Winter Moving in Chicago: The Definitive Cold-Weather Guide
How Much Does It Cost to Move in Chicago? Your 2026 Pricing Guide
The cost to move in Chicago is the first thing most people want to know, and it is also the hardest to pin down online. National averages do not account for Chicago’s high-rise fees, long carries from triple-deckers, alley access, or the busy summer pricing season.
After 20+ years of helping Chicagoans move across town and across the country, we put together a clear pricing guide so you can budget with confidence. Below you will find real Chicago price ranges by move type, the factors that push your total up or down, the red flags to watch for in a quote, and simple ways to save money without cutting corners.
What the Average Cost to Move in Chicago Looks Like in 2026
Most local Chicago moves are billed by the hour. The hourly rate covers a crew (usually 2 to 4 movers), a truck, basic equipment, and travel time. Long-distance moves are usually billed by weight or by a flat rate based on inventory and distance. Because every move is different, the best way to know your real number is a free in-home or virtual estimate.
That said, here are realistic 2026 ranges based on typical Chicago moves. These assume a licensed, insured, full-service mover, not a gig-economy crew or an unlicensed operation.
Local Chicago Move Cost Ranges by Home Size
Studio apartment: $300 to $600
One-bedroom apartment: $400 to $800
Two-bedroom apartment or condo: $600 to $1,200
Three-bedroom house: $1,000 to $2,000
Four-bedroom house or larger: $1,800 to $3,500+
Small office: $1,000 to $3,000
Mid-size office: $3,000 to $8,000+
These ranges cover the move itself. Add-ons like full packing, specialty items, and storage are extra. For a deeper look at what is included in a full-service move, see our residential moving service page.
Long-Distance Move Cost Ranges from Chicago
Long-distance pricing depends on weight, distance, and timing. As a general guide:
Chicago to Milwaukee or Indianapolis: $1,500 to $4,500
Chicago to Nashville, Louisville, or Columbus: $2,500 to $6,500
Chicago to Charlotte or Minneapolis: $3,500 to $8,000+
These numbers cover a typical 2-bedroom to 3-bedroom household. Larger homes, heavy items, and full packing services raise the total. Learn more about how interstate pricing works on our long-distance moves page.
What Drives the Cost to Move in Chicago
Two moves with the same home size can land at very different prices. Here is why.
Hourly Rate and Crew Size
A 2-mover crew costs less per hour but takes longer. A 3 or 4-mover crew costs more per hour but finishes faster. For most 2-bedroom moves in Chicago, a 3-mover crew is the sweet spot. Hourly rates in Chicago typically run $130 to $220 per hour for licensed movers, depending on crew size and season.
Stairs, Elevators, and Long Carries
Chicago is a walk-up city. If your building has no elevator and the truck cannot park near the door, expect a long-carry fee or extra time on the clock. High-rise buildings often charge their own move-in fees and require freight elevator reservations, which adds time even when there is an elevator.
Heavy and Specialty Items
Pianos, safes, pool tables, large fish tanks, and antiques need special handling. Most movers add a flat fee per specialty item. Our piano moving service is a good example of why specialty pricing exists: a baby grand can weigh 600 pounds and needs custom protection.
Packing Services
You can pack yourself or hire pros. Full-service packing for a 2-bedroom apartment usually adds $400 to $1,000, plus materials. It saves a lot of time and reduces breakage. See our packing services page for details.
Time of Year and Day of Week
Summer is peak season in Chicago. June through early September books out fast and prices reflect that. Winter (December through February) is the cheapest time to move, and weekday moves cost less than weekend moves. Mid-month moves are also easier to book than the first or last few days, when leases turn over.
Distance Inside Chicagoland
Even within the metro, distance matters. A move from Lincoln Park to Lakeview is short. A move from Hyde Park to Schaumburg involves real travel time and tolls. Most movers add a flat travel fee or bill drive time at the regular hourly rate.
Common Add-On Costs to Plan For
Even a simple move usually includes a few extras beyond the hourly rate.
