How to Protect Your Carpets on Moving Day
Sorting through stuff and packing them carefully are undoubtedly top priorities in a moving preparation process. In addition, another important task you may want to plan is how to protect your carpets effectively. Your carpets will probably get soiled and dirty with all the hustle and bustle during a moving process, especially if it rains on your moving day. You and your movers will have to enter and go out many times so bringing in some dirt will be inevitable. Here are a few useful tips to help you preserve the cleanliness of your carpets.
When protecting your carpet, the most significant thing you need to remember is that there will be two sets of carpets that need protection – one in your new home and of course the other one in your old home. Be sure to plan ahead in time on protecting your carpet at both places.
Before you decide upon which method will be best to use, contact your selected Chicago Moving Companies first to find out which measures they will employ to protect your carpet. Generally, there aren’t any standard procedures in protecting carpets, but your movers may prevent carpet damage by having runners or drop clothes laid out during the moving process. In any case, you should know in advance what the situation will be and what extra fees you need to pay.
A great way to avoid any damages to your carpet is using Carpet Shield which is a plastic, self-adhesive film that can be applied to carpets. Through this product, you can cloak your carpet conveniently with a non-slip, tear-free surface. It’s available in various sizes and it typically doesn’t leave any adhesive residue on carpets. To lay the film out more easily, you can buy a paint roller-like applicator. However, since it’s such a great product to use, it’s also very expensive.
If by any chance you haven’t been able to find Carpet Shield, or you’re too thrift and refuse to spend any more dimes on any moving material, there are still other good alternatives available.
Collect some towels, blankets, bed sheets, or even drop cloths and place them on top of your carpet. You can also use old rolls of carpet by cutting them into strips and putting them over your carpet. Although these materials are a cheap means to protect carpets, they can bunch up on you easily. To avoid this, use masking tape and tape them down. Just be sure to take extra care and caution when stepping on these things. Tell your movers to be careful too.
If these materials are not available in your house at the moment of the move, you still have one probable alternative – cover your feet. You may want to buy cloth, paper, or plastic boot covers and request your movers to put them on during the move.
With the help of these tips, hopefully you can ensure the cleanliness of your carpet and have it free from mud, water, or dirt even after the moving process. Make sure to hire a reliable Chicago Moving Company like New City Moving to assist you with all your moving needs.
Moving Chicago Apartments an Easier Way
When you’ve gotten that big promotion at work, you know the first thing you’re going to do is get out of the dingy apartment you can no longer stand. Finding a new place is hard, but moving Chicago apartments can be even more of a headache. Unless you have an uncle that owns a chain of moving companies, you’re probably going to have to fall back on however many people and cars you can scrounge up for the day you have to relocate. It’s a quietly accepted fact of life that everyone hates the hassle of moving and having to helping other people move. But there’s no reason to despair because there are a plethora of affordable movers in Chicago whose whole purpose is to make changing apartments painless.
Setting the date for your move is important because you want to make sure it’s on a day acceptable to the terms of your new lease and also when your bank and government agencies will be open. This is because if you suddenly need money or have to quickly resolve a municipal issue involved with your move, you can. Once you have decided a day start searching for a company that can work during the hours you are available and your new building allows moving during. Discuss the logistics of getting your things into your apartment with your landlords, as they may have special doors or elevators they would like you to use. All this information needs to be relayed back to the company so you don’t break the agreement of your lease before you’ve even gotten settled.
When you’re choosing between Chicago moving companies, look for proper accreditation from the Better Business Bureau as well as state and federal licensing that permits them to operate as a commercial moving business. Look up reviews online and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Ending up with a fly-by-night firm can be a million times worse than doing the move on your own. Get quotes from at least three different companies and understand a contract before you sign it. Ask about a “binding do-no-exceed” clause that means a company can’t go bill you beyond the estimate.
If you think an estimate seems to low or you get a weird vibe when you’re meeting with a representative, don’t hire them. The last thing you want to do is entrust all your most valuable possessions to a shady mover that may not only do the job slowly, but cause damage along the way. Also get a customer support number you can call any time of day for questions or issues.
Planning Your Business Move Properly
If you have been assigned the task of moving your company office, then you probably need to know how to plan the move well for a successful moving process. Considering that moving an office is a complex process, you may need extra help from colleagues (by creating a committee) or professional Chicago office movers. The key to a great move is building reliable alliances that can help in motivating and coordinating the rest of your office staff. To help you get started on your business move, here are a few basic steps:
Plan the Move
Determine a time frame for your move by creating a time-line which specifies all the important stages of the moving process. You may have to discuss this with your other moving team members or with the supervisors to make sure that it’s feasible. If you’re moving a small office, you may need at least three months for preparing while for a medium to large office, you may need at least six or eight months. The important point to remember here is to start as early as you can.
