Moving Concerns – Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
Every time you change your address, you become susceptible to identity theft. You need to know why it’s possible for thieves to steal your information and use it to their benefit. By getting yourself properly informed, you can make sure that all vulnerabilities are dealt with before moving to a new home.
Identity theft generally occurs when a person gains access to your personal information and use it to use your credit cards, gain access to your bank account or even create fake documents using your name. When people move, it often becomes easier for identity thieves to attack since people mostly leave valuable information behind that others can possibly use. Identity theft is highly likely if you fail to reroute mail to your new address, shred important papers which are just left in the garbage can, or if you happen to hire rogue movers.
To avoid identity theft, make sure to do the following things:
Create a Checklist of Change of Address – Before moving day, ensure that you spare enough time to list all companies and subscriptions you receive via postal system. Mail theft is one of the most common and easiest methods that somebody can acquire your personal identity. This does not necessarily mean though that those people who are going to live in your old home after you move out are not trustworthy enough; it’s just that people often throw out mails that don’t belong to them. Thus, don’t forget to make a list. Try to imagine every possible situation and who might contact you through mail, including your former employers, school of your children, banks, real estate agents, lawyer offices, magazine and newspaper subscriptions and credit card companies.
Destroy Records and Files Properly – Get rid of those files and records you don’t need any more. However, be sure to do so properly. Shred documents well and if there are any vulnerable information like bank statements or credit card applications, you can bring those to professional shredding companies who can dispose of the materials properly. Alternatively, you can buy a home paper shredder that can shred things like old credit cards.
Take Important Documents With You – If you’re going to move important documents, don’t pack them along with your other household belongings that will be moved through the moving truck. Instead, pack them very carefully and take them with you in the car. If you must stop by a hotel, don’t forget to take the documents into the room. Never leave them in your car, just to be safe.
Hire Reliable Chicago Movers – Hiring trustworthy Chicago movers is the best way to make sure that your possessions reach your home in the safest way possible. It’s quite a difficult task but you need to take some time to do your research and shortlist companies in order to select the best one that fits your needs. Ask the right questions and be wary of rogue movers.
Make a Complete Home Inventory – If you’re thoroughly aware of which stuff you’ve packed and what things the movers will move, then it would be quicker to find out what could be missing. Keep track of your household belongings by taking a home inventory. It’s also necessary in case you need to make a claim or report the moving company.
Check Up the Address Changes After Moving – After the move, check your change of address list again and contact those that could pose a risk in security like credit card companies, banks, etc. Inquire if they have your new address and if they have rerouted the mail.
Hiring trustworthy movers like New City Moving will help to ease the stress of moving, and make sure you have the best experience possible. For a free moving estimate give us a call toll free at 800-733-6644.
Moving with Used Boxes in Chicago – Commonly Asked Questions
I have previously mentioned in a post that utilizing used boxes for a move is a great idea to save on packing costs. You may have some questions in mind about this idea. Here are some commonly asked questions and corresponding answers:
• Is moving with used boxes okay? – Well, yes, it’s perfectly fine to use them for packing as long as you are sure that they are durable to use. Always test the boxes to make sure that they can actually handle the weight of your stuff. Check if there are any weak spots, especially with boxes from grocery stores, since products do leak at times and cause the box to deteriorate in quality. Additionally, make sure that you avoid over packing. Pack only what the box is supposed to carry.
• What do I do next if I don’t find any used boxes? – If you’ve tried your best to find used boxes but failed to do so, an alternative way is to save on costs of packing supplies is to ask for plastic tote bins from family and friends. It can work out well if you are going to stay in the same region or if there is a way you can return the bins after the move. Also, if you believe you will have to move a few more times in the future, you can opt to buy your own plastic tote bins. They are easy to store in between moves.
• Can a moving company provide boxes? – Usually, no. A moving company can sell you boxes but on rare occasions or promos, they can provide some free packing supplies. For instance, if you refer a friend or find the moving company online and site the source, they can give you a small incentive like some free packing materials. There are also some movers who can provide you plastic bins to rent for a short period. Green movers are great for suggesting environmentally friendly methods to save and reuse packing supplies.
• What should I do with the boxes once the move is done? – Good question! If you have free time, you can post an ad on an online or offline bulletin board or in local paper. You can offer the boxes free of charge and you’ll be surprised at the number of responses you’ll get. Or, you can also donate the boxes to an organization that could make good use of them. Charities which ship donations abroad can use durable boxes to move their items.