Materials: Boxes, tape, paper, and shrink wrap typically run $50 to $300 for an apartment.
Mattress bags and TV boxes: Often $10 to $40 each.
Wardrobe boxes: Useful for closets, usually included as rentals.
Storage: If your new place is not ready, climate-controlled storage services cost roughly $150 to $500 per month, depending on the volume stored.
Junk removal: A pre-move declutter through our junk removal service often saves money on the move itself by reducing the load.
Insurance upgrades: Basic released-value coverage is included by law. Full-value protection costs more but pays out the actual replacement value if something is damaged.
Red Flags to Watch for in a Chicago Moving Quote
Cost is only useful if the quote is honest. Chicago has a real problem with rogue movers who lowball the estimate, then hold belongings hostage for a higher final bill. Here is what to watch for.
Quotes That Are Way Below Everyone Else
If three companies quote $1,500 and one quotes $700, something is wrong. The cheap mover may not be licensed, may not carry insurance, or may plan to add fees on moving day. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration warns consumers about this exact pattern. You can verify any interstate mover at the FMCSA mover search tool.
No Written Estimate
A real moving company puts the estimate in writing. If a company will only give you a price over the phone with no inspection or inventory, walk away.
Cash-Only or Large Deposits
Reputable movers accept credit cards and ask for little or no deposit. A demand for a large cash deposit is a classic scam pattern.
No License Number on the Website
In Illinois, local movers need an ILCC license. Interstate movers need a USDOT number. You can verify Illinois licensing on the Illinois Commerce Commission website. Any company that hides or refuses to share these numbers is a hard pass.
For a deeper walkthrough on vetting movers, see our guide to how to choose a moving company in Chicago and avoid scams.
How to Save Money on Your Chicago Move
A smart plan can cut your moving cost by 20 to 40 percent without sacrificing service quality.
Move in the off-season. A January Tuesday move is much cheaper than a June Saturday.
Declutter first. Every box you do not pack is time and money saved. Donate, sell, or recycle before moving day.
Pack non-fragile items yourself. Save full-service packing for kitchens, art, and electronics.
Reserve elevators and parking permits early. Wasted time on moving day is the biggest hidden cost. The City of Chicago handles street parking permits for moving trucks.
Be ready when the crew arrives. Boxes sealed, labeled, and stacked. Furniture cleared. Pets out of the way.
Get three written estimates. Compare apples to apples on hourly rate, minimum hours, travel fees, and what is included.
Ask about flat-rate options. For some moves, a flat rate gives you peace of mind and protects against time overruns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Moving Costs
Q: How much do movers cost per hour in Chicago? A: Most licensed Chicago movers charge between $130 and $220 per hour, depending on crew size and season. A 2-mover crew sits at the lower end. A 4-mover crew with a larger truck sits at the higher end.
Q: Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself? A: For a studio or one-bedroom move across town, a DIY rental truck plus friends can be cheaper if nothing goes wrong. For 2-bedroom and larger moves, professional movers usually come out close in cost once you factor in truck rental, fuel, equipment, time off work, and the risk of damage.
Q: When is the cheapest time to move in Chicago? A: Mid-week, mid-month, in winter. December through February has the lowest demand and the best rates. Avoid the first and last week of the month, weekends, and the summer peak from June through early September.
Q: Why does my Chicago move cost more than the national average? A: Chicago has unique cost factors that national averages miss: high-rise move-in fees, freight elevator reservations, long carries in walk-up buildings, narrow streets that limit truck access, and seasonal pricing tied to Chicago’s tight summer rental market.
Q: Are moving costs in Chicago tax deductible? A: For most people, no. Federal moving expense deductions ended in 2017 except for active-duty military relocations. Always confirm with a tax professional based on your situation.
Final Thoughts: Get a Real Number, Not a Guess
The cost to move in Chicago depends on your home size, your building, your timing, and the company you choose. The ranges in this guide give you a realistic ballpark for budgeting. The next step is a free, no-pressure estimate from a licensed Chicago mover so you know exactly what your move will cost.
