For a first-time renter, Chicago apartment moving might seem like an intimidating process. In addition to outlining your new budget and finding professional movers to help you settle into your apartment, there’s a laundry list of other tasks to check off of your to-do list.
To help you start off on the right foot, stay organized throughout the process, and find your ideal dwelling, here’s your guide to renting your first home.
Costs Associated with Chicago Apartment Moving
One of the first steps any first-time renter should take in their Chicago apartment moving process is determining their budget. For the most part, this can be divided into three different categories: how much your apartment will cost, what you’ll need to buy to furnish and stock your new home, and your actual moving expenses. Here are some tips to help you budget not only for your move day but also for the entirety of your lease.
General Apartment Expenses
When you search for apartments throughout the Chicagoland area, you’ll likely look at the monthly rent and the amenities you want or need, such as a pet-friendly building or onsite laundry. In general, the more amenities you want, the more expensive your apartment is likely to be. In addition to rent, though, there are several more costs you’ll need to take into consideration. For example:
- Security deposit, an upfront cost that’s often the equivalent of one month’s rent
- Utilities that aren’t included in your monthly payment to your landlord, such as electricity and natural gas
- General monthly bills for your cell phone, streaming services, Wi-Fi, and anything else you’ll need at your new place
- Parking fees, since many Chicago apartments don’t come with a free spot
- Renters insurance, which can vary greatly depending on where you’re moving and what you want covered
- Your personal expenses like food, clothing, and funds for your social life
In many cases, allocating about 30% of your monthly income to your rent is a good practice. If you have any concerns that your favorite apartment might be too expensive, consider either finding a roommate or finding a different place that’s easier on your budget.
Home Furnishings
When a first-time renter signs an apartment lease, they get to start planning what furniture and décor they’d like to fill their new home with. This is fun and exciting, but it’s another thing to budget for. You’ll need at least basic furniture like a couch, TV stand, and a TV, plus some tables and chairs and—of course—a bed and a dresser.
Your friends and family might have some items they’re willing to part with, but there are other inexpensive avenues too. Chicagoland is full of second-hand stores and reclaimed furniture shops that can save you money. You might also want to check out your local “buy nothing” Facebook page to see if any of your neighbors are parting with some furnishings or décor items you’d like in your home.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy everything all at once. If you’re embarking on your Chicago apartment moving journey with a limited budget, you can break things up a bit by filling your new place with the bare essentials at first and then adding a little bit each month.
Moving Costs in Chicago
Just like your apartment living expenses will vary based on where you move and what amenities your building offers, the cost of moving in Chicago depends on several different factors. When you speak with a few local movers, feel free to ask a lot of questions that’ll save you money, such as:
- Will the moving costs change depending on the time of month or day of the week I move? Most movers in Chicago have peak times and off-times, and you might be able to save money if you have flexibility on your move date.
- How do you charge for materials? Some moving companies charge based on how many materials they use (i.e., moving blankets, rolls of shrink wrap or tape, etc.), while other movers have a one-time fee that covers all of their materials. Per-item billing might save you a little money, but it’ll also force you to pick and choose which of your possessions you want to wrap and which ones you want to leave vulnerable to damage.
- What are your moving insurance options? Movers should offer carrier liability and declared valuation. Find out how your costs might change depending on which coverage you choose.
Try to get at least three estimates so you can compare and contrast expenses like the moving crew’s hourly rate, travel time, and anticipated material usage. And don’t forget about budgeting for a tip! Although it’s not mandatory to tip your moving crew, the industry standard is between five and ten dollars per hour, per crew member.
How to Find a Great Apartment as a First-Time Renter
The City of Chicago is home to 77 neighborhoods—and that doesn’t include the dozens of suburbs that are included in the metropolitan area. You get to pick which community to live in as part of your Chicago apartment moving process! If you’re a first-time renter, you might want to narrow down your search based on where your family or friends live, the proximity to your work, and the availability of public transportation.
Then, think about the amenities you want and need your apartment to have. Some renters prefer a classic Chicago two or three-flat while others gravitate toward high-rises with hundreds of units. Depending on the size of your building, you might be able to take advantage of onsite perks like a workout room or swimming pool.
Before you sign your lease, check out the landlord or apartment management company. Read their reviews online and ask around for input and advice. Once you’re comfortable with the owner of the home, thoroughly read the lease and all of its terms. This isn’t a fun process, especially for a first-time renter. However, it’s absolutely necessary to understand your costs and responsibilities as a tenant…and to make sure you find a great apartment you’ll be happy in for the entire length of your lease.
Most leases last 12 months, and you don’t want to be stuck in an apartment you don’t love, or in a lease you’re not comfortable with. Finding the right place to live will take some time, but it’ll be worth it when you find a great spot in a fantastic Chicago neighborhood or suburb.
We’re the Experts in Chicago Apartment Moving!
We’ve been moving residents throughout Chicagoland for a long time. From garden units in the narrow streets of Albany Park to fourth-floor walkups in the burbs, we’ve seen just about every type of apartment the area has to offer. And since we pride ourselves on giving our customers outstanding service before, during, and after their move, we excel at helping every first-time renter have a stress-free and smooth move.
Contact us today to find out how we can deliver a great—and even a fun—move into your first apartment!