If there’s one universal truth about moving, it’s that it can be quite overwhelming. Whether your new home is in the same neighborhood or a little further away, the moving experience is physically and emotionally draining.
However, it’s not all bad news. There are a few things you can do to make your Chicago move less overwhelming. Creating a moving timeline and arranging a Chicago moving service can streamline the relocation process and make it hassle-free. Our team at Move-tastic! has put together this moving timeline guide to get you started.
Moving Services Tailored to Your Needs
It’s a good idea to work with a moving company instead of going the DIY route, as professional movers are experts at transporting items without anything getting broken or lost. Professional movers can not only move different types of items easily, but they also offer a wide range of specialty moving services that are perfect for relocating your most valuable belongings. For example, fragile items such as antiques, pianos, fine china, and artwork require special equipment and handling.
Calculate the distance between your current and new address and decide if your move is commercial or residential to determine the type of moving service you need.
For residential moves, we offer packing and unpacking services so you can save time and transport your belongings safely from start to finish. For commercial moves, you can rest assured that business will continue as usual and we’ll handle your inventory with care. And if your new location isn’t ready yet, you can always ask about our storage solutions.
Finally, as an extra layer of protection, moving companies offer insurance options. This makes the moving company responsible for your items. So, if something is stolen in transit, the company is legally obligated to compensate you for the loss.
Your Moving Checklist: A Week-By-Week Guide
One of the easiest ways to make moving less stressful is to break the process down into small tasks you can do each week. Below is our moving checklist with all the recommended tasks you should complete in the eight weeks before you move.
8 Weeks Before Moving
This is the starting point where you’ll lay the foundation for your moving process.
Set a Budget
Before you start packing, make a list of your moving expenses, including tape, boxes, cab fares, movers, clothes hangers, and bubble wrap. Don’t forget that you’ll probably need to take some time off work, so factor that in as well.
Declutter Your Space
If you’re planning a residential move, go through each room of your house and decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away.
Research Moving Companies
Week eight is the perfect time to find a moving company. Research Chicago moving companies that offer the services you need. Then, request a quote and make sure the company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Create a Binder
Create a moving binder to file all your receipts, estimates, and move-related documents. This binder will come in handy when you start the paperwork for your move or do your taxes.
6 Weeks Before Moving
Week six is all about taking proactive steps that’ll simplify your move.
Get Your Supplies
Order all the items you’ll need for packing and moving, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and permanent markers.
Get Copies of Your Medical Records
Make an appointment with your doctor and get copies of your and your family’s medical records.
School Records
Arrange for your children’s records to be transferred to their new school.
4 Weeks Before Moving
As the move gets closer and your nerves skyrocket, here are some things you can do to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Pick Your Mover
Choose your moving company based on your research.
Start Packing
Start with nonessential or nonfragile items and slowly work your way up to the most delicate items.
Label and Separate
Label each box and separate them by use or fragility. For example, you can put boxes with nonessential or nonfragile items on the left and those that require extra insurance coverage on the right.
Set Up Internet
Call an internet service provider and make an appointment to have your internet set up before or on the day you move.
Cancel or Transfer Utility Services
Begin the process of terminating utilities at your current location to avoid paying additional fees.
2 Weeks Before Moving
With only two weeks left, you need to make calls and end contracts.
Use Up or Donate Your Food
Make sure your freezer and refrigerator are empty by the time you move by using or donating all your food.
Arrange the Trip for Your Pets and Plants
Make the necessary calls to arrange transportation for your pets and plants.
Empty Your Safe
Go through your safe and pack all your valuables. Keep them separate from your other items.
Change Your Address
Fill out a change of address form on the USPS website and notify your bank.
1 Week Before Moving
With only a week to go, it’s time to confirm that everything is ready for moving day.
Confirm Everything
Go over all your items and make sure they’re packed. Call the moving company and confirm the date and time of the move.
1 Day Before Moving
On the day before your move, make sure you have everything you need.
Have Important Documents Nearby
Keep all your important documents handy, and double-check that you have everything you need with you.
Moving Day
On moving day, help the movers identify boxes containing fragile items. Don’t forget to do a final sweep of your home to make sure everything is loaded.
Choose Move-Tastic! for Your Chicago Move
Move-tastic! is a Chicago moving company committed to providing the best moving services in the city. Contact us today to ask about our relocation services, and we’ll make sure you have a stress-free move.
Moving Day by Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter is licensed with CC BY 2.0