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Why Reusable Moving Boxes Are a Good Idea

Hi! Moving boxes are one of the first things to come to mind when you think of moving. That's because they're cheap, they're everywhere, and they're familiar. However, if you're moving out of a 3-bedroom house, you know just how fast cardboard stacks up into a giant pile of flattened boxes homepage.

Enter the wonderful world of reusable boxes. Reusable moving containers are bulkier than cardboard, but the hard plastic they're made of lasts longer (so you can use 'em again!), keeps out the rain, stacks well, and deals better with those large, awkward household objects.

If you're moving in Chicago, the weather can be a real pain…in fact, a sturdy plastic box is just what the moving doctor ordered. Whether your containers sit on a cold, wet sidewalk or a snowy driveway, no worries.

Buying or Renting: Which Is Better?

So, you're probably thinking: "Those things are expensive to buy… how about I just rent the really bulky ones?" Good idea. You order the number of containers you'll need, use 'em during your move, and send 'em back.

Some rental companies even deliver 'em to your house and pick 'em up when you're done. Moving has never been easier! Plus, you won't be storing a bunch of empty bins in the garage for years to come, and you'll be helping the environment by keeping those boxes out of the landfill.

This is particularly helpful if you're moving into an apartment, where storage space is at a premium. You really don't need 40 empty containers sitting in your living room, right?

Why Choose Reusable Containers

Not only are containers made of plastic more durable than cardboard, but their solid walls can also prevent crush injuries when stacking containers on top of each other. This means your stuff is less likely to get squished and won't shift around as much.

Moving containers with handles are also easier to carry and move around, especially on narrow hallways and stairs. No more wrestling with an unwieldy box full of your old books or kitchenware. And instead of taping shut every box, you can simply put the lid on top-it makes for quicker, cleaner closure.

Use these sturdy containers to pack those heavy kitchen dishes, books, clothing, office supplies, or toys-no worries about bending the boxes!

A Great Storage Solution for Chicago Apartments

When you're moving into an apartment in Chicago, you'll likely need to navigate parking restrictions, hallways, elevators, and stairs. You definitely don't want your boxes collapsing in the middle of loading or unloading, if they're super flimsy.

Reusable boxes also stack like a pro, so they're less likely to topple over and break something while you're moving, or to get lost in the back of the truck. After you move, you can return the boxes to the rental company, avoiding taking up valuable storage space at home.

What To Look For in a Rental Program

Look for a program that delivers to your city, offers flexible rental periods, has enough sizes available for large or fragile objects, and allows pickup when you're finished with the move. Many companies will even provide multiple sizes for furniture or specialty items, and it's a good idea to see what the daily/weekly price is for renting them in Chicago.

You should also consider how much room the containers take up when stacked. If you're leaving your apartment empty, that's less of an issue but can be a problem in a small condo. Moving is challenging enough without lugging giant containers around!

Moving doesn't have to be stressful with efficient containers from a rental company.

Best of luck!

Moving to a new apartment in Chicago can really spiral out of control if you're not careful. You've got stacks of boxes. Furniture feels twice as heavy as a week ago. The coffee maker is suddenly the single most important object you own site here.

You can defray some of that burden with a good moving service. But before you line up a mover, do a quick inventory of your stuff. Count the pieces of furniture, make an inventory of fragile objects, and note down any other special needs. This helps your mover give you an accurate quote from the start.

Consider the Building

Chicago real estate is diverse. Your new place may be a modern high-rise or a charming old walk-up. Neither poses the same challenges.

Will you need to reserve an elevator during the move?

Does your property have specific hours for moving?

Is there a single door you'll need to use?

Will you need to park your truck blocks away from the building?

Figure these things out in advance.

Have a Plan for Your Furniture

Furniture damage is one of the most common moving pitfalls. Sofas scrape on door jams, delicate furniture bumps against walls, and careless turns leave marks on perfectly good woodwork.

You can prevent most of these problems with furniture pads or blankets, and your movers will need to bring equipment that's up to the task. Dollies, straps, and proper lifting techniques all make a difference.

Wrap up fragile objects as well. Wrap up artwork and mirrors, and store glasses and electronics carefully. Tag those boxes to ensure they receive extra TLC.

Read the Contract

Cost is obviously important, but it shouldn't be the whole story. Make sure you know exactly what each estimate covers.

Are charges for stairs and elevators included? Are there surcharges for travel time? How about trucks and packing supplies? Be sure it's all in writing before you commit.

Also, spend a moment or two on reviews. Look for repeated praise (or complaints) about punctuality, broken objects, communication, and coverage for unanticipated costs. Trends matter more than over-excited reviews.

Simplify Moving Day

Travel with a small box of essentials - medications, paperwork, chargers, essential toiletries, and so forth. Keep close track of your ID and key papers.

Don't forget to pack the boxes. Label by room and wear contents: "Bedroom" works, "random stuff" does not.

Watch the road and the weather. Give yourself time to get to your moving day appointments so a little delay doesn't snowball into chaos. A little planning can make the process much less stressful!