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Based on the latest U.S. Census data, the typical person moves over 11 times throughout their life.
Moving is a natural part of life. Whether you’re moving frequently or it’s been a while since your last move, it can be a stressful experience, even for the best planners. The good news is that, although moving can be challenging, there are ways to pack and unpack more quickly, lessen the workload and make the entire process a bit easier.
Does it sound too good to be true? Give Chicago Movers Near Me‘s best packing and moving tips a try and find out how you can make your move easier and more efficient.
The best way to pack for a move is to start early. Before diving into packing tips, here are some moving hacks to help you get off to a good start.
Once you decide to move, keep all your delivery and product boxes. These smaller boxes are perfect for using the Russian doll technique when packing.
Thinking about all the tasks involved in moving can feel overwhelming. Start by deciding whether you want to hire a moving company or rent a truck. Do you think you’ll need professional help or can you handle a DIY move?
If you choose to hire movers, check out Chicago Movers Near Me for reliable options. If you’re renting a truck, make sure to compare different companies. No matter which option you choose, aim to get at least three quotes from different providers. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can focus on other tasks.
We suggest researching companies about eight weeks before your move and getting quotes and hiring them at least seven weeks in advance.
After you’ve hired movers or rented a truck, it’s time to figure out what needs to be done next. You can use our moving checklist or create your own but having a list will help guide you as you prepare for moving day. As new tasks come up, be sure to add them to your list. Staying organized will help reduce moving stress.
What you need to do will depend on your situation but typically, you’ll need to:
Moving can be costly and you don’t want to be surprised by expenses later. Use online moving cost calculator to estimate how much you can expect to spend.
Use a packing calculator to get a better idea of how much packing material you’ll need. This will help ensure you have everything necessary on your first trip to the store.
Movers won’t transport perishable food items, so try to eat as much of the food you already have at home before moving day. Make it fun by turning it into a game and getting creative with recipes to use up what you have. You can also do some good by donating any unopened or unexpired food to a local food bank. Many food banks work with relocation companies, so you should easily find a mover that can help you out.
We can’t stress enough how much easier your move will be if you organize your belongings and get rid of what you don’t need instead of bringing it all with you. It might seem like a big task but these tips can help you through it.
Check every space—open closets, cabinets and drawers. Take stock of what you have and make notes on what you can get rid of. Also, consider which pieces of furniture aren’t worth moving.
If an item doesn’t fit, is out of style or you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to let it go. This rule applies to your kids’ clothes, linen closets and bathroom shelves, too.
When deciding whether to keep something, ask yourself if you would spend money on it if you didn’t already own it. If the answer is no, then you probably don’t need it.
If you plan to donate large items like furniture and rugs schedule a pickup in advance to ensure an organization can collect them. Many charities offer pickup services so you won’t have to worry about how to transport everything yourself.
If there are items you’re not ready to part with but aren’t sure you need, think about putting them in a short-term storage unit. You can assess whether to keep them later.
Cleaning out spaces like garages, basements and attics can be time-consuming. Consider hiring a professional junk removal company to handle it for you. You can keep what you want or they will dispose of the rest, clean up the area and even donate items to local charities. This way, you won’t have to lift heavy items like mattresses or couches, allowing you to focus on other moving tasks.
Moving can be a lot of work and can also be expensive. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help keep your costs down.
Always get quotes from at least three different moving companies. This way, you can compare prices and might even find a company willing to lower their estimate to win your business.
The best moving method for you depends on your needs and budget. Compare the costs of hiring movers, renting a moving truck or using a portable moving container to find the most cost-effective choice.
You can often find free packing materials by contacting local retailers or asking friends and family for any boxes they might have.
If you have some flexibility in your moving schedule, consider planning your move for mid-week or mid-month. Moving on weekends or on the first or last days of the month tends to be more expensive due to higher demand.
Packing for a move can be the most time-consuming part of the process. Our packing tips focus on saving you time while keeping your belongings safe. Here are some helpful packing hacks for a smoother move.
Start by gathering all your packing supplies. Essential items to include are:
Choose a surface for your packing station such as a folding table, guest bedroom or even your dining room table if you have space. This way, you won’t waste time searching for supplies and you can easily tape and label boxes.
You’ll likely need some supplies like tape and markers, on moving day. Keep them unpacked and at your packing station until the very end.
