Moving to Chicago can be a lot of work. It would be best to do many things before you make a move and some things that you’ll have to take care of once you’re there. This blog post will cover 17 Tips For Moving To Chicago so that your transition is as smooth as possible!
Tips For Moving To Chicago
1. Start packing months in advance
A few months in advance, start packing and sorting your belongings.
- Start by separating the things you know for sure that you want to bring with you from those items that will stay behind or get donated. It is a good practice because it helps declutter your space before moving day! It also allows time to decide what type of storage space (if any) should be rented so as not to have too many bulky items at home once they’re moved out.
- You may also want to organize all of your documents, including bills, warranties, necessary paperwork (like passports), etc., which are all very easy to lose track of if not properly stored. Make sure these papers are filed away neatly into an envelope labeled “things to keep” or “important documents.”
- Tips for packing: Roll clothes instead of folding them, use plastic containers and sealable bags rather than boxes (they’re easier to carry), pack heavy items on the bottom, so they don’t have a chance at getting broken.
As your move date gets closer, things will get hectic! Make sure you take care of all these tasks as soon as possible to be prepared when it comes time for moving day – this way, everything goes smoothly and without any problems whatsoever!
2. Find a place to live before you move
It will save time and stress when moving day arrives. You may also be able to negotiate a better deal.
- Check out apartment listings on Craigslist Chicago
- Search for apartments in your price range and desired neighborhood with Trulia or Zillow
- Visit the building before you commit to renting it. Make sure that there is adequate parking, amenities like a gym are available, etc.
You’ll also want to make sure landlords allow pets, so if this is important to you, then ask about pet policies when visiting buildings. You can also use Petfinder’s landlord directory as a resource!
3. Pack light
Pack light so you don’t have to rent a truck for your belongings or hire movers to help you move in.
Bring only what is necessary but pack light! Doing so will save time and money when doing things like renting a truck or hiring movers. Remember to bring clothes suitable for the Chicago Weather, especially if it’s chilly here during the winter months! And don’t forget an Iron – which comes in handy because most people want their outfits looking fresh and new right away after moving.
- Keep your belongings to a bare minimum; this will do the packing and moving easier for you
- Pack clothes that are appropriate for the Chicago weather: jeans, boots, sweaters, coats (especially if it gets cold)
- Bring an iron with you so that you can quickly take any wrinkles out of clothing before wearing them
- You can also find great deals on used furniture or get a roommate to share the cost of rent with (this is an excellent idea if you’re starting and don’t have much money)
You’ll save time, energy, and stress by packing light – which will make it easier for you when moving day arrives! And you should only bring what’s necessary but pack as lightly as possible so that everything goes smoother. You may want to consider buying some used furniture or getting a roommate who pays half the rent to help pay your expenses – this could be helpful financially if you are new in town without too many resources at your disposal yet!
4. Get rid of heavy or bulky items
Please get rid of any heavy or bulky items, as they can be challenging to transport.
- Get rid of old furniture that you no longer use or need. You can sell it on Craigslist Chicago, give it away to charity, etc. (One exception is if your new place doesn’t have any, so you may want to keep some).
- If there are bulky pieces such as art or sculpture, try to bring them with you in your vehicle.
- If there are items that can’t be transported by car, such as furniture or electronics, look for a storage company like UPack Storage – they offer affordable and convenient options!
If you’re moving out of a rental and the landlord requires tenants’ trash items instead of taking them when they move out – then make sure you get guidance from them about what is considered “bulky” to avoid fees for dumping; this material at an event site later! Be mindful not to bring too much stuff with heavyweights like furniture but don’t forget all those other necessities like clothes and personal items!
5. Rent storage space
Rent storage space if needed so you can keep some things at home until it’s time for them to move!
- Consider renting storage space for items that take up a lot of room, such as furniture, electronics, or anything else you don’t want to move yet. It will save time and energy on moving day – which means less stress in the long run!
- You can rent this type of space from companies like UPack Storage who offer affordable rates and convenient options. Renting storage space is an excellent option if your new place doesn’t have ample available real estate!
