In a few weeks, an obstacle course of moving trucks will block city streets as residents move their every possession from one Chicago walkup to another.
Because May 1 is one of the biggest Chicago moving days of the year, RedEye offers the following tips from experts and experienced movers.
Before
If you have enough time to plan ahead, try to do favors for friends in the months before the move, so they will feel like they owe you.
Arrange to rent a truck or borrow one. U-Haul spokeswoman Jennifer Flachman said it’s good to reserve a truck two to four weeks in advance. Generally, Sunday through Thursday is a less busy time to move than Friday and Saturday, she said.
Borrow items that may make the move easier, such as dollies.
Stock up on beer, and don’t pack up the pizza menus. You will need to bribe friends and relatives to help.
Moving Day
Have everything packed and ready to go. You risk making friends impatient if they have to wait for you to disassemble your stereo system and take down photographs from the wall.
Stretch.
Monitor how much friends carry and try to guard against any injuries. Lawsuits have a crazy way of ruining friendships.
After
Set up the things that are most important to your lifestyle. Perhaps the coffeemaker, a TV or stereo and the bed. But then take it easy. You can unpack the rest tomorrow. Remember, though, when it comes time for one of your helpful volunteers/coerced friends to move, you have to be the first one in line to help. No excuses.
Handing it over to the pros
If the thought of hauling your oversized sofa up four flights of stairs and maneuvering it through a narrow hallway stresses you out, hundreds of professional, licensed moving companies are ready to serve.
About 153,000 Illinois households chose this route in 2001, according to an Illinois Commerce Commission report.
But there is a right way to do it, moving experts said.
“Always get a written estimate,” said Patricia McLaughlin, executive director of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association.
In fact, get three, she said, so you can compare. But estimates are not binding. Charges are based on the number of workers and hours spent loading moving and unloading. So be sure the estimator sees everything you are moving.
“If you forget to tell them about the attic or the garden shed and the movers show up that day, the price they were quoted over the phone can be significantly different,” McLaughlin said.
Be prepared to pay at delivery. Keep a copy of the estimates. By law, if the actual cost turns out to be more than 10 percent higher than the written estimate, the moving company must give you 30 days to pay the balance.
It’s also against the law to hire an unlicensed mover, she said.
“In Illinois, there is no negotiating,” McLaughlin said. “The rates are filed with the state of Illinois so you can’t stand on the front porch and play ‘Let’s make a deal.’ “
The “bill of lading” is your contract with the mover, and should spell out their liability and how much they charge. But the mover’s liability may be less than the value of your goods.
To cut down on your bill, consider packing yourself.
“When people are moving, the biggest thing they can save on is packing,” said Sal Manso, president of Reebie Storage and Moving who sits on the board of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association.
Also, it’s important to be ready to go when the crew knocks on the door. Be sure all the beds are taken apart and the mirrors off the wall. “Time is money,” Manso said. If you’re running around packing last-minute boxes, that will slow up the movers.
Some moving companies also charge less for moves during slower times of the moving season, such as the middle of the month.
Tipping is not expected and not required, but McLaughlin said that if you feel like the movers did an exceptional job, it’s up to you.
The deposit
To be sure you get your security deposit back, the Metropolitan Tenants Organization advises you to clean the apartment, repair any damage and take photos of the apartment.The landlord can keep all or a portion of the deposit if you damaged the place or if you didn’t pay rent.
Your landlord is supposed to have put your deposit into an interest-bearing account. You should receive your security deposit within 45 days after you move out.
If you run into a problem, write the landlord a letter, stating that he or she needs to return your deposit or they may be held liable for penalties, said John Bartlett, program director for the Metropolitan Tenants Organization. If the situation persists, you can call the Metropolitan Tenants Organization hotline at 773-292-4988.
Turn off the lights
Don’t forget to shut off utilities at your old place and set them up at your new place.
Be sure to ask your landlord what utilities you are responsible for paying.
ComEd spokesman Tim Lindberg also recommends that you make sure the previous tenants have finalized their account so there is no mix-up when you activate your account at the new place. If you’re establishing service for the first time, be prepared to show ID.
ComEd: 800-EDI-SON1 or www.exeloncorp.com
People’s Gas: 866-556-6001 or www.peoplesenergy.com
SBC Illinois: 800-244-4444 or www.sbc.com
Also, change your address by filling out a card at the post office or online at https://moversguide.usps.com.
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Time to pack
– Consider a garage sale to rid your home of the stuff you never use or wear.
– Of course, don’t overload your boxes. Use boxes that can be sealed and taped up tightly. That way, movers can stack them and move you out faster. Avoid using plastic garbage bags to pack items.
– Clearly label all boxes.
– Don’t pack your fragile vases in the same carton with heavy articles.
– If you use newspaper to pack, the newsprint can rub off on your belongings, so consider using clean packing paper or packing popcorn. Also, biodegradable packing popcorn is available.
– Inventory your belongings.
– Move your valuables yourself. Keep important documents and medications with you.
The ‘essentials’ box
Pack one box with the following items so that you’re ready at the new place:
– Toilet paper, paper towels
– Cleaning supplies and trash bags
– Bedding
– Flashlights and basic tools such as a screwdriver and a hammer.
– Light bulbs
– Hand towel and soap
– Shower curtain
– Pet food
Countdown to moving day
3 weeks to go:
– If you’re moving yourself, be sure to have a moving truck reserved.
– If you’re hiring professional movers, it’s a good idea to give them as much notice as possible. While some companies say they can do it with two weeks’ notice, some say up to six weeks’ notice may be needed if you’re moving during an especially busy time.
– Locate or buy boxes and packing materials. On its Web site, U-Haul offers a box calculator to help you determine how many boxes you’ll need for the move.
– Start notifying places like your credit card company of address changes. Check with your insurance company to see if you need extra coverage.
2 weeks to go:
Start organizing your things; clean out items you don’t want.
Call phone company to switch service.
1 week to go:
Start packing one room at a time. Label boxes clearly. Switch utilities.
1 day to go:
Have everything packed except for bedding. Unplug your TVs and computers 24 hours before the move to help stabilize the working parts and help prevent damage.
Wallet factor
The average local move costs about $800. But cost can vary widely. The price to move a studio apartment with one bed can be significantly different than moving a three-bedroom house that has a grand piano, a shed full of equipment and heavy-duty appliances.
Source: 2001 Illinois Commerce Commission Report On Moves.
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