Create a Cleaning Caddy

• One of the first things you want to do when moving into your new house is to make sure everything is sparkling clean. Make it easy by creating an easy to carry cleaning caddy.
• You may need:
  
  • Cleaning rags
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Rubber gloves
  • Broom & dustpan
  • Glass cleaner
  • Floor cleaner

Preparing your electronics

• Moving from home to home can be super confusing when it comes to moving electronics. Often times, cords look the same and can tangle up.
• Try using old toilet paper rolls to organize and label cords. This way you’ll be able to figure out which cord goes where and be tangle-free!
• Take a picture of the back of your electronics like your TV or router before backing them up to know exactly where your wires go.

Do you research

• Finding a reputable moving company should be as important as finding your new home!
• Just like you wouldn’t buy a house without seeing the home and meeting a real estate agent, you shouldn’t choose a mover without reading reviews and meeting a company representative!

Be sure your mover is licensed and insured

• Horror stories can come from moving with an unlicensed and uninsured company because they are not meeting the basic requirements of business. Check the for licensing and insurance before booking with a mover to be sure your items are safe and protected.

Make a First Night essential bin

• The first day of moving into a new home can be stressful, tiring, and sometimes overwhelming! Make your first night in your new home go smoothly by creating a box filled with “essentials.”
• Some items that you might need:
  
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, hand soap & shower necessities
  • Paper towels, towels, cleaning supplies, trash bags, box cutter, scissors, tool kit & flashlight
  • Pajamas, bed sheets, extra pair of clothes, phone charger, snacks & water

Try to take advantage of space

• When it comes to moving, taking advantage of every nook and cranny is essential! An easy example of this is to store your spices & seasonings and other kitchen supplies in a large slow cooker. This will not only save space but make the process of putting your items back in your home much smoother since similar items are stored together. You can also use this hack with an empty trash can, laundry basket, or even an extra decorative box. The more compact you pack, the less boxes you need!

Make donation arrangements beforehand

• The best thing to do with your unwanted items when moving is to donate them! There are a variety of organizations throughout the Chicago-Land area that are more than happy to come and pick up your donations and repurpose them for people in need. Scheduling a donation pick up in advance helps make your move less stressful and easier to take your old items off your hands.
• Some of the benefits of donating are:
  
  • Move will be cheaper
  • Save money on taxes
  • Helping others in need
  • Reduce carbon footprint
• Hanger and Trash bag trick
  
  • The task of moving clothes from home to home can often be very time consuming. But with the help of a few trash bags and hangers, the hassle of organizing your clothes in your new home is a thing of the past!
    
    • Organize your clothes by occasion, color, and or style
    • While clothes are on hangers, group them by 15. Trash bags will hold around 15 pieces of clothing.
    • Starting at the bottom, cover clothes with trash bag and use strings to tie and seal.