Moving to Chicago Checklist

There are a lot of things you’ll need to keep track of when planning your move to Chicago. Here’s a quick checklist to help you along.

As soon as possible:

- Start saving boxes. These boxes can be found behind restaurants, in your office or at liquor stores. Or you can just buy them.
- Begin packing.
- Reserve a moving truck or obtain a moving company. If you rent a truck, check on insurance.

Two weeks before:

- Keep packing a little each night. A box a day can make a great difference.
- Obtain a copy of your medical records.
- Complete a change of address with the post office.
- Have a garage sale or donate any items that you are not going to move.
- Have your vehicle maintained (change the oil, rotate the tires…)

One week before:

- Reserve the elevator. (If applicable)
- If you haven’t already started begin packing your more heavy items. Put books and heavy items on the floor so that lighter boxes can go on the top.
- Pack breakables: Find a place on the floor for breakables so that they cannot fall.
- Pay your bills.
- Visit your favorite places such as restaurants and stores that aren’t in Chicago.
- Inform your friends of your new address and phone number.
- Stop buying food. Do not go to the store of grocer for anything other than the basics.

A few days before:

- Double check that everything is okay with your mover. If you rent a truck, call to make sure that your truck will be ready.
- Make a list of the things which you want to have in the car with you, to
eat, to drink, or to occupy your time.
- Confirm hotel reservations. (If applicable)
- Close or transfer your bank accounts. In Chicago, some of the more popular banks are Chase, La Salle, Harris, and Washington Mutual.
- Set up your new utilities.
- Stop your utilities: telephones, cable, Internet…

Good luck with your move. Visit Moving to Chicago for more information to help you with your upcoming move.

www.movingtochicago.org - everything you need to know about moving to Chicago.