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Packing is an Art Form

Moving is stressful, but the physical act of packing is often the breaking point for many families. The sheer volume of decisions to be made—which box to use, how much paper to wrap, how to label—can be overwhelming. Furthermore, improper packing is the number one cause of damage during a move. A box that is too heavy will crush the box below it. A box that is loosely packed will allow items to shift and shatter.

 

Hollander Storage and Moving can provide professional packing and moving services that eliminate this risk. We realize that packing is more an art form than a common everyday experience. It requires a specific understanding of physics, weight distribution, and material science. Our crews are trained in the latest techniques to avoid damage or issues. We treat your china, your library, and your wardrobe with the same care we would treat our own. When you hire Hollander, you are not just buying boxes; you are buying peace of mind.

The Hollander Advantage

Expertly Trained Crews

Our expert packers and movers have completed many hours of packing training and possess many years of experience. They know exactly how to nest a wine glass inside a goblet to prevent breakage. They know how to construct a crate for a marble tabletop. They work efficiently and respectfully within your home.  

Custom Solutions for Every Home

No two moves are alike. Our Professional Packing Services can professionally pack all your household items regardless of house size. Whether you live in a studio apartment or a sprawling estate, we scale our team to meet your timeline. We expertly pack your home by properly wrapping each item with the right material and utilizing the right size box to secure your belongings for transport.  

Specialized Crating

Some items require more than just cardboard. We provide special customized packing and crating for heirlooms, antiques, artwork, and more. We build wooden crates on-site or in our warehouse to house large mirrors, chandeliers, statues, or delicate instruments. These crates are lined with foam and secured to ensure that even the roughest road conditions will not impact the item inside.  

Our Packing Service Tiers

We offer flexible options to fit your budget and your comfort level. You can choose how much or how little you want us to do.

Full-Service Packing

This is the ultimate luxury. Our team arrives a day or two before the move. We bring all the materials. We pack everything from the books on the shelves to the silverware in the drawers. You do not have to lift a finger. We label every box by room and contents. When you arrive at your new home, everything is organized and ready to be unpacked.  

Fragile-Only Packing

Maybe you want to pack yourself to save money, but you are terrified of breaking your grandmother's china. This is where our Fragile Only Pack comes in. You pack the books, clothes, and linens (the "unbreakables"). We arrive to pack the kitchen, the dining room hutch, the artwork, and the electronics. Hollander professionals are trained to do just that. Our experienced crews have packed even the most fragile items: fine wine collections, rare art, and priceless antiques. When you choose Hollander to do a fragile-only pack, your valuables are in steady, well-trained hands.  

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Packing Support

Do-It-Yourself Packing is an easy way to save yourself some money on your move. However, you should not have to scavenge for used boxes at the grocery store. We offer affordable moving boxes, supplies, and packing materials. These can be included in our estimate for your DIY move. Your move coordinator will give you the right materials to properly pack yourself—including guidance and packing tips. We help you pack like a pro, even if you are doing the labor.  

Quality Packing Materials

Using the right supplies is half the battle. If you plan to do your own packing, Hollander has the professional-grade materials you need. Please ask us for more details on pricing and delivery.

Boxes for Every Purpose

Our moving boxes come in all different sizes. Your move consultant will ask you what kinds of items you are packing, and he or she can outfit you with the right sizes.

• 1.5 Cube (Book Box): Small and sturdy. Ideal for heavy items like books, records, and canned goods.
• 3.0 Cube (Medium Box): The workhorse. Perfect for pots, pans, toys, and folded clothes.
• 4.5 Cube (Large Box): For light, bulky items like linens, pillows, and lamp shades.
• Dish Pack Kits: These are double-walled, extra-thick boxes designed to properly pack all dishes and china. They often come with cell dividers to keep glasses separated.
• Wardrobe Boxes: A portable closet. These tall boxes have a metal bar so you can move hanging clothes directly from your closet to the box without folding them.  

Protective Supplies

• Packing Tape: A mover’s best friend. We’ll give you all the tape you can handle. Cheap tape peels off; our professional tape sticks and holds the box square.
• Bubble Wrap and Peanuts: Essential for all your delicate items. We use anti-static bubble wrap for electronics to prevent static shock.
• Paper Pads: This is a multi-layer paper product that acts like a quilt. This protective covering prevents furniture from scratches and is often used to wrap table legs and chair arms.
• Unprinted Newsprint: We use clean, ink-free paper for wrapping dishes. Never use regular newspaper, as the ink can transfer to your china and ruin it.  

SINCE 1888 HOLLANDER STORAGE & MOVING

SINCE 1888 HOLLANDER STORAGE & MOVING

Our Packing Process

1. Survey and Estimation

We assess your home to determine the volume of packing required. We estimate the number of boxes and the amount of time needed.

2. Preparation

On packing day, we cover your floors to protect them. We set up a “packing station” in each room to work efficiently.

3. Wrapping and Boxing

We wrap every item individually. We use the “layering” method: putting a layer of crushed paper at the bottom of the box for cushioning, placing the heavy items, and then filling the voids with more paper.

