When you want to learn how to do something, you probably look for articles, videos, or advice from a professional in that field. After all, you wouldn\u2019t try to learn a new language from someone who doesn\u2019t speak it. And you probably wouldn\u2019t ask a vegetarian for advice on cooking a steak! In other words, you want to learn from an expert. Well, this applies to finding helpful moving tips, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professional movers<\/a> know how to help their customers have a smooth, easy, and cost-effective move. And since Move-tastic! has the best movers in Chicago, we asked our team for the moving tips and tricks that everyone should know to help them have the best moving experience possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proper packing is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth and damage-free move. Of course, you can hire a professional packing service<\/a> to wrap and box up all or some of your home. However, if you\u2019re handling the packing yourself, here are some packing and moving tips and tricks to help you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus moving tip: ask your moving company how many boxes you\u2019ll need<\/a> for your move. They\u2019ll be able to provide advice based on the size of your home, such as a one-bedroom apartment<\/a>, a two-bedroom apartment<\/a>, or a full house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t worry about lifting or wrapping your heavy furniture\u2014that\u2019s your moving crew\u2019s job! However, there are ways that you can prepare your furniture before your move day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step is to empty out your dressers, desks, and nightstands. Box up the contents of each drawer and cabinet so that nothing is left inside. Not only does this reduce the weight of each item to make it easier to carry, it also ensures that nothing inside breaks or falls out during the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, turn your attention to your entertainment center or TV stand. Remove and pack your electronics<\/a> for safe transport. Electronic items like TVs, speakers, and stereos can be delicate, as even a slight bump can damage the inner workings. So get some blankets or packing paper and secure each electronic item inside a box. If you still have the box that these items came in, even better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that some furniture might not be built for moving. This includes self-assembled furniture that you might have bought in a box and built yourself, as well as anything made of particleboard. These pieces don\u2019t start with the same structural integrity<\/a> that metal or wood furniture has, and moving can put stress on them. If you have anything that falls into this category, just contact your moving company prior to your move date to give them a heads-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some moves require more logistics than others. And that\u2019s ok! The best moving companies in Chicago can help you coordinate these logistics. You just have to be a little proactive if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, loading dock reservations, or a certificate of insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a huge city like Chicago, parking spots can be hard to come by. So if you live on a residential street that\u2019s usually parked up with your neighbors\u2019 personal vehicles, you might want to order parking permits<\/a> so the moving truck has a spot reserved right in front of your home. Call your moving company at least four business days before your move so they can order parking permits on your behalf. The City of Chicago will even post these for you as long as they have enough time to process and post the permits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you run into a time crunch and don\u2019t have four business days, your local government officials might be able to help. Look up your ward\u2019s alderperson<\/a> and see if they can expedite the parking permit process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chicago is home to countless high rises and large apartment and condo buildings. And many of these buildings have freight elevators and loading docks that they prefer movers to use instead of the elevator you might use to get from the building\u2019s foyer to your front door. Because these buildings might have other tenants moving the same day you are, you\u2019ll likely have to make reservations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basically, a reservation blocks off the loading dock and elevator so that only your moving crew can use it during your reserved time. This allows your movers to make quick and efficient trips between the dock and your home instead of waiting for someone else to finish using the elevator or dock. And when an elevator is reserved for your move, your movers won\u2019t even have to wait for it to stop at other floors!<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s extremely important that you determine the exact time for your reservations. Many large buildings in Chicago offer two-hour increments (i.e., 9am to 11am, 11am to 1pm, etc.). Let your moving company know as soon as you\u2019ve reserved the elevator and dock so they can work to accommodate the time constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chicagoans take great pride in their homes. And building management companies take great pride in keeping their buildings looking great! Many of these companies require a certificate of insurance<\/a>, or COI, from each moving company prior to the move. This ensures that the moving company is insured the rare case of any damage to the building during the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obtaining a COI is easy. Just call your moving company a week or so prior to your move so their insurance company can produce a custom certificate that you can send to your building management company before your moving day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before your move, make sure that your movers will have a wide and clear path from your home to their moving truck. Since moving companies charge by the hour, time is money! And if they have to navigate through an obstructed walkway, your move will take more time. Not to mention creating a safety hazard for the movers and your belongings!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few tips to creating a safe and efficient environment for your move:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember: the better you prepare your home before your move, the better moving experience you\u2019ll have!<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many steps you can take to set yourself up for a great moving experience. Learning how to properly pack boxes, preparing your furniture, and creating a safe pathway for your movers is just the tip of the iceberg! Here are a few additional tips that your move crew will want you to know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you follow these tips, you\u2019ll set yourself up for a great moving experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to moving, you want to hire the very best team to pack, wrap, and transport your belongings. As the best movers in Chicago, Move-tastic! has a reputation for providing smooth, efficient, and even fun moving service to our customers throughout the Chicagoland Area.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLearn how to properly pack boxes and avoid damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prepare your furniture for moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Secure your moving logistics early<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to order parking permits for your move<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to coordinate elevator and loading dock reservations at your building<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to obtain a certificate of insurance for your move<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Clear a path for your movers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Additional moving tips from pro movers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let Chicago\u2019s favorite movers get you into your new home!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n