When it comes to the best time to move in Chicago, there are as many options as there are days of the year!
If you’re relocating for a job or school—or if your lease is up—you may not have that much say in exactly when you move. But if you’ve just decided it’s time for a change, you might have some flexibility. You may be able to extend your lease for a month or two in order to move at a time that is better for you, or perhaps to find a better option for your new living space.
What Is the Best Time to Move in Chicago, Seasonally Speaking?
Every moving date has its advantages and disadvantages. If you have the option to move whenever you want to, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of moving in each season. Perhaps there’s also a slower time of year at your job that might help make the process less stressful.
In other words, the best time to move in Chicago is subjective, and we’re here to help you pick the right time of year.
Tips for Planning a Springtime Move
Moving in the spring has several advantages, especially when you choose Move-tastic! as your local moving company. Chicago’s mild weather makes moving easier without dealing with summer heat or winter cold extremes. Scheduling is also more flexible since it’s less busy than the summer season.
There are some downsides to consider when moving in the spring. Rainy days are common, potentially leading to wet moving conditions. Spring is also packed with activities such as spring break, school events, and graduations, making it challenging to balance moving with other commitments.
Finally, the start of Chicago’s construction season can cause traffic delays and complications, while street sweeping can limit parking availability. While spring presents some challenges, Chicago’s favorite movers will turn them into seamless solutions. Our team ensures efficient moves, even with unpredictable weather.
Pros and Cons of Summer Moves
Summertime in Chicago is a great time to move! The weather is better, and more homes and rentals are on the market. August is one of the busiest moving months of the year, when many college students are moving. However, you’ll find that if you look for apartments or homes in late April or May, you’ll find a lot more options than if you’re looking in February and March.
On the downside, it’s less likely you’ll be able to negotiate a better deal for your new home, as more people might be looking at the same homes that you are. And unless you book your moving company well in advance, you might not end up with one of the best moving companies in Chicago like Move-tastic!.
Summer is the busiest time for Chicago moving companies. In order to have a smooth, efficient, and budget-friendly move, be sure to plan ahead. Keep a close eye on the Chicago event schedule so you don’t book your move on a day with street festival closures or heavy traffic due to a Cubs or White Sox game.
How to Move in Chicago in the Fall
The cooler fall temperatures offer a comforting change from the extremes of summer and winter, making your move a more relaxed experience. The reduced demand during this season often means that moving companies and real estate agents have more availability, allowing you to schedule appointments, viewings, and moving dates that suit your needs. The mild fall weather is perfect for exploring new neighborhoods and homes without the discomfort of summer heat or unpredictable spring weather.
While fall is generally mild in and around Chicago, the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain and chilly days. For families, moving in the fall may disrupt children’s school schedules. Shorter daylight hours as the season progresses require more precise scheduling to ensure you have enough light for loading and unloading. Despite these potential drawbacks, with careful planning and the assistance of Move-tastic!, your fall move can be smooth and hassle-free, leaving you feeling prepared and ready for the change.
Why Some People Think Winter is the Best Time to Move in Chicago
You might not think that winter is the most ideal time to move in Chicago, but it certainly can be done. The professionals at Move-tastic! perform moves all year round, and have the expertise—and street salt!—required to accomplish a safe winter move.
It is common to tape down floor protection to prevent the slush, salt, dirt, and water of the wintry outdoors from ruining your floors and carpets during your move. In other words, winter moves generally come with a slightly longer Chicago moving checklist than other seasons.
Fewer apartments tend to be available to move into during Chicago’s winter months, but there are some advantages to this. Landlords may negotiate shorter leases or even lower rents for tenants looking to move in in the winter. Plus, since winter tends to be a slower time in the moving industry, you could save a little money moving in the winter as opposed to summertime.
When Are the Busiest Moving Times in Chicago?
Summer is the busiest time of the year to move in Chicago. This is when most college students and apartment dwellers are moving in and out, and the weather is often ideal. Because so many people move during these months out of necessity, you might be better off moving another time if you have the option.
Two Main Chicago Moving Days
Out of the 365 calendar days of the year, the busiest two moving days are traditionally May 1st and October 1st.
Every landlord and real estate agent in the city is aware of this, and they plan accordingly. If you’re expecting to move in the next year, the month or two leading up to these dates will be the times when the most options are available.
Because these two days are the most common moving days out of the year, you might run into a few challenges if you want to move on May 1st or October 1st. First, it will be more difficult to book a great moving company like Move-tastic!. Second, if you’re moving into a building with many units, it’s more likely you’ll need to fight for elevator use, stairwell bandwidth, and truck parking spots. And competing for these amenities with a bunch of your neighbors can be tough!
Business—and Best—Days of the Week to Move
Overall, weekends are the busiest days for Move-tastic! and other moving companies in Chicago. If you have flexibility with your work schedule, try to schedule your relocation for the middle of the week.
Weekdays often make for the best time to move in Chicago for the simple fact that they’re not as busy. There might be less traffic on the streets, and there’s a good chance you won’t have as much competition for your building’s freight elevator if you move Monday through Thursday.
When Are the Slowest Moving Times in Chicago?
Late fall and winter would be considered the “slow season” for moving in Chicago. From November through February, you’ll have far less competition for Chicago living spaces and moving resources. Moving companies are less in demand during the colder months, so you’ll have a better chance of moving on the exact date you want.
When Is the Best Time to Move in Chicago if You Rent?
Finding the best time to move in Chicago as a renter depends on a few key factors. To start, it usually takes a few weeks to find and rent an apartment, but this can vary based on your preferences.
Winter months, particularly from December to February, tend to have lower rental prices due to decreased demand. This seasonal dip can lead to significant savings on rent throughout the year, making winter an ideal time for budget-conscious movers. However, be prepared for limited inventory and the challenges of moving in cold weather.
So, What’s the Best Time to Move in Chicago? Our Team of Pros is Here to Help Year-Round!
We’re dedicated to delivering a smooth and stress-free experience no matter what time of year you move to your new home. The best time to move in Chicago is the time that works best for you, and we’ll assist you every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with us today, and we’ll create your custom estimate!