4. Labeling

We label the side of every box (not the top, so you can read it when stacked). We list the room name, a brief description of contents, and “Fragile” or “This Side Up” arrows where appropriate.

5. Inventory

If we are packing for storage or long-distance moves, we create a detailed inventory list of every box packed.

Tips for DIY Packing

Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes

It is a common mistake to put heavy books in a large box. The box becomes too heavy to lift and may break. Always put heavy items (books, tools, canned goods) in small boxes and light items (pillows, towels) in large boxes.  

Don't Leave Empty Spaces

Empty space is the enemy. If a box is half-empty, it will crush when another box is stacked on top of it. Fill all voids with crushed paper, towels, or bubble wrap to create a solid, firm brick.  

Tape the Bottom Securely

Do not just fold the flaps. Use three strips of tape on the bottom of every box: one down the center seam and two across the edges (the "H" method). This ensures the bottom won't fall out when you lift it.  

Fill out the form below for a fast, free estimate on your next move.

From the Best Moving & Storage Company

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I By providing my telephone number, I agree to receive (Account Notifications, Customer Care, Delivery Notifications) via text message from Hollander Storage and Moving at the number provided. You may opt out by replying STOP or request more information by replying HELP. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. You can review our Privacy Policy to see how your data is used.

Why Choose Hollander?

130+ Years of Experience
Weather-Ready
Transparent Pricing
Modern Fleet and Equipment
Post-Move Follow-Up

Hollander Storage u0026 Moving is proud to serve all of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re moving within the city or to nearby areas, we’ve got you covered.

Areas We Serve Proudly

Andersonville

Bucktown

Edgewater 

Elk Grove Village

Evanston

Gold Coast 

Hyde Park 

Lakeview

Lincoln Park 

The Loop

Oak Park

Naperville
River North, Schaumburg, South Shore, Wicker Park and much more

No matter where you’re moving in the Chicagoland area, Hollander is here to help! 

Moving Chicagoland since 1888

Our Affiliations

THE REVIEWS

We treat customers as family

Hollander made our move process very easy Our crew, Marcus H, Alex P, Chris C, and Jack We’re on time! Very thorough! Extremely careful! I have moved quite a bit in my lifetime. Watching them work was a masters class in customer service and move efficiency.

Karl Dorn

Hollander treated us like family from the very first phone call. Their team relieved all our stress and handled our belongings with incredible care. They wrapped every piece of furniture and protected our floors. Truly the best movers in Chicago for local and long-distance needs. We would not trust anyone else with our home.

Northbrook, IL Resident

As a top-rated United agent, they made our move seamless. The crew was professional, affordable, and attentive to every detail. They arrived on time and finished ahead of schedule. Highly recommended for anyone needing a Chicago moving company that actually delivers on its promises.

Corporate Client

This experience was excellent. Our crew was on time, courteous, and very professional. They were clearly experienced … taking any and all measures to move our possessions carefully. Can’t say enough good things about our crew (Kyle, Supervisor; Vedale; Conner, and Turtle). Thank you for doing such a good job!

David Franson
+

years in the moving industry

/5

customer satisfaction ratings

+

successful moves and counting

/5

moving experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Is packing included in the moving quote?

Typically, packing is an additional service. When you request a quote, ask for a separate line item for “Full Packing” or “Fragile Packing” so you can compare the costs.

How long does it take to pack a house?

A professional crew can typically pack a standard 3-bedroom home in one to two days. Doing it yourself might take several weeks of evenings and weekends.

Do I need to empty the dresser drawers?

For local moves, you can often leave light clothing (socks, t-shirts) in the drawers. However, you must remove heavy items, breakables, and valuables. For long-distance moves, we generally recommend emptying the drawers completely to reduce the weight of the furniture piece.

What items will you NOT pack?

For safety reasons, we cannot pack hazardous materials. This includes flammables (paint, gasoline, lighter fluid), explosives, and corrosives. We also cannot pack perishable foods or plants for long-distance transport.

Can you unpack for me too?

Yes. We offer unpacking services. We can empty the boxes and place items on flat surfaces (floors, tables, shelves). You can then organize them exactly how you want them. We will also remove all the used boxes and paper when we leave.

Is my china insured if I pack it myself?

If you pack your own boxes (PBO – Packed by Owner), the mover’s liability for damage is generally limited unless there is visible external damage to the box. If we pack the box, we are fully responsible for the condition of the items inside. This is a major benefit of hiring professional packers.

Do I need to be home while you pack?

We recommend that you or a representative be present to answer questions (“Do you want this packed or is it going in your car?”) and to secure high-value personal items like jewelry or passports.

Can I leave clothes on hangers?

Yes. We sell Wardrobe Boxes. We can transfer your hanging clothes directly into these boxes on the day of the move, keeping them wrinkle-free.

What is "Dish Pack" styling?

This refers to a specific technique of packing dishes vertically (on their edges) rather than flat. Plates are much stronger on their edge. Our packers are trained in this technique to prevent cracking.

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Don't let the cardboard take over your life. Contact us to learn more about our professional packing and moving services. Let us handle the bubble wrap while you handle the rest of your life.

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