Chicagoans have always loved vacationing up north. So much so, in fact, some Windy City residents are turning those getaways into daily life by permanently moving to Wisconsin.
Moving to a new home in a spectacular new city like Milwaukee, Madison, or any of the Dairy State’s other fine metropolises is exciting. But planning an interstate move to Wisconsin is also a huge project. We’re here to help you through the entire process from the initial estimate through the end of your move. Just don’t ask us to high-five you while you’re wearing a shiny new Packers jersey!
What to Know Before Moving to Wisconsin
Anytime you plan a move—especially an interstate relocation—you’ll want to do some research. Getting to know more about your new town will help you better understand what it costs to move in the Midwest and manage your expectations about the move itself.
For example, moving to Wisconsin from Chicago generally means that you’ll deal with less traffic just about any day of the week. It’s important to note, though, that Wisconsin has different vehicle registration and driver’s license requirements. You’ll need to plan ahead and update your info so you can drive legally.
Another thing to keep in mind about moving to Wisconsin is that the time of year you relocate will greatly impact your moving experience. Springs and summers across the state tend to have beautiful and sunny weather, but the winters can be even colder and snowier than what we’re used to in Chicago. And, because Wisconsin’s large cities (including Milwaukee and Madison) are home to large colleges and universities, moving in the autumn might require additional time and logistics since the students are heading back to class.
All in all, there are a lot of benefits to moving to Wisconsin. To help you have the best moving experience possible, let’s check out some tips for planning your relocation to some of the state’s biggest cities and most popular towns.
Moving From Chicago to Milwaukee
The City of Milwaukee is one of the most vibrant and fun places to live in the Midwest, so it’s a great choice when you’re moving to Wisconsin from Illinois. The lakefront and the river are lined with attractions, and an iconic brewery is a stone’s throw away no matter where you settle down in the Brew City.
Here are a few things to note as you plan your move to Milwaukee:
- Street parking can be limited in some neighborhoods, especially popular areas like the Lower East Side, Lincoln Village, and Clarke Square.
- Many residential streets throughout Milwaukee have overnight alternate side parking rules. Check the signs and don’t get towed on your first night in your new home.
- Speaking of parking restrictions, you might need to get a permit for your moving truck if you don’t have a driveway at your house or a dedicated spot at your apartment or condo building.
- Milwaukee has a lot of older buildings with narrow staircases and doorways that some oversize items like sofas and China cabinets might not fit through. Get the measurements and let your moving company know about any items that might not fit.
Remember: the season matters when you’re moving to Wisconsin. If you’re moving during the warm months, check a summer festival guide to see if there are any street closures around your new home that could impede your move. And if you’re moving during the winter, know that the streets will be plowed…but not quite as quickly as Chicago. You might have to clear away some ice and snow so your move crew has a safe path from their truck to your door.
Moving From Chicago to Madison
The capital city of Madison, Wisconsin is absolutely stunning. In addition to beautiful architecture, you can enjoy kayaking, boating, hiking, and fishing on any of the lakes in and around town.
Madison is also home to the University of Wisconsin, which welcomes over 50,000 students each school year. Because of the influx in population and traffic, your interstate moving timeline is really important. Most students move into their dorms and campus housing in late August and move out in early May. Try to avoid those dates since you’ll be competing with a lot more traffic, congestion, and movers.
You might run into some parking challenges when moving to Wisconsin’s capital. Madison has a lot of apartment buildings, which means there may be more residents than parking spaces on any given street. The most densely populated areas are generally Downtown, the Near East Side, and the Near West Side.
Tips for Moving to Other Areas of Wisconsin
Moving to Wisconsin doesn’t necessarily mean that your new address will be in Milwaukee or Madison. The state is full of wonderful places to put down roots, and we’ve got the professional tips to help you have a great moving experience no matter where you’re headed.
Kenosha and Racine, for instance, are a quick drive up Interstate 94 from Chicago along the shores of Lake Michigan. Like Milwaukee, these are older towns, so your home might have narrow doorways and stairways. These cities are generally busier and more congested in the summer due to their lakefront locations.
People who are moving to a new home up in Green Bay are in for a longer drive but a whole lot of culture, sports, and snow. Winters in Packer Country average over 55 inches of snow, so if you’re relocating during football season, be prepared to shovel and salt your walkways. (Bonus tip: if possible, move on a Sunday at this time of year—everyone will be inside watching the game, so there will barely be any traffic!)
Other popular Wisconsin destinations include Appleton and Eau Clare. Both have a nice mix of older and newer construction, so you’ll definitely want to check the size of your stairways, doorways, and walkways.
Moving to Wisconsin? Let Our Talented Team Help You Have a Smooth Relocation to the Badger State
If you’re moving to Wisconsin in the near future, give us a call. Although we’ll be sad to see you leave Chicago, we’ll be happy to deliver an outstanding moving experience so you head out of town on a high note. Our team of professional packers will even wrap and box up your home’s inventory before your move so you can focus on the more fun and important aspects of an interstate move: dreaming up all the spots you’ll check out in your first few weeks as a Wisconsinite.
Ready to get started? Contact us for your free custom estimate!