6 Things Every 20-something should Know Before Moving to Chicago

Chicago, the Windy City and one of the most popular destinations for new college graduates, offers so much for 20-somethings. It's a city full of things to do, places to go and plenty of unique homes. If you're a 20-something considering a move to Chicago, here are six things you should know about the city first.

Sports are a Huge Deal in Chicago

A city with many major sports franchises full of history, if you love sports, you will love Chicago. Sports fans following the Cubs, Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks and Bulls are some of the best fans you will find in the world. Of course, it's hard to beat the history of Wrigley Field, which is the second oldest Major League Baseball stadium in the United States.

The Music is Incredible

Many 20-somethings move to Chicago because of the booming music scene. It's a city that helped shape jazz, made blues modern and laid the foundation for Rock and Roll. House Musicians were born in Chicago and today the city is full of incredible music. Popular venues, such as The Hideout provide an intimate experience.

Plenty of Unique Jobs

Chicago constantly provides unique and cool jobs. You don't have to move to Silicon Valley or work for Google to find a company with bean bag chairs and Ping Pong tables. Many startups call Chicago home and provide the same type of laid back atmosphere. Some of the top companies for young professionals are found in the Windy City including Sprout Social and Red Frog Events.

A Neighborhood for Everybody

Chicago offers so many diverse neighborhoods for just about every personality. Whether you prefer to live near Wrigley Field or you want something a bit more artsy, you can find a great neighborhood in Chicago. Wrigleyville, Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park and many others provide great places for 20-somethings to enjoy where they live.

You can enjoy the Beach

Often, 20-somethings think they have to move to Los Angeles or Florida to really enjoy the beach. Chicago has its' own beach and provides plenty of beach fun during the summer. The Great Lakes are perfect for enjoying the water and the beach is found right in the city of Chicago. Along with the beach in Chicago, you can enjoy the Door County peninsula and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore found just a short drive away.

Sketch Comedy is All over the City

Chicago has been known as the capital for comedy for many years. To comedians and actors, such as Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Steve Carrell and Steven Colbert all got their start in Chicago. With many top spots for comedy, you can enjoy all types of shows for less than $30.

If you're considering moving to Chicago, you need a professional moving company. Hiring The Professionals Movers will allow you to relax, get moved in and enjoy the city without having to do all the hard labor yourself. We will help get everything packed and transported to your new Chicago home.

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What to Consider When Moving to Chicago

Moving provides plenty of opportunity and excitement. It also comes with stress, especially when moving to a new city, such as Chicago. Whether you already live in a big city or you are coming from a small town, there are some things to consider when moving to Chicago.

The Job Market

Of course, you need a way to support yourself. Unless you are independently wealthy or retired, you will need to consider the Chicago job market before you move. Make sure you have tested the waters and know you can find a job or already have one waiting for you.

Housing Cost

Before you move to any new city, you have to look into the cost of housing. Whether you will buy or rent, it's important to be prepared for what you will be able to afford in the new city. Look into the cost, along with the location of your new potential home.

It's important to consider the type of neighborhood, along with the overall cost of your new home or apartment. Looking into all the different factors will help you get a better sense of what to expect when moving to Chicago.

Features/Amenities of Buildings/Neighborhoods

Depending on where you live, you may gain access to amenities, such as a gym, swimming pool or community center. If the amenities are something you will use on a regular basis, this should be factored into your decision to move. You should also make sure you will feel safe by looking at the crime rate and the quality of schools in the area.

Other Basic Expenses

Often, when moving to a new city, people forget to look at the overall cost of living. This includes looking at basic needs, such as utilities, groceries and health care. Sometimes these items come at a higher cost in Chicago than in a smaller city. Make sure you will make enough money from your new job to outweigh the higher expenses.

Chicago has plenty to offer and for many, it's worth the higher cost of living. In addition, many jobs pay more in the Chicago market than in smaller markets. However, it's still important to look into the overall cost and the salary you will make before you finalize your decision to move.

Overall Quality of Life

Before you make the move, you should consider the quality of life you will experience in the area you are moving in to. If you love being outside, living near a park may give you a higher quality of life. For some, living near a church or top shopping options will help.

Chicago has plenty of different neighborhoods and plenty to offer for everybody. Make sure you choose an area you will love before you make the move to the big city.

