Serving the North Shore and Chicagoland

M&M Movers' Moving Tips

Our mission is to help make your move as stress-free as possible. Check out some of our helpful moving tips listed here or call us about our services for planning an efficient and worry-free move of any size or scope.

With moving day approaching, there's so much to do it can be overwhelming. But with a little planning, it doesn't have to be. Follow this schedule to make your move as smooth as possible:

15-30 Days Before Your Move...

  • Eliminate everything you don't want to move.
  • Prepare an inventory of everything you plan to move.
  • Determine "replacement value" for insurance purposes.
  • Notify the post office that you are moving.
  • Make arrangements for medical, dental, or veterinarian records.
  • Inquire about auto licensing and auto insurance, if moving out of state.
  • Notify your children's school and make arrangements for records.
  • Return any local cable equipment.
  • Arrange to disconnect utility services and connect utilities at your new residence.

2-7 Days Before Your Move...

  • Get rid of garbage and flammable items. Garbage will get in the way and flammable items cannot be carried by the crew. Consult your moving coordinator if you are uncertain about any products.
  • Reserve a parking space for the moving truck. The closer the truck can get to your door, the better your chances of not incurring increased labor or long carry charges.
  • Clear walkways so movers can safely and efficiently get in and out unobstructed.
  • In a special box, pack items you will need immediately at your new residence.
  • The Day Before Your Move...
  • Take down curtains and curtain rods.
  • Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer, let them air out at least 24 hours.
  • Finish packing your personal things (Leave out the alarm clock!)
  • Get a good night's sleep and wait for your M&M Movers crew to arrive.

Moving Day...

  • Make special cartons labeled "DO NOT MOVE" for items not being moved.
  • Pack special items for the kids. Point out this box to the driver so it's one of the first to be unloaded.
  • Remove all keys from desks or safes and keep them in a safe place.
  • Point out special items. Once the movers arrive, point out any items needing special concern or instructions.
  • Clearly explain these to the foreman during your walk-through so he can properly plan for their care.
  • Take care of your driver and crew members. Advise the foreman and crew where to locate drinks and which restroom you would like them to use. This way they don't need to ask each time.
  • Before leaving the house, check closets, cupboards, cabinets, and all rooms. Make sure you have locked all doors and windows.
  • Before the crew leaves, make sure you understand all the paperwork you are signing. If there is something confusing to you, ask the foreman to explain it before you sign it. Provide the foreman with your destination contact information.

Need help planning your next move?

(847) 234-3730

Your Essentials Box Should Include:

  • Any toiletries you may need
  • Snacks, coffee and tea
  • Garbage bags
  • Change of clothes
  • Dish soap and dish cloths
  • Pet food and dish
  • Scissors
  • Towels
  • Mugs, plates and cutlery
  • Important papers, such as receipts, banking information or tax slips

M&M Movers offers expert packing services at affordable rates.

For those looking to do the packing themselves, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Dispose, sell, or donate unwanted articles prior to moving to streamline packing.
  • Loosely wrap glass, stoneware and all fragile items using two layers of plain paper or (ecofriendly) cloth (Clean socks work well!).
  • Wrapping items in newsprint may leave stains on certain items, so it's best to use newsprint for things that can be wiped off easily, like cutlery or certain ceramics. Pack all loose items in boxes, not bags.
  • Tape boxes across tops and edges and label them clearly according to room placement at your new location. This will make unpacking that much easier!
  • Label and place screws and small parts from disassembled furniture and equipment in small clear plastic bags. There's nothing more annoying than trying to assemble furniture only to realize you're missing half the screws, so make sure you think ahead.
  • Transport jewelry, money and valuables in your own vehicle. For your more precious (and fragile) possessions, M&M Movers recommends keeping them with you at all times during the move.
  • Organize and label electronics and cables before your move for easy set up at your new location. Cables have a tendency to become extremely tangled, so taking steps to minimize this will save you some grief when it comes time to unpack.
  • Pack food securely in sealed bags for extra protection. Moving can take a lot out of you, so we suggest packing some snacks in your Essentials box, to keep your blood sugar and mood up throughout.
  • Pack and clearly mark a box for ESSENTIALS that you will need immediately when you reach your new location.

Important Reminders

  • Notify all pertinent government agencies, banks, creditors, gas, water, telephone, cable, and internet providers of your move. Doing this prior to your next billing date will prevent important documents from being lost in the mail, as well as minimizing the disruption in your services.
  • Defrost and clean fridge(s) prior to moving day, and minimize the amount of perishable food you pack, as it
  • can attract a whole zoo of creatures you likely want to avoid in your new home.
  • Empty fuel from lawnmower, power tools, kerosene lamps, and barbecue.
  • Plan the placement of furniture or equipment in your new location so our movers can accommodate you.

Never Pack Flammables Such As:

  • Paint/ Thinner
  • Aerosol cans
  • Cleaning fluid
  • Propane tanks
  • Corrosive liquids