Guide to Student Moving in Chicago

The Windy City is a very popular place for student to move to for school. Of course, when students move it's not the same as a regular move. Instead of moving into a home and staying all year long, students often move to a dorm room or apartment and head back home to mom and dad's house for the summer. This type of moving provides a few unique challenges. When exams are over, everything has to be packed up and taken out of the dorms for the summer. It can be a big job getting everything into boxes, carrying it down the stairs, packing up a vehicle and taking it back to mom and dad's house. The days when college students move in or move out are the busiest days and the most stressful days on any college campus.

What Should You Store?

If you know you will be coming back to Chicago next year, you should consider storing some things instead of moving them home. Larger items, such as futons, mattresses, dressers and other furniture item should be stored. You can also store comforters, pillows, dishes, winter clothes and anything else you won't need over the summer.

What Should you Take Home?

You don't want to take home more than you need, as it will just make the move more stressful. Personal items, your computer, TVs, stereos and other electronics may be items you want to take home. However, if you have no use for them during the summer, you can just put them in storage until next year.

Tips for a Successful Move

As you move to or from a college dorm or apartment, you want to make sure you follow a few general tips:

• Label all items on every side of the box

• Keep a full inventory of the items you store

• Stack neatly and put larger boxes on the bottom when storing items

• Use proper moving boxes and packing tape

When you plan to store some items and you plan to take some home, an inventory of where each item went will help you when moving back the following year. It's easy to misplace an item, but the inventory will ensure you know where it's supposed to be.

Hiring a Mover to Help with your Move

Moving to or from college is incredibly stressful. You already have a long list of things you have to do when you arrive, if you're moving to college. If you're moving home, you've probably spent the past few weeks stressed out about final exams. There's no need to add to your stress. Instead, hire a moving company in Chicago to help you move to or from college.

With a Chicago student moving company on your side, you can take care of the personal items going home to mom and dad's house with you, while they handle the larger items going to storage. This will make the move back home easier.

When it's time to move back to college, you can have your trusted moving company pick up all the items you have in storage and bring them to your dorm room. You won't have as much to worry about as they will take care of the lifting and ensuring your larger items arrive on time.

There are many benefits to hiring a moving company for student moves. With all the stress you already have to deal with, hiring movers is an easy way to check something off your list. If you're a student or the parents of a student and you need to move in or out of a college dorm or apartment, consider hiring a mover to help.

5 Essential To-Do Items for a Chicago Moving Day

Moving day is a huge day and usually one that comes with fear, anxiety and excitement. Nobody really enjoys the process of moving. However, it has to be done and sometimes it leads us to bigger better things.

When moving day arrives, there are certain items you should always have on your to-do list. Here are some of the most essential items to add to your checklist for your next Chicago moving day.

Important Documents

Imagine arriving to your new home without the documents you need. This could quickly become a catastrophic situation, especially if you're moving from out of town or state.

Before you hit the road, make sure all important documents are in a file and with you. Even when you hire a professional moving company, you want to keep your most important documents on hand, such as your new lease, bank documents, employment documents, dentist/vet/doctor records and anything else considered vital.

Extra Packing Supplies

It's always best to be prepared for the unknown. Extra packing supplies will help to ensure you get everything packed properly at the last minute. It's very easy to underestimate what you need to get everything packed. Make sure you have more than you need or you may end up making trips to the store, which could throw your entire schedule off.

Consider the Children

If you're moving with children, you should consider what they might need. Moving is stressful on them, as well. A favorite toy, snacks, drinks, games and other things to help keep them occupied will go a very long way.

Consider the Pets

Maybe you are moving with a dog, cat or other type of pet. If this is the case, you have to make sure you have what you need for them. It's not necessary to haul around a 50-pound bag of food, but make sure you have left out enough for the day.

If you are moving from one area of Chicago to another, it may be best to put your pets up in a pet hotel for the day or a couple of days. This will provide your pets with a less stressful environment, while you prepare their new home.

Pack an Overnight Bag

Even if you're just moving across town, an overnight bag is essential. Keep a change of clothes for everybody, toiletries and other items you would normally pack if you were staying in a hotel for the next.

You never know what might happen and you may not have access to running water, electric or even your new home the first night. In an emergency situation, your overnight bag will come in handy.

There are several things you should put on your to-do list for your next moving day in Chicago. Even when you're just moving across town or down the street, it can be a stressful day. With the help of a professional moving company and a thorough to-do list, you can take the stress out of your next moving day.

When is the Best Time to Move in Chicago?

Whether you are relocating to the windy city or just moving from one apartment to another, it's important to know the best time to move in Chicago. The answer to this question isn't exactly straightforward. It depends on your needs. Here's what you should know about moving in Chicago.

Moving to Chicago in the Summer

Chicago summers are very beautiful and provide a great time to move. However, this is also one of the most popular times of the year to move because of the weather. The summer season is also the time when rentals and homes for sale become readily available. They also rent and sell fast, which leaves less room for negotiating.

Winter Moving in Chicago

The winter can be cold, icy, snowy and no fun for moving. This isn't the best time to move in Chicago, but there are some pros to moving in the winter.

During the winter season, fewer rentals and for sale options will be available. However, the owners are often ready to negotiate because they need a tenant or a buyer. You may be able to get a shorter lease or a better price during the winter.

Busiest Time to Move in Chicago

If you want to avoid the busiest months for moving in Chicago, you will want to avoid May and August. Both months are full of college students moving and many others moving. These two months are super busy in Chicago, so if you're looking for less competition, don't move during May and August.

