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Making Moves that Make Sense

Tips for a Less-Stress Moving Day

By Sara Yaniga, Macaroni KID Chicago November 3, 2022

Seven. That’s the number of times I have moved in my adult, post-college, life and it’s safe to say I have learned a few lessons along the way. I have done it all - packed and driven my own truck, moved from one state to another, from one town to another, and even within the same building. Moves have involved family keepsakes like grandma’s china cabinet and large items like pianos and as our household has grown, it has involved a lot of kid “stuff”. If you are considering a move then let me share what I have learned to help you avoid, or at least alleviate, some of the stress that comes along with moving. 


Research Moving Companies

Research, Research and Research some more because in a city like Chicago there are a lot of options for when it comes to movers. Online reviews can be helpful, but nothing beats a review you can qualify from someone you know in real life. Ask them who they have used, what they did, or did not, like about the experience, and why. Were there any “surprises” along the way? Find out what kind of move they did - was it a local or long-distance move? Did it involve moving in or out of a highrise building? A house? Did the movers also pack their belongings, or was it just labor and a truck that was needed? Once you have narrowed down your list to a few movers that were recommended and seem to fit your needs, then start calling and asking them your questions and take notes so you can remember each answer they gave. This will help you determine exactly what services you need or want and how to budget time and money for moving day. JC Movers and Lumper Services is a company that offers a variety of services to help you including long-distance moving, local Chicago moving help as well as commercial moving if you were to need it.

*If at any point while talking to a company you feel dismissed or have a negative feeling my experience says “follow your gut” and move on to the next company on your list. 


Let the experts at JC Movers & Lumper Services Help With a Smooth Move

Time to Purge, Pack and Sell 

It never ceases to amaze me just how quickly things can accumulate in a house. Once you have decided to move then it is time to start giving your belongings a closer look. I like to go drawer by drawer and armed with a trash bag, moving box, and donation box, each item is picked up, and immediately decided if it is something to keep, something to donate or sell, or something that needs to go into the trash. If you touch it then you need to make a decision so nothing goes back into that space. Once a drawer (or shelf/cabinet/etc) has been completed, then place a colorful piece of tape or sticky note on it to let everyone know it is meant to be empty. Any items that made it into a moving box then once full be sure to label that box, tape it up, and move on to the next space. I like to start with the spaces in the home that are accessed less frequently in your day-to-day routine because clearing out the proverbial “junk drawer” can feel oh-so-good! Ask a friend to help, they can help you decide the fate of anything you struggle with, photograph and post the items to be sold or keep a list of the things you are donating for your taxes.

Set up a Moving "Command Station” 

Moving is a chaotic time and the last thing you want to spend time doing is looking for the packing tape, your permanent marker, trash bags, or (most importantly) your moving contract or details about moving day. I used a basket I found while cleaning out the depths of the kids’ closet and in it went:

  • Trash bags
  • Packing tape and dispenser (get one, it makes moving life easier!)
  • Blue Painters Tape or Sticky Notes for not only labeling boxes but also spaces that have been emptied & packed
  • Permanent Markers
  • Scissors
  • Folder holding notes, contracts, checklist, etc related to the move

Next to this, I kept moving boxes (Note: You can find these easily for free or on the cheap by asking around) and packing material. The only moving boxes I purchased were a couple of specialty boxes for some dishes and drinkware that are extremely fragile and a few large boxes from the movers one move when I realized I completely forgot to pack the small storage locker I had in a building.

Final Tips for a Move that Makes Sense

  • Label your boxes and wrapped furniture with ROOM/LOCATION/CONTENTS. It will save you and your family a lot of time when it is time to unpack if you know that box not only goes to the KID BEDROOM but more specifically that it belongs in the DRESSER because it is SUMMER CLOTHES.  It also makes it very easy for movers to know exactly where to take each item without having to track you down to ask.
  • Pack any hardware in its own plastic bag large enough to hold the assembly directions too. Once you unpack and have everything together you will keep those bags and instructions in a safe place, probably near wherever you keep your files or even your tools - just in case you ever need to move that bunk bed or playhouse again.
  • Label rooms at the destination before the movers arrive and try to use the same verbiage as you used on the boxes.
  • Bring one box with you in your own vehicle that has a phone charger, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, a hand towel, hand soap, snacks, drinks, a bottle/wine opener, trash bags, scissors, and a basic toolkit. 
  • Pack a separate box or bag if you are moving a pet that day too - leash, food, bowls, safe place to “be” such as a carrier or crate, etc.
  • If your kids are along for moving day, have each of them pack a bag with their own toys, books, snacks, and maybe a tablet with some movies already downloaded in case your internet connection hasn’t been set up yet.
    *Finding a sitter for kids or pets is a great idea that is safer for them and easier on your sanity!
  • Have cash on hand to tip your movers for a job well done, or the pizza delivery person.
  • Schedule a grocery delivery, the internet installation, and move utilities to your name while waiting for the movers to arrive.
  • Take a deep breath - moving is a big event, no matter how far you move but taking time to prepare will help you achieve a move that just makes sense!



Collaboration with JC Movers & Lumper Services and MoversBoost. MoversBoost offers exclusive moving leads to its network of moving clients.