What To Expect on Moving Day

Moving day is a process; to say the least. It can be exciting, stressful and filled with emotion. Here's what you can expect when it comes to the moving day process.

Leading Up to Moving Day

Before moving day arrives, if you're well prepared, you can expect to have a checklist in place with all the tasks needing done. This helps to make the moving day process much easier. You should also know the time the movers will arrive and any other important information.

Moving Day Essentials

Another part of the preparation for moving day is making sure you have a few essentials. You'll want to have extra boxes, extra packing supplies, extra tape, basic tools, a first-aid kit, an essentials bag for when you arrive and anything else you cannot live without.

Tips for Moving Day

The moving day process gets stressful. With a few tips you won't have to worry so much. Don’t oversleep and make sure you double check the home you are leaving. Safety comes above everything else as you don't want to become injured or cause damage to the property. In addition, make sure you keep all valuables and important papers with you.

The Actual Moving Day Process

The process for moving day will vary a bit, depending on how well you are prepared. If you're well prepared and you don't run into inclement weather or any other hiccups, it should go a bit like this:

• Wake up and get some breakfast (you'll need the energy)

• Do any last minute packing before the movers arrive

• Movers arrive and go through the things you want packed with you

• Movers start loading the truck(s) with your belongings

• You pack your essentials bag, valuables and other items into your own vehicle

• Movers finish packing, close the truck and head towards your new home

• You go through the old residence to make sure nothings was overlooked

• You hit the road and head to your new home

• Movers unload all items into your new home and into the room specified on the carefully labeled boxes

• You move in all items packed in your personal vehicle

• Movers go through their checklist to ensure everything has been delivered properly

• You start unpacking the most important items for each room first

• You're now moved in and just need to get fully unpacked

If you hired your professional moving company to help with packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly and furniture assembly, they will also take care of these tasks.

During the moving day process, expect to have found something you forgot to pack or have something in need of repacking. In addition, if it's a busy day, expect delays. Moving day doesn't always go perfectly, but if you expect the hiccups, they won't throw you off too much.

Hiring a moving company will go a long way to making the moving day process smooth and easy. Make sure you're well prepared or you could be doing quite a bit of last minute packing, which can delay the process on moving day.

Settling Into Chicago After You Move

Moving to Chicago can be stressful. It's a big city and you may not be used to the atmosphere. However, there are some ways you can settle into Chicago easier.

When you move, it's usually an exhausting process. There's plenty of packing and unpacking to do. Add in a big city you're not used to and it could become even more exhausting. Here are a few tips to help you with settling into Chicago once you arrive.

• Get Acquainted with your Neighborhood

Many neighborhoods in Chicago are very walkable. A great place to start when you arrive is with the places closest to your home. Check out a local bar or restaurant within walking distance and start to get the lay of the land.

• Discover the Transportation System

The CTA or Chicago Transit Authority will become your best friend when you move to Chicago. You want to get used to using this system and learn how to get to and from the places you will frequent. If you're starting a new job, it may be a good idea to do a dry run to learn the transportation before you go in for your first day.

• Remember the Streets are a Grid

Chicago has one of the best grid systems in the world for the streets. However, it can still be confusing if you're not from here. The center of the grid is where Madison Street and State Street intersect.

From there, it's important to understand all east-west street addresses and north-south addresses are labeled as such. Odd numbers are on the south and east sides of each street and even numbers are on the north and west side. In addition, the addresses will increase or decrease depending on how close you are to the State and Madison Street intersection.

• Get Out and Mingle

Chicago is filled with great events happening every weekend and all year long. If you happen to arrive at the right time of year, you can enjoy a big event right from the beginning. If not, find a smaller event and get out and mingle.

Going to any type of event could be a great way to meet people and start to settle into the city. It will help you understand what Chicago is all about and you may just make a couple new friends.

• Take a Tour

If you really want to get to know Chicago, there are several great tours you can take. From an architectural tour to a historic tour, you can tour the city and get an idea of where you are in comparison to things to do and places to see.