The Professionals Moving Specialists has helped Chicagoans move with transparent, hourly pricing and no hidden fees for over 20 years. Get your free moving estimate today and start your move with a clear plan and a clear price.
Emergency Movers in Chicago: What to Do When You Need to Move Fast
If you are searching for emergency movers in Chicago, you do not have time to read a 3,000-word guide. So this is the short version up front: same-day and next-day moves are possible in Chicago, but only with a licensed, insured, full-service mover that has the trucks, the crew, and the dispatching system to slot you in.
After 20+ years of running emergency moves across Chicagoland, including evictions, flood events, divorce situations, closing-date changes, and last-minute job relocations, we put together this guide to walk you through exactly what to do in the first 24 hours, what realistic expectations look like for a fast move, and how to avoid the rogue movers who target panicked customers. Take a deep breath. There is a path forward.
What Emergency Movers in Chicago Can (and Cannot) Do
A real emergency move is not a normal move done faster. It is a different operation. Crews are smaller, prep time is compressed, and decisions get made on the fly. Knowing what is realistic helps you plan.
What Same-Day and Next-Day Movers Can Handle
Apartment moves under 1,500 sq ft: Studios, 1-bedrooms, and most 2-bedrooms are very doable in 24 to 48 hours.
Local Chicago moves: Anything within Chicagoland is the easiest emergency case.
Furniture-only moves: Skipping packing speeds everything up.
Storage drops: When the new place is not ready, items go to a climate-controlled storage facility until you are.
Eviction or lockout situations: Movers who handle these regularly know the building and sheriff coordination process.
Where Same-Day Moves Get Harder
Houses over 2,000 sq ft: Possible but usually need 48 to 72 hours to staff and pack.
Long-distance moves: Interstate emergency moves are bookable but rarely happen on the same day. Plan for 2 to 5 days.
Specialty items: Pianos, large safes, antiques, and pool tables need crew planning. See our piano moving service for what specialty handling involves.
Peak Chicago move dates: May 1, June 1, September 1, and October 1 are the busiest days of the year. Same-day availability is tight.
What “Same-Day” Actually Means
Most reputable Chicago movers define same-day as a move booked and completed within 24 hours of the call, subject to crew and truck availability. Last-minute often means within 48 to 72 hours, which is far easier to staff. Either way, the call should happen as soon as you know you need to move.
What to Do in the First 24 Hours
When the clock is short, sequence matters more than checklists. Do these things in order.
Hour 1: Make the Call
Call a licensed Chicago mover that explicitly offers emergency or same-day service. A normal mover may not have the capacity. While you are on the phone, ask three things: confirmed crew size, confirmed truck availability, and a written estimate range. Get an email confirmation before you hang up.
If the mover cannot give a clear yes or no on availability within 10 minutes, call the next one. Time is the resource you cannot get back.
Hour 2: Triage What Goes
In a planned move, you pack everything. In an emergency, you triage. Group items into three piles.
Must take today: Documents, medication, electronics, valuables, immediate clothing, child and pet supplies.
Take if there is room: Furniture, kitchen items, decor.
Leave or store: Heavy or low-value items can go to storage, be donated, or be removed through junk removal.
Triage usually saves more time than packing faster does.
Hour 3 to 6: Pack the Essentials
Even if movers are doing the bulk of packing, pack a personal “first night” bag yourself. Include phone chargers, IDs, prescriptions, a change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, and any documents you cannot replace easily. This bag stays with you, not on the truck.
Hour 6 to 24: Coordinate the Building
Whether you are moving out, into, or through a high-rise or walk-up, the building is the wild card. Call building management as soon as you have a confirmed move time. Ask about freight elevator availability, certificate of insurance requirements, loading dock hours, and after-hours fees. Most Chicago high-rises require a certificate of insurance from the moving company. Reputable Chicago movers can issue one within an hour.
