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As a native Chicago moving company, we know that moving during the winter is never anyone’s first choice, but sometimes it is a necessity. While we think that it is an admirable endeavor to attempt a big move all on your own, when it comes to the icy winds of winter, we have to advocate on behalf of hiring a professional moving team to help you get the job done. We’ve put together what we think are the top 4 reasons that hiring Chicagoland’s best movers for your wintertime move is essential!

A Chicago Winter Is Nothing To Joke About

If you’ve lived through any portion of a Chicago winter, you know that it is colder than cold. Snow, ice, and dropping temperatures make winter moves increasingly more dangerous than, a spring, summer, or fall move. Say you do convince your ride-or-die best friends to help you; they probably won’t have as much experience as trained professional movers for heavy lifting over icy or wet sidewalks and stairs. The biting cold temperatures create an increased risk of catching a cold during the back and forth from outside to inside. Expert movers who are seasoned and practiced at moving within all weather conditions can help protect you and your loved ones from any unnecessary risk.

In addition to the safety hazards that cold temperatures pose during a winter move, no amount of planning can truly predict what the weather will be like the day of your move. As much as we’d like to trust our weatherman, we know that Chicago skies have a mind of their own. Qualified movers will be ready and prepared for whatever nature has to offer on the day of your big transition, so you can worry about more important things like where all your holiday decor will hang in your new place!

 Moving Truck Driving and Street Dibs

Whether you’re moving a full 3-bedroom house or a studio apartment, most likely, you’ll need at least a small moving truck to get it all done! Though renting the truck yourself and bribing friends with hot spiked cider to help you load and unload sounds like a great idea in theory, in reality, driving that truck on icy, wet roads is harder than you may imagine. If you aren’t accustomed to navigating narrow Chicago winter streets with an oversized vehicle, the danger and stress may outweigh the money you might save. A Chicago moving company like ours will be able to confidently drive your belongings from your old home to your new space without any hassle.

Then there are the infamous street dibs, love them or hate them, they are a thing that every Chicago resident has to contend with. During a winter move, the chances of you being thwarted by an aptly placed lawn chair are high. Why not let experienced moving truck drivers handle the parking nightmare that often faces a Chicagoan during the coldest months of the year? 

Speed Is Key During The Holiday Season

No matter who you are, the winter months are always jam-packed with end-of-the-year deadlines, holiday events, and shopping obligations. If you are forced by fate to move during the busiest season of the year, every hour of the day is vital! A team of skilled and competent movers can turn what could be a whole weekend affair into merely a few hours so you can get back to what makes the winter season magical! Our team can even assist with packing and unpacking your belongings so you can spend more time wrapping presents and less time wrapping kitchen dishes for your move.

You’ve Got Enough Stress!

As we mentioned, the wintery season comes with a lot of joy but also a lot of stress. Though moving is often regarded as one of the most stressful experiences in one’s life, it doesn’t have to add to your holiday season anxiety. Hiring compassionate and professional movers can be a way to preserve your mental health during the frostiest chapter of the year. Practice self-care this upcoming season and let professionals handle your wintertime moving experience. 


If you’d like more tips for a successful winter move, check out a previous blog of ours, “How to Survive Your Winter Move” And as always, if you need any assistance during your transition from one home to the next, we at 606 Movers are here to help!

We strive to be the best movers in Chicagoland, but we also want to support the city in every way we can! Today we wanted to look at 4 charitable organizations based in Chitown that are making a difference.

We love our city and are proud to call ourselves Chicago natives, but sometimes it’s essential to get away from the hustle and bustle for a breath of fresh air, even just for a day. Whether you are ready to jump back into the summer crowds after last year or you’re looking for more socially distanced summer fun, there is plenty of opportunity for memories this summer. We’ve put together a list of 5 beautiful, exciting, and fun places to visit that are just a stone’s throw away from the city limits. So grab your calendar and start planning your summer of road trips!

