Tips On Moving To Chicago
Moving to a new city can be a challenging, but also an exciting experience. If you're planning a move to Chicago like I did about 7 years ago, here are some tips to help make the transition easier. Believe me, I wish I knew a few of these before moving and I hope they can help you too!
1. Research the city: Before making the move, research the city to get a better understanding of its neighborhoods, culture, and lifestyle. Chicago is a diverse city with countless neighborhoods, each with their own vibe! That’s what makes the city extremely unique and always changing. There are always new and exciting things popping up everywhere so take advantage of that, even if it’s free admission days too!
Image: JC Movers and Lumper Services
2. Find a place to live: Start looking for a place to live well in advance of your move. Consider factors such as proximity to work or school, safety, and cost of living when choosing a neighborhood. It’s also always a good idea to hire quality movers such as JC Movers and Lumper Services! I’ve been in many situations where I wanted to do it all myself and have ALWAYS regretted it but having professionals know what they are doing gives me a peace of mind! These furniture movers in Chicago know exactly what they are doing and can get you from point A to point B without any hesitation.
3. Get familiar with the transportation system: Chicago has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes the ‘L’ train system and bus network. You'll want to figure out where you need to go and what stops you need to take in order to get somewhere in a timely manner.
4. Know the climate: Chicago experiences harsh winters and warm summers. Make sure to pack accordingly and be prepared for the weather changes. I know I was in for quite a shock about how brutal Chicago winters, especially the wind! They don’t call it the Windy City for nothing out here friends!
5. Plan your budget: Make sure to have a budget in place before moving to Chicago. Consider the cost of living, rent, transportation, food, and other expenses when planning your budget. Living in a city is always super fun, but if you’re not careful you might end up spending more than you’re used to! There are always ‘free admission’ days to various exhibits, museums and more so be on the look out for when those become available and get there early because it will be crowded. Also, if you are taking Uber’s, you can always split the cost with a friend or people on the way to help cut cost.
6. Be open-minded: Be open-minded and embrace the new experiences and cultural differences you'll encounter in your new city. There’s so much one can learn! If you meet a local in a new restaurant, ask them what their favorite local hang out spots are so you can become familiar with them. Talk to new coworkers or neighbors in your building to also see what are good areas to visit and not. This will help you not only make new friends quick but get to know where and why not to visit some of them.
Making a move to a new city can be a bit overwhelming, but with these tips and a positive attitude, you'll be able to adjust to your new home in no time. The Windy City has a lot to offer, so embrace the change and make the most of your new life in Chicago. I can’t wait to hear what you are goin to see first! Be sure to share in the comments below!
Shout out to MoversBoost for collaborating. MoversBoost is a marketing agency for movers offering leads and digital offerings.