For street parking, the City of Chicago requires permits for moving trucks in many neighborhoods. The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation handles permit requests, though emergency moves sometimes proceed with cones and a careful crew.
Common Reasons People Need Emergency Movers in Chicago
Emergency moves are more common than most people think. The reasons follow patterns.
Closing date changed: A buyer or seller moves up the closing and the original move date no longer works.
Lease fell through or was terminated: Eviction notices, building condemnation, or landlord disputes.
Pipe burst or fire: Water and smoke damage force a fast exit.
Domestic situation: Sudden separations or safety concerns require quick relocation.
Job relocation: A new role with a tight start date in another city.
Construction delays: A renovation runs long and the family needs to move out (or back in) on short notice.
Roommate exit: A primary leaseholder leaves and remaining tenants need to find a new place fast.
Whatever the reason, the playbook is similar: call a licensed mover, triage what goes, and lean on professional help. For more on vetting movers under pressure, our guide to how to choose a moving company in Chicago and avoid scams covers the red flags.
Red Flags to Watch For Under Pressure
Emergency situations are where rogue movers do their worst work. They prey on panic. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration tracks complaints, and the pattern is consistent: a too-good-to-be-true price, a vague or verbal estimate, a demand for cash up front, and a much higher price on moving day with belongings held hostage in a truck. Avoid the trap.
No physical Chicago address. Real Chicago movers have offices and storage facilities you can visit.
No license number. Local movers in Illinois are licensed by the ILCC. Interstate movers carry a USDOT number. Verify them.
Cash-only or large deposits. Reputable movers take credit cards and ask for little or no deposit.
Pricing that is way below the market. A $300 quote when others quoted $900 is not a deal. It is a warning.
No written estimate. Even an emergency move should produce something in writing, even if it is an emailed range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Movers in Chicago
Q: Can I really book a same-day mover in Chicago? A: Yes, but availability depends on the day, the season, and the size of the move. Apartment moves within Chicagoland are the easiest to book on the same day. Larger homes and long-distance moves usually need 48 to 72 hours. Call early in the day for the best chance.
Q: How much do emergency movers cost in Chicago? A: Emergency moves are billed at the regular hourly rate, typically $130 to $220 per hour for a licensed crew, with no large surcharge for the short notice with most reputable movers. Peak-day moves (May 1, June 1, September 1) and weekend moves carry a higher rate.
Q: What should I pack myself before the movers arrive? A: A “first night” bag with documents, medication, chargers, IDs, a change of clothes, and any items you cannot replace. The movers handle the rest if you book full-service packing.
Q: Are emergency movers fully licensed and insured? A: They should be. Always confirm an Illinois Commerce Commission (ILCC) license for local moves and a USDOT number for interstate moves. A real emergency mover can produce both within minutes.
Q: What if my new place is not ready yet? A: Short-term climate-controlled storage covers the gap. A full-service mover can pick up your belongings, store them, and deliver them when your new home is ready, all under one inventoried trip.
Final Thoughts: Fast Moves Still Need a Plan
The best emergency move is the one that feels almost normal because the right team showed up with the right truck and the right plan. Emergency movers in Chicago can absolutely make that happen, but only when you call early, triage what goes, and choose a licensed company that runs same-day work as a regular service, not a rare exception.
The Professionals Moving Specialists has handled urgent moves across Chicagoland for over 20 years, with sanitized trucks, full-service crews, and on-site storage when timing slips. Call us now or get your free emergency moving estimate and let us help you turn a stressful day into a finished move.
Climate-Controlled Storage in Chicago: What to Know Before You Store
Climate-controlled storage in Chicago is not a luxury upgrade. It is a practical response to one of the most extreme climates in the country. Chicago swings from below-zero wind chills in January to humid 95-degree afternoons in July, and the gap between move-out and move-in often falls right in the middle of those extremes.