Next, gather all necessary information about the new space. Try to get some blue prints or floor layout to help you identify significant components like storage space and electrical outlets; most importantly, it will help you decide on the layout of the new office. Moreover, having a general layout plan for your present space helps in comparing the two and determining if there are areas in your current office that do not work well. You can resolve such layout issues in your new space.
Try to create a list of possible problems with the new space like less storage area or perhaps a smaller reception area. If walls have to be painted or constructed, you may have to hire carpenters/painters. This may have been resolved before the acquisition of the new space but just ensure that no additional cosmetic changes or construction need to be finished before the move.
Gather Your Team
If you’re moving a medium to large office, try to ask for volunteers or appoint someone from every division or department to handle and coordinate their respective areas. You may assign this to the manager or supervisor of the department who can make sure that every employee packs their desk and items responsibly. On the other hand, if you’re moving a smaller office, you may have to work on your own. Find a few key people who can help you to coordinate the move.
Your team can help identify some issues with the old space in order to come up with probable solutions for the new office. Through this, you can incorporate other people’s viewpoints and reach a consensus on the move.
Hold Regular Meetings
Schedule regular meetings and be sure to notify employees of the meeting details. Keeping everybody informed is very important to avoid too much worries or concerns, since moving is definitely a stressful process.
Assess Your Budget
It’s highly necessary to identify costs before hiring movers or even packing boxes, especially if you have a specific budget for the move. Get free quotes from us at New City Moving and we’ll give you the most accurate estimates possible to help you out.
Delegate Tasks
After creating a moving committee, have them make a list of tasks that need to be done and ensure that these tasks are incorporated to the time line you’ve made. Specialty service providers may be needed for the move. Ask department supervisors or managers of what is required from their places. All areas should be covered, including the lobby, reception area, and storage areas.
Hiring the right Chicago movers is one of the most critical tasks in a moving process. There are lots of moving companies available specializing in office or business moves. Just don’t forget to research properly and ask questions before allowing the company to visit your office to assess the move. Make sure that your selected moving company is completely reliable and reasonable in pricing. You can assign this task to a few people, each contacting specific Chicago moving companies and then comparing information. Contact us at New City Moving to get the best quotes from different companies.
Top 10 Things You Can Donate When You Move!
When moving to a new home, perhaps you’d want to lighten your moving load. Maybe you’re planning to save some bucks by lowering the move’s total weight. It could also probably save you a couple of trips back to your old house. Or, you may have already renounced those material possessions. Whichever your reason might be for getting rid of stuff, here are the top 10 things you can donate when you move:
Clothes – Well, this is rather simple. The Salvation Army typically has nearby bins where you can drop off t-shirts, sweaters, trousers, etc.
Silverware – Have you ever experienced staring at all those silverware and wondered how on earth you acquired all of those? Through the years, you may have accrued much silverware and eventually, this may get you to thinking how more efficient it can be to wash things instead of having 20 forks.
Furniture – These things are apparently heavy and bulky. You can donate some of these items, especially those which seemed to have been left with cobwebs at a corner.
Shoes – Do you have any pairs you don’t wear? Does it feel too weird to throw shoes in the garbage? Well, you can actually just donate them anyway.
Toys – If you do have some toys left that you’ve treasured years ago or your children have some, you may want to donate these items to charitable organizations. It would definitely be better to donate them, rather than throw them to the garbage bin.
Electronics – Perhaps you’ve upgraded lately and don’t use the older models anymore. Donate that old and used computer set and surely, there will be others who’d be glad to have those things.
Books – If you’re like many people, you probably don’t read most of your books again. Lots of books could pile up on a shelf and if you don’t prefer to keep them anymore, donate them to your local school, libraries, or charities.
Microwaves – Do you have an extra microwave you don’t seem to use at all? Clean it out and hand it over to someone who could make better use of it.
Dishes – These can considerably add up to the weight of your moving load. You can get rid of some of your extra kitchen items by donating them.
Food – If you can’t bring those foods from your pantry when you move, why not donate them to charities and needy families. Donating does not only save you from more boxes; it also helps you become a better person.
Don’t forget to find out about the protocol for every place you donate to. They might not accept certain items, or you may have to package things before donating. If you have other things in mind that you’d like to donate, then go for it! Don’t hesitate to be kind to others before you move. Check out our website for a full list of Chicago donation centers.