There are several things to consider when moving to Chicago. When you do your research, you will be better prepared and you will have negotiating power if your company is paying for a portion of the moving expenses. You may be able to negotiate a higher salary due to a higher cost of living, but if nothing else, you will be better prepared for living in Chicago.

Where do I donate used clothing in Chicago

danatingclothinginChicago

Once the clutter has dissipated, and the dust has settled after what was a rough late of last minute packing before your big move, you may find that there are a lot of things you won’t desire to take  to your new residence, particularly in the area of clothing. Below are a list of charitable organization on Where do I donate used clothing in Chicago.  If you’re anything like me, clothes shopping is a near weekly occurrence and the amount of clothes you have shoved in closets and drawers throughout the house can appear to be more than a little unsettling.

Old clothing, and especially ones that you will never wear again or are out of style, there is no point having it being packed and stuffed into your moving trucks only to become an annoyance when your looking for places to store it all in your new residence.  Opt to simply throwing your unused clothing away, look to donate it to charities and organizations that can give it to those who could put it to good use.  But where and how can one accomplish such a feat?  At the Professionals Moving Specialists, we can help you determine how to donate your unused clothing in order to benefit those less fortunate, and to provide some relief for yourself during the moving process.

For Chicago residents, there are a numerous amount of places that you can seek out that provide you with assistance in donating your unused clothing when moving to a new location in Chicago.  If you live near the Logan Square area of Chicago, one organization that you could try an contact could be the Infant Welfare Auxiliary, associated with the Infant Welfare Society of America, located at 3600 W. Fullerton (773-782-5041).  According to the organization’s information page they provide health care and medical services to children and women who are uninsured and under served.  The organization will gladly accept any household items, and clothing that individuals are willing to donate to help further their cause.

The following is a list of places located outside of Logan Square that will also accept clothing donations for the needy:

• Cornerstone Community Outreach

Provides job training programs, educational programs, social programs and serves as a homeless shelter; located at 4628 N. Clifton. (773-303-0119)

• Sarah’s Circle

A social service agency that provides clothing for women and children; located at 4750 N. Sheridan, Suite 220. (773-728-1014)

• The Brown Elephant

Supporting the Howard Brown Health Center, and one of the largest healthcare organizations in the nation; located at 3651 N. Halsted. (773-549-5943)

• White Elephant Resale Shop

Supporting the non-profit Children’s Memorial Hospital; located at 2380 N. Lincoln Ave. (773-883-6184)

• The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army as stated in their website, is a non-profit, tax-exempt charity organization that operates in Chicago in its metropolitan division.  You can contact the Chicago division at http://www.salarmychicago.org/aboutUs/

• 2nd Chance Shop

Accepts a variety of donations, not limited to clothing which includes art, collectibles, books and more.  Money raised goes to the Animal Care League Shelter, which is a non-profit organization that brings in abandoned cats and dogs and give them shelter, food, and any required medical attention.  Located at 808 Harrison Street, Oak Park.  (708-383-9660)

• Avenues to Independence Thrift Shoppe

In addition to accepting donation of clothing, they also accept small appliances, books, houseware and china.  According to their website, the money raised by the Avenues to Independence assists those who suffer from developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy by providing them with community living programs and jobs.  Located at 7710 W. Touhy Ave (773-631-6230)

• Goodwill

Goodwill is a social enterprise and organization that helps to fund job programs, employment services and other community programs, while accepting donations for clothing and other household items as part of its service.  Goodwill has many locations throughout Chicago in donation centers and retail stores, all of which can be found by visiting http://www.goodwill.org/

In addition to these charitable organizations, the following are a list of other Chicago-area organizations that accept donations:

• Bridge To Success

• Catholic Charities in Chicago

• Cell Phones For Soldiers

• The Inner Voice

• The Stuff Stop

 The above are just a list of a few organizations in the Chicago area,  While these organizations will accept your undesired clothing, there are still regulations and guidelines that must be followed in order to provide a dedicated and professional service.  Your donated clothing cannot be dirty, ripped up or worn out, as that would be a disservice to those who are in need of proper attire.  In addition you are not  under any circumstances to submit dangerous or hazardous materials that could potentially inflict harm to individuals.  At the Professionals Moving Specialists, we hope that you take advantage of the availability of these organizations as an opportunity to give back to the Chicago community, and we hope that when you are ready to move into a new home in Chicago you The Professionals Moving Specialists

Before Moving in Chicago

Chicago

Every town has its own personalities and establishments.It has restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, parks, best school for your kids and more.However, there are 7 places that you should always know before moving in Chicago neighborhoods.While you may never need some of these establishments, it’s always best to know these places before before moving in Chicago in case of emergencies.Whether it’s a town over or across the street , in Chicago, IL do some research and figure out where they are.