Slowest Month for Moving in Chicago

Those seeking less competition when moving in Chicago will enjoy moving in November. The weather may be cold and you may see some snow, but there will be far less people looking to move during November than most other months of the year.

The slower season in Chicago for real estate, rentals and moving typically starts in November and runs through February.

Two Moving Days in Chicago

Many real estate agents and landlords are aware of the two moving days in Chicago. However, are you aware of these two days?

About 20% of the properties sold or rented will be moved into on October 1st and May 1st every single year in Chicago. In the real estate industry, these two days are known as the moving days.

Depends on your Neighborhood

Of course, with everything above, it can vary depending on your neighborhood. Some neighborhoods cater to a younger audience and see a larger turnover, while other neighborhoods provide housing for older families and couples willing to stay longer. Each Chicago neighborhood will be a little bit different when it comes to the best time of the year to move.

Choosing the best time of the year to move in Chicago isn't cut-and-dry. It depends on what you want and need. If you need to move because you are relocating for a job, you may not get much say in the time of year you move. However, if you just want to move because your lease is up, you may be able to negotiate a few extra months to move during a slower time or a time when more rentals are available.

What Should You Look for When Hiring a Moving Company?

The Pro Move - Chicago Movers

Moving is an expensive and stressful experience for most people. Nobody really likes to go through the process, but sometimes, it's necessary.

Finding a moving company you can trust will help to relieve your stress. There are several things you should look for before hiring a moving company. Here's a short list of the most important things.

Reputation Speaks Volumes

Any moving company worth using will have a great reputation online and offline. You can easily check out their online reputation by reading customer reviews. Of course, there may be a few poor reviews here and there, as nobody is perfect. However, you want to see the positive reviews outweighing the negative reviews.

Experience Plays a Factor

Another thing to look for when hiring a moving company is their experience. They don't need to be huge or even nationwide. However, they do need to be experienced. The last thing you want to do is hire some new moving company and find out they don't have a clue what they are doing.

It takes more than just a few guys with muscles to move your things. Experienced movers know how to lead their team and they know how to get your things from one place to another without damage. Check their website for an about page and find out how long they have been in business before hiring.

Proper Licensing

Every moving company should have the proper licensing for their business. If you run across a moving company without the right licensing, don't hire them. This could cause more issues than it's worth.

Check the Better Business Bureau

There are a few reasons why you always want to check the BBB before you hire a moving company. First, this will be the place you will find any serious complaints and discover if the company is a repeat offender. Second, a moving company with a high rating on the BBB is always a good sign. Finally, you will be able to search for any other business names they have used to see if they are avoiding a bad rating by switching names.

Get References

It may seem like a hassle, but any moving company worth hiring will be able to provide you with references. You can call the references and verify the company is a good choice by asking specific questions.

Watch out for the Large Deposit

When you hire a moving company, they may ask for a deposit up front. This isn't a good sign, in most cases. Reputable movers won't ask for any type of cash up front or large deposit before moving. They will ask you to pay upon delivery.

If you pay a moving company in advance, you lose control over the situation. You may never see your things again, they may not show up on time or at all or you may become a victim of some other type of scam. It's best to use a credit card, if you feel it’s okay to pay a deposit. This will give you at least some level of protection from fraud.

Whenever you need to hire a moving company, it's important to find the right choice for your specific needs. Don't take this process lightly, as there are many fly-by-night companies and scammers out there ready to take your money. Make sure you hire a reputable moving company with plenty of experience.

How to reward yourself after a move

After a long day of moving, many of us don’t feel like unpacking right away, and that’s fair enough. While you don’t want to wait too long to settle in, don’t feel guilty about wanting to take some time to unwind. Want to reward yourself for a move well done? Here are some ideas if you aren’t sure what to do:

Give yourself a night in

Order in

You’re tired, and don’t want to go out. But you can’t imagine having the energy to cook, either. Treat yourself, and order in! Dinner is delivered right to your door and you can either take a nap on the couch, lie down with a book or, if you’re so inclined, start unpacking a few things.

Games night

If you’ve got access to board games or card games, clear a space on the floor (or at the table, if it’s set up) and unwind for a few hours.

It’s okay to invite friends over—just be sure there’s enough room and no boxes in their path!

Movie night

Unless you have a large family that requires a bigger screen to watch a movie, pull out your laptop or tablet and put on your favorite film—no need to unpack the entire DVD collection or set up the TV.

Give yourself a night out

Dinner

You probably aren’t in the mood for cooking or unpacking your kitchen supplies, so step out for a few hours and relax at a nearby restaurant (bonus points if it’s in your new neighborhood!).

If you’ve completed the move earlier in the day, take the kids, roommate, or your significant other out for ice cream or another sweet treat!

Movie

Don’t want to pull out the TV or DVD collection? Treat yourself to a movie and relax for a few hours.

Event

Is there a sporting event or theater performance taking place that night? Your house is full of boxes, so a great reward could mean going out to watch your favorite local sports team or artist.

What's your favorite way to relax or reward yourself after a move?

Sam Landa is Content Manager and social media manager for You Move Me, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and WOW 1 DAY Painting. Back in her college days, she had to move in and out of her dorm apartment, twice a year, for six years. Her favorite things about her current downtown apartment are the water view and lounging on her sectional. Connect with Sam on Google+ or LinkedIn.