Moving across the country is a difficult task, especially when compared to a local move. However, there are some excellent ways to make this kind of move easier.
Declutter First
The best way to pack and move items is not to have to pack and move them in the first place. This means having a garage sale to get rid of all unused and unwanted items. The money you make will come in handy to help with moving expenses. If you can’t sell it, and you don’t use it, give it away to someone who can use it. You may have to make some tough choices, but you will be glad you did when it comes time to pack.
Get Busy with Packing
Pack ahead of time as much as you can. Begin by packing nonessential items from each room. For example, the kitchen contains items you don’t use all the time, such as extra dishes and cookware. The kitchen is often the hardest room to pack, so if you begin there, you will get it out of the way. Use plenty of packing paper and tape to protect fragile items. Label the box clearly with both the room the items belong to and a short list of the items inside. Use bold black marker. You can pack ahead of this way, working through all the rooms in the house. As long as the boxes are clearly marked for each room, they will all end up in the right place in your new home on moving day. Pack each room ahead of time as much as you can, leaving only essential items that will need to be packed later.
Save on Packing Supplies
It’s amazing how many boxes it will take to pack up even a smaller home. Never pack more than what a box can hold. For one thing, you will need to lift the box. For another, you don’t want items falling out of the bottom. It’s also amazing what boxes cost when purchased new. You can save money by letting friends and family know you will need boxes. Perhaps they can save some for you. You can also let them know that you would appreciate any packing assistance they can provide.
Don’t be afraid to visit local supermarket dumpsters for boxes. These are often tossed on top, clean and dry. There is not a single thing wrong with them. You can also ask the market manager to ask the night crew to save boxes for you to pick up the next morning. However, if you do, be sure you pick them up promptly as promised.
Shop Around for Rates
Movers vary greatly in their moving rates. Shop around carefully and don’t settle on one company unless and until you are satisfied that they are offering the best rate. To easily find the cheapest Chicago moving company rates, compare prices through the Cheap Chicago Movers. Getting started is simple and fast – just fill out the quote form or give us a call.
Take the Essentials Box
You will likely be driving your own vehicle to your new destination. If you do, you will need to pack an essentials box. This box stays with you and will contain items you will need as you travel to your new home. It will also cover you for the first couple days after your arrival.
- First-aid kit, chargers, alarm clock and keys
- Toiletries, hand or baby wipes, towels, sheets and pillows and eating utensils for everyone
- Toilet paper, tissues, flashlight, medication and can opener
- Simple meals like mac and cheese and soup
- Bottled water, simple snacks like dried fruit and nuts, portable toolkit and pet items like leashes, dishes, meds and food
- Important records, pen, paper, a list of phone numbers, duct tape, cash and credit cards and changes of clothing
- Shower curtain and cleaning supplies
You may also want to bring a radio. It will come in handy during those first days when you have no television or internet. Not everyone will have exactly the same kind of essentials box. If you’re traveling with infants or toddlers, you will also need diapers, formula, food and toys. Bring some plastic bags, too. These will serve as temporary trash containers that you can toss in trash cans when you stop for gas or a break.
This will give you a good place to get started. Tackle a cross-country move in small increments. It will make a big job seem much more manageable.