RSF Chicago

19 Mar 2018

How to Load a Portable Storage Container for Moving Cross Country

Moving can be a hassle, especially if you’re not just moving down the street. Relocating across the country is a huge deal, and you can’t just call all your friends with trucks for a multi-day moving caravan (and if you can, wow!). In today’s world, you’ve got loads of options for moving. One of the best is using portable storage containers. Here’s what you need to know about using portable storage containers effectively for your big cross-country move.

1. Shopping Around

A quick Google search shows that there are several storage container companies out there. Call or email for a quote based on how long you want the storage container, the size of the container, and how far the move is. Looking at the options available is the best way to make sure you are paying the price you want for what you need.

2. Different Sizes and Materials

Most companies offer a variety of different sizes. Some companies, like PODS, offer three different sizes, so you choose based on how much you’re moving and the size of your items. Other companies, like U-Haul U-Box, have one size container, but you can rent multiple containers. While companies all offer different size options, they are also not made of the same materials, which might influence who you go with. Some containers are made of heavy-duty plywood, while many other companies, like 1-800-PACK-RAT, offer steel frames and weather-resistant siding. Looking at all the options should help you at least narrow down your choices.

3. Maximizing Space

Getting the most out of the size of the container can cut down on the size you might need (costing you less) or the quantity of how many you need (again, still costing you less!). Cheap Las Vegas Movers suggests hiring movers to load the container. They will ensure you use all the space available by creating a wall with your boxes. Tightly packed boxes also keeps them from moving during transit. Also be sure to distribute weight evenly throughout the packing process. Boxes containing heavier items and furniture should go on the bottom of your stacks, and the heaviest items should be more towards the center. Loading straps also help keep items secure, and cushioning fragile items with newspapers, clothing, and pillows gives you peace of mind.

4. Do-It-Yourself or Hire Someone

Most of the companies drop off, pick up and drive your storage container for you. This is one of the benefits of going with a storage container instead of renting a van yourself. Some companies offer packages to help you load and unload the container on moving day. Be sure to keep this in mind when initially starting out on your storage container search.

Moving across the country already offers up its share of hassles, constraints, and issues. Give yourself the comfort of not having to drive all your belongings or worry about their safety in the back of your car with the security and ease that portable storage container companies offer. Shop around for the best deals and prices suitable to your needs, and arrive at your new home with a little less worry on your plate.

7 Mar 2018

7 Tips for Packing Your Kitchen When You Move to a New House

Moving to a new home is an exciting task. However, packing to make the transition from one home to another, not so much. One of the worst rooms in the house to pack is the kitchen. It’s full of gadgets and gizmos that you thought you had to have, yet you never seemed to use. You must be very careful because there are lots of things that can easily get broken in this space. Here are seven tips to help you pack your kitchen like the pros at Cheap Movers Atlanta (cheapmoversatlanta.com):

1. Stick with Moving Boxes

While grabbing a few boxes or other free supplies out of the recycling bin may work for other rooms, when it comes to your kitchen, you need to be a bit more careful. Stick with buying moving boxes or renting BungoBoxes to ensure that your dishes are as clean coming out as they were going in. You can also use plastic totes to transport dishes, and they have handles too.

2. Don’t Overpack Your Boxes

One of the significant problems with packing is you want to try to put as much as you can in each container. However, when it comes to kitchen stuff, it is usually heavy. Putting too much in one box can equal a disaster. Plus, you don’t want anyone to tear their back out trying to lift it. Packing light is the way to go.

3. Never Use Newspaper For Packing Material

Newspaper is a suitable packing material that is cheap and effective. However, when dealing with your kitchen goods, it can leave an ink residue that requires washing every item. Plus, newspapers are dirty in general. No one wants that on a dish they are going to use. Unless you plan on rewashing every single dish, then you should use bubble wrap, packing paper or packing peanuts.

4. Label Everything

Since the kitchen has so many little things, be sure you label your boxes. If you need to quickly grab some silver wear or a pot to make the kids something to eat, you don’t want to fumble through boxes trying to find what you need. Labeling the outside makes a move much easier for the movers too. They will know right where to put the stuff.

5. Keep Glass and Metal Separate

While it may be tempting to put some of those drinking glasses in with the pots and pans, it’s a recipe for disaster. Even with excellent packing, you need to keep the glass wear separate from the metal. This one is self-explanatory.

6. Sort For Donation Bin While Packing

While you are going through all your drawers and cabinets, you will find several things that you can donate to someone else. The rule of thumb is if you have not used it in the past six months, then you don’t need it. You will find all kinds of things to give to charity. Better yet, have a yard sale and make some money to help pay moving expenses.

7. Properly Prepare Your Appliances

If you are packing your appliances, you will need to make sure they are ready for the journey. Tape the refrigerator doors shut and disconnect any gas lines from the stove. Be sure to follow the manufactures directions for moving these bulky items safely.

By following these seven items on this list, you will be able to move your kitchen quickly. The key is to have packing paper, bubble wrap and good boxes on hand. It can make the most daunting task seem possible.

2 Nov 2017

What to Do If Your Movers Break Something on Moving Day

In the process of transporting your household items to a different location, unpleasant surprises can occur. You may find out that some of your household properties suffered damages. What action should you take after noticing breakages? When people hire a moving company, the responsibility of ensuring the safety of transit goods rests on the mover….

20 Oct 2017

Where to Find Free Moving Supplies for Packing Your Apartment

Moving can cost $500 to $2000 when hiring a truck and movers to help, and the last thing you want is additional costs. Free moving supplies for packing up your apartment are easier to find than you might think. Plan ahead, set a reasonable budget for the things you can’t find free, and get organized.

