Downsizing to a Tiny House? Read This First!

Blog, Movers, Uncategorized

Americans are moving more and more into tiny houses. Some move to be mortgage – free, some to be able to travel with your home, some just to be free of having to clean and maintain a large home. Some do it solely because of their minimalistic life style, a growing movement sweeping people worldwide. The environmental impact of moving into a tiny house is incredible, reducing carbon footprint by up to 90%! Whatever the reason is for your move, you will need to downsize and let go of a lot of your belongings. Decluttering is the key to moving into a tiny house, and that starts with the will to, as Elsa says, “let it go”! A tiny house is defined by the measurement of under 600 square feet, but the average nowadays is around only 190 square feet, where some go as low as 30 feet square! Dual purpose use, everywhere Having a separate washer and dryer may save you time in your “big” house, but in a tiny house, having it combined will come in handy. Having a murphy bed or a folding sofa will also safe you space. A message recliner is optional, but welcome. Declutter, ruthlessly Getting rid of things you will no longer have room for is crucial, but also extremely hard and emotional for some people. That’s why asking for a helping hand is a good idea. Ask your family and friends to come and help you decide what to keep or throw away, and the more you will get rid of- the easier it will become. Reduce, reuse, recycle The three...

Moving in a Hurry: the Guide

Blog, Movers

Are you planning an unexpected relocation or move? Did you get a surprise eviction notice and have to clear all your belongings out? Sometimes you just have to rise to the challenge and get it done, and we’re here to help, with these helpful tips and tricks: • Get packing supplies: you could use cardboard boxes, but pro packing materials will safeguard your most valuable belongings better during the move. • Book your moving company, because the last thing you want is to be left out on the curb with all your stuff getting soaked in the rain. • Ask for help – be it friends, family, or professional movers and packers. • Get your kids enrolled in schools. • Find your pets a new vet. • Hire a cleaning company: some moving companies will have this option as a bundle when you book the book, as make sure to ask. • Plan the move, week- by- week, day – by- day. • Make lists for everything: packing, cleaning, donating, recycling, chores, etc. • Pay bills: make sure to leave nothing behind for the next tenant to avoid lawsuits. • Label the boxes by rooms and use, for example: Kitchen, glasses. • Visit the new place: get to know your neighbors, surroundings, schools, parks, etc. • Don’t stress too much over it all, in the end, you will be in your new place with your family, settled in and content. • Hire white glove moving services – to help you do it all, from packing to unpacking, locksmith and cleaning, pro movers do it all nowadays. Best of luck...

Moving Without a Car: The Guide

Blog, Movers

Congratulations, you want to move into a new house / apartment! You only have one problem: you don’t have a car. What do you do? How do you move your entire belongings without wheels? If you live in a big city with a good public transportation system, chances are, you don’t really need a car in your everyday life. A move can be a logistical hassle, and we’re here to help you plan ahead for a smooth transition. Option #1: Rent a truck This option is great because moving trucks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You’ll need to estimate the size ahead of time and schedule your move ahead of time. You will need a license to drive it though! Don’t forget to check the truck for damages before signing off when accepting it, and get insurance! Option #2: Hire professional movers Hiring professional movers is the easiest, simplest plan, and it will definitely make your moving day easier. You won’t have to worry about your most valuable belongings getting damaged during the move, you won’t have to lift the furniture, you won’t have to rent a truck and return it will a full tank of gas. Don’t forget to get moving insurance! Option #3: Ask around on social media One of your friends may actually have a truck, and can help you out for the day. If you do take a friend’s truck, make sure you bring it back with a full tank of gas, washed and in the same condition you had received it. Have a safe, smooth...

Rain / Snow During Your Move & What To Do

Blog, Movers

Is it raining or snowing during your moving day? Don’t worry, we have the guide to help you avoid weather damage from destroying your most valuable possessions. You don’t need to reschedule the move A bit of rain or snow should not deter you from going forward with your move. Professional movers know exactly how to handle it, and we have the tips you need right here! Before moving day Rain may come any time of year, so make sure you check the weather forecast at least a week before moving day, and get the supplies if needed. Cover the moving boxes with waterproof bags, so you wouldn’t see them fall apart. On moving day Cover the way from your house to the truck with a waterproof canopy. This will help the people, furniture, and even boxes that are covered with bags – as it’s not 100% watertight. Get water safety mats, to avoid people holding boxes from slipping on the walkway. A trip to the ER is no way to start your moving day. Wear proper clothes for both the areas you move from and move to. You don’t want to move to a cold place and shiver all day. On the drive over to your new home Make sure you check your car’s ability to drive in rough conditions: from windshield wipers to snow chains. Make sure you are prepared with enough gas, water and snacks to get through a long traffic jam and even a road block. Moving blankets Moving blankets are an essential tool to keep your belongings safe during the move, and for laying them...

Choosing a Storage Facility in Chicago

Blog, Movers

You need to store your valuables for a while, but are unsure of where to go? We have the guide to get you on the right track to choose the best storage facility in Chicago for you. What to look for in a storage unit: Size: measure your belongings and estimate the size of the unit you’ll need. Don’t forget to add some room to move in the unit. Estimate: Think about how long you will use the unit, as long term storage requires ventilation. Climate control for sensitive items: some items need to be indoors, not in a shed – type of construction. Building materials: you want the build quality of the storage facility to be top – notch, water tight, ventilated and well – lit. Accessibility: you want to be able to reach your storage unit with ease, as you may need on occasion to get something from it. Availability and working hours: how many hours a day is the storage unit available? Is the gate open at all hours of the day? Safety: you want to choose a place no one can open but you. Lighting: does the storage facility have enough artificial lighting to see what’s in the units? Or is it so dark, you need a flashlight to see anything?   Choosing a storage facility near you requires planning, but it’s an easy feat once you verify you have the answers to the topics listed above. Best of luck in finding the right type of storage facility and unit for...

What You Need To Know Before Moving To Illinois During Pandemic?

Blog, Movers, Uncategorized

The situation with coronavirus and related restrictions vary by state and sometimes county, you should be aware of what to expect before moving to Illinois in July 2020. Here we will describe main changes and recent recommendations, but it’s always worth double-checking with CDC and IDPH sites as the situation may change.   What Are COVID-19 Recommendations in Illinois? You can find more details on the IDPH (Illinois Department Of Public Health) site, but here we will keep the general guides: All nonessential international travel advised being postponed. Employees who are sick should avoid commuting to work; Frequently touched surfaces have to be cleaned regularly;   The State Of Illinois has developed Restore Illinois Plan. As of 26th June, the state moved to Phase 4 of reopening. The plan includes below: Gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed; Restaurants and bars reopen; Travel resumes; Child care and schools reopen under guidance from the IDPH; People to keep social distancing and wear face masks.   Consider postponing your relocation is possible, but if you can’t do so, check what the precautions are.   What Moving Companies Do To Protect From The Virus Spread? Moving teams wear face masks and keep social distancing; Trucks are equipped with disinfectors; Sick employees stay home; Some companies provide online estimation instead of in person.   How Can You Prepare For Moving Day? As the virus can be dangerous for hours and days on surfaces, finish packing at least 24 hours before moving day; Avoid reusing old boxes for packing. Consider ordering new boxes at your movers or renting plastic crates; Prepare disinfectors and paper towels for movers...