When and what should you vacuum seal during a move

Sometimes people opt to pack their house with vacuum sealed bags, helping to save space and protect items during the move. While this is a great method for some items, it’s not going to work for everything. Vacuum packing simply means to vacuum the air out of a plastic bag designed for such task, and keeping the items in the bag sealed tight and taking up minimal space.

When you remove the air from the bag and seal it, you’ll save space for things that are normally space-killers, such as bedding and clothes. Take a look at the items that people often vacuum seal for their move and which ones won’t benefit from this method.

Bedding and pillows

One of the easiest ways to save space in your boxes is to vacuum seal that bulk bedding you own. Bed sheets and comforters are very hard to pack efficiently because they take up so much space and are very large. When you use a vacuum-sealed bag, that big, fluffy comforter can now fit in a more efficient box rather than an oversized one.

Your pillows and other bedding are perfect for this type of bag as well. Bed pillows, throw pillows, bed skirts, and other bedding items can become bulky when folded up or attempted to be stuffed into moving boxes.

Use a vacuum-sealed method for these other bulky items so that you don’t have to feel guilty about how much room these favorite fluffy items are taking up in the moving truck. Your pillows and blankets will spring back to life once you open the vacuum-sealed bag at destination.

Clothes

Just like your bedding, your clothes may start to become bulky when you pack them for the move. These are the most common items for vacuum-sealing, for everything from moving to just going on vacation. Each piece of clothing on top of one another becomes more and more layers in your box, but your vacuum-sealed bag can smash them into one simple layer.

They won’t even wrinkle when put in a vacuum-sealed bag while packing normally will more likely cause them to become wrinkled. Instead of lugging heavy clothing boxes into the truck and out of the truck, get them into vacuum-sealed bags in just a few boxes.

Food

You may have never heard of vacuum-sealing food, but this can be one of the handiest places to use these bags. It will help keep your perishable foods lasting longer when you vacuum seal. It’s a great way to protect your food during the move, avoid food going bad, keep the food fresh, and ensure the food will last longer.

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Perks of vacuum-sealed bags and what items to avoid

In addition, to protect your items and saving space, vacuum-sealed bags are an inexpensive purchase that will keep your stuff organized. It will keep your food fresh, turn bulky items into a smaller, more manageable size, and will save you money when moving due to needing fewer boxes and a smaller truck. You also can stop worrying about things getting into the bag since they are air-tight.

Can I just vacuum-seal everything in my home for the move? Watch out for solid items, like antiques, knick-knacks, and office items, which will not benefit from a vacuum-sealed bag. Only flexible items that can be layered will benefit from this process. They will condense from the removal of the air, which means solid items won’t be able to become any smaller for space saving.

If you’re considering vacuum-seal bags for your upcoming residential move, these will come in so much handy while you’re packing up the bedroom and refrigerator!

Helping Seniors Move

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Moving is a difficult procedure when you’re young, so imagine how challenging it is when you are a senior citizen and you can no longer move as agilely as you did in your youth.  Not to mention, as you get older you develop a set routine and it becomes harder to adapt to change.  If you are helping Seniors Move or elderly adult in their advanced years move in the Chicago area, check out some of these tips to make the transition an easier experience for everyone.

Explanation

It’s important to explain to your senior citizen what is happening.  It is imperative to tell them that they are moving several months ahead of time so they can become accustomed to the idea.  It may be a new apartment, or a new house, or an assisted living facility.  Whatever it is, it is most likely different from what their current living arrangement is.  Walk them through what living in their new place is going to be like.  Also explain to them what is going to happen on moving day.  Once the movers come in everything will be happening quickly.  This might be overwhelming for the elderly if they do not know what is going on.  Also, it gives them a semblance of control over this change.  They will be able bring up some ideas of specific needs that you can keep in mind.

Early Start

It’s always smart to start packing early.  It gives you more time to sort through your stuff and decide what you want to keep and what you want to throw away.  After living for so long, it is very likely that things pile up.  It will take a while for your senior to get through all the clutter they have collected throughout the years.  Starting early is especially vital if they are moving to a smaller location.  A lot is going to have to be thrown out, donated, or stored away.

Medication

If your senior citizen is not on some sort of medication then he or she is very healthy and I applaud his/her health.  Unfortunately, as the body ages the need for medication arises and it is more likely than not that your older adult has a cocktail of pills they need to take every day.  Keep the medication with you.  Pill bottles can be easily lost in mess that is moving and packing and you don’t want to be ripping open boxes if an emergency happens.  Also, check out the new area before the move.  Find out where the local drugstores and doctors are.  Once your elderly person has properly moved in, you can show them where to fill out their prescriptions and the way to the doctor’s office for appointments.

Who Are Your Movers?

Who your movers are can be very important.  Let them meet the workers and talk to them.  It will help any anxiety they have about strangers handling their things.  They can also help with reassuring your senior citizen by explain their procedures.  Most importantly, do not let your older adult do any heavy lifting.  They are at greater risk for serious injury, so avoid the possibilities of any broken bones or dislocated joints by letting the movers do their job.

It’ll Be Okay

Everyone needs reassurance sometimes and that goes for the elderly as well.  The flurry of activity on moving day will most likely overwhelm them.  Stay by their side and make sure they are okay.  Comfort them when you need to and talk them through what is going on.  Half the panic is usually a result of not knowing.

