How to Plan & Prepare for a Chicago Move

The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Chicago Residents

When it comes to moving, it’s essential to have a thorough list of tasks to complete prior to moving day. If you’re searching for some guidance on how to get the job done effectively, allow us to assist you with our ultimate moving checklist… 

• Plan Ahead 

One of the most essential parts of any relocation is to plan in advance. Moving involves many tasks, and planning ahead ensures nothing is forgotten. To complete your move without a hitch, planning ahead can prevent unnecessary stressors and allow the process to progress seamlessly. Create a schedule or a to-do list to keep all of your tasks appropriately organized ahead of your relocation. Additionally, creating a budget is another critical way to prepare for your move, allowing you to anticipate what you will spend throughout the course of your relocation.

• Declutter Your Space 

Before you begin packing, make sure to thoroughly declutter your home and eliminate any items you no longer use, want, or need. Getting rid of these items allows both the packing and unpacking processes to become much easier and more efficient. To complete the decluttering process successfully, categorize your items into piles for donate, sell, trash, and keep. Be discerning about the items you keep, as getting rid of items that don’t frequently get used will only help you more in the long run. If you’re having trouble eliminating items, start with your easiest belongings to get rid of, as this will allow you to gain momentum. 

• Transfer Your Utilities 

Prior to your relocation, it’s crucial to transfer your utilities in a timely manner to make sure everything is ready to go on the day you move in. If you’re moving locally and staying within the Chicago area, you may just be able to transfer your utilities with the same providers. However, if your move is a long distance one, be sure to set up deactivation of your old services and activation of your new services with enough time to spare so you can prevent any issues.  

• Update Your Address 

Plenty of essential parties need your address to send necessary communication your way. To avoid any missed correspondence, make sure to change your address ahead of your relocation. Change your address with the postal service, your insurance provider, your bank, your credit card company, your employer, your healthcare providers, and any other necessary parties. Compile your own list to make sure no one is forgotten. 

• Gather Packing Supplies 

Your packing can only be as good as the supplies you gather. To pack as carefully and effectively as possible, make sure you acquire all the materials necessary to keep your belongings safe. Obtain sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, permanent markers, resealable bags, bubble wrap, and anything else needed for your items in particular.  

• Pack and Protect 

As you go about your relocation, one of the most critical considerations is making sure your belongings are safe. Packing your items with sufficient protection will ensure you maintain the condition of your belongings throughout the move. Prevent movement as much as possible within your boxes by supporting your belongings with packing materials like bubble wrap or other soft items such as blankets or towels.  

• Label Thoroughly 

To stay organized throughout your relocation, make sure to label your boxes as you pack. The more detailed your label, the better. Each box should have labels on multiple sides that clearly denote the contents. Include more than just the room the items correspond to, and instead, offer specific details about what’s inside. If you want to step your organizational skills up a notch, you can opt to create an inventory list, keeping track of every item packed within each box. 

• Pack an Essentials Bag 

As the final step of packing for your move, prepare an essentials bag with everything you’ll need for your journey to your new home and for the first day or so in the new place. This bag will contain the items you will need immediately to prevent digging through boxes on the day of your move. Be mindful of what you will require and prepare to have these items by your side instead of packed onto the moving truck.