{"id":564,"date":"2024-10-31T07:08:21","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T12:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/?p=564"},"modified":"2025-12-05T11:02:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T16:02:50","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-your-pack-and-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-your-pack-and-move\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for Your Pack and Move"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Knowing how to prepare for your pack and move is key to a smooth and cost-effective moving experience. When you get ready for your move, there are several things to keep in mind. For example: how do you find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/chicago-moving-company\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/chicago-moving-company\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">legit and professional movers<\/a>? How much will your move cost? Can your local moving company help with more than just transporting the contents of your home? \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, the best moving companies in Chicago provide a variety of services to help their clients have the best moving experience possible. Whether you need packing service, moving service, or both, you can find a terrific company to handle all of your moving needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need professional packers, professional movers, or both?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/how-to-prepare-for-moving-day\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prepare for your move day<\/a>, one of the first things you&#8217;ll need to determine is whether you need help packing your home, performing the actual move, or both. Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you consider whether to hire a professional packing service, professional movers, or let one local moving company handle both services for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Do you have easy access to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move.org\/the-ultimate-list-of-moving-supplies-for-an-easy-move\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">packing supplies<\/a> that will adequately protect your breakables?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you want an eco-friendly move, <a href=\"https:\/\/boxbeaters.com\/2024\/10\/22\/how-many-plastic-moving-boxes-do-you-need\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how many plastic moving boxes will you need<\/a>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Will you have time to fully pack your home before your move day?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are your friends and family able to help you wrap and carry your furniture and boxes if you want to move without professional assistance?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you want to rent and drive a moving truck to your new home?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Proper packing is crucial to a smooth move. If you\u2019re not confident in your packing skills, you can consider scheduling a packing appointment with a team of professional packers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips to prepare for your packing appointment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose to hire <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/do-movers-pack-for-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">professional packers<\/a> to help prepare for your move, there are a few steps you should take before the packing crew arrives. Here are a few tips to set yourself up for a stress-free packing appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn how your packing service will charge you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While moving services charge by the hour, packing costs are billed a bit differently. Instead of basing your final packing bill on how long your pack team works, you\u2019ll pay based on how much they pack and how many packing materials they use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your pack team will bring materials like boxes, packing paper, and tape to your packing appointment. You\u2019ll be charged for the cost of each box plus the labor to pack each box\u2014plus the total amount of tape and packing paper they use. In order to get a better idea of how to budget for your pack, see if your local mover has a handy <a href=\"https:\/\/pubdls.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/MOVE-TASTIC_Packing+Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">packing guide<\/a> that lists their material and labor costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create a list of what you need packed\u2014and what the professionals can\u2019t touch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your moving service will schedule your packing appointment a day or two before your actual moving day to help you prepare for your move. Before your professional packers arrive, survey your home and make a list of all the rooms you want them to pack up. Don\u2019t forget about closets, junk drawers, and the garage, attic, and basement!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that there are a few items that professional movers and packers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/lifestyle\/common-household-items-movers-wont-move-190007904.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">are not allowed to touch<\/a>. The best way to find out exactly what your local moving service cannot pack and move is to contact them directly. However, here\u2019s a short list of the items you\u2019ll need to pack and move yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Currency, including coin collections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jewelry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Firearms, ammunition, fireworks, or anything flammable&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important documents like passports and house deeds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Items of extraordinary value, including family heirlooms and priceless antiques or artwork<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, your local mover can recommend specialty companies to pack and move these items. When you research local moving services to help you pack, just contact them with any questions on any belongings you have questions about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prepare your home for your packing appointment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to prepare your home itself for your professional packers. Straighten up surfaces like counters and tables so your packing crew can create packing stations throughout your home. Make sure every surface is clean and dry so each box stays clean and dry as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, you can actually mark which areas or items you want packed up so that your packing crew knows exactly what to do. Grab a couple of rolls of packing tape and place a small piece on each drawer, cabinet, piece of hanging art, or closet door that you want packed up. The more autonomous you allow the packing crew to be, the less stressed you\u2019ll be from fielding their questions, and the quicker they can get the job done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pro Tip: Do a walkthrough after your packing appointment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that your move will happen a day or two after your packing appointment. The best way to set yourself up for a quick and easy move is to ensure that your packing team has packed up everything you want them to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your Packing Crew Leader will ask