Here are our top relocation tips to help ensure a smooth move:
- Pack smart, pack light
Less is more. Now is the perfect time to sort through your belongings and decide what’s necessary and what you can get rid of. You can sell them at lawn sales, donate them to charity, or simply throw them away. Additionally, the fewer belongings you bring with you, the cheaper your move will be.Organize your stuff and label the boxes they’re in accordingly. You don’t want the headache of having to rummage through each box for, say, bits and pieces of kitchenware once you start unpacking.
When it comes to furniture, make sure you remove any objects left inside consoles, drawers, and the like. These objects could rattle around during transport and damage your furniture. Also, wrap wooden furniture in fabric or blankets. Plastic wrap causes condensation which makes moisture build up in the wood, damaging it.
- Inform your service providers
Let your banks, lawyers, important contacts, and credit card, utility, and insurance companies know you’re moving. Fill out change-of-address forms at the post office and your city’s Tax Department. Get copies of your medical records for your new doctors or veterinarians. Turn off all utilities before you vacate your old home. - Learn about your new area
Weather conditions in the area you’re moving into might mean a wardrobe update. If you’re moving to the Western Suburbs of Chicago from December to February, get your winter wear ready – temps can plunge to 20° F. Come summer, the temperatures average 70° F so have something light and breezy to wear.You can also explore the new neighborhood on your own and discover a good place to get a haircut, or the cheapest dry cleaners. Better yet, go online and check out reviews for go-to places in your area.
Ask around. Your new neighbors, your co-workers, or even a friendly cashier at the grocery store will have their own recommendations.
Your agent is another valuable resource, as they know all about your new neighborhood. The right agent will make sure that the community you move to has everything you need. For example, if you want a location in Chicagoland that boasts a lot of parks to walk your dogs or promote an active lifestyle for your family, your agent can recommend the Westmont.
- Find out how to get to important places
Go online to research the best routes to work or to your kids’ new school.By car, downtown Chicago is less than an hour away, but the roads can get congested during rush hour. Luckily, public transport is easily accessible.
In the Western Suburbs, taking the BNSF Line of the Metra will get you downtown in less than 30 minutes. Pace buses are available around Chicago as well and can take you to Metra stations.
Study the routes so that you find the quickest way around.
If you’re considering relocating to Chicago, view the site for residential options. You can also reach out to us –Dave Ricordati at 630-854-7676 and Kathy Ricordati at 630-915-8881.