So, now that you have cleared your doubts about using used boxes, you can finally search for good-quality, sturdy ones and use them for your move. However, you can always purchase new boxes if you really want to make sure that you’ll be using only the best ones for your household goods.
20 Essential Tips for Packing before a Move
Here’s a list of several packing tips that you may not have considered before. When it comes to packing, you can add up as many tips as you can to your own list to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly and effectively.
1) First off, prepare enough packing supplies before you begin packing. You wouldn’t want to stop in the middle of a packing session just to gather more supplies.
2) Make sure that packed boxes weigh less than 50 pounds.
3) Heavier items should be packed on the bottom.
4) Stuff small fabric items such as socks and pillow cases in spaces and crevices in boxes. But don’t forget to keep those pairs of socks together!
5) Ensure that each box closes properly. Seal all boxes to keep the tops flat. Don’t over-pack a box to avoid damaging the contents.
6) Use small boxes in packing small items and then you can put them together into a large box. Remember to label each box, whether small or big.
7) Transfer liquids to a sealable container or tape them down to secure the lid. Then, put them into a waterproof bag. Seal it and position it upright into a box. The bag should be marked with arrows. Also, mark it with “This End Up.”
8.) Make sure you know which items are not allowed to move. These are items that your movers may not move.
9) Create an inventory list of all boxes, including their contents. An inventory is quite important in case any item gets damaged or lost and you have to make a claim.
10) Put clothing items in your dresser drawers.
11) Label your essentials box with “load last, unload first.” This box contains all the essentials you will need while traveling to your destination and upon reaching it.
12) Take valuable records with you. Don’t move them along with your other household belongings. You can send them in advance through a secure courier company, if it’s not possible to take these documents with you in the car.
13) Tape down items that shift or move, this will make your Chicago Movers less likely to create damage.
14) Fill free spots or empty spaces with lighter linens.
15) If possible, keep things in their original boxes.
16) Tape loose items such as bolts and screws to the underside of furniture but make sure that they are bagged first.
17) Tools for reassembling furniture should be kept in a different box with proper marking. You may want to keep an all-purpose screwdriver in your car’s glove compartment.
18) Avoid using standard garbage bags. They are easy to rip and tear. Buy the thicker, heavy ones to make sure none of them will burst open during the move. Certain moving companies don’t want their customers to use garbage bags, so ask before packing up. Limit the number of garbage bags you use when packing.
19) As much as possible, pack and arrange items from the same room together. This way, things will be easier to sort after the move is done.
20) Let everybody in the family participate in the preparation process by creating a task list. Divide the jobs and delegate appropriate tasks to each person. Your children can sort through their stuff and pack simple items. Organize your household to save time, effort and money. By assigning tasks to each family member, everyone will feel that they’re part of the adventure.
Get started as early as you can! With the help of these tips, you can successfully hurdle the packing process.
Collecting and Sorting Records Before the Move
Collecting and organizing records isn’t everybody’s forte. Lots of people actually have the habit of keeping their documents in a shoe box in the closet or a desk drawer. When planning to move, you should gather all those records together so you can settle in your new home smoothly and without hassles.
Personal Records
School Records – Be sure to get some copies of your kids’ school records. It’s always safer to ask for an extra copy albeit most schools will forward the records to your child’s new school. Most schools may charge a service fee and they will also require appropriate identification. Ask for a certified copy of your child’s transcript if they are about to enter a college or university. It can be mailed to your new address.
Medical Records – Ask for medical records of you and your family, including optometrist, family doctor and dentist. If you can find a new physician before moving day, request the new clinic to call for your records and files. This could be a problem though if you’re moving out of state or overseas. It’s rather difficult to transfer records across borders. If you’re experiencing this situation, you can ask for a full copy of all records. Then you can deliver the files to the new clinic personally.
Vet Records – If you’re moving a pet, you’ll need to have some copies of the veterinary records especially if you’re going to move to another country. Most countries have specific requirements for animal immigration. You will have to acquire vaccination records as well as a healthy check-up for your pet.
Financial Records – Obtain copies of your financial records such as investment standings, bank statements and account information. These records will be significant once you plan to transfer your funds to a different financial institution.
Bill Statements and Receipts – Pay all of your bills and close off current accounts. Be sure to keep a record of your payment. You can also ask for a final statement. These records will come in handy in the event that a company claims that you have not made the necessary payment.
When moving important records make sure to check out Chicago Movers Reviews online!
Moving Tips – Maintaining Safety
Moving is quite stressful, both physically and emotionally. Your body can experience much stress and possible injuries along the way. Ensure that you keep your home safety-proofed, even if you’re hiring movers for the moving process.
