The first and most important decision involves hiring the right Chicago moving and storage company. Because companies can claim almost anything they want, it is your responsibility to research several companies before deciding on one.

Refer to sites like the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List. In addition, look at customer feedback online and check out the company’s own website. In particular, find out how long the Chicago moving and storage company has been in existence, what type of services it provides, and whether it is licensed and insured.

You want to schedule your move at least four weeks in advance. However, if moving during the busy summer months, most companies recommend even more notice. Roughly two weeks out, contact the company to confirm that your move is on schedule.

Chicago Moving and Storage Considerations

Beyond hiring the best Chicago moving and storage company, consider the following tips and tricks:

• Planning and Organization – Rather than wait until the last week before moving, give yourself as much time as possible to plan and get things organized. For instance, you need to submit a change of address form and cancel any magazine subscriptions, newspapers, lawn services, residential cleaning services, pest control, and so on. Also, schedule shut-off and possibly reconnection of utilities, cable, and phone for the day after the move. This is also the time to gather owner’s manuals, furniture hardware, electronic cords, and other items that you may prefer to move on your own.

• Packing – If money is tight, pack your own goods. Be sure not to overpack, carefully wrap breakables with bubble wrap, use heavy-duty packing tape, and label each box according to the new room for convenience when unpacking.
• Survival Bag – Place a packed overnight bag in your vehicle. Although your goods are scheduled for delivery at a specific day and time, sometimes delays happen. Include in your bag items for one or two days, such as a few outfits, important documents, medication, pet supplies, phone charger, toiletries, and so on. In addition, be sure you have the contact name and phone number of the moving company with you at all times.
• Valuables – Although the Chicago moving and storage company that you hire has insurance coverage, if you are concerned about certain valuables, like jewelry, glass sculptures, and family heirlooms, transport those items in your vehicle.

For more information about moving and storage, questions or to receive a free moving quote speak with one of our Advantage moving specialist today.

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Moving Quotes: Helpful Tips

For both residential and commercial moves, consider the following:

• Company Reputation – Before obtaining quotes, conduct research for companies with solid reputations. Most of the information is available through an online search, but you can also contact companies and ask questions. Make sure you get quotes from companies that have all required accreditations and permits, as well as a positive Better Business Bureau and/or Angie’s List rating. While you can research companies on your own, never hesitate to ask family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors for recommendations based on their personal experiences.
• Package Deals – As part of receiving free moving quotes from at least four companies, you need to ask about package deals. For example, some companies offer free boxes, dollies, pads, and other moving items while others charge a fee. You need specific information about what each package deal includes and any associated fees
• Add-On Fees – Unfortunately, many moving companies do not reveal every fee charged. Some companies have add-on fees for going up more than one flight of stairs or transporting expensive furniture or fragile items. By asking about hidden fees, you can make a well-informed decision
• Insurance and Liability – When getting free moving quotes, determine who is liable in the event something is damaged. For instance, if transporting expensive furniture or fragile items, you need to know how much insurance coverage the moving company provides, if any. If inadequate, you can purchase coverage on your own.
• Refund Policy – Be sure you understand each company’s refund policy in the event that you need to cancel. Sometimes, cancellation is required due to injury, sickness, death, and other factors out of your control. Therefore, find out how much lead-time is required for cancellation and if your money will be fully or partially refunded if you adhere to the rules.
• Estimated Quotes – When asking for free moving quotes, be careful with estimates. Usually, moving companies offer estimates without seeing the items being moved. Instead, they provide quotes based on the size of the home or business. To ensure an estimated quote is close to what it will actually cost, it is always best to request an on-site visit.

To receive a free moving quote today or to speak with one of our moving specialists at Advantage moving and Storage contact us today.

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Garage Sale Vs. Advantage Storage

In order to determine which items you should store and which items are ideal for selling, ask yourself the following questions:

1.       Is this item an antique or family heirloom?

You may own a piece of furniture or decorative artwork that has been in your family for many generations. However, it may not match the current décor of your home or take up too much space. In this case, you should store the antique or family heirloom in a climate controlled, safe rental storage space so that you can keep it in the family without being forced to make room for it in your home.

2.       If I move or redecorate a room at some point, will I want to use this?

Many times, you will be tempted to get rid of furniture or other home furnishings because it seems out of place in a certain room. You may own a coffee table that looked wonderful in your previous dining room but simply does not match your current dining room. Additionally, the coffee table may not fit in your current space. If you own a quality piece of furniture that you like and can see it being used in the future when you move or redecorate a room, it should be stored in a rental storage space.

3.       Will my friends and family members be able to use this item?

If you own a piece of furniture or another possession that you personally do not see a use for in the future, take the needs of your friends and family into consideration. Can your son or daughter use it in his or her college dorm room? Do the neighbors across the street need a new coach? If you can’t think of another person who may enjoy this item then it’s best to sell it in a garage sale.

By keeping these questions in mind while you are organizing your belongings, you’ll be able to make a sound decision on whether you should store or sell certain items. For a secure, climate controlled rental storage space to store all of your precious possessions, Advantage Storage is the optimal choice. Contact us today to learn more about how Advantage storage can help you.

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It’s imperative to understand your own goals for renting storage units so that you can pack your items appropriately. Keep reading to learn the differences between long-term and temporary storage solutions so that you can save time and money while reducing the risk of damaging your belongings.

Temporary Vs. Long Term Storage Units

If you need to store your belongings for more than three months, long-term storage is right for you. In order to make the most out of long-term storage, you should refrain from packing your possessions in plastic bags and opt for durable boxes instead. These boxes can be found at a grocery store or purchased from a local home goods store.

Sturdy boxes will make stacking and accessing your items easier while keeping them optimally protected in the long-term. Additionally, fragile items should be wrapped in newspaper or bubble wrap, appliances must be wiped down, and vacuum-sealed bags can be purchased for clothing and fabric storage.

Temporary storage solutions are intended for people who would like to store their items for less than three months at a time. Although you can forgo some steps when packing and moving temporary storage items, you should still be cautious of transporting your belongings.

You can use dust covers instead of more durable packing. Since your items won’t be in storage for long, there won’t be too much time for dirt to settle in so you can also use a cloth or large piece of fabric to drape furniture.

When opting for temporary storage solutions, you should make it a point to arrange your belongings against the wall and leave an aisle in the middle of your storage area. This will ensure that you can easily get in and out of the storage space.

Regardless of whether you choose long-term storage or temporary storage solutions, you should label your items and create an inventory list so that you know which items you’ve placed in storage units. For dependable long-term or temporary storage solutions, contact Advantage Moving & Storage today.

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