you to do a walkthrough with them before the packers leave. Take advantage of this! Double-check each room they worked in, and make sure that everything is packed per your instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Packing and moving companies rely on their customers to be the experts on their own homes. And since every home is different, your local mover will look to you to confirm that your unique home is packed to your preference. When your home is well packed, you can rest assured that you\u2019re ready for a great moving day experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips to prepare for your moving appointment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The more prepared you are for your moving day, the smoother and faster your move can go. Since your move crew will be on the clock during the entirety of your move, time is money! Here are a few tips that can help you prepare for a stress-free and wallet-friendly moving day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get estimates from several local movers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving can be expensive. However, it\u2019s important to find a professional moving company that\u2019s licensed and insured. Some low-cost movers aren\u2019t legitimate businesses, and you don\u2019t want to trust your belongings\u2014and your home itself\u2014to a moving crew that isn&#8217;t properly certified. Feel free to ask your local movers for their certifications and qualifications so you know you&#8217;re working with a truly professional company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to find out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/moving-services-cost\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how much it costs to move<\/a> is to request estimates from several local moving companies. Although the total estimated cost is important, be sure to pick apart each estimate a little to find out exactly what you\u2019re paying for. Here are a few numbers to look at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Quantity of movers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hourly rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Travel fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Material fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Each moving service charges a bit differently, so it\u2019s important to know exactly what each estimate means. And as you prepare for your move budget, don\u2019t forget to find out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/how-much-to-tip-movers-8546593\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how much to tip movers<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prepare your home for your move day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you hired a professional packing crew, your home is likely well-prepared for your move day. However, there are still a few things you can do to get your home ready for your movers to help you have a smooth move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, dress in comfortable clothes and shoes that are well-suited for the day\u2019s weather. Then, set aside an overnight bag, cleaning supplies, and snacks so you don\u2019t have to dig through tons of boxes to grab essential items you&#8217;ll need the first night in your new home. If you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/moving-your-pets-safe-and-comfortably\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">moving with your pet<\/a>, make sure they\u2019re safely in a carrier or with a friend or family member. And finally, take a deep breath! Your movers are there to help you have a fantastic moving day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the weather, you might need to clear leaves, ice, or snow to create a walkable path from your home to where your moving truck will be parked. The more quickly and easily your movers can get to and from the truck, the faster your move will go and the more money you&#8217;ll save. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clean out your fridge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideally, you won\u2019t have to transport any open food to your new home. Even water can cause issues if it spills inside a box, so try to avoid moving any liquids or open food items that could spill, leak, or even spoil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the days leading up to your move, consume as much of your open food as possible. Invite a few friends over for one last meal at your old place\u2014or try out a local restaurant before you move to a new neighborhood. In a big city like Chicago, there are countless <a href=\"https:\/\/chicago.eater.com\/maps\/38-best-restaurants-in-chicago\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">places to eat<\/a> that you might not have tried. Treat yourself to a delicious carryout dinner as a reward for preparing for your pack and move!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pro Tip: Do a walkthrough at your old and new homes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like walking through your home after your packing appointment, you should also make time for a walkthrough with your Move Crew Leader. At your old home, check out each room to ensure everything that you want brought to your new place has been packed onto the moving truck. This is particularly important if you\u2019re leaving some furniture behind for roommates who will stay at your old dwelling, or if you\u2019re going to donate or dispose of any items rather than moving them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, perform a walkthrough at your new home with your Move Crew Leader before the movers leave. Make sure that each piece of furniture and moving box is in the room it should be. This way, you\u2019ll have an easier time unpacking and settling into your new home. And it\u2019s all thanks to great preparation for your pack and move!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Move-tastic! can help you prepare for your pack and move!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As Chicago\u2019s favorite movers, Move-tastic! proudly provides packing, moving, and storage service for our clients. And because we see moving as a hospitality-based industry, we prioritize outstanding customer service so you get the best packing and moving experience possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any questions on how to prepare for your move, just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/contact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">give us a call<\/a>. And when you\u2019re ready, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/#get-estimate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">request a free estimate<\/a> to begin the process of booking your move!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Knowing how to prepare for your pack and move is key to a smooth and cost-effective moving experience. When you get ready for your move, there are several things to keep in mind. For example: how do you find legit and professional movers? How much will your move cost? Can your local moving company help [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1044,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,21,3,27],"tags":[47,8,22,18,167,166,17],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/564"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=564"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/564\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1047,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/564\/revisions\/1047"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=564"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=564"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}