Kankakee River State Park

Only an hour and change outside the heart of Chicago this gorgeous state park is an excellent place to recharge and soak up all that nature has to offer. Escape the usual crowds of summer in the city and unwind for a while in nature. The park offers scenic trails, abundant fishing opportunities, great canoeing, and camping. And for a unique experience, visit the Kankakee River State Park Riding Stables for some horseback or pony riding through the park! You can even sign up for recurring riding lessons to hone your horsemanship skills.

Holland, Michigan

A little further of a drive (2 ½ hours), this gem of a town is the perfect option for a romantic weekend getaway. The city describes itself beautifully, “a place where the white sandy beaches meet the Lake Michigan coastline. Where the spirit of adventure collides with an inviting mix of history and hospitality. A place where we explore, shop, eat, drink, play, and relax. A place where a culture of craft inspires our breweries, restaurants, and people. A place with small-town charm and big-city amenities.” In addition to being known for the Tulip Festival, May 1st – 9th, this lovely place is filled with exciting, artistic, and engaging events to enjoy! Perhaps you can make it out to the Summer Street Performing Series happening June 17th through August 19th, where musicians, caricature artists, face painters, jugglers, magicians, and even aerial acrobats come out to entertain visitors!

Six Flags, Great America

Two words, ROLLER COASTERS. Do we need to say more? There is no more iconic summer fun than roller coasters, theme park attractions, and carnivalesque games! This theme park is only an hour outside of the city, perfect for a day trip with the family or grabbing your friends to change up the usual Saturday chill hangs. If the kids are out of school for the summer, plan a weekday visit and skip the weekend crowds!

Utica, Illinois

This gorgeous river town is only an hour and a half away from Chicago. It is filled with history, art, and that hometown warmth you can’t find within city limits. Visit the famous Canal Market, an open-air flea market packed with antiques, artisan items, and more every Sunday, June-September. Or maybe a wine tasting at the August Hill Winery will be more your style? Utica is nestled next to Starved Rock State Park, which boasts breath-taking rock formations, waterfalls, and charming wildflowers. A visit to Utica will be one full of magical memories no matter how you spend your time.

Stade’s Farm and Market

It is berry picking season, but that’s not all you can pick at Stade’s Farm and Market, which is only 1 hour and 15 minutes from the city. They have a variety of fruits and vegetables to choose from, such as peppers, sugar snap peas, strawberries, apples, and more! This farm offers an abundance of activities in addition to pick-your-own fun! They host a “large entertainment area, including a petting zoo, corn maze, giant slides, hayrides, and a large variety of unique attractions.” Spend an entire day soaking up the wholesome, family-friendly fun and return home with a car full of fresh fruits and veggies for the week.

We hope that this list helps you plan some memorable getaways this summer. One of the reasons that Chicago is the best place to live (sorry, not sorry) is that it is so close to many amazing opportunities! Whether you’ve got a huge family to entertain or just in the mood for fun things to do with your partner or friends, there are no limits to the experiences you can have inside this city or just a short drive away.

Alright, the time has come to move out of the family home. Let us first say congratulations! You got this! If you are feeling a little nervous, this article from Elite Daily, The 10 Emotional Stages Of Moving Away From Home For The First Time, might provide a little comfort. Whether this is your first move ever or just your first move without the family, there are many things to keep in mind! But don’t worry; every move into a new space is just an opportunity to grow and change for the better. We’ve put together a list of the top 5 things to keep in mind while taking this leap into independence!

1. Make A Gameplan

This may seem like a given if you are the planning type, but many of us fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants types might not see the value in a solid move-out plan. But trust us, a plan is essential to not feeling lost and overwhelmed when the big day comes. This plan should include the days leading up to your move through the first night in your new place. A few questions to ask yourself right now are:

  1. Are the utilities set to be turned on at the new place?
  2. What furniture am I taking to my new place?
  3. How are these more oversized items getting transported? Friend with a van? Hiring 606Movers? Renting a truck?
  4. Who will be able to help me on moving day?
  5. How long will they be able to help? What times do I need to ask them to be available? (Moving days are always longer than you think, pad the time!)

