Now that the second earnest money check has been dropped off, attorney review and the inspection period are done, and the appraisal has been sorted out, it’s safe to hire movers and start packing Call now to get moving estimates and secure a mover as they often get booked up weeks in advance. Also, if you’re moving out of a condo building check with the HOA President or Property Management Company to see if you need to pay any move out fees, reserve an elevator, or if there are move in restrictions, etc. Be sure to tell the moving company what floor you’re on if you live in a condo building and whether your building has stairs vs an elevator so they block off enough time for your move.
Remember that you have to be out of your place by the time closing begins and we won’t know until a few days before closing what time it is scheduled for that day. Therefore, my recommendation is to move out of your place the day before closing to be safe. If you can’t do that then have your movers come very early the day of closing such as 6am so you can be out by the time closing occurs.
Unfortunately, we can’t reserve a specific time for closing in advance although we can request AM or PM. AM usually starts around 8am or 9am and PM usually starts sometime between 1 – 3pm. Usually we don’t know the exact time/location of closing until a few days before closing.
Recommended Movers
Whichever mover you end up using, we highly recommend asking them to bring wardrobe boxes with them for all of your hanging clothes. That way you don’t have to take everything off the hangers and pack the items up. Instead, the movers will simply grab everything in your closets that is hanging, put them on the rods in the boxes and then when you get to your new home you can just grab the hangers and hang the items back up. Saves a ton of time.
Moving Supplies
Start gathering boxes and packing supplies. Often you can find free boxes on Craigs List. Otherwise, Uhaul, Uline, and Usedcardboardboxes are all great places to get moving supplies online. If you want to be more green/earth friendly with your move check out the Chicago Green Box at http://www.thechicagogreenbox.com
Pets
Moving can be incredibly stressful on pets so consider having them stay with a friend or in daycare for a few days while you move and get settled into your new place.
Items to Leave
Usually anything attached to the walls such as shelving, curtain rods, curtains and curtain rods need to stay. Everything else needs to go with you. If you aren’t sure, ask us as taking the wrong items can cause problems at the walk through.
