Folks undertaking residential relocations nearly always have a plethora of questions to be answered ahead of moving day. At O'Mara Moving & Storage, we've heard them all! We're the professional movers Rockford IL residents have utilized for seamless, simplified and stress-free relocations since 1865.
Most people know to ask important questions related to specialized services, timelines, and factors affecting their estimate. But there are endless other questions you may have that will help you better prepare for your upcoming move! Below are some of the more unique O'Mara Moving FAQs we receive, along with our expert answers.
1. What is the Best Time of Year to Move in Rockford, IL?
Like most areas of the US, local Rockford movers are busiest in the summer, when weather is manageable and kids are out of school. Because of this, the best time to schedule relocations with availability and budgets in mind is between the end of September and early May. Avoid moving during major holidays, though, when companies may be understaffed or charge higher fees.
2. Can Weather Potentially Impact My Relocation?
No matter what time of year you move in Rockford, weather can definitely impact your relocation. During the hot summers, it's imperative to begin your move early to avoid the hottest part of the day, whereas in winter when it's cold and icy, you and your movers may have to work slower to steer clear of slipping and falling. Even in the spring and fall Rockford receives high rainfall, which could also delay your move.
3. How Can I Move Antiques and Unique Items Safely?
Almost every household has at least a few delicate items to be moved such as antiques, as well as oversized or oddly shaped items like entertainment sets or dining room furniture. To keep these types of items safe, disassemble them, if possible, to make packing easier, and use specialized packing materials like:
- Acid-Free Paper
- Soft Cloths
- Bubble Wrap
- Foam Cushioning
- Moving Blankets
4. What Should I Pack in a "First Night" Bag for My Move?
Most moving day prep lists involve assembling an "essentials" bag, with belongings you'll likely need access to as soon as you move into your new home. But no two people will have the exact same essentials to pack! Some things to consider adding to your "first night" bag for your long-distance move include:
- Medications
- Phone Charger
- Important Documents
- Toiletry Items
- Change of Clothes
- First Aid Kit
- Paper Plates & Cutlery
5. Does It Matter if I Pack My Items in Bags or Boxes?
Most homeowners have an easier time sourcing bags to pack items in rather than boxes, and ask us if large, plastic garbage liners or similar types of bags will work for their move. Another one of our unique moving tips Rockford residents should consider is to only utilize bags for soft and lightweight items such as clothing or linens but leave heavy or fragile items to be packed in boxes.
6. Are There Items that Movers Cannot Transport During My Move?
Most states have at least some restrictions around what your mover can legally transport. In Illinois, your Rockford IL moving company won't be able to load or move a few different kinds of household items, which is important to establish ahead of time. Plan on moving any of the following belongings yourself if you have them:
- Gasoline
- Paint
- Propane Tanks
- Ammunition
- Plants or Animals
- Pesticides
- Fire Extinguishers
- Perishable Food
- Alcoholic Beverages
7. How Can I Make Moving Day Easier on Pets or Kids?
As hard as long-distance moves are on us, children and pets tend to have even more difficulty with these types of transitions. We suggest communicating with children well in advance to give them adequate time to prepare for the move, as well as checking with your vet for documentation you may need if you're bringing a pet across state lines, including things like:
- Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
- Up-To-Date Vaccination Records
- Microchip Identification Tags
- Pet Passports for International Moves
8. Are There Any Rockford-Specific Moving Challenges to Consider?
A final piece of moving advice Rockford residents ask us for is local challenges to watch out for surrounding a household move. Traffic is the main culprit behind delayed timelines in Rockford—the city is in the middle of a $30 million construction project affecting over 900 locations throughout the area, which means taking detours or planning for slight setbacks. Rockford is also located off of I-90 and I-39, major interstates that can become congested during the morning and late afternoon rush hours.
Have a question that didn't make our list? Reach out to the seasoned movers Rockford IL residents always turn to for expert advice, O'Mara Moving. We're agents of North American Van Lines, so our access to state-of-the-art resources, trained personnel, and specialized equipment spans all 50 states, as well as 130+ countries around the globe. Get in touch with O'Mara Moving today to get your moving queries answered, and to receive a free estimate on our services!
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