These are just a few general questions to help get your plan started. Try and think about all the unique details of your move and problem-solve before any issues arise!

2. Out With The Old!

One of the best aspects of any move is the opportunity to declutter and organize your life in the way that serves you best. Self-care and independence start with curating your environment for your needs. Even if you are just moving with what’s in your childhood bedroom, most likely there are items that don’t need to make the trip with you. Whether it’s clothes that don’t fit from freshman year or a box of video games you haven’t played in three years, make sure what enters this new chapter of your life is either essential or brings you joy! For more decluttering tips, check out another great blog from ApartmentTherapy.com, The 27 Greatest Decluttering Tips of All Time.

3. Pack for an Easy Move

It is tempting to get the most enormous boxes possible and throw everything in them, but we promise this will make life more challenging and not simpler. Packing light and organized doesn’t just apply to traveling! Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind while packing up your stuff:

  1. Use smaller to medium-sized boxes when possible and ensure they are easy to lift as you pack.
  2. Wrap anything breakable with either bubble wrap, blankets, towels, or clothes. 
  3. Think Tetris when packing boxes; reducing the space within the box leaves less room for items to move during transport.
  4. Label each box as thoroughly as possible! Trust us, this is VITAL.

With so much moving experience we’ve seen it all, but you might find some helpful tidbits in another blog post of ours: How to Pack a Bedroom & Do it Well.

4. Think about Your First Night

A common mistake when moving into your first place is packing everything up and not knowing where your essentials are. No one wants to panic rummage through boxes to find your retainer! Pack a suitcase with all of your overnight must-haves as if you were going on a weekend trip! This applies to any fur babies who might be moving into the new home with you; they’ll need their food, treats, and favorite toys as they adjust to their new surroundings.

Additionally, make sure you have easy access to bedding and towels for the first night as well. Setting up your bed should be a priority when you get moved in because you will want to crash. Moving is exhausting, and you’ll need your cozy bed comforting you at the end of the day.

5. Start with Essentials and Save for Upgrades

When we move into a new space for the first time, it’s thrilling to be able to decorate, design, and fill the space. But it is an expensive slippery slope to go all in at once. Remember to consider budget and longevity when thinking about purchasing for your first place away from home. It’s okay not to have a big comfy couch for a little while to save up for one that you LOVE and will last you for years. Also, cooking and home goods hand-me-downs from parents, family, and friends are great items to utilize until you can afford to upgrade to the matching set you’ve had your eye on. Consider making a furnishings/home goods budget to contribute to each month and then ranking your needs in order of immediate importance. 

We hope that this short list helps you on your first moving adventure! If you need any help lifting those boxes or moving that bed up the three-story walk-up, we’ve got your back!

Chicago Mutual Aid Efforts Provide Support for Food Insecure Communities

While COVID-19 vaccines are well within reach, this pandemic has taken a toll on our communities, especially here in Chicago. But the community response has also grown to meet the existing and additional needs that emerged from the pandemic. If you are able, here at 606 Movers, we recommend supporting the Love Fridge. Accessible 24/7, this initiative seeks to feed vulnerable communities through mutual aid and food donations. Above all, it bolsters the idea that access to food is not a privilege but a right. Easily recognizable by their bright colored refrigerators, typically decorated by local artists, the Love Fridge creates a stigma-free alternative for those facing food insecurity. This last year has been extremely tough for everyone but no one should have to go hungry. Similar initiates are taking root throughout the country so we definitely recommend finding other programs wherever you live.

For those interested and able, here are food donation options that are always welcome and needed as well as protocols during COVID-19, as stated on the Love Fridge website;

Best Products to Donate

Sealed packaged foods
Cheeses
Fresh fruit
Fresh vegetables
Table sauces
Pastry
Bread
Unopened pasteurized milk and yogurt
Unopened fruit juices
Fresh eggs (with a use-by date)
Cured meats (in a sealed container with a use-by date)

Products Not Recommended

Raw meat
Raw fish
Alcohol
Raw milk cheeses
Unlabelled multi-ingredient items
Half-eaten leftovers

Etiquette

Please wear a mask and ensure that your hands are clean if you intend on accessing the fridge.