6. Don’t try to do everything yourself
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Ask friends or family for help if possible, hire a moving company, and be ready to sweat!
7. Pack all fragile items
Pack all fragile items (like dishes) first, then fill up the rest with clothes and other things you want to take with you. Moving is never easy. It’s always a good idea to do some research and pack breakables carefully so they can make the trip safely.
Click here to get some tips on how to pack fragile items for moving.
8. Arrange for your utilities ahead of time so that they’re set up when you arrive
It would be best to get your boxes, packing materials, and all other moving helpers ahead of time to make a move easier. If you have a storage unit or friend who can hold things for you until you need them, then that would be helpful as well!
- You can ask friends or family members if they have any you can borrow – you’ll probably be able to get one for free from somewhere (or maybe some old ones will make great fire-starters!)
- If a friend doesn’t have any cardboard boxes available, then there are garages sales and thrift shops that usually carry them!
You may want to look into getting an extra bed and keeping it in storage until you need it so that you don’t have to move it twice. You could also sleep on the floor the first few nights while getting settled – which might be more
9. Get a job offer in Chicago before you move
You should get a job offer in Chicago before you move! It would be beneficial to get a job offer before you move because it would help you determine how much money you need to relocate. You can search for jobs or interview with employers before you move, which will give you more time to think about what company to work for. You will also have more opportunities and options since there is not a shortage of businesses in Chicago.
10. Unpack your things
One way to get rid of your old beliefs and behaviors is to unpress your things so that they are out of the way and you can focus on the new ones. A good starting point is with the things cluttering up your workspace, which might be one of the first places you’ll notice issues with procrastinating.
11. Clean all the surfaces in your new place
It would be beneficial to clean and sanitize the kitchen, bathroom, and other rooms to maintain your new place – and make it awesome!
12. Make friends
One of the best ways to do that is to go to events on campus and start conversations with other people! There will be plenty at your new school, and it’s essential to make friends quickly so that you don’t get too lonely.
The first step in making a good friend is introducing yourself. Introduce yourself to someone you see around campus or chat with somebody when you have a class together. Don’t be afraid to go up and say hi.
13. Get your car inspected
It would be best to get your car inspected before you start driving around to avoid anything breaking down at inconvenient times.
14. Find the best place to live in Chicago
Pricing around the city can be complicated, but this article is here to help you find out the cost of living in Chicago. The price of living in Chicago depends on what part of the city you live in and whether or not you rent your home or own it. You may want to look into getting an extra bed and keeping it in storage until you need it so that you don’t have to move it twice. You could also sleep on the floor the first few nights while getting settled – which might be more comfortable than sleeping on a mattress that’s been crammed into a box. It would also save time since unpacking a bed is harder than putting away some clothes!
15. Be open-minded
When moving to a new place – especially unfamiliar people – you should be willing to talk to everyone and make new friends. Being closed off will not help you out because people are constantly changing themselves for the better, which means that there might be something positive about everyone you meet.
16. Consider the cost of living in Chicago vs. your current city
It’s a good idea to compare costs between Chicago and your current city so that you will be able to move into an apartment comfortably. When choosing where to live in Chicago, it’s essential to look at the cost of living compared to where you currently live because the prices of just about everything are different (especially rent). Some expenses will go up, others may even go down – but this article should give you a general idea of what you can expect when thinking about moving to Chicago. You can visit our website for more information on how much things cost in Chicago.
17. Get involved with campus events and clubs
You’ll want to become an active member instead of just being another person on the sidelines! Joining clubs related to your major is a great way to meet people with similar interests and become an integral part of the college experience.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different strategies you can use when moving to the big city! You will have many great opportunities in Chicago, and hopefully, these tips will come in handy during your transition. Remember that even though it’s scary sometimes to move to a new place, it is also an opportunity – and this applies both personally and professionally. The important thing is that you take full advantage of everything available to you to establish yourself as an integral part of the community.