Wrap breakable items like glasses or perfume bottles in socks for extra padding. Use linens and towels to cushion fragile items like lamps and vases. In the kitchen, securely wrap knives and other sharp objects in dish towels and use a rubber band to hold them in place. You’ll be surprised by how many household items you already have that can help with packing!
Suitcases are great for packing heavier items since their wheels make them easy to move. Use them for things that don’t fit well in boxes like books and heavy serving dishes.
Keep your packing area organized by only setting up boxes when you’re ready to fill them. Once a box is full, take it to your packing station to tape and label it.
Make labeling your boxes easier by using colored stickers. Assign each color to a specific room so you can quickly identify where each box belongs without searching for a marker every time you seal one up.
Another option is to write the name of the room each box is going to on the box. You can also label boxes with their contents but this might confuse the movers, so it’s best to do this only if you’re moving yourself.
If you’re using movers, it’s crucial to mark boxes that contain fragile items. This will help ensure they handle those boxes with extra care.
After packing each box, take a quick photo of its contents. This will help you remember what’s inside each box later. While you may not capture every single item, it will give you a general idea of what to expect.
Pack a small duffle bag or suitcase with the personal items you’ll need during your move and right after arriving at your new place. Include important documents, medications, chargers, basic toiletries and a couple of changes of clothes.
An essentials box (or an open-first box) will make your first night in your new home much easier. It should contain everything you’ll need right after the move such as paper towels, toilet paper, water, paper plates and plastic utensils. If you’re moving with a small child include diapers, extra clothes, favorite toys and baby food. For pets, make sure to have their food and bowls, leash, treats, bedding, litter box, cleanup bags and favorite toys easily accessible.
When disassembling furniture, place any small hardware in a sealable bag and label it. You can tape this bag to the furniture it belongs to or keep it in a box with the other hardware.
Make a list of your valuable electronics such as your TV and computer. If you’re hiring a moving company, take photos of your computer before the move. These photos can be useful if it gets damaged during transit and you need to file a claim.
When moving valuable electronic devices, gather all the product manuals and keep them in a safe bag. Be sure to label all the cords. If possible use the original packaging for extra protection.
To prepare for any potential damage during transit, back up your computer hard drive.
To remember where all the wires go, take a picture of the back of your TV while it’s still plugged in. This will help you set it back up later.
If you don’t have the original box for your TV, wrap it in a moving blanket for protection during transport. Make sure to keep the TV propped up, not laying down. You can secure it in the moving truck by wedging it between mattresses or other soft furniture items.
To avoid breakage during the move, take the light bulbs out of lamps. Use bubble wrap to pack them safely.
When moving large furniture, take off any removable parts or accessories to make transport easier. Some pieces may have removable legs or backs. Remove cushions and pillows from couches and pack them in large boxes or garbage bags. If you’re using professional movers, they may shrink-wrap some upholstered furniture for added protection.
You don’t need to take everything out of your dresser drawers. Simply remove the drawers, leave the items inside and wrap the drawers in plastic wrap. If the dresser isn’t too heavy, you can leave the drawers in and wrap the entire dresser in plastic wrap.
Keep your clothes on their hangers. You can group them together and wrap them in large garbage bags or use a wardrobe box to hang them during the move.
When packing clothes from your drawers, roll them instead of folding to save space.
These bags are sturdy and spacious, making them perfect for holding hanging clothes, towels, linens, bedding, stuffed animals and other non-breakable items.
Liquor store boxes have dividers that can help keep your shoes organized. You can also pack small items inside your shoes to save space.
If you don’t have a mattress bag, cover your mattress with a fitted sheet to keep it clean during the move.
Instead of using extra boxes for small kitchen items like spices and gadgets, pack them inside your large pots or other sealable containers. This will help you save space.
Stack your plates vertically in the box to reduce the risk of cracking or breaking. Make sure to wrap them well or use foam pouches for extra protection.
Place small appliances you’ll need immediately like your coffee maker or toaster, in a laundry basket. This way, they’ll be easy to access when you move into your new place.
Stack pots and pans in a large or medium box, placing packing paper between them. Fill any openings with paper or dish towels to prevent movement during the move. Wrap glass lids separately and put them in a different box.
For safety, pack glasses and stemware in boxes with dividers. You can buy specialty dividers or use liquor store boxes. Wrap each glass in packing paper and don’t stack anything on top of them.