Chicago Moving Checklist: Your Complete Week-by-Week Timeline
Introduction
Moving in Chicago comes with challenges you will not find anywhere else. Between reserving freight elevators, applying for street parking permits through the city, and dealing with unpredictable weather, a generic moving checklist just will not cut it. You need a plan built for the realities of moving in the Windy City.
That is exactly what this moving checklist for Chicago delivers. We have taken our 20-plus years of experience as a family-owned Chicago moving company and turned it into a week-by-week timeline that covers every detail, from your first planning steps eight weeks out to your final tasks after you are settled in your new home.
Whether you are moving from a Lincoln Park walk-up to a South Loop high-rise, relocating from Lakeview to the suburbs, or settling into your first Chicago apartment, this checklist keeps you organized and on track. Print it out, bookmark it, and check items off as you go. By moving day, you will feel prepared instead of panicked.
8 Weeks Before Your Move: Research and Big Decisions
The eight-week mark is when your move shifts from “someday” to “it is happening.” This is when you lock in the decisions that affect everything else on your timeline.
Hire Your Moving Company
Start getting quotes early. Chicago’s moving season runs hot from May through September, and the best crews book up fast. Look for a company that is fully licensed and insured with the Illinois Commerce Commission and has a strong track record of verified reviews.
Get at least three written estimates from licensed movers
Ask about hourly rates, stair fees, long carry charges, and any potential extra costs
Verify licensing with the ILCC and check for complaints
Confirm insurance coverage and what it includes
Book your moving date as soon as you find the right fit
If you want a stress-free experience, consider booking professional packing services at the same time. Bundling your move and packing saves time and ensures your belongings are protected by trained hands.
Start Decluttering Room by Room
Eight weeks gives you plenty of time to sort through every room without feeling rushed. The less you move, the less your move costs and the faster it goes.
Go room by room and sort items into keep, donate, sell, and toss piles
Schedule a junk removal service for large items like old furniture, broken appliances, or mattresses
List sellable items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist Chicago
Donate usable items to local organizations like Brown Elephant or The Salvation Army
Evaluate Your Storage Needs
If there is a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, or if you are downsizing and need time to figure out what fits, now is the time to arrange storage. Chicago’s extreme temperature swings make climate-controlled storage especially important for protecting furniture, electronics, and anything sensitive to heat or cold.
6 Weeks Before Your Move: Paperwork and Logistics
With your movers booked and decluttering underway, the six-week mark is about handling the administrative side of your move. This is where Chicago-specific logistics start to matter.
Apply for a Chicago Street Parking Permit
If your moving truck needs to park on a public street at either your current or new address, you will likely need a temporary parking permit from the City of Chicago. This is not optional. Without a permit, your movers may have to double-park or circle the block, which wastes time and adds to your cost.
Apply through the City of Chicago’s 311 service portal or call 311 directly
Submit your application at least two weeks before your move, though earlier is better
The permit reserves a specific section of street in front of your building
You will receive “No Parking” signs to post 24 to 48 hours before your move
Cost varies but typically runs around 50 to 75 dollars depending on duration and location
If you are moving into or out of a high-rise, contact your building management now to ask about loading dock schedules and freight elevator reservations. Many downtown and lakefront buildings only allow moves on specific days or during certain hours.
Notify Your Landlord and Review Your Lease
If you are renting, check your lease for move-out requirements. Many Chicago landlords require 30 to 60 days written notice, and some buildings charge move-out fees or require a security deposit for the freight elevator.
Submit written notice to your landlord within the required window
Schedule your move-out inspection
Ask about any building-specific move-out rules, including required floor protection in hallways and elevator padding
Document the condition of your apartment with photos and video before you start packing
Begin Transferring Utilities and Services
Chicago-area utility transfers can take longer than you expect. Start the process now so everything is live on move-in day.
