Moving Tips From The Professionals

Moving Tips

There are many things to think about when preparing for any move. Here are a few tips that will make the task easier:

Prepare a moving survival kit.

Preparation is the key to a stress free move.

Below are some essential items to pack.

Keep the following items with you, do not send them with your shipment:
  • Prescriptions (have extra on hand; you may not be able to get refills immediately.)
  • Papers and keys for new home.
  • Clothing (take enough to get you through a week of casual and work wear.)
  • First Aid kit.
  • Tool kit.
  • Pet supplies.
  • Flashlight and batteries.
  • Toiletries
  • Moving and travel papers and receipts.
  • Favorite toys/games for children.
  • Hardware for disassembled items.
  • Maps
  • Important phone numbers.
  • Household inventory and moving papers.

Use proper packing materials. Heavy-duty reinforced boxes are available from D&R Chicago Moving and will be delivered to your door upon request. Once you have determined what items will be moved, we will advise you which cartons will best accommodate your needs.

Things to avoid:

  • Packing heavy and fragile items together.
  • Using newspaper to wrap china, lampshades or clothing (The ink runs.)
  • Getting frustrated; packing takes time and patience. Start packing early.

Obviously, contracting D&R's professionals to pack your valuables is your safest bet, but if you prefer to pack yourself or need to save money, here are some tips:

  • Wrap dishes separately. Nest cups and bowls. Stand plates, saucers and platters on edge.
  • Have major appliances disconnected before the movers arrive. They cannot do it for you.
  • Defrost, clean, dry and deodorize all appliances. Pad small appliances in paper and pack in cartons.
  • Secure moveable parts on appliances and stereos with tape or blocks.
  • Pack lampshades in separate cartons.
  • Pack heavy items (such as books) in small boxes, lightweight items (such as linens) in large boxes.
  • Use drawers or wardrobe boxes to move clothing.
  • Protect the contents with paper (not newspaper)
  • Keep all hardware from disassembled items together.
  • Have tools handy for reassembly. Drain garden hoses, coil, and connect ends. Tie or tape garden tools together.
  • Drain gasoline or other fuels from all equipment.
  • Label cartons with contents and assigned room.
  • Be sure boxed items are well padded and fit snugly.
  • Seal cartons securely with packing tap (not masking tape).