To transport flatware and serving utensils easily, wrap the entire utensil tray in plastic wrap and lay it flat in a box. You can place other items on top of it.
Roll each knife in packing paper and then wrap a dish towel around it, securing it with a rubber band. Always pack knives on their side, never with the blades facing up.
Make sure to defrost and clean your fridge a day or two before moving.
Unplug large appliances, remove any hoses and tape the doors shut. Check out specific tips for moving stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers to ensure a safe move for your appliances.
To keep liquids from damaging other items during your move, pack them together. To prevent leaks, place a piece of plastic wrap over the openings of bottles like oils and sauces. Remove the cap, place the wrap and screw the cap back on. For extra protection, wrap the outside with more plastic wrap or place the bottles in a sealable plastic bag. If you’re using a cardboard box, line it with a garbage bag.
It’s best to use plastic bins for packing liquids. Unlike cardboard, plastic bins prevent spills from leaking onto other items. They also contain any mess, making them easy to clean and reuse. If you need plastic bins, consider checking out companies that specialize in plastic moving bins.
Remove all light bulbs from your lamps, as mentioned earlier and take off the harps. Wrap the lamp bases, harps and light bulbs separately. Place them in one box with plenty of bubble wrap or paper to fill any gaps.
Use towels, pillowcases or tissue paper to wrap lamp shades. Avoid using coarse paper or newspapers as they might damage the shades. Wrap each shade individually especially if they’re made of delicate materials like silk. You can stack the shades in a box if they are different sizes.
Plastic wrap can trap moisture and damage your table. Instead, use moving paper pads or blankets. If you’re hiring Chicago Movers Near Me, let them handle it.
If you’re using a moving company, they can handle your area rugs. If you’re moving yourself, clean and roll the rugs. Load them last and unload them first so you can lay them down before placing furniture on top.
If you’re using wardrobe boxes, fold your curtains and drapes lengthwise. If you’re packing them in regular boxes, line the boxes with paper or plastic bags to keep them clean during the move.
When moving items like statues, large vases, mirrors or valuable paintings, it’s important to pack them properly. Most large mirrors and framed art won’t fit in standard boxes. You can find mirror and picture boxes at places like U-Haul or from other moving supply sellers. These boxes are made of four separate cardboard pieces that can be taped together for large, flat items.
For valuable artwork, consider using specialized artwork shippers. These boxes are made from heavy-duty cardboard, with a plastic lining and foam panels for extra protection. Though they can be expensive, they are worth it for packing irreplaceable items. If you’re using professional movers, they may offer crates and know how to handle your artwork safely.
Items like toothbrushes, deodorant and hair products that you use daily should go into your essentials bag on moving day.
Accidents can happen on moving day, so make sure your first aid kit is easy to access.
To avoid spills, wrap plastic around the lids of items like soap, shampoo and cleaning supplies to keep them sealed during the move.
Pack small items in sealable plastic bags so they don’t get lost. If you have a lot of them, label the bags for easier unpacking.
For toiletries, appliances and beauty products, line the boxes with towels or garbage bags to protect against leaks or breakage.
Use towels to wrap fragile bathroom items and fill empty spaces in the boxes. Don’t forget to mark the boxes as fragile!
Since towels are lightweight, you can place them on top of heavy boxes or pack them in garbage bags.
Place jewelry in egg cartons to prevent tangling or losing paired items like earrings. Tape the cartons shut to keep everything secure.
Moving day can be exhausting and stressful. Here are some tips to help make the day smoother.
Avoid last-minute packing which can slow you down. Aim to be fully packed before the movers arrive or before you pick up the rental truck. This allows you to focus on getting the job done right away.
Prepare a cooler with easy-to-grab snacks and water to keep your energy up throughout the day. Keep it with you in the car for quick access instead of packing it in the moving truck.
If you have young kids or pets, it’s a good idea to arrange for them to stay with friends or family on moving day. This will help reduce stress and keep them safe.
There will always be a few last-minute tasks on moving day. Get an early start to give yourself enough time before the movers arrive or before you pick up the rental truck, reducing unnecessary stress.
Keep a to-do list on your phone or on paper for everything you need to accomplish on moving day. Check off tasks as you complete them. Some things, like loading the truck, are obvious but don’t forget tasks like doing a final walkthrough to check for missed items or leaving the keys with your landlord.
