Your Movers Safe
After packing and before your moving day, you can move on to your long-distance moving checklist for the actual move. You’ll need to prepare yourself, your loved ones, and your home to keep everyone—and everything—safe during the load at your old place and the unload at your new house, condo, or apartment.
Protecting Yourself
You can’t have a safe long-distance move without taking good care of yourself. Here are a few safety tips for long-distance moving that will help keep you comfortable, healthy, and ready for the big day:
- Dress for the weather. Chicago sees extreme heat and cold throughout the year, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the elements at your old home and your new one. Layer up with comfortable clothes so you don’t get too chilly or overheated.
- Choose the right footwear. You’ll be on your feet a lot during the load and unload. Wear comfortable shoes with enough support to protect your feet, legs, and back from fatigue and aches.
- Stay hydrated and nourished. Keep a big bottle of water with you so you can sip throughout the day, and don’t forget to eat! If you have a stash of snacks—or order a pizza or some sandwiches during the move—you’ll likely have the energy you need for the long drive to or from Chicago.
There are also some long-distance move safety tips if you’re planning a DIY interstate relocation, or if you’re loading some items into your personal car while your movers are packing up their truck. Always lift with your legs instead of your back, and consider wearing a back brace for added support.
Keeping Your Kids and Pets Safe on Moving Day
Moving is often hectic, and children and pets may become anxious with all the activity…and the strangers in their home when your moving crew arrives. To keep them calm and safe, make sure your long-distance moving checklist includes finding a babysitter or pet sitter while the movers are working.
Having your kids and pets elsewhere on moving day protects your movers as much as it protects your loved ones. Small children and animals might accidentally slip underfoot or sneak out an open door when no one is looking.
Avoid the stress and concerns by asking your friends or family to watch your children and pets while the move is going on, and you can pick them up when you’re ready to head to your new home across state lines.
Preparing Your Home for Your Movers
Even the best and most reliable interstate movers need you to do a little work to create a safe moving environment. A day or so before the crew arrives, take care of these items on your long-distance moving checklist:
- Clean your old home so the movers have a workspace free of obstacles, debris, and dirt.
- Make sure you have clear outdoor pathways from your door to where the moving truck will be parked.
- Remove weather-related safety hazards like wet leaves, snow, or ice from your exterior walkways.
- Roll up any area rugs or throw rugs that the movers could trip on.
If it’s raining or snowing on your moving day, you can ask your movers to put down specialty coverings to protect your carpet, hardwood, and tile floors. Keep in mind, though, that movers generally aren’t allowed to remove their shoes or wear shoe coverings, as those measures can put them at risk of injury.
Safety Tips for Your New Home
After you’ve conquered your long-distance moving checklist and arrived at your new home, you’ll likely want to relax a bit. And you’ve earned it: plop down on your couch or bed and let yourself daydream about all the fun and exciting adventures you’ll have in your new city and state.
Soon, though, it’ll be time to make your new home as safe as possible. Address these items after moving in:
- Change the locks.
- Inspect your doors and windows to ensure they’re in good condition and lock securely.
- Put new batteries into the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
- If your new home has an alarm system, read the user manual and change the codes.
- Make sure your friends and family have your new address and contact information.
- Locate the closest emergency services to your new home.
You also might want to hide a spare inside a lockbox somewhere on the property. You likely don’t have neighbors you’re comfortable giving a key to just yet, and you certainly don’t want to get locked out of your new place—especially since you’ll be in a new town!
Your safety always comes first. When you’re preparing to move out of state, contact the experts in safe long-distance moving.
We’ve Got Your Long-Distance Moving Checklist…and the Expertise to Help You Have a Smooth Interstate Move!
One of our favorite safety tips for long-distance moving is to hire the right movers for your interstate relocation. We’ve got the talent and experience to help you have a safe—and maybe even a fun!—move to your new digs. If you’re moving to Chicago from out of state or leaving the Windy City, let our team handle the heavy lifting.
Contact us today for a custom estimate!