5642 W. Grand Ave.

Chicago, IL 60639

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimates

An estimate manager will make a pre-move survey of your household goods to be transported. A pre-move survey is needed to determine the approximate cost of a move and the amount of space your goods will occupy. Your estimate manager will compute the approximate cost and give you a written Estimate/Order for Service. An accurate estimate cannot be calculated without a visual survey of the goods to be moved. There is no charge for the estimate. Charges for local shipments are calculated on an hourly basis. There may be a minimum number of hours required. Keep in mind that estimates (household goods surveys) are only guidelines.

  • You can get an instant online quote on our website.
  • You can call us at any time at (773) 385-6683 to speak with one of our estimate managers.
  • If you need an in-home estimate, feel free to ask.

Booking

If you need to move today, we can probably do that. If you require a written in-home estimate, you should call about 7 days to 2 weeks before your move. We generally just ask you to give us as much notice as you can.

  • You can call us at 773-385-6683 to speak to one of our representatives.
  • You can book after you get your free quote.
  • You can Contact Us on the web.

Packing

Generally speaking, dispose of all flammable items, liquids, foods and other items that should not be shipped. Anything that can deteriorate should not be shipped. If you have a question about something, just call and ask.

Why not? But be aware of the potential problems. For instance, valuation coverage will not pay out on goods packed by their owner, unless the exterior of the box is damaged. If you would like us to take care of it for you, we will gladly wrap and pack all of your items.

Most people prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile items, professionally packed by a moving company. However, if you decide to pack these items yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure of a firm pack.

Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with a soft material to provide a safe, protective, “padded nest.” Pack the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter ones next, filling in empty spaces with crushed paper. Place plates on edge and glassware on rims for maximum protection. Mark the carton “Fragile,” and list the contents on the outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape.

We provide 8-10 wardrobe boxes on each truck. If you need more, please request it from us. Wardrobe boxes allow you to keep all of your items on your hangers. We will move them from your closet and hang them in our boxes. We will also unpack them and put them into your new closets for you. Best of all, this service is FREE!

Lightweight clothing – sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie – may be left in the drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful NOT to leave fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak.

Every home is different but we can normally pack a home in 1-2 days.

The Move

This depends on many factors, such as the time of year, weather conditions, size of your item load, time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your items is traveling.

Keep in mind that moving is not an exact science and that each move is different. But, a good way to keep costs down is to be as prepared as possible for when the movers arrive to cut down on using any unnecessary time. Moving boxes is one of the most time consuming areas of a move, yet are some of the lightest things to move. So, try to use the same size boxes and be sure they are taped up and labeled correctly for the movers. Stack them up, so the movers can just place them on the dolly and go. Also, while the movers will be happy to do so, disassembly of furniture takes up time as well. You can try to disassemble any beds, desks, etc to cut down on time. In short anything that you can do yourself or anything that can help the movers move faster will cut down on your cost.

Blankenship Movers will not move hazardous or combustible items such as propane tanks, firearms, paint, and aerosols, as the temperature in the truck could cause these items to explode or ignite.

Such items can be moved if properly packed/prepared, but we cannot guarantee the safe transport of live plants, which can be traumatized by motion or temperature extremes inside the moving truck.

You should make certain that your dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer are empty. Additionally, movers are not trained electricians or plumbers – you need to arrange for the appropriate professional to disconnect your washer, lighting/chandeliers, and refrigerator from any electric and/or water connection. Most importantly, movers are not licensed to disconnect gas, which power many dryers and ovens.

Choose a simple labeling system (i.e. MBR for Master Bedroom) and make sure that all of your boxes are clearly marked. Boxes should be labeled on the top and 3 sides. Your movers will work closely with you at the destination to make sure everything ends up where you want it.

When the movers first arrive, they will do a walkthrough of your current home, confirming which items are going and which are not.

After the move

Absolutely. When we deliver your items to your new home the movers will work closely with you to make sure all furniture and boxes arrive in the correct rooms, and we are happy to arrange and rearrange the furniture exactly as you would like it.

At Blankenship Movers, we require that you pay immediately after your move. We except all major credit cards, cash, check, or money order. We do not require any form of a deposit pre-move.

NO! At Blankenship Movers we have NO Hidden fees. While we do have some fees for keeping trucks overnight, moving pianos, and special items, you will be made aware of any of these fees prior to your move.

As with other service industries, you may wish to thank your movers for a job well done by offering a gratuity. While the movers do not expect a set amount, we suggest a tip based on your satisfaction with your crew and the overall move; with a broad guideline of $4-6 per man, per hour. If you feel that your movers went above and beyond in their efforts, you may want to increase the amount accordingly.

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