What Packing Supplies Do You Need?

Needed supplies depend largely on what you have to pack and how much it is overall. Collections of fine china require sturdy boxes and bubble wrap, for example. Some packing supplies are non-negotiable: boxes, fluffy packaging or some types, labels, and tape.

While this may not seem like a lot, buying it all from an office or moving supply store can take a good bite out of your budget. Get as much as you can for free and save money for more important things.

Where to Find Free Moving Supplies

With a bit of ingenuity and some legwork, you can find free moving supplies for packing your apartment.

1 – Friends, Family, and Neighbors

Ask people you know if they have any boxes, packing peanuts, shredded paper, newspapers, old fabric like sheets, or anything else to help pack your belongings. With the popularity of online ordering, most households have shipping boxes on hand.

Strangers in the neighborhood or surrounding region might be able to help too. Use one of the online groups like Freecycle or various Facebook pages to request free supplies.

2 – Behind Stores and Businesses

There are two essential rules for driving behind stores and businesses to take free boxes and possible packing material. First, make sure “dumpster diving” is legal in your area. Secondly, stay safe. Free moving supplies are not worth a trip to the police station or a nasty, infected cut.

In places where it is legal and that have open dumpsters, you can easily find sturdy boxes to help you pack. Some regularly toss out clean bags or packing peanuts or similar too.

3 – In Your Own Home

After exhausting your boxes and bins and all the crumpled paper or bubble wrap you had on hand, do not head to the store for more. Instead, Cheap Chicago Movers suggests packing small items in drawers, using extra suitcases to stack dishes or books, or using sheets and towels to cushion statues, lamps, and knick-knacks.

Supplies almost impossible to find free include bubble wrap, tape, and large rolls of cling plastic wrap to support and condense stacks of stuff safely.

No matter how much you end up saving on moving supplies, it will mean nothing if your property gets damaged during the trip from old apartment to new home. Pack dense, keep heavy things on the bottom, pad items, so they will not scratch or rattle and carry the most precious cargo in your private car.

11 Oct 2017

Handling the Transportation Logistics of a Cross Country Relocation

Relocating across the country can be a stressful and difficult experience for most people. In some ways, you are heading into an uncertain future, as you are unfamiliar with the challenges that may arise. Here are some issues you may face as you embark on this new journey:

Finding a Neighborhood

For instance, when deciding where to live in a new city, you’ll have no real idea about your neighbors and the community until you move in. Instead of trying to find the perfect real estate online, it’s wise to spend a weekend or two visiting your new city before you move to get a feel for different areas and see which neighborhoods fit your budget and wishlist. If that’s not possible, you might want to consider a short-term rental until you can get your bearings.

Setting a Moving Budget

When moving long distance, finances pose another challenge, as you’ll likely have to set a financial budget to deal with your moving expenses. Trying to load up a truck and drive it across the country on your own is challenging, but hiring movers can cost thousands of dollars. Despite the expense, many people view interstate moving services as a necessity. If that’s you, make sure you think through all the costs associated with moving. In addition to the moving company, you’ll also need to think through other expenses like the cost of moving supplies, transportation (flight or car) to the new home, extra meals out, hotels, etc.

Purging and Packing

Then there is the issue of packing. Once you start the moving process, you might find that you had more stuff than you thought. Organizing and packing everything can be a serious challenge. Professional movers at Imperial Moving Company suggest getting at least a month head start on the packing process. Start by throwing out or donating stuff you no longer want or use, then begin loading up boxes of infrequently used items. Packing a little at a time will make things easier the week of your move when you have to finish putting everything in boxes.

Changing Your Address

You’ll have to change your address, and that could impact things such as any credit cards that you have or your bank account. When you’re moving far away, it’s important to file a change of address with the USPS well in advance of the move to make sure no mail is delivered to your old address once you’re gone. Services like Updater make changing your address much easier.

Saying Goodbye

There is obviously the human element involved with saying goodbye to close friends and possibly family. It’s never easy to leave your comfort zone and embark on something new. That can lead to a huge adjustment period. You may begin to feel a little homesick.

Logistics of Long Distance

Then there is the logistics aspect. You have to find a moving company that meets all of your requirements. You have to coordinate everything, making sure that both your future and current landlords are on the same page. You have to figure out how you are going to transport everything across the country. For most people, simply driving their vehicle is the best option. If you choose to do that, make sure that you have a few people that can travel with you to alleviate the driving load.

1. Getting Rid of Excess Stuff

If you have items that you don’t want or need, you can box them up and send them to a donation center. You also have the option of setting up a donation pickup, where the organization that you have chosen will come to your home. You can also try to sell some items on eBay or Craigslist.

If you decide to sell your car, there are options. There are plenty of online car dealers in addition to regular dealerships. If you were leasing a vehicle, you could head to Lease Trader. Someone may be able to take over your lease agreement for you. Car storage is another available option, especially if you are embarking on a short-term international relocation.

2. Important Documents

While you are packing, make sure that you take important items and documents with you. You should always have a copy of your social security card, your passport, medical records, and any other family documents. These items should never go on the moving truck in case they get lost.

3. Start Networking

After your move, look for online services to find people in the city that share similar interests and hobbies. Your new job may offer some different ways that you can interact and meet new people. Socializing will help alleviate some of the stress involved with moving.

29 Aug 2017

The Basics of Shipping Freight | Definitions and Lingo

There are differing modes of shipping cargo via truck, train, air, and sea. Having a firm grasp of shipping basics is essential in today’s everchanging world of moving cargo both domestically and internationally. For the various modes of transport, the terms and basics are very similar and, for the most part, interchangeable. Basic Shipping Terminology…