Avoid unnecessary contact with food items to prevent contamination.

If you notice food has gone bad or packaging has been compromised, please throw it away.

Check use-by dates on food products. Discard out-of-date food and do not consume prepared food after seven days.

Please put new donations towards the back of the shelves so that food gets eaten in the order it is donated.

Please do not donate anything that you would not personally consume.

If you noticed or cause a spill, please clean up after yourself whenever possible.

If you notice that the fridge needs cleaning, maintenance, or is above 41°F, please get in touch via email at thelovefridgechicago@gmail.com.

Guidelines

Please review our list of accepted and not accepted foods.

Any food in packages or containers must be in good condition and protect the integrity of the contents so that the food is not exposed to adulteration or potential contaminants.

Prepare food with mask & gloves and follow standardized food safety guidelines.

Prepared food should be labeled with all ingredients and dated from the day of preparation. Prepared food will be discarded after seven days.

Locations Throughout the City

Avondale
Honey Love
24/7 ACCESS
3361 N Elston Ave
Located behind Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Back of the Yards
Star Farm
24/7 ACCESS
5155 S Wolcott Ave

Port Ministries
24/7 ACCESS
5017 S Hermitage Ave

Belmont Cragin
Bidi Bidi Nom Nom at Hangry’s
24/7 ACCESS
5000 W Fullerton Ave

Bridgeport
The Fridge on Marz
24/7 ACCESS
3630 S Iron St

Brighton Park
Oasis de Yum at La Roca
24/7 ACCESS
2959 W Pershing Rd

Bronzeville
Sacred Keepers
Thursday & Friday 12 — 4
4445 S King Dr

East Side
The Kindness Korner
24/7 ACCESS
11201 S Ave G

Englewood
Getting Grown Collective
24/7 ACCESS
6344 S Morgan St

Grand Boulevard
Behind Last Lap Corner Store at Boxville
24/7 ACCESS
332 E 51st St

Humboldt Park
Dirt Farms
24/7 ACCESS
3419 North Ave
Alley behind Humboldt’s Used Books

Little Village
Moreno’s
24/7 ACCESS
3724 W 26th St

The Love Shack
24/7 ACCESS
2751 W 21st St

Logan Square
The Dill’s Chiller
At the Dill Pickle Food Co-op
8am–9pm or during store hours (subject to change for holidays or as necessary)
2746 N Milwaukee Ave

Toda Amor
Carniceria La Mejor
24/7 ACCESS
2915 N Milwaukee Ave

North Lawndale
Stone Temple Fridge
24/7 ACCESS
3622 W Douglas Blvd

Palmer Square
Blnk [Food] Bank
24/7 ACCESS
3206 W Armitage Ave

Pilsen
Comida Para el Pueblo
24/7 ACCESS
1855 S Blue Island Ave

South Shore
24/7 ACCESS
2465 E 74th St

Ukrainian Village
True Love Fridge at Takorea Cocina
Tuesday–Sunday 11am — 9pm
1022 N Western Ave

West Lawn
El Refri de la Vida
Monday — Friday 7AM — 2PM
and 5PM — 8PM
Saturday 8AM — 12PM
Sunday 9AM — 12PM
4215 W 59th St

Good Neighbor Love Fridge
24/7 ACCESS
6601 S Pulaski Rd

Today we want to take some time and honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Here at 606 Movers, we acknowledge that we currently inhabit Indigenous land, land that was and continues to be the home of Indigenous peoples. Commonly known as Chicago, this area is the ancestral land of nations such as the Council of the Three Fires, comprised of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations, as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, Fox, Kickapoo, and Illinois Nations.

While there is a long way to go, language plays an important part on how we move forward. Representation matters. It’s crucial that we acknowledge Indigenous communities here in the U.S. and across the world, especially those that have suffered disproportionally due to COVID-19 and those fighting on behalf of our environment.