Contact ComEd to transfer or set up electric service
Contact Nicor Gas or Peoples Gas depending on your service area
Transfer or set up water service through the City of Chicago
Schedule cable and internet installation with your provider (Xfinity, RCN, and AT&T are the most common in the city and wait times for installation can stretch to two weeks during busy periods)
Forward your mail through USPS starting the week of your move
4 Weeks Before Your Move: Packing Begins
You are one month out. By now your movers are booked, your permits are submitted, and the paperwork is moving. It is time to start packing.
Gather Your Packing Supplies
You have two main options here. Traditional cardboard boxes work fine, but if you want a more sustainable approach, consider eco-friendly reusable moving boxes through The Chicago Green Box. These reusable Recopack crates are sturdier than cardboard, stackable, and waterproof, which is a real advantage if you are moving during a Chicago rainstorm.
Stock up on boxes in various sizes, or order reusable crates
Pick up packing supplies including tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers
Grab wardrobe boxes for closets (saves a surprising amount of time)
Get mattress covers to protect against dirt and moisture during the move
Start Packing Non-Essential Rooms
Begin with rooms and items you will not need in the next four weeks. Think guest bedrooms, storage closets, holiday decorations, books, and out-of-season clothing.
Label every box on the top and at least one side with the room name and a brief description of contents
Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes
Wrap fragile items individually and fill empty space in boxes with packing paper
Keep a running inventory list as you pack (a simple spreadsheet works great)
Number your boxes and note the count for each room
Update Your Address
Do not wait until the last minute. Some address changes take weeks to process.
Update your address with your bank, credit cards, and investment accounts
Change your address with your employer and payroll department
Notify your doctor, dentist, vet, and pharmacy
Update your Chicago city vehicle sticker registration if you are moving to a new zone (the city sticker is tied to your address and ward)
Transfer or update your voter registration through the Cook County Clerk’s office
2 Weeks Before Your Move: Final Preparations
The two-week mark is when everything comes together. Your home should be partially packed, your logistics should be confirmed, and you should be tying up loose ends.
Confirm Everything with Your Moving Company
Call your moving company to confirm your date, arrival time, and any special requirements. This is especially important for Chicago moves where timing and access can be complicated.
Confirm your move date, time window, and crew size
Review any special items that need extra handling (piano, antiques, oversized furniture)
Confirm building access details: which entrance, which elevator, any time restrictions
Ask your movers to bring floor runners and door frame protectors (a must for Chicago apartments and condos with strict hallway damage policies)
Get your mover’s certificate of insurance if your building requires one
Post Your No-Parking Signs
If you received temporary parking permit signs from the city, post them in the designated spots 24 to 48 hours before your move. This gives other vehicles time to relocate. If cars are still parked in your reserved zone on moving day, you can call 311 to have them ticketed and towed.
Finish Packing Main Living Areas
With two weeks left, start packing your kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Leave out only what you truly need for the next 14 days.
Pack kitchen items you rarely use first (specialty appliances, serving dishes, extra utensils)
Wrap and box all wall art, mirrors, and decorative items
Disassemble furniture that can be taken apart (bookshelves, bed frames, desks)
Bag and label all hardware and screws in zip-lock bags taped to the corresponding furniture piece
1 Week Before Your Move: The Final Countdown
This is the home stretch. Most of your home should be packed. This week is about the last-mile details that separate a smooth move from a stressful one.
Pack Your Essentials Box
This is the single most important box you will pack. It stays with you, not on the truck, and it contains everything you need for the first 24 hours in your new home.
Phone chargers and laptop
Medications and toiletries
A change of clothes for each family member
Basic cleaning supplies (paper towels, all-purpose spray, trash bags)
Toilet paper (trust us on this one)
Snacks and water bottles
Important documents (lease, IDs, moving contract)
Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, box cutter)
Pet supplies if you have animals
Handle Season-Specific Chicago Prep
Chicago weather does not care about your moving schedule. A little preparation goes a long way depending on the season.