Box Weight – All of your boxes should weigh not more than 50 pounds. If you’re not certain about the weight of a box, try to lift it. You must not experience too much strain when lifting it and you should also feel steady while standing. You may have to carry the boxes over a long distance to the truck or up and down the stairs so consider the accessibility issues of both your old and new home. Also, take note of the proper way to lift things; avoid bending over when picking up an item. You can just squat down; then lift the box with your whole lower body.
Proper Equipment – Rent the right equipment to save yourself from back strain. Having proper equipment will also help you move and stack bigger, heavier pieces more easily. A dolly can help you in carrying boxes. You may also want to use straps to secure boxes to the dolly or to help you in lifting big items.
Examine the Property and Check for Any Dangerous Areas – Before moving day, try to check areas around your old and new home. Find the nearest spot where the moving truck can park safely. It might be necessary to reserve the spot prior to the move. Check if there are any uneven walkway or sidewalk spots. Make sure that steps in the front walkway of your house are clearly visible. You can mark the steps with chalk, if necessary, and highlight where the step is situated. People get easily distracted during a move and those helping you with the move may not see the steps, especially if they are not familiar with your home.
Rent a traction mat if the entrance to your house tends to become slippery when wet. You can rent it from mat rental outlets and moving companies. Additionally, mats are useful in making sure that movers don’t accidentally step on fragile areas.
Take note of other dangerous areas such as tree branches, poles, posts or anything that could potentially pose a problem for movers. Remove low hanging obstacles or mark them.
Top Five Things You Might Forget to Do on Moving Day
You may have read lots of tips about preparations for moving day and important things to do before you move. However, even though you’ve packed up everything else and you’re ready for the Chicago movers to come, there might still be things you’ll forget to do on moving day. Here’s a list of top five things you wouldn’t want to neglect doing.
1. Save parking space for the Chicago apartment movers. – Whether you opt to move yourself or you’ve chosen to hire movers, it’s very important to make sure that there’s ample parking space for the moving truck. It’s best to inform your neighbors about your move and tell them that you will have to use the front parking spaces or perhaps the back alley, whichever one is more convenient. If you’ve hired movers, ensure that they park the truck close to your old house and also your new home. If you’re not yet aware, moving companies actually charge extra fees for a “long carry” that’s why you should block off enough parking space for the moving truck so your movers won’t have to park down the street.
2. Inform your neighbors. – As mentioned earlier, notifying your neighbors is important and not meant to be neglected. Not only should you inform them that you’ll need more parking space, but of any inconvenience too that they may experience on your moving day. If you plan to move on a weekend, your neighbors are more likely to stay at home so tell them beforehand that you’ll use the space out front or the sidewalk.
3. Have some cash. – You may have to tip your movers, especially if they have done a great job, or you may want to buy some snacks along the way so it’s good to have some cash at hand. This will save you the hassles of having to run to the bank or fumble for a credit card at the last minute. It’s advisable to tip your movers with cash so be sure to have it ready in your pocket on moving day.
4. Leave the keys behind. – Make sure you actually know what to do with the house keys before moving day. If you own your house, contact the new owners or the real estate agent; if you’re renting your place, contact your landlord. Collect all copies of the keys from your family members and friends. More importantly, of course don’t forget to have the keys to your new house ready. Don’t let your movers wait while you fumble for the keys; this may cost you extra fees.
5. Provide specific and correct driving directions to your new place. – You may be very familiar about how to get to your new house but the movers might have a difficult time. Thus, it’s necessary to provide them with detailed instructions such as where to park. Additionally, friends or relatives who are helping you move also need to know specifically where to go. The last thing you’d want to make you stressed out is finding out that not everyone is following in the right direction.
Moving is definitely a stressful process but if you prepare well and remember the tips above, then you can get by as scheduled! Before selecting a company make sure to check out the Chicago movers reviews online to ensure you have a reliable company!
Business and Office Move Checklist – 15 Important Tasks to Do When Moving
Moving preparations for office and business moves are sometimes much more complicated than household moves. The key to a successful move is preparing well and also, making sure that everything included in your list is complete and essential. Here’s a brief checklist to guide you in moving your office:
1. Decide a specific time frame for the preparation process and moving schedule
2. To let suppliers, customers and other related people know about the move, be sure to set up a communications plan.
3. Create a full list of tasks that need to be done and assign these to individuals
4. If you’re moving a bigger company, come up with a moving committee that will help in organizing the move and keeping the move on track
5. Make sure to inform all employees and let them get involved in the moving process. They should know their respective roles, such as packing their own office or cubicle.