The Professionals Moving Specialists

Here at The Professionals Moving Specialists, customer service is our number one priority.  We understand the stress of moving and it is our job to make it as minimal as possible.  We will work with you and your senior citizen so that the experience will be as comfortable as possible.  We can help pack and unpack your items and we will coordinate every step of the process with you.  With multiple awards and great yelp reviews under our belt, you know we are the movers you want when you are moving in the Chicago area.

Moving Green in Chicago

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You’re in Chicago and you’re moving, but relocation is no excuse to forget about the environment.  With our new found awareness of the world’s condition, why not implement some eco-friendly moving techniques and do your part to save the Earth? Moving Green in Chicago does not have to be a hard or costly one.

Greenbox

At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we have the Greenbox moving Containers to help you be more environmentally friendly.  Rather than using cardboard boxes, you can rent plastic containers from us to pack your stuff in.  This is both less expensive and more convenient.  Rather than wasting money buying boxes, tape, and packing paper, you just need plastic basins and maybe some bubble wrap. These containers are returned to us after you’ve unpacked.  That way, you don’t have to be bothered the clutter of unfolded cardboard boxes waiting to be thrown out or recycled.  If you do use cardboard boxes, though, always remember to recycle.

Throw It Out

Something you can do to help before you even start packing is to get rid of things you won’t need.  Bringing along items you will eventually throw out anyway is a waste of space and a waste of gas.  So go through everything you own first.  Recycle and donate what you can and throw away the rest.  You’ll be surprised at how much clutter you have lying around.

Wrap It Up

Bubble wrap and wrapping paper aren’t the only things you can use when covering your fragile items.  Reuse old newspapers.  You can also use old towels and bed sheets you were going to throw away.  It’ll give a layer of softness to cushion your plates and vases and while it’s heavier than bubble wrap, there are rarely stories of marine animals chocking on newspapers.

Clean Green

The cleaning products you use can make a difference as well.  Environmentally friendly soaps and sprays can be found almost anywhere.  Go to your local Target or Wal-Mart to pick up some before you start your moving out cleaning.  Not only is it better for the environment, but the lack of chemicals is beneficial for you as well.

Movers

Go the extra mile and check to see if your movers are going green as well.  Some own bio-diesel trucks and use moving pads made out of recycled materials.  Like The Professionals Moving Specialists, a lot of movers offer the option of renting packing crates.  Check out all of your options before choosing so you can be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Dorm Moving Tips

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College is an important time in any young adult’s life. It is a time of freedom and exploration. Most importantly, it’s the time when students finally leave the nest and move to a dorms. Moving into a dorm is different than moving into a house. There are various points that need to be remembered as you start to pack for your new college stuff. Below are 10 Dorm Moving tips for all Chicago College students.

What’s Your Dorm or Apartment Like? During your college tours, you’ve most likely seen what the dorm you’re about to move into looks like. Take this into consideration as you pack. How big is your room? Does it have a communal bathroom or a private one? Is there a shared kitchen that you can use? Will it fit a fridge? How many drawers will you have? If your moving into an off campus apartment, expand your list. Do you need furniture? How about kitchen appliances and food?

What to Take Do not, do not take everything. Your dorm room with be considerably small than your real room. Not only that, but you will most likely have to share with one or two other people. Make a list of the things you absolutely need. Clothing, along with towels, bed sheets, blankets, and other toiletries will be needed. Get a bathroom carrier to make storing your soaps and going to the bathroom easier. You wouldn’t want your roommates using your shampoo. If there is a kitchen, decide if you are actually going to use it to cook and pack accordingly.

Storage Bins More likely than not, there will be space under your bed to store things (unless you have the top bunk). The provided drawers might not be enough room to keep all of your stuff. If that is the case, some storage bins will easily solve your problem. If anything, you can use them to store clothing as the weather changes. In an apartment, these will give you time to go out and get bedroom furniture.

Locked Box Then comes the questions of valuables. Should you bring that diamond necklace you got as a graduation gift? That’s completely up to you. However, if you do, consider getting a locked box to put your jewelry in. While your new roommate might be the greatest person of Earth, you can never be too safe about your valuables.

Organize Mark everything you pack to make unpacking easier. Put the clothing together, the toiletries together, and the bed linens together, etc. You might be bringing some imperishable snacks to hold you over until you find the local convenience store and you don’t want your blankets to smell like sour cream and onion chips. You also do not want to mix up your stuff with your roommates.

Tools & Necessities You might want to bring a mini screwdriver set just in case. You never know when something needs fixing. Maybe the screw on your chair is loose or maybe you want to shift the height of your bed. Either way, better safe than sorry. Also, bring a roll of paper towels in case. Unpacking can get messy and you don’t want to run around trying to find something to clean up with. If you have a private bathroom, remember to bring toilet paper.

Personal Effects Moving out can be hard, especially since it’ll be the first time you’re truly living alone. You’ll be leaving your family and your friends. Bring some small things to make the transition easier. Pack your favorite stuffed animal or pillow. Bring some pictures as well to put up on your wall. It’ll make your space seem a bit more comfortable.

Moving Company If you have no idea where to start, consider hiring a moving company. The Professionals are the top moving specialists in Chicago. So if you’re attending colleges such as DePaul University, University of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University to name a few, consider calling us for your local Chicago move. We have special deals for Chicago students that you should take advantage of. We can help you pack and with our knowledge and experience, we can advise you on what to bring and what to leave. We also have packing material such as boxes and bubble wrap. If you’re looking for a greener alternative, we have storage containers as well.

Moving doesn’t have to be hard. Going to college is a time of slight anxiety and extreme excitement. As long as you pack right, it’s one less thing to worry about once you are on campus. That way, you can dive right into this new world and start making new friends.