Summer moves (June through September): - Have cold water and sports drinks ready for your moving crew - Keep windows and doors open at the new place to let heat escape before moving furniture in - Be aware that Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, and North Side streets may be crowded on game days and festival weekends
Winter moves (November through March): - Confirm your movers have experience with Chicago winter moving and use proper floor protection - Salt and shovel walkways, stairs, and loading areas at both locations - Protect electronics and wood furniture from extreme cold with blankets during transport - Watch for Chicago snow emergency route restrictions that could affect truck parking
Spring and fall moves: - Rain is common in both seasons, so have tarps and plastic wrap available - Falling leaves in autumn can make stairs and ramps slippery
Do a Final Walk-Through at Your New Home
If possible, visit your new place before moving day to check a few things.
Verify that all utilities are active and working
Measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells for your largest furniture pieces
Note any existing damage and photograph it for your records
Test all locks and make copies of keys
Clean the empty space before your belongings arrive (much easier now than after)
Moving Day: Your Chicago Game Plan
Moving day is here. If you have followed this checklist, you are in great shape. Now it is about execution.
Morning of the Move
Wake up early and do a final walk-through of every room, closet, and cabinet
Confirm your movers are on schedule (a quick text or call works)
Strip beds and pack bedding into labeled bags
Defrost and clean out the refrigerator if you have not already
Clear a path from every room to the front door or freight elevator
Set aside boxes and bags you want to transport personally (essentials box, valuables, documents)
When Your Movers Arrive
Walk the crew lead through your home and point out fragile items or special instructions
Show them the path to the truck, including which elevator to use and where to park
Stay available to answer questions but let the crew do their job
Offer water and point out the bathroom (a small courtesy that goes a long way)
Avoid hovering in hallways and doorways where crew members are carrying heavy items
Before You Leave Your Old Place
Check every room one more time, including closets, cabinets, and the medicine cabinet
Check the garage, storage unit, and back porch
Turn off all lights and lock all windows
Set the thermostat to the appropriate setting per your lease
Leave keys and garage openers as agreed with your landlord
Take final photos of the empty apartment for your records
At Your New Home
Direct movers on where to place large furniture (it is much easier to decide now than to rearrange later)
Check off boxes against your inventory list as they come off the truck
Inspect furniture and boxes for damage before signing the delivery receipt
Set up beds first so you have a place to sleep tonight
Unpack the essentials box and get the bathroom and kitchen functional
Post-Move: Your First Week Settling In
Congratulations, you made it through moving day. But a few tasks remain to make sure your transition is fully complete.
First 48 Hours
Unpack kitchen essentials and set up the bathroom
Assemble beds and get bedrooms functional
Test all appliances and note anything that does not work
Introduce yourself to your new neighbors (a Chicago tradition that still matters)
Locate your nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and urgent care
First Week
Unpack room by room in priority order (kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, then living areas)
Break down boxes and recycle them, or if you used reusable crates, schedule your return pickup
Update your driver’s license address with the Illinois Secretary of State (required within 90 days of moving)
Update your Chicago city vehicle sticker if applicable
Register your dog with Chicago Animal Care and Control if you have moved to a new ward
Set up any remaining furniture and hang pictures once you know where everything goes
Within 30 Days
File a change of address with the IRS
Update your vehicle registration if you moved to a new county
Find new local service providers (doctor, dentist, vet, dry cleaner)
Leave a review for your moving company if they did a great job (honest reviews help other Chicago movers make smart choices)
Final Thoughts
Moving in Chicago is not like moving anywhere else. Between building rules, city permits, unpredictable weather, and the sheer logistics of navigating one of the country’s largest cities, you need a plan that accounts for all of it. This week-by-week moving checklist gives you that plan.
The key is to start early, stay organized, and work with a moving company that knows Chicago inside and out. At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we have been helping Chicagoans move since 2004. With over 4,500 five-star Google reviews and a commitment to transparent pricing with no hidden fees, we take the stress out of your move so you can focus on what matters: settling into your new home.
Ready to check the biggest item off your list? Get your free moving estimate today and let our team build a moving plan around your timeline.