Have you ever heard the one about the burglar who fell through the skylight and sued the homeowners whose house he was about to rob over his injuries? What a ridiculous account of events! Insurance for your home, be it homeowners or renters insurance, is a definite must for anybody who cares for his or her belongings. However; it looks like homeowners insurance doesn’t cover every worst case scenario, as is evident in the burglar/skylight story. Through a bit of research your Chicago area mover here did find that this story is indeed true. However; the facts of the original event have been stretched and morphed beyond belief. The original story is just as hard to swallow though. Insurance is there for a reason; you don’t often find yourself in a sticky situation that only insurance can get you out of, but when those few-and-far-between instances do happen, it makes having insurance from the get-go well worth the trouble. If you want to be extra-cautious, perhaps replacing your skylights with bullet-proof glass is something you should consider!
If you are reading this, there is a high likelihood that you are involved in social networking. Just about everybody today has at least one account with a social networking organization such as facebook or twitter. Most of us have several such accounts. Though social networking is both fun and convenient in enabling us to stay in contact with friends and family, there are scam-artists that prey on the most trusting of social network participants. Trust in your friends and family members, the ones with whom you likely communicate with most online, is well and good, however; your loved ones aren’t likely the only viewers of your various social networking profiles.
The best rule-of-thumb in keeping your social profiles secure is to assume that your profile is something that everybody looks at, including identity thieves, your possible enemies, or anybody else who you don’t want in your personal business. Customize your security settings accordingly. You should always keep your online social profiles private so that your information is only available to users to whom you have personally granted access. Furthermore; keep personal information such as your specific birth date, address, phone number, email address, school you attend, what financial institution you bank with, etc, should be omitted. Sharing this type of specific personal information is the ticket for scam artists to steal your identity.
Keep in mind also, when you update status with posts on your web-profiles, you may be broadcasting information to outsiders that are looking for any opportunity to scam you. Posting information about your school schedule for example, or upcoming vacation plans, even informing your community of friends of your upcoming trip to the grocery store right before you head out of your house can let the wrong people know when and how often and for how long your home is unattended. Think about the absolute worst case scenario any time you are about to update your social networking posts, you may seem to be overly-careful but it is far better for you to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to social networking related affairs.
On a lighter note; don’t forget Grandma! Social networking is becoming increasingly popular to people of all ages, even your grandparents. Keep Grandma in mind too, I’m sure your Grandmother’s opinion matters to you, keeping your language appropriate and also your photo albums will possibly prevent a very unpleasant family fiasco! Be smart with social networking by staying safe!
It’s about time to take down holiday decorations if you haven’t already. It’s hard to move away from the holiday season, but it will be back before we know it! If you are suffering separation anxiety due to the sudden split from the holiday season, cheer up! The new year is here and is an excellent source of renewed inspiration, so take advantage.
Chicago area moving professionals understand that you may need some help bidding farewell to the holidays, and are ready to help you move on with your new year. Perhaps you just need some space and time to yourself, away from all of the distracting holiday decorations that have had you in a jolly trance for the past few months. Moving and storage services may be right up your alley right now. Your Chicago movers handle moves of all types and sizes, so don’t hesitate to call on us if you need your lights and ornaments hauled off to storage until the end of the year. Saying goodbye to the holidays is tough, we understand, but before you know it your Chicago relocation providers will be back at your front door ready to deliver 2011’s end-of-the-year holiday cheer back where it belongs!
Nobody expects an emergency to happen. You can only plan for emergency situations to make the best out of what is inevitably going to occur from time to time. Buddy systems are a must in being prepared for emergency situations.
Your Chicago area professional movers are your emergency move best buddies! Life doesn’t have a pause function, and sometimes your move date is something you don’t plan for at all. If the need should suddenly arise to move out of your home for any reason at all, your local family owned moving company is ready at a moment’s notice to roll with the punches for you. Whether you’re moving out of a one bedroom apartment or moving out of a spacious five bedroom house, your Chicago professional movers got your back!
Consumers hate to think about it, but oddly enough sometimes things come up missing. I usually recommend that you develop an inventory of your items. Once your moving foreman arrives, go over your move plan with him or her. As your Chicago movers begin to pack and load your items room by room, check off each item. Note the items condition as well. When you arrive at your destination, do the same thing. Note each item as they come off the truck. If you notice anything missing, mark your sheet and tell your moving foreman immediately. Keeping a close eye on your furnishings usually minimizes any chance of something coming up missing.
When deciding upon a moving company or family and friends, there are a few things to consider. Although family and friends mean well, they are not experienced Chicago movers. Simply put, any nicks, scratches or items broken are your responsibility. Family is also under no obligation to arrive on time or move at the speed you desire. However, with skilled movers you are less likely to experience damage during your move. And if items are damaged you can file a claim with your Chicago moving company. You can also expect your movers to arrive on time, equipped with the necessary tools and move at a fast professional pace. Do what works best for you, but keep in mind you get what you pay for.
This is a great start to the Football Season. Clinching yet another victory last evening in Dallas made it even sweeter. Our Chicago Bears 2-0 bring back memories of the 2006 season. That champion spirit was seen on the field yesterday and I’m sure we will see it throughout the course of this season. Chicagoans expect excellence. When it comes to moving it’s no different. You’re looking for someone you can trust with your valuables. But not only that, you also want good pricing and great service. Most Chicago moving companies understand your needs and will draft a moving strategy you’ll be satisfied with. Do keep in mind every Chicago mover is not a champion, research your BBB and the American Moving and Storage Association to find a Chicago Mover that is a part of their Pro Mover program. Pro Movers are champions in the industry. Go Bears! Go Chicago Movers!
While most Chicago moving companies try their best not to damage your items, sometimes mistakes do happen. In those instances there are a few steps you need to take to recoup your money for the damaged item. I always recommend that individuals inventory their items as they are being unloaded. This way you’re able to pinpoint damages if any. It also allows the mover to see the damaged item.
The first step in your insurance claim process would be to take a picture of the damaged item. Then contact your Chicago mover with your claim. They will transfer you to their claims department who will ask you a few questions and explain your next step. The amount of your payout is based on the level of insurance you purchased. The claims process is usually pretty simple. On occasion you may need to follow-up with them if you don’t get a quick response. So make certain you document the name of each individual you speak with.
Whoever said moving can be a bear was correct! There are so many details that must be covered in order to ensure a successful move. From proper packing of your belongings to the dismantling of your furniture and reassembly of the same, moving is work.
Can I offer a suggestion? Hire Chicago movers! I know you’re attempting to cut cost, but in the end you’re only saving pennies and adding insurmountable pressure to your life. Stress is inevitable when moving in a tight time-frame. Even with adequate time to prepare, handling the move yourself can be worry-filled. Covering the details on your things-to-do-list is paramount when making a move of any kind. Think about it, you must gather packing supplies, pack, load, dismantle furniture, unload, unpack and reassemble furnishings, whew…when do you breathe? Hiring movers eliminates the stress associated with moving in Chicago.
What will it cost me to move in Chicago? If you’re hiring professional movers, you should mention your cost concerns during your initial call with a moving coordinator. Similar to airlines or hotels, most moving companies have a sliding scale of prices that reflect supply and demand on a particular day. Generally, the summer months are the busiest. Saturdays and the beginning and end of each month are busy year-round. The less busy times tend to be Monday through Thursday. Being flexible with your move date – an overlap between when you need to be out of your old home and are able to get into your new home – helps to ensure you get the best value. Additionally, a professional Chicago moving company will take the time to provide you with advice about other cost-saving measures, including efficient preparation in advance of moving day.