Doctors

We hope that we never need medical attention, but you should always know where the local hospital is just in case.On top of that, also know where your local doctor’s office, pharmacy, dentist, etc., are.Being healthy is a top priority to living a happy life.You also never know when an emergency will occur, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Food

Find your local grocery stores.Maybe there’s even a farmer’s market near you!Knowing what’s around you is a great way to save money when buying food.Some stores have certain deals while other have different ones.You should also check out the restaurants around your home.Sometimes you just don’t feel like cooking and that’s when you want to know where all the good places to eat are.

Emergency Services

This kind of goes along with knowing where the hospital is.On top of that, you should know where the fire department is locates, as well as the police office.You may never need them, but knowing where they are located can give you piece of mind at the very least.

Gas Station

Transportation is important no matter where you live.As most people do drive, it’s smart to know where the local gas stations are.That way, since gas is so expensive nowadays, you can compare and contrast prices and get the best deal.

Public Transit

Chicago is a busy city and one thing all cities have is public transportation.Whether you prefer the bus or the train or have to use one or the other, makes sure you know what to take before you leave the house.It’s a pain trying to decipher Google maps on your phone while you’re onthe bus trying to see each stop or underground where you get no service.

DMV

Each state has different driving laws.If you are planning on staying in Illinois after moving from another state, you’re going to have to replace your license.The DMV is where you will need to go to get information about new laws and to apply. List of Chicago DMV Offices

Schools

If you have kids, knowing where the schools are in Chicago is one of the most important things.You don’t want to be scrambling the morning of the first day trying to figure out where you need to go to get to the school or where the closest bus stop is.Make life less stressful by being prepared. List of Chicago, IL Public Schools

Getting Acquainted With Your Neighbors When Moving in Chicago

Getting Acquainted With Your Neighbors When Moving

Moving into a new neighborhood in Chicago can be a very dreadful situation, if you do not know anything about that neighborhood. You are surrounded by strangers, in a place that is unfamiliar to you.At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we understand that moving can be a very difficult process, but assimilating into a new area can be just as daunting.Therefore, it is very important that upon arriving in a new location, that you try to get better acquainted with your surroundings.One of the best ways is to make friends, to ease into the transition of moving.

Getting Acquainted With Your Neighbors When Moving in Chicago is significant advantages.Neighbors can help you understand where things are in your neighborhood, where all the entertainment centers are, where to shop, which are the fastest routes of travel, what schools are the best, which areas to avoid and other important information.Beyond these advantages sometimes it can just be nice to have people that you can talk and relate to, and share in exciting new experiences.Meeting new people for the first time though can be a very nervous task, so the following are some helpful ideas to help you get better associated with your neighbors, and assimilate better into your neighborhood.

Attend Neighborhood Events

Attending neighborhood events and getting involved in your community is an excellent way to make new friends and get better familiar with your area.Things like neighborhood watch , city council and other neighborhood socials are a great way to voice your opinion about different aspects of your community and give yourself a more enriching experience.You will meet people, learn about events and become more sociable.

Invite Neighbors to a House Warming Party

Inviting neighbors to a housewarming party can be a great way to introduce yourself.You can impress them with your culinary skills, enjoy a movie, drink wine, and any other enjoyable activity you can think of.House warming parties do not necessarily have to be exactly what was mentioned before, nor do they have to be extravagant events.Simply inviting someone over for lunch is a sufficient way of showing your interest to be more sociable.

Greet New Members

In much the same way that you would like to be treated upon entering a new neighborhood, you should provide the same kindness to newcomers.Invite new neighbors to your house, give them tips and advice about living in the neighborhood in Chicago and make yourself available to them if they ever need any help.This can be a great way of making fast friends, and becoming more at ease with your neighborhood.

In general, making yourself more available to the community, and engaging in more sociable practices with your neighbors, can alleviate any anxiety of being a stranger in a strange land.At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we hope that you can use these tips to become better acquainted with your neighbors and make your moving experience a rewarding one.

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