You’re excited about your upcoming long-distance move to Chicago. After all, the Windy City is one of the greatest towns on Earth! You can keep up that excitement and ditch much of the stress that comes with relocating across state lines by preparing yourself with an interstate moving timeline that gives you estimated dates for the major to-dos.
So, when should you start getting estimates, book your movers, and begin packing? And how far in advance should you start changing over your utilities and other services? Read on for an estimated interstate moving timeline for a smooth and successful long-distance relocation.
When to Get Estimates for and Book Your Long-Distance Move to Chicago
One of the most important decisions about your long-distance move to Chicago should also be one of the first items on your interstate moving timeline: choosing your movers. You’ll want as much time as possible to research companies, obtain estimates, and pick the company that you feel most comfortable with.
Ideally, you’ll start gathering estimates two or three months before your preferred moving date, and formally book your movers four to six weeks before the big day. Keep in mind, though, that having a firm grasp on how far in advance to book long-distance movers depends on the time of year you’re relocating. If you’re moving in the peak season, you’ll need to give the movers more advanced notice than if you’re moving during the slower time of year.
Why You Should Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Pack
Packing up a home before an interstate move is a daunting project for many people—and with good reason. There are so many smaller tasks to do to complete the entire project. Here are just a few:
- Sourcing packing supplies
- Decluttering your home, including dropping off donated items or holding a yard sale
- Setting up a packing station
- Wrapping your breakable items
- Boxing each item, being careful to put heavier and more durable things on the bottom of the boxes
- Labeling each box
You can, of course, save a lot of time by hiring a team of professional packers who’ll bring the supplies and carefully prepare your belongings for the move. These pros usually arrive a day or two before your moving date, which just leaves you with the decluttering to-dos. However, if you’re planning more of a DIY pack, you’ll want to get started a least a month in advance.
When to Change Over Utilities, Subscriptions, and Insurance Information
Outside of planning your actual move, part of your interstate moving timeline is figuring out when to transfer your utilities and other address-based services. Usually, the best practice is to start the process about three weeks before your move date. These might include:
- Home utilities like electricity, water, and gas
- Internet and cell phone plans
- Subscription meal services
- Delivery services, including the United States Postal Service
- Your auto, health, vision, dental, and home insurance
- Streaming services on your TV
Embarking on a long-distance move to Chicago will also require you to find new doctors, dentists, and any specialty providers you use. Finding trustworthy professionals who are in your insurance’s network is incredibly important, so give yourself a little more time to research them.
If possible, start looking into these services at least six weeks before you move and make the decision two to three weeks before your relocation. This gives you time to find people and facilities you’re comfortable with. Plus, it lets you get all of the insurance paperwork out of the way before your first appointment.
How Chicago Weather Might Affect Your Interstate Moving Timeline
The Midwest runs the gamut when it comes to weather. Chicago sees everything from subzero temperatures and blizzards in the winter to sun-soaked summer days where the mercury reaches over 100°F. About a week before your move date, start to keep a close eye on the local forecast so you know what to expect.
Inclement weather can greatly impact your moving experience and the time it takes to move. For example, rain can damage cardboard boxes and cause the movers to work a bit more slowly to keep themselves safe and avoid tracking mud and water into your home. And moving in the winter usually requires additional supplies and driving time, so your shipment might experience a delay.
If you have any questions or concerns about the weather as your move date approaches, just call the best movers in Chicago about making any adjustments to your interstate moving timeline.
We’ll Help Plan Your Interstate Moving Timeline…and Your Entire Long-Distance Move to Chicago!
We can’t wait to welcome you into our hometown. We’re here to help you lay out your ideal interstate moving timeline and plan your long-distance move to Chicago—and during the process, we’ll even give you some of our favorite restaurants and attractions to check out in your new neighborhood.
Tell us about your move today, and we’ll create a custom estimate just for you!