How to tip Movers in Chicago?
Since moving can be expensive, the thought of having to tip movers in chicago might be a bit of a far-fetched idea for some. Well, it’s certainly not a requirement to do so, and chicago movers aren’t usually looking to receive tips. However, if your movers do a great job and the chicago moving company allows tipping, it would be greatly appreciated if you tip them.
Moving costs differ variably, depending on many factors, thus you should avoid tipping on a percentage basis. A good way to tip your movers is to consider the length of time of their work. For a half day’s work, tip $20 while for a whole day’s work, tip $40. But if your movers have done an exceptional job and you feel like tipping them more, then go for it! Your movers will definitely be happy with whatever amount you’d like to give them.
Approach each mover individually when tipping them. It’s not a good idea to just give all the cash to the supervisor because the tip might be divided in a different way. If you give the tip personally, you can be sure that your movers will get the right amount you desire to give to each of them. You may divide the tip evenly or give more to those who worked really hard.
If you’re somehow hesitant about tipping your movers, you can extend your appreciation through other means. Perhaps you can just serve them some very satisfying delectables for lunch or snack. Serve well-prepared sandwiches and cold drinks to energize them during all the hard work. Generally, moving companies forbid their employees from drinking alcohol during working hours so avoid offering beer. Besides, it’s obviously not good to serve alcohol to those who will be taking care of your possessions. They might just end up breaking your stuff, if they get a little tipsy.
Also, most moving companies prohibit their employees from accepting tips so you should call ahead to find out. If this is the case, then you should not tip your movers.
Summer Season: Popular Moving Time for New City Moving
The end of school year is just around the corner, and soon enough, it’s summer season again. But the arrival of summer doesn’t only mean beach parties; it also indicates the start of moving season.
Typically, the number of people moving is at its peak during the summer season. Since this means vacation time for most students, most families opt to move in this period. Students won’t have to undergo the hassle of transferring schools in the middle of the year. Moreover, many people can take care of the moving process a lot better during their vacation time from work.
If you are one of those numerous people planning to move this upcoming summer, you should plan for it in the earliest time possible. It’s apparently the busiest time for most moving companies, hence reservations get full quickly. If you haven’t booked your move yet, better do so as soon as you can.
If you are handling the move by yourself and you need to rent a truck or van, you should also prepare for this early on. There are many other people out there who are going to perform their own moves including university students and families who would want to rent large vehicles to travel somewhere for vacation.
Buy plane tickets in advance if you need to travel by plane to reach your new home. There’s a high probability that prices will soar higher the longer you wait, since there will be plenty of travelers aiming to spend a nice vacation. Availability of tickets will be greatly limited, while costs skyrocket beyond your budget.
Before you forget about it, remember to consider the weather on your moving day. Although sunny days are perfect for summer sports, the sweltering heat may affect your move. Wouldn’t it be tiresome and exhausting to lift all those boxes and carry them to the truck? Not to mention that you also have to take care of many other things such as taking care of young kids and keeping pets safe. These tasks become all the more difficult when the weather is hot. Don’t forget to wear light clothing, put on some sunscreen, and drink lots of water to keep you energized. Also, take several breaks along the way to give yourself a rest. It would be best to move on an averagely warm day. Additionally, be alert and prepared, in case the rain pours out of the blue.
These few tips can help you move more smoothly. If you want to relocate in this hectic summer moving season, then it’s best to call us at New City Moving. And if you need more help, you can rely on us for whatever help you need. We are more than happy to serve you in the best way we can!
Organizing and Preparing for your Chicago Move
Hire Movers
Hiring movers is definitely the best option when it comes to moving out. They will do all the difficult work and you don’t have to worry much about your items getting damaged or broken. But since they do all the legwork, you should remember a few things to help them perform their job more easily and effectively. Determine if you would like the movers to do packing of your glass and fragile items.
Before the Move
First off, it’s highly important to be organized. Create a list of all things in your home that you’re going to pack yourself. Get them packed prior to your movers’ arrival so they won’t have to bother and waste time moving those things out of the way. Make sure that you pack everything else if you’re going to do the packaging on your own. More importantly, label all boxes before the movers arrive. Check out our website for a list of non-transportable items.
During the Move
Be readily available once the movers arrive. You will have to supervise them on which items to pack and load, and provide them necessary instructions. They may also ask for some clarifications so you should be there to answer them. Prepare some nice refreshments for your movers. Fresh, cold drinks and snacks or lunch are great to serve.