• Be Prepared for the Weather

One of the biggest mistakes new residents in Chicago make is not being prepared for the weather. Chicago has four seasons and winter can be harsh. However, summer can be very hot and you want to be prepared for the season. Prepare before you move and you will be happy you did when you arrive.

While settling into Chicago can be difficult, it doesn't have to be. You can start by hiring a moving company to make moving day easier. Then, when you arrive, get out and enjoy the city the first weekend you are here.

Working With Your Movers

When you hire professional movers to help you move, you need to be willing to work with them. Your move is vital and your movers will help with all types of moving tasks. You will spend many hours with these people, so you want to make sure you keep a few things in mind.

• Don't be Late

Movers have a schedule and it's usually very busy. Make sure you're on time whenever you're working with movers. They will appreciate it if you're a little bit early to ensure you can let them in when it's time to pack and load the truck. Any delays could end up costing you extra, as well.

• Make Your Movers Comfortable

While movers are not exactly your guests, they will be doing a job for you. Make sure you're polite and friendly. Introduce them to everybody in your family and ask if they need anything. You should also try to remember their names throughout the day.

• Provide a Few Basics

Moving is a very labor intense job and everybody should be comfortable during the process. Make sure you have water on hand for movers and if you're moving early in the day, make some coffee. The temperature in the home should be checked, as well. You can also offer to provide a light lunch for movers if it's going to be an all-day type of thing.

• Communicate Throughout the Day

Your professional movers have already been prepped for the day, but you need to keep the lines of communication open. This will help to ensure no errors are made and nothing is lost. If they have concerns, they should be able to tell you, which can help to keep you in the loop, as well.

• Finish Packing before the Movers Arrives

Working with movers means you need to be on their schedule. If it's not an all-day job, they have other jobs to get to. Regardless, you should make sure you're done packing before they arrive. If they are packing for you, make sure the things you want to pack yourself have already been packed.

If you want to make moving day easier, working with professional movers is a great choice. The right movers will help make the day less stressful for all involved. Just make sure you follow these basic tips and help your movers in any way you can. If you make their job easier and keep them happy, they will work hard for you during your move.

Planning a Move to Chicago

When you decide to make the move to Chicago, you don't want to be stuck unprepared. Moving, alone, is a very stressful thing. When you're planning a move to Chicago, you should understand these few things first.

• The Neighborhoods Make or Break You

Chicago has 77 unique neighborhoods all throughout the city. Choosing the right one for you will make or break you in Chicago. In many ways, the neighborhood will define you.

It's also important to understand the street pattern in Chicago is known as the simplest in the world. There are eight city blogs per mile with 10 address numbers on each block. The center of the grid is Madison Street and State Street.

• Access to Great Transportation is Vital

Chicago isn't known for cheap or easy parking. You could pay as much as $200 per month for garage parking. Many Chicagoans take the train, use the CTA, ride their bike or take a cab or Uber. Make sure you become familiar with the transportation system in Chicago. It will make a big difference when you first arrive.

• Prepare for Harsh Winters

If you're coming from a warmer climate, be prepared; winter in Chicago is harsh. You need to make sure you understand what you're getting into. Walking in the winter isn't pleasant, but it can be bearable with the right supplies. Get prepared for winter before it arrives.

• Get Out and Mingle ASAP

When you're planning a move to Chicago, you want to make sure you get out and mingle ASAP. Of course, you need to plan your packing, the actual moving day, unpacking and plenty of other things. However, getting out and seeing the city and meeting new people is very important. If possible, get out and see something in Chicago the first weekend after you move here.

• Hire Help

A moving company will go a very long way to making your move to Chicago easier. You can hire a professional moving company to do far more than just transport your belongings. They can pack for you and unpack, making it much easier to get settled once you arrive in Chicago.

When you're planning a move to Chicago, make sure you plan the actual move and the way you will get to know the city. Chicago is a wonderful place to call home and the sooner you get out and see the city, the more you will feel settled in your new home.