Chicago’s Near West Side is an exciting—and historic—place to live. The former meatpacking district lies beside downtown and embodies the international cultures and hardworking attitudes that make Chicago great. If you’re moving to the West Loop, you’re in for world-class food, multicultural festivals, and breathtaking sites.
As you plan your move to the Near West Side, you’ll have some extra logistics to coordinate. The unique neighborhood can cause headaches for some movers, so be sure to find a Chicago moving company that specializes in moving to the West Loop and can help you conquer the challenges.
Why People are Moving to the West Loop
Residents are moving to the West Loop for all sorts of reasons. It’s filled with easy means of transportation, including the Eisenhower Expressway and the Chicago Transit Authority’s Green, Pink, and Blue lines. This neighborhood is easy to get to (and get around) regardless of whether you have a car or ride the L.
But there’s more to it than an easy commute to work or school. The West Loop boasts all sorts of classic Chicago attractions, such as:
- Fulton Market, a thriving entertainment, dining, and nightlife district
- Restaurant Row (which locals call Randolph Street), a world-famous stretch filled with high-end dining options
- Greektown, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind restaurants, pastry shops, and of course, the National Hellenic Museum
Plus, the neighborhood is bordered to the east by the Chicago River. On nice days, just take a short jaunt to the Riverwalk, bike trails, dog parks, and all the other attractions you’ll get to enjoy after moving to the West Loop.
Tips for Moving to the West Loop
Although moving to the West Loop is exciting, planning your residential move to this neighborhood might pose some challenges. It’s a thriving part of town, which means a lot of traffic and very little parking. Fortunately, you can work with a professional Chicago moving company that knows the area well, so you’ll have a smooth and stress-free relocation to your new home.
Here are a few pro tips for moving to the West Loop once you’ve found your dream home:
- Look for street closures. Construction, street festivals, and other goings-on that shut down entire city blocks could prevent the moving truck from getting to your new place.
- Talk to your movers about parking permits. Your Chicago moving company can coordinate parking permits to reserve spots for their truck. You’ll need permits to cut down on the movers’ time to find parking and carry your belongings from their truck to your home.
- Consider the timing of your move. Moving to the West Loop on a weekend is tough because there are so many people out and about. If possible, try to book your move on a weekday for less car and foot traffic.
In addition to these general tips, we’ve got some advice to impart for apartment and condo moves or a full house relocation.
Apartment and Condo Moves
The West Loop is packed with high rises and lofts. These buildings make for great apartments and condos, but because it’s such a densely populated area, you’ll need to coordinate some extra logistics.
For example, a lot of buildings require a certificate of insurance from movers, so be sure to let your Chicago moving company know you’ll need that documentation. Additionally, you might have to make elevator and loading dock reservations when you move into your new place. Although your movers can provide some advice and guidance, you’re responsible for contacting your new building about the reservations.
Finally, keep in mind that old buildings in the West Loop tend to have a lot of long—and sometimes narrow—hallways. Make sure your movers know they’re in for a longer trek from their truck to your apartment or condo door so they can bring extra wheeled dollies to expedite your move.
Moving Into a West Loop House
If you’ve found a gorgeous house in this thriving neighborhood, congratulations! In the weeks leading up to your move date, be sure to clearly communicate any concerns or challenges to your Chicago moving company so they can set you up for a quick and stress-free move.
Old houses in the West Loop often have narrow gangways, stairways, and doorways. Oversized items like big couches, China cabinets, and appliances sometimes just don’t fit. Measure the biggest things you’re moving, then measure the entryways to your new property before your move. If an item is too big, you might have to find a different spot for it.
Speaking of stairways, these classic Chicago houses can come with steep stairs. On your move day, let your moving crew take their time to safely navigate the stairs, as rushing them risks injury to them and damage to your belongings.
How to Estimate Costs for Your West Loop Move
Now that you know some of the challenges of moving to the West Loop (and how to avoid them), it’s time to consider what your move will cost.
The estimate for your move will depend on factors like where you’re moving from, how much stuff you’re bringing, and what moving materials you’ll need. You’ll also incur additional costs if you’re moving oversized items like a piano, and if either your old or new home has a lot of flights of stairs.
To get the most accurate moving estimate possible, create a thorough inventory list of the items you’re bringing to your new place. Be sure to include the items your storage area, basement, attic, garage, and any other places you’ve got stuff stashed.
If budget is a concern, talk to your Chicago moving company about how you can manage or reduce your costs. They might suggest booking your move on a non-peak time (i.e., on a weekday rather than a Saturday or Sunday), and they may even have some insider tips on where to find free or cheap moving supplies. As long as they answer your questions and help you overcome the challenges of moving to the West Loop, you’ll know you’re in great hands.
Why Choose Our Services? Because We’re the Experts in Moving to the West Loop!
We love moving to the West Loop and all the problem-solving that comes along with it. We have our finger on the pulse of the Near West Side, and we’re ready to conquer the challenges so you can settle into your new digs. From our customer service team that’ll help you plan your relocation all the way through the movers who’ll take care of you and your belongings on move day, we’ll set you up for a smooth move.
Tell us about your move today, and we’ll get to work on your custom estimate!