Moving to Chicago and new to the city? Here are some tips for making your big move easier.
Alderman
What exactly is an alderman? Chicago is broken up into districts and one alderman represents each district. They legislate, zone, and oversee everything within that district from snow removal to crime, approving new businesses, granting parking permits and guest parking passes, etc. They are the ones you turn to for almost everything within your district. That’s why it’s important to know who your alderman is. Click here to find your alderman.
Moving into a Condo or Apartment Building?
Are you moving into a condo building? Before you move, be sure to check with the condo association or management office on a number of items, like:
- Is there a move in fee? Is it refundable?
- Is there a fee to rent out the elevator? (if applicable)
- Do you need to reserve the elevator? (if applicable)
- Where can you park your car during the move? If you have a big moving truck this is especially important as a lot of alleys can’t accommodate moving trucks.
Moving Companies
Have you found a company to help out with your move? If not, here is a list of my recommended movers within the city of Chicago:
- Windy City Movers (877) 685-2334
- New City Movers (800) 773-6644
- Move-tastic (773) 715-3227
Parking
Let’s face it, parking in the city is a hassle. If your new place doesn’t come with an assigned parking spot you’re probably wondering where you can park without paying a daily fee on the street. Here’s what you need to do:
- Purchase a Chicago City Vehicle sticker, here. All Chicago residents must register their vehicle within 60 days of their move or risk a late fee. You will need to renew this sticker once a year.
- See if your address has Residential Zone Parking. Click here to find your parking zone. This four-digit number will be printed on your vehicle sticker. Park only where the street has a Permit Only Parking sign with your designated four-digit parking zone number.
Q: I plugged in my address to find my residential parking zone but the city doesn’t recognize my address and I need parking! What do I do?
A: If you need to add a Residential Property Zone to your vehicle sticker and your address is not recognized, you need to contact your alderman’s office. Find your alderman, here. Tell them your address and see if you are eligible for street parking. If you are, they will most likely provide a letter for you. Ask them what you need to bring to their office as proof of residence. When and if you get that letter, bring it to City Hall where you can purchase Residential Zone Parking stickers.
Guest Parking
Depending on where you are living, some buildings will have guest parking and some will not. Ask. If your building does not have guest parking, you can buy Daily Residential Permits for your parking zone, here. They are good for 24 hours are cost around 55 cents each.
Public Transportation
There are a few ways to get around the city:
- The L – a quick way to get from point A to point B. The L drops you off relatively close to where you need to go most of the time. Transit Chicago recently switched to the Ventra card so be sure to pick up on of those cards online or at a local store as you’ll need it to get on and pay for the L.
- Buses – another convenient way to get around the city. Ventra cards work with the L and buses.
- Divvy – Chicago’s fun new bike sharing system. There are thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations throughout the city 24/7, 365 days a year for your use. Divvy is perfect for short trips (under 30 minutes) around the city. You pay for 30 minute increments at the stations or have the option for a yearly pass.
Utilities
This is one of those annoying tasks that no one thinks about doing ahead of time but is crucial for your move. You don’t want to be half way into your move when all the lights turn off. So, call now and hook up all your utilities. Get them changed to your name and to start the day you move in. Generally, in Chicago, you call Com Ed for electricity and People’s Gas for gas service. If you want internet and TV, be sure to call them to come in and set everything up.
- People’s Gas (866) 556-6001 (this is the gas company)
- Com Ed (800) 334-7661 (this is the electric company)
Just for Fun
Here’s a great article on tips will help make your life in Chicago easier and more enjoyable! Includes info on saving money, saving time, fun activities and more.
Good luck with your move!