Wear clothes that allow you to move easily and protect you from injuries. Opt for pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes and possibly gloves to avoid scratches or getting hurt by heavy items. Sneakers are great for easy movement while work boots provide more support. If you’ve had previous injuries like to your back, neck or knees consider wearing protective gear like a brace.
Before the movers arrive, make sure there’s a clear path for them to move your belongings safely. Remove any extension cords or wires that could cause someone to trip. If you have any uneven steps or hazards, label them and inform the movers.
Finish packing your essentials bag, along with any everyday bathroom items or things you’ll need for your first night in your new place.
Ensure your phone is fully charged the night before. You’ll need it to coordinate with your movers, handle logistics during the move and possibly use it for directions when picking up the rental truck. Keep your charger close or pack it in your essentials bag.
Be there when your movers arrive to give them a quick walkthrough of your home. Point out any fragile boxes (even if they’re labeled) and let them know about any furniture that needs disassembling. If you have specific preferences for how things should be loaded, communicate that early on. Show them where the bathroom is in case they need to use it.
As movers disassemble your furniture, use sealable plastic bags to keep screws and other small hardware organized. Label the bags so you know which pieces go with each piece of furniture.
If you’re helping with loading make sure to lift boxes properly to avoid injury. If you’re unsure about carrying something down the stairs or if a box feels too heavy don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Make sure to provide water for your moving crew, whether it’s professional movers or friends and family. Everyone needs to stay hydrated during the physically demanding move. You can also offer quick snacks like nuts, protein bars or sandwiches to keep everyone energized.
Always do a final walkthrough of your home before you leave. This is especially important for long-distance or international moves. Check all rooms, cabinets, closets and outdoor areas to ensure you haven’t left anything behind. It may be difficult to retrieve items later due to the distance or if the new occupant is moving in right away.
Before you leave, take photos of your water and gas meter readings. This way, you can verify the accuracy of your final utility bill and have proof in case there’s a billing error.
Some landlords may not be honest and could try to charge you for damages or cleaning costs which could affect your security deposit. To protect yourself, take pictures of the apartment after you’ve moved out to document the condition you left it in.
Tip Your Movers, while tipping is not required it’s always appreciated by professional movers. If you can afford it and are satisfied with their work, consider giving each mover a cash tip. Typically, it’s $20 per mover for smaller moves and $30-$50 per mover for more difficult or long-distance moves.
Sometimes, you don’t have a lot of time to plan your move. Here are some tips to help if you’re in a rush.
Before anything else, figure out how you’re getting from your current place to your new one. You can improvise some parts of moving but not this.
Focus on packing quickly. Wrap valuables, breakables, and sharp items carefully but don’t worry about organizing or labeling your boxes. You can sort everything out once the move is done and you’re no longer pressed for time.
If you’re using a moving company, let them take care of some things like wrapping furniture and packing last-minute items. Just remember that this may add extra time and cost to your final bill.
You’ve finally moved in but there’s still work to do. Here’s how to avoid procrastination and speed up your unpacking.
Start by unpacking your essentials bag and box including your everyday bathroom items, kitchen essentials and clothes for the first couple of days.
Tackling the kitchen first gives you a sense of accomplishment and makes the rest of the unpacking easier.
Schedule a housewarming party or a casual get-together a few weeks after your move. This will motivate you to finish unpacking by a certain date.
Need a push? Dump the contents of a box onto your bed or in the bathtub. This will force you to deal with it and put everything away.
As you unpack, break down each empty box and recycle it. This clears up space and gives you a visible sign of progress.
Music can make unpacking more enjoyable. Skip turning on the TV as it may distract you. Play some upbeat tunes to keep you entertained while you unpack.
Don’t stress about getting every box unpacked right away. Focus on the major items first and do what you can, little by little. Taking 10 to 15 minutes at a time to unpack is enough. Take breaks and do something fun in between. You’ll get it all done eventually.
Let’s be honest—cooking while unpacking can be overwhelming. Treat yourself to takeout without guilt so you can focus on settling in. Try a new restaurant or enjoy your favorite dishes. Make it a fun part of your move!
If you need a breather, take a break from all the boxes. Go out to eat, meet your new neighbors or explore your new area with a walk. If you’d rather stay in, celebrate your move with a book or a glass of something bubbly. You’ve earned it!
By following these hacks, you can make unpacking easier and less stressful than expected.
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