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.