Relocating to Chicago? Here’s Your Moving Checklist!

Moving, no matter how near or far, requires intense planning, hard work, and meticulous organization.  It’s a period of time that is filled with great anticipation and excitement, but can also come with a great deal of stress due to all of the various tasks that need to be completed before the big day. Sometimes, the tasks at hand may seem overwhelming; chores, packing, scheduling, and contingency plans seem to add up until everything is just one jumbled, chaotic pile of confusion.  If this sounds like you, have no fear. We have you covered!    

We’ve put together a brief moving checklist to help you get a head start on all of your pre-move preparations so that you may enjoy a more stress-free transition to life in Chicago.  

Things to Do Before You Move

• Track all moving documents.  Keep a file handy with all moving-related papers, receipts, addresses, contact information and contracts.  You’ll also want all of this on hand later when you go to file your taxes, as moving expenses can be written off.
• Decide how you will move.  Do you plan to move yourself, or will you need to hire a mover?
• Hire movers. If you are hiring someone else to move your things, set up moving dates and appointments in advance.  
• Collect your records. It’s important, especially if you’re moving out of state, to get a copy of all essential records. This includes medical, financial, school, veterinary, and so on.
• Take photographs. Before you start packing, be sure to take photographs or video of anything that may be of value in the event that something should get lost or break during the move.  
• Change your address.  Be sure to file for a change of address and cancel or re-route all current mailing subscriptions.  Make sure that utility companies, post offices, schools, child care facilities and, of course, friends and family have your new address.
• Switch your utilities.  Though this seems like a no-brainer, you should schedule set-up times as soon as you have your moving or closing date.  Call your utility companies and set up a service switch.  If your new home already has utilities set up, be sure to do a walk-through, in advance, to make sure that everything is in top working condition once you arrive.  If anything needs maintenance, you will need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.  
• Identify and contact your new, local institutions with your change of address.  This is necessary for registering, changing your driver’s license, updating mobile phone companies, etc.
• Set up a moving day plan.  Have your moving day all planned out, and if you have hired movers, be sure to have a trustworthy person standing by at your new home ready to meet the movers and help with the supervision of the unloading process.  

Moving can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you do your research and think ahead, things should run fairly smoothly for you. Have a plan in place, but give yourself plenty of time to get everything done so that you don’t burn out all in one go.  

Are you relocating to Chicago or hoping to purchase a home in the near future? If so, let our team help you make a smooth transition into a house or condo you’ll love. Contact us today at (847) 226-8681 or via email at ebooth@ericboothrealty.com. You handle the packing; we’ll handle the rest!