So you just got off the phone with your real estate agent. You sealed the deal on that beautiful apartment in the Lakeview neighborhood you’ve been dreaming of. That happiness soon turns to anxiety, because now it’s time to move. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Regardless if you do not have time for it, or just want to avoid damage by doing it yourself. The moving industry is full of companies that are prepared to do everything for you. These are categorized as full-service movers and offer everything from packing, loading, to moving and unloading your items at the new location. There are plenty of full service movers Chicago has to offer, and we are here to explain just what you can expect from such a company.
Full service movers Chicago – what exactly do they offer?
To fully grasp the convenience and comfort of full-service movers the Windy City has to offer, you first need to know what such a company does. Full service movers Chicago are there to make sure your move goes without a hitch. All you have to do is make sure everything is there, sit back, relax, and let the pros handle it. They will cover everything needed for a safe and efficient move. Their services include:
Packing materials and supplies
To save you the trouble of making countless trips to the store, they have a wide range of materials at their disposal. This includes specialized boxes, crates, bubble wrap, tape, and wrapping paper. Additionally, you will find furniture blankets and special cushions that ensure everything is sturdy and scratch-free in the truck.
Packing and storing of items
Given that packing is the most stressful part of any move, full-service movers will save you the trouble. Trained professionals will pack your entire home, attic to basement. They will do all this with precision, care, and speed. Even the most fragile items like fine china and art will find their way to your new Chicago household in one piece.
Furniture disassembly
In case you have large, bulky, or otherwise difficult to handle furniture, the full-service pros of Chicago have your back. Everything that may give the staff a difficult time moving or loading into the truck will be carefully disassembled. Full or partial disassembly is done in order to ensure everything fits and takes up the least amount of space. They will, of course, put all the furniture back together once everything is unloaded.
Vehicle loading and unloading
Loading is the next most difficult process when it comes to moves, after packing. The movers will pack your items to fit and prevent movement while in transit. Loading is a devious game of Tetris and must be done strategically. Leave all the heavy lifting and planning to the pros. The same level of care and efficiency is applied in the unloading process.
Item transport
Whether you are moving only a few blocks away, or to the other side of Chicago, full-service companies will transport your goods for you. Depending on the size of the load, the company will utilize a truck or a van. The company will provide you with a time window specifying when your shipment will arrive. All you have to do is make sure you get there before them and accept the shipment.
Unpacking
Aside from packing, full service movers Chicago can also unpack everything for you. This step is sort of optional, but it is a part of the service they offer. If you want to unpack yourself, you are free to do so. If, however, there are other tasks you need to focus on while settling in, the moving company will do everything to ensure you are at ease.
Recycling and disposal of packing materials
The truck is unloaded. the items are unpacked. Numerous empty boxes, plastic packaging, and an abundance of packing peanuts will be left behind. This is a natural part of every move, but it all has to go somewhere. Your mover will make sure to properly dispose of it all, recycling where possible.
How do they do it?
Movers will usually start by protecting your home. The crew will use floor coverings and special padding to protect floors and corners. Safety first, after all. After that, they will bring in packing material, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and paper. To maximize efficiency, the crew will split into different parts of your home. It is important to note that they will usually only label the boxes based on the room they came from. Should you need to be specific with the labeling, that is something you will need to do on your own time. Given the fact that they will pack your home as they find it, it is advisable to declutter before packing. Movers will never try to discern what should or shouldn’t be packed. It is up to you to meet them prepared.
How much will this service cost?
This question is probably on your mind from the get-go, and for a good reason. It is important to understand that hiring full-service movers costs more than opting for a company that only provides loading and transport. The final bill will scale with the number of services you have chosen. Ultimately, the price will depend on:
- The number of crew members you require
- The number of items you need packed and transported
- The amount of packing supplies used – Note that some companies include the materials in the prices, while others charge it as an additional fee
- The total distance the movers will have to traverse between locations
- The season during which you are moving – Prices vary depending on the time of year, holidays, etc.
- Any additional tasks you may request from the movers
Plan your budget
Even though the price can depend on these factors, you should prepare accordingly. Hiring full service movers Chicago doesn’t have to blow your budget away. Compare several companies and contact them asking for a rough estimate, so you know what you are working with. But don’t just rely on that, always ask for an in-house estimate as this is the most accurate number you can get. With an in-house estimate, you will have solid numbers, and the moving company will be able to prepare for the job. To cut the costs, you can choose to tackle some of the moving steps yourself. The company can take care of packing, loading, transporting, and unloading, while you can do the unpacking and recycling on your own time. Take your time and only ask for the best. We hope this article helps you find the best full service movers Chicago has to offer.