By no means exhaustive, we’ve created a short guide to these issues so that we may all learn, grow, and continue to push for a better world, not just tomorrow but everyday. 

Native-Land.co

First things first, land acknowledgement. Start by finding out whose ancestral land you’re living on. Then explore, listen, learn, and advocate for those communities when and wherever you can. 

 Information Resources 

National Congress of American Indians

 National Museum of the American Indian – Native Knowledge 360

American Library Association – Indigenous Tribes of Chicago 

The Newberry Library – American Indian and Indigenous Studies

Books

Non-Fiction 

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United State by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Our History Is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance by Nick Estes

Shapes of Native Nonfiction, edited by Elissa Washuta & Theresa Warburton

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance

by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

Fiction

There There by Tommy Orange

Sabrina & Corina: Storie by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

Moon of the Crusted Snow: A Novel by Waubgeshig Rice

Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich

Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog, Richard Erdoes

Local Resources / Organizations

Chi-Nations Youth Council

American Indian Center of Chicago 

If it feels like summer ended too quickly, you’re probably right. COVID-19 has upended a lot of our plans but if you want to explore Chicago, you still have a chance. Fall is here and while it might be different than we’re used to, there are still plenty of things to do. Here at 606 Movers, we’ve put together a guide for fun and socially-distant fall activities and events. But be sure to always wear a mask, it’s how we protect ourselves, our communities, and Chicago. 

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

If you love Fall as much as we do, then pumpkin patches are the highlight of the season. Start prepping for Halloween and Thanksgiving early. Some of these farms also have apple orchards, corn mazes, and tractor rides. It’s a great way to get out of the city and take in the beautiful changing leaves. Whichever pumpkin patch you go to, be sure to check their website and review their safety guidelines and protocols. 

Local favorites include: 

  1.  Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm & Garden Center
  1.  Didier Farms
  1.  Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm 

Explore a Hiking Trail 

If you’re eager to get out of the city but a pumpkin patch is not quite socially-distant enough, there are a wide range of hiking trails near Chicago to explore. While many may be familiar with Starved Rock, there are lesser known trails that should keep you occupied during these autumnal months. Also make sure to check their websites and review their safety guidelines and protocols. Here are just a few for you to check out:

  1. Starved Rock State Park 
  1. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve 
  1. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
  1. Morton Arboretum

Catch this years Music Box Horror Movie Fest

While past iterations of this Horror movie fest have taken place inside the Music Box’s theater on Southport, our new reality has forced them to make changes to the venue, a creative change at that. This year, they’ve partnered with Pilsen’s Chi-Town Movies Drive-In for nightly screenings throughout the month of October. They’ll feature both obscure and mainstream films so be sure to check out their full line up on their website. And for all our Latinos out there, we’re happy to say that La LLorona does make an appearance!

*The Music Box of Horrors at the Drive-In

Have a Picnic at Your Local Park

If you’re eager to get out of your home but still want to stay safe, consider a picnic. Support your favorite restaurant and dine out at our local park. Take advantage of the pleasant October weather while we have it!

The Flowers of Monet Exhibit at Garfield Park

Head over to the Garfield Park Conservatory for the The Flowers of Monet exhibit. This exhibit is a special presentation in partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago and features flowers inspired by Claude Monet and his work. It will run until October 31st so head out and be inspired. 

*The Flowers of Monet Exhibit 

Catch a Show at the Hideout, Virtually 

If you were an avid concert-goer before COVID-19, there are still ways you can support this community even now. The Hideout, a beloved music and entertainment venue, has shifted to streaming. While no one knows when venues will open up again, consider supporting the Hideout, local artists, and the Chicago live music scene from home. Tune in and let’s dream about the great shows still to come!

