How To Find the Ideal Winter Home in Chicago and Ensure a Smooth Moving

Are you thinking about moving to Chicago? Wintertime may be the best time to do it. While summer is generally considered “moving season,” there are several perks to relocating in the winter. Lower rental rates, generous seasonal offers and unhurried property tours are just a few of them. Here are a few tips on how you can find your ideal winter home in the Windy City and ensure your move is as seamless as possible.

Top Neighborhoods for Finding Your Ideal Winter Home in Chicago

No matter where you live in Chicago, there are so many great neighborhoods that are just waiting to be explored. Factors that you’ll want to consider in your move include walkability, proximity to nice parks and recreation, easily accessible public transportation and safety.

The Edgewater neighborhood has plenty to offer and is rich in culture and history. There are plenty of lakeside amenities, a strong sense of community and diverse housing options. It’s also quite close to Andersonville, which is well known for its shopping district.

For great walkability scores, access to Lake Michigan and beautiful architecture, Lincoln Park is another great option to consider. This area of Chicago is a culinary hub and is perfect for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike. A diverse real estate scene means you’ll find everything from luxury homes to vintage condos and high-rise apartments.

Highland Park is another great suburb of Chicago, located 25 miles north of downtown. This charming, upscale area also offers access to Lake Michigan, and residents enjoy plenty of outdoor spaces, park,s and trails throughout the community.

Essential Steps for a Seamless Winter Move in Chicago

The best way to prepare for a winter move is to start planning about two months ahead. Even closer moves benefit from starting early. This way, you’ll have enough time to do your research, get multiple quotes from moving and auto transport companies and declutter your home.

Planning is especially important when you move in the winter. Chicago is known for being cold and snowy during the winter months. You’ll want to invest in winter-resistant packing materials (like plastic bins and vacuum bags) to prevent moisture from ruining your possessions.

When choosing a car shipping service for your vehicle, make sure you go with one that specializes in winter weather transport. The Midwest is well known for extreme weather conditions, so you’ll want to weigh your options (open versus enclosed shipping services) and speak with multiple companies before making your decision.

While it’s always a good idea to give yourself some breathing room during a move, keep in mind that the weather can change in an instant. Snowfall can add to your mover’s drive time, and a subzero Chicago day will add hours to unloading your goods off the truck. If you do happen to move into your new home on a particularly cold day, give your movers extra time to unload your belongings. It’s also good moving etiquette to offer a few extra breaks (and maybe a hot coffee or cocoa) to warm up between trips back to the truck.

Preparing Your New Chicago Home for Cold Weather Living

Once you arrive in Chicago, you’ll want to make sure your new home is safe and ready for the winter season. Although winter brings with it beautiful scenery and serene snowfall, there are some challenges that come with it. Fortunately, you can prepare for the season with just a few simple steps.

Make sure your ceiling fans are all rotating clockwise. This pulls warm air up and circulates it around the rooms, reducing your heating costs. Chicago is no stranger to freezing temperatures, so it’s important to protect your indoor pipes. Water damage due to burst pipes accounts for many insurance claims during the wintertime. Pay close attention to your basement, which is where burst pipes tend to occur. Call an expert to service your furnace and chimney (if you have one).

Make sure to locate and seal any drafts you discover when you move in. This helps retain heat in your home and boosts energy efficiency. Also, consider using thick, insulating curtains and adding rugs to bare floors to further minimize heat loss.

Door locks can actually freeze if the temperatures drop low enough. Consider spraying a powdered graphite lubricant in each lock so you don’t get stuck inside (or out) of your home during a cold spell. It’s also a good idea to keep your pipes wrapped (especially outdoor spigots) and keep your heat at a steady 65 degrees (or warmer). This should help reduce your chances of a burst pipe.

Tips for Settling Into Your Chicago Winter Residence With Ease

Now that you’ve arrived, you’re probably ready to explore everything that Chicago has to offer. The weather in Illinois tends to be unpredictable during the wintertime. Therefore, it’s a good idea to stay up to date on the latest weather forecasts. This way, you’ll be informed of weather-related travel impacts and know when to prepare for a cold spell.

Many Chicagoans spend more time indoors during the winter. Indoor gatherings are very common this time of year. Consider adjusting your furniture layout to facilitate conversation with guests instead of just angling chairs and couches towards the television.

Get to know your neighborhood and consider joining a local gym or an indoor sports league in your community. The Chicago Sport & Social Club offers plenty of indoor activities throughout dozens of locations across the city. It’s also a great place to make friends and socialize.

Moving to Chicago in the wintertime is a great way to enjoy a seamless transition since most people do not relocate during this time of year. By choosing the right car shipping company and planning your move well in advance, you’ll find yourself comfortably settling into your new home in the Windy City in no time.

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