Preparing for a move in Chicago requires careful consideration of the timing if you have the flexibility. Each season in the city presents a distinct set of advantages and challenges. Whether you're planning to relocate to a different Chicago neighborhood, embrace Chicago living, or settle in the Chicago suburbs, the decision of when to make your move is paramount. In this guide, we'll delve into the practical aspects of moving during various seasons in Chicago, from the high-demand summers to the blustery winters and the transitional periods in between.
Spring
Pros:
Mild weather: Spring offers comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time for moving without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.
Availability: Spring is a popular time to move, but it's not as busy as summer, so you'll likely find more flexible scheduling options.
Favorable real estate market: Spring is traditionally the beginning of the peak home-buying season in Chicago. If you're planning to purchase a new home, you'll have a wider selection of properties to choose from.
Yard sales and thrift stores: Spring is when many people start decluttering and holding yard sales, which can be an excellent opportunity to find budget-friendly furniture and household items for your new home.
Cons:
Rainy days: Chicago can experience its fair share of spring showers, so be prepared for potential wet moving conditions.
Busy schedules: Spring is a time when many families and individuals have packed schedules with spring break, end-of-school-year activities, graduations, and other commitments. Balancing these events with a move can be stressful.
Construction season begins: Spring marks the start of construction season in Chicago. Road closures and detours due to construction projects can create traffic delays and hinder the ease of your move.
Street sweeping: Spring is also when the city begins thorough street cleaning. This can limit parking availability, complicating the logistics of loading and unloading your belongings.
Higher rental demand: If you're planning to rent, keep in mind that many college students and graduates seek new housing during the spring due to school schedules. This can lead to increased competition for rental properties and potentially higher rents.
Summer
Pros:
Consistent weather: Chicago's summer is known for warm and sunny days, making it an excellent time for a hassle-free move.
Longer days: With longer daylight hours, you'll have more time to complete your move, which can be especially helpful for larger moves.
More choices in homes and rentals: Summer is the season when a wide variety of homes and rental properties become available in Chicago. The increased inventory means you're more likely to find a property that meets your specific needs and preferences, whether you're looking to buy or rent.
School break: For families considering a move to a new school district, the summer break aligns with the school calendar, making it an ideal time to search for and transition to a new home.
Community engagement: Many neighborhoods in Chicago host festivals and community events, providing an excellent chance to get to know your new neighbors and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Cons:
High demand: Summer is the peak moving season in Chicago. The increased demand for moving services can lead to higher prices, limited availability of moving companies, and the need to book well in advance.
Less flexibility in scheduling: Due to more moving, there is often less availability of building elevators making it harder to secure preferred dates and convenient time slots.
Traffic congestion: Chicago's streets can get congested during the summer months from more people on the road, construction projects, and events happening in the city. Traffic jams can add time to your move.
Competitive real estate market: While summer is a popular time to buy a home, it's also when the real estate market is most competitive. The increased demand for properties may lead to higher prices and more competitive bidding, making it more challenging to find a suitable home.
High demand for rentals: In Chicago, the summer months also see a surge in rental demand. This heightened demand can result in increased competition for rental properties, potentially driving up rents.
Fall
Pros:
Mild weather: Fall in Chicago brings pleasant, cooler temperatures after the summer heat. This can provide a comfortable moving experience without the extremes of summer or winter.
Easier scheduling: Moving companies and real estate agents often have more flexible schedules during the fall. With less demand for their services, you may find it easier to secure appointments, viewings, and moving dates that align with your preferences.
Comfortable viewing conditions: Fall weather is generally comfortable for visiting properties. You can explore homes and neighborhoods without the extreme heat of summer or the unpredictable weather of spring.
Less Pressure: With fewer competing buyers or renters, you may feel less pressured to make quick decisions. This gives you the time to thoroughly evaluate properties and ensure they meet your criteria.
Cons:
Variable weather: While fall is generally mild, it can bring unpredictable weather, including occasional rain and chilly days.
School schedules: For families with school-age children, moving during the fall may require consideration of school schedules and potential disruptions to their academic year.
Early sunset: As fall progresses, daylight hours become shorter making it necessary to plan your move accordingly to ensure you have enough daylight for loading and unloading.
Winter
Pros:
Minimal competition: With fewer people actively searching for homes or rentals in the winter, you'll face less competition and may have a better chance of finding a property that suits your needs.
Negotiation opportunities: Sellers and landlords may be more motivated to negotiate terms and prices during the winter due to the slower market. You could potentially secure a better deal on your new home or rental property.
Potential for winter savings: Moving companies may offer discounted rates during the winter months due to lower demand. This can result in cost savings for your overall moving expenses.
Availability: Moving companies tend to have more availability during the winter months. You can often secure the moving date you want without as much competition.
Cons:
Harsh weather: Chicago winters can be brutally cold, with snow and ice creating potentially hazardous conditions for moving.
Limited daylight: Shorter days mean less daylight for your move, so be prepared to start early or move in the dark.
Potential delays: Weather-related delays can happen during winter moves. Snowstorms or icy roads can disrupt your schedule and cause unexpected setbacks.
Limited curb space: Snow buildup along streets can limit available curb space for parking and loading/unloading, making it important to plan for these challenges.
Icy walkways and stairs: Slippery sidewalks, driveways, and stairs can pose safety risks during a winter move. Make sure to shovel any accumulate snow, use ice melt, and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents.
The best time to move in Chicago depends on your priorities and tolerance for weather conditions. Spring and fall offer milder weather, while summer provides longer days and high demand for moving services. Winter, on the other hand, offers lower prices but comes with the challenge of dealing with extreme cold and potential snowfall. Consider your preferences, budget, and the availability of moving services when deciding the ideal season for your Chicago move. Regardless of the season you choose, planning ahead and hiring a reputable local Chicago moving company, such as Under One Roof, can help ensure a smooth transition to your new home in Chicago.
Blog authored by Michelle Mathena, President of Under One Roof, a local moving company in Chicago. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in the moving industry. Under One Roof has had thousands of satisfied customers since 1982.