6. Decide on the new look and set-up of your office. You should know early where offices will be situated and which places the equipment should be installed
7. Compare moving quotes from several companies. Don’t forget to check references and book your selected movers.
8. Call your present service providers to let them know about the move. Ensure that your new providers know about the exact installation dates including postal service, Internet access, hydro, fax, telephone lines, etc.
9. If you need special technical assistance for moving and installing equipment like computer network and photocopier, ensure that you book these ahead in time so that the required service is available on your moving day.
10. Establish a concrete packing schedule. Determine which things should be packed in advance and which ones should get packed last.
11. Buy all necessary moving-related things such as packing supplies and appropriate boxes.
12. Give clear packing instructions to your employees or to professional packers. Ensure that each and every box is packed properly and labeled with corresponding information like content, importance, and office location.
13. Prepare furniture for the moving process. Label every item to make sure they are moved to the right area of the new space. You can label or number areas of your new office space on a blueprint map. Provide the movers with a copy of this map so they know the right places for things, including packed boxes.
14. Double-check if all equipment have been prepared well for moving and removable parts are also packed and labeled. If necessary, remove any liquids. However, if you’re not familiar with the right procedure of packing equipment, you can opt to hire a technical specialist or contact the manufacturer of the equipment for some packing advice.
15. To avoid extra fees, ask beforehand where the moving truck can possibly park for loading at the old office location and similarly, where it can unload at the new place. Inform businesses nearby about your move, especially if you’ll have to block entrances or take more parking spaces.
If you are looking for professional Chicago Office Movers, give New City Moving a call at 800-733-6644!
Tips for Moving Your Plants in Chicago
House plants make a home feel welcoming and alive. If you love greenery around your home, you probably keep plants as an important part of the household and you can’t part with them quite easily.
If you want to move your plants, you need to pay special care and attention. Spend some time to ponder if your plants can actually survive during the move and if they can’t, be sure to find a nice, new home for them.
There are some things you need to consider when you’re moving between states or countries. At times, plants are not allowed to move. For instance, those who plan to move from California to Canada may find that potted fruit trees are prohibited. In such cases, you can just leave your plants in someone else’s care.
Thus, before deciding to move your plants with you, determine which species are allowed in the new place or country. The last thing you would want to experience is to be forced to leave your precious plants with the border guard who may not be that environmentally friendly enough to take good care of your darlings.
Additionally, you should be aware that most moving companies do not provide coverage for damages to plants since these are just too fragile and are most likely to get damaged during transit. Furthermore, certain movers may even prohibit plants on their moving trucks. Make sure to ask the company if they have specific rules about moving plants.
Moving the plants yourself is another available option for you. Prepare sturdy, durable boxes, line them using plastic and put your plants inside. Between the box and the pot, stuff some foam cushioning or bubble wrap to ensure that your plant stays put and does not shift during the move. Position them in your car’s back seat; taller plants should be placed on the floor. By moving them yourself, you can have a better peace of mind since you can keep watch on them. If you’re going to stay overnight in a motel, be sure to check the weather since cold temperature can cause damages to your fragile plants. Just move them indoors along with you.
Planning is essential in every moving process and if you’ve done it right, you should have sufficient time to repot and transfer your plants into plastic containers. Don’t forget that plants require some time to adjust and heal from re-potting so be sure to do it a few weeks before the move. Bag tall plants or wrap them in plastic. Poke a few holes in the plastic so your plants can be allowed to breathe.
If you’re planning to move a few of your outdoor plants but you want to avoid depleting the new owner’s garden, it would be good to take some cuttings. Buy floral tubes, put some water, and then cap them. Through this, your cuttings can reach your new home safely and ready for your new garden.
Once you reach your new place, remove the plastic from your plants immediately. Take them out of the boxes and provide them with some plant food and water. Wait for at least a week to put them back to their original pots, if you had repotted them to plastic containers. Be careful and patient as your plants could die or suffer from stunted growth if distressed.
Observe those new plants that you plant in your new garden. Check if their health is affected by differences in air quality, soil and climate. If you experience any problems with their growth, call in some help from an expert.
Top Things to Consider When Moving
Moving is a difficult process whatever time of the year it’s done. However, if your schedule is flexible enough and you don’t have any specific rush deadline, you can consider a few factors to decide when the best time to move is. You can also include these factors when negotiating with your employer if you’re being relocated for work purposes.