*The Hideout

If you’re dreading packing up your living room, we get it. It can be overwhelming. Living rooms usually hold a lot different objects varying in size and shape. Like other high traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, you’ll likely be using your living right up until the very last minute. Start packing early and begin with the small items you don’t use on a daily basis. Then work your way up to larger pieces. We’ve provided a guide to how to pack your living room and tackling everyday items like books, lamps, and electronics.

Start with the books

If you’re downsizing, this is a good time to sort and donate books you don’t want to keep. Second-hand stores, school libraries, and used book retailers are all great places to leave the books you no longer want.

Try and find boxes that are sturdy and if you can, it’s better if they’re new. Or if you’re going to utilize used boxes, just make sure they aren’t damp as the moisture can damage your books. Be sure to use strong packing tape and secure all sides to avoid the boxes from falling apart. 

While it’s tempting to pack all of your books into a single box, try spreading them out to redistribute the weight. You might think that having the least amount of boxes will speed up the process, oftentimes it doesn’t. If they’re too heavy, they might require two people to carry them or they might need to be repacked into several lighter boxes, which will definitely take more time.

 If you have movers, they will likely assess the contents of your home and pack the truck accordingly. But if you’re doing this yourself, be sure to pack any book boxes on the floor of the truck. The books can be heavy and in order to avoid them from toppling over, it’s best to pack them at the bottom so they don’t cause damage to the furniture.  

Wrap Your Pictures Carefully

Moving framed art works and pictures can be a bit daunting. If you aren’t comfortable, feel free to leave this to the professionals. But if you want to handle this portion of the move, here are some tips.

First, find the most appropriate box. If the pictures are small, you can probably pack a few of them together. What if your pictures are large? It’s best to pack them separately. Specialty boxes do exist but they may be more expensive or harder to find. Regular medium and large sized boxes should work.

If the picture has a glass cover, tape an ‘x’ on the front. This will help keep the majority of the glass together if it does shatter or break. 

Then wrap the whole piece in cheap packing or butcher paper to protect the frame from any scratches or nicks. After that, wrap the frame in bubble wrap for extra protection and padding. 

Place the picture in the box and use more packing paper to secure the frame in place. This will keep it from moving on the journey. Tape the box thoroughly, mark as fragile, and describe its contents so that you and the movers know what it is. 

Protect Your Lamps, Vases, & Delicate Objects

While lamps may seem easy to pack, they’re actually quite delicate and fragile. Make sure they are broken down and the lightbulb is removed. Then pack each individual piece separately.

Find a box that will give you enough room to wrap each lamp with bubble wrap or towel and fill in any gaps with packing paper so it doesn’t move around in the box. Be sure to label the box as fragile and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking. 

Take that same care and apply it to your vases, decorative objects, and oddly shaped pieces. Be sure to use plenty of bubble wrap or paper to secure them into the box and fill in any empty spaces.

Organize the Electronics

While this might be your least favorite part, you’ll thank yourself when you get to the unpacking. We recommend wrapping up your cord neatly and labeling what device they belong to. If it helps, take pictures of how the cords are connected to their device. It will be a helpful guide and speed up the reassembly later on. 

Electronics are sensitive to extreme weather. If you’re moving in the sweltering heat of summer or in the cold of winter, we recommend taking them with you instead of leaving them for the movers to move. They’ll likely be sitting in the truck while everything else is being loaded as well. 

After you’ve packed your electronics and cords, label the boxes as “pack last” so your movers know to literally leave them as the last items packed into the truck. This ensures they don’t spend that much time in the truck and aren’t crushed by other boxes and items. 

Always Protect the Furniture

If you’re unsure how to pack your living room furniture, here’s how. But if you’ve hired movers, most ( 606 Movers included!) will have complimentary moving blankets for any of the wood, glass, and metal furniture. They’ll secure them to your furniture to avoid any damage. 

If you’re moving sofas and accent chairs, we recommend always opting for a plastic cover. Most movers will have shrink wrap or plastic wrap for purchase to keep them clean and safe. If you’re renting and expect to move again in the near future, we recommend investing in reusable covers. It’s both the green and cheaper option. 

We hope these tips help you pack your living room and happy moving!

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