The difference between a move that goes well and one that becomes a stressful ordeal usually isn’t luck. It’s timing. Things go wrong when they’re left too late – and in Chicago, where building logistics and seasonal demand add extra variables, the window for recovering from a missed deadline is often smaller than it looks.
Here’s a week-by-week checklist starting eight weeks out.
8 Weeks Out
Start your mover search now, not later. Research companies, check reviews, verify licensing (US.DOT and ILCC numbers), and request estimates from at least two or three companies. If you’re moving between May and August, some dates fill weeks in advance.
Notify your current landlord if you’re renting. Most Chicago leases require 30 to 60 days written notice. Check the exact requirement in your lease and submit it in writing.
If you’re buying or selling, confirm your closing date and coordinate the move timeline around it with some buffer built in.
6 Weeks Out
Book your movers. Confirm the date, rate structure, and any building requirements they need from you (COI requests, elevator reservations, parking permits).
Start the declutter. Go room by room and make decisions about what’s coming with you. Donate, sell, or discard what isn’t. Less to move means a faster and often cheaper job.
If you have specialty items – a piano, a safe, a large aquarium, oversized artwork – confirm with your moving company that they handle these and discuss the specifics now.
4 Weeks Out
Contact building management at both locations. Confirm elevator availability if applicable, move-in/move-out windows, parking arrangements for the truck, and any documentation required (COI, deposits).
Begin packing non-essential items. Off-season clothing, books, extra linens, rarely used kitchen equipment. Use the room-by-room system and label boxes with destination room and basic contents.
Start transferring or canceling services tied to your current address: subscriptions, gym memberships, and any recurring deliveries.
2 Weeks Out
Set up utilities at the new address. ComEd for electricity, Peoples Gas, and internet service should all be active on move-in day. Setting up accounts two weeks out gives providers time to process and schedule without a gap.
Submit change-of-address with USPS. Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance providers, and any other institutions that send physical mail.
Confirm all details with your moving company: date, start time, full address of both locations, any building access requirements, and contact number for the crew.
1 Week Out
Finish packing except for daily essentials. All boxes should be sealed, labeled, and staged near the door or in an easy-to-access area.
Prepare a first-night bag: phone chargers, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and anything else you’ll need in the first 12-24 hours without unpacking boxes.
Confirm your parking permit if required. Apply through the City of Chicago and have the permit details ready for moving day.
Defrost the freezer. This is one of those things that’s easy to forget and unpleasant to deal with on moving day.
Moving Day
Be present and reachable. The moving crew will have questions, and decisions that take five minutes when you’re there can turn into delays when they can’t reach you.
Do a final walkthrough of every room before the truck leaves – closets, cabinets, storage areas, outdoor spaces. Make sure nothing is left behind.
At the new place, direct the crew using your labeling system. Don’t try to sort everything in real time – let the boxes go where they belong and deal with the details after the crew is done.
After the Move
Check everything before the crew leaves. Note anything that was damaged and document it in writing. Address any concerns with the company directly and promptly.
H2H Movers handles moves throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, with a 4.9 Google rating across nearly 4,400 reviews. For a free moving quote, call +1 773 236 8797 or email info@h2hmovers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How early should I start planning a Chicago move?
A: Eight weeks is a solid starting point for most moves. This gives you time to research and book movers, handle building logistics, notify relevant parties, declutter before packing, and avoid last-minute rushes.
Q: When should I notify my Chicago landlord about moving out?
A: Most Chicago leases require 30-60 days written notice. Check your lease for the specific requirement and submit notice in writing, keeping a copy for your records.
Q: What utilities do I need to set up before moving to a new Chicago address?
A: ComEd (electricity), Peoples Gas, and internet service are the most common. Set up transfer or new accounts at least 2 weeks before your move date to ensure service is active on day one.
Q: What’s the most common mistake people make during a Chicago move?
A: Not booking movers early enough, especially for summer moves. May through August is peak season in Chicago and availability fills up weeks in advance. Booking 4-6 weeks out is strongly recommended.