If you could select any season of the year to move, the best seasons would be spring or late fall. These months are usually off-season so it’s easier to hire movers and rental companies also do not charge the highest rates. Moreover, both moving companies and truck rental agencies tend to charge higher rates on weekends, the first days of summer which is the peak time of moving, and the first of every month. Still, picking a moving date is really hard since most people have lots of other considerations including jobs, children and their school, and spouses among others.
If you have kids at home, you may want to consider the school calendar. Ideally, summer is a good time since students will already have finished another grade and bid goodbyes to schoolmates. If you choose to move immediately following the end of the school year, your child may not have enough time to prepare for the move, mentally and emotionally. They need to say goodbye to close pals, neighbors, and school friends so consider the school calendar when deciding when to move. Also, be sure that there are a few weeks left at the new destination, before the new school year starts, for your kids to unpack and make new friends in the neighborhood. They attend school more easily if they have enough time to get prepared and make the new house their home.
Choose a moving time that will work best for your children and the whole family. If possible, you can check out the new school, talk to school administrators and teachers and determine a good means of transportation. The transition will be smoother if there’s proper preparation and if there’s sufficient time for everything that needs to be done.
If possible, you should not move before major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah since these holidays are celebrated with family and friends. You may also want to consider dates of important family events like birthdays and anniversaries. It’s good to give yourself enough time at the new place before the start of the holiday season so you could meet the neighbors and new friends. Better yet, you can move immediately after a holiday as it would be the best opportunity for get-togethers.
For most people who have children and particular about weather conditions, summer would most likely be chosen as the best time to move. You can guarantee that the weather will almost be perfect and your children will also be out of school at the time. If you have also selected this season as your moving date, be sure to check the schedules of moving companies as well as their rates before you confirm the date of the move.
Most moving companies will charge rates higher than the usual. When moving at peak times, keep in mind that you have to be more organized and prepared. Make sure that the moving truck or company is truly available on the date you plan to move.
Summer moves may be very expensive but winter moves are arguably more difficult. It’s not quite an ideal time to relocate since traveling is tougher due to bad weather. Goods may also get damaged if kept in a truck overnight, under freezing temperature. Furthermore, water damage can happen if you’re moving your items from a cold climate to a warmer environment. Items should be properly sealed to avoid damages due to thawing and freezing.
If youre looking for Chicago Apartment Movers, Call New City Moving at 800-733-6644 for your FREE estimate! Also you can check out Chicago Movers Reviews located on the website as well!
Moving Tips for Employees – Packing Your Cubicle or Office
If your company is about to move, you’re probably required to pack up your own cubicle space or office, including the filing cabinet, desk and personal stuff. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the move so your things don’t get lost along the way.
Ask your boss if you’re not sure about anything. – You should know if there are any restrictions or guidelines about which things are allowed to be moved. You may also want to know about plans for new furnishings and what these are, including drawer space and desk size. Moreover, find out about how to dispose of unwanted furniture and unwanted documents. Knowing the rules before starting to pack is very important. Ask for the new office’s blueprint, if possible. This will help you decide if things could fit in the new office and whether you’ll need additional stuff.
Pack the filing cabinet. – You should sort your filing cabinet and clear out any clutter. This is the first place to begin and it’s an enormous task that may require a lot of time to accomplish. Ask your employer what documents are not needed in the space and also ask which ones can be recycled or shredded. Once you’ve determined what stuff you should take with you, go through the files, and then separate them into different piles.
Files and folders that need to be moved should be arranged in order. You may do so numerically or alphabetically in a file specific box. Select a box of appropriate size so the folders and its contents don’t get shuffled during transit.
Don’t forget to mark the box properly with its destination, your name, and any special instructions or warning. For easier unpacking, you may want to assign a number to indicate which ones should be unpacked first.
Pack your desk. – Empty all drawers and sort through supplies such as paperclips, notepads, etc. You can keep some of them and donate the rest to a charity or school. Take note, you should only bring what you need. You can make better decisions of which stuff should stay and which ones should be given away if your employer has a clear idea of what your new office will look like and its size. Ask your employer about what should be done with extra supplies or furnishings.
Pack equipment. – Contact the person who supervises the move and ask if you should be the one to back up your computer and prepare equipment for the move. Ensure that the equipment to be moved will be packed properly.
Pack personal items. – You should know how much space your new office will have and what it will look like so you can aptly decide which personal items should be taken with you. Personal items like framed posters, pictures, etc. might not be accommodated in the new space if there is limited wall space.
With these tips in mind, you can pack your office well and relocate effectively. Make sure to select the best Chicago Office Movers like New City Moving when making your next move!
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