At your new home, you need to be on hand again. However, if for some reason you get busy and you won’t be able to meet them there, find a trustworthy substitute to fill in for you. You need to supervise them again regarding the unloading. Furthermore, look closely at your belongings and make notes about any noticeable damages or perhaps lost items, and sign off on them.
Lastly, be sure to have the payment method arranged with your movers. Pay promptly upon the delivery of your goods unless you have made prior payment arrangements with your moving company.
For more information on packing your house, check out our online moving tips!
How to Move Items in a Shed or Garage Effectively
Typically, a shed or garage is filled with things that people wouldn’t traditionally pack up in boxes. If you’re going to move to a new house anytime soon, you may have suddenly thought about how to pack these things up. It sounds pretty difficult and perhaps that’s the reason why you’ve searched about this topic and ended up reading this article. Well, the good news is you can successfully move items in your shed or garage in the most effective way possible.
• Essentially, a good rule of thumb is to put any power tools back in the cases they came with when you bought them. These cases can protect the tools well since they are designed for providing protection after all. You can keep other loose tools in a toolbox. Stuff some packing paper inside the toolbox to keep the items from shifting or moving around.
• Pack your loose and garden tools of similar length together in a bundle, along with twine.
• Wrap anything greasy in shrink wrap before using packing paper. Additionally, pack heavy things like loose tools in small boxes.
• Properly dispose of all corrosive, poisonous, or flammable items.
• Fully drain oil and gas out of weed whackers, lawnmowers, etc.
• You can use hardware bag or coffee can as containers of hardware. Wrap these hardware in packing paper first, and then packed in a small box.
Through these tips, you can pack up your garage items easily and efficiently.
Please view our website for more information on packing your garage.
Importance of Making a Household Inventory
Making a household inventory is one of the most significant steps of a moving process. Household inventory refers to the list of all things in your home that you are planning to move to your new house. Coming up with this comprehensive list can take some time, but it’s quite important for a number of reasons.
First off, a household inventory is essential in helping you pack since it serves as a checklist while you prepare your household items for the move.
Furthermore, it also serves as a record of each of your belongings. You can take note of every item in your house that will be included in the moving process. As such, by creating this list you can ask for reimbursement for anything which may have been damaged, stolen, or lost during the move if you elect to use a chicago moving company.
In creating the list, you have to visit each room of your house and list down all of the contents you find. It would be better if you could also include each item’s cost, in a value column on your inventory list. If you’re not sure about it, just make an approximate estimate of the price. This price list will come in handy in case you have to file a claim with your insurance provider or moving company.
As you make the list, try to provide your most accurate description of the condition of every item. This serves as proof of the goods’ condition before the move. For further documentation, you can even photograph those goods with higher value so that you have a more concrete proof regarding their pre-move conditions.
Even though coming up with a household inventory can be a tiresome task, it is quite important so you shouldn’t neglect it. By listing all items in your inventory, you can appropriately receive the right compensation if ever these goods get damaged or lost during the moving process.
Renter’s Insurance or Moving Insurance?
So you have hired the best apartment movers Chicago has to offer – New City Moving. Why are we the best? It’s because the care we use and the incredible attention to detail to make sure the move is executed efficiently and safely. When it comes to apartments, there are narrow spaces to navigate as well as elevators to contend with.
There are also a number of services we offer from packing services to insurance. But when it comes to insurance, there is a huge question that exists:
Should you take moving insurance or will your renter’s insurance cover the move?
This is a tricky question because it does depend on your insurance company. Many customers decide to take out moving insurance with their Chicago movers anyway because a claim may raise their renter’s insurance rates.
Because new City Moving provides Chicago moving services, not only in the city, but anywhere in the state of Illinois, you may be able to contact your insurance company and simply submit a change of address without a lapse in your coverage. Now if you’re moving from a rental to a home that you own, there will be a lapse in coverage. You have to have homeowner’s insurance on your new home. This is a policy that is completely different from renter’s insurance.
When you take out moving insurance with our Chicago moving company, we know the condition of each item prior to the move and after. If something is broken, we know why. This makes filing a claim much easier and less time consuming than it would be through your renter’s insurance company.
Fortunately, we do not have a record that consists of accidents that result in damage to our customers’ belongings. We have an impressive safety rating, as reflected by your “A” rating by the Better Business Bureau.
So when you wonder what you should do about insurance, know you have options, but know we will make the process very easy on you.
We are proud members of:
Our Insurance Companies
We Accept
©2009 New City Moving Inc. IL ICC #158051: Terms of Use
2358 N. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60647