Moving to Chicago
No matter where you are in your moving process, VeryApt is here to help you!
We find the best resources available to help make your move
to Chicago as easy as possible.
Before Moving
After Moving
Getting Settled
Before Moving
After Moving
Getting Settled
Before Moving
Apartment Hunt
Find an Apartment
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$ $ $
Free 1 hour |
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We're a bit biased, but if you want to find an apartment personalized for you and read reviews before you move in, there's no better place to look than VeryApt! Try our personalized recommendation engine to find your perfect apartment in Chicago! |
Planning
Check your credit
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$ $ $
Free 0 - 1 hours |
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Your credit rating is one of the most important factors impacting your approval as a tenant. In advance of preparing your rental application, be sure to check your credit score so you can understand how likely you are to be approved. Credit Karma is free and will give you consistent updates on your credit and what you can do to improve it. Don't worry - there are no hidden fees or charges. Many of our employees use this service and love it! |
Take accurate measurements
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$ $ $
$5 - 15 0 - 5 days |
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One of the most frustrating things about moving day can be learning your couch won't fit in your new apartment! Bring a sturdy 12 foot measuring tape to your apartment viewing. Be sure to check the size of doorways, rooms, elevators, etc. to make sure your largest pieces of furniture will fit. Don't forget to also measure storage areas and ceiling clearance as well! |
Order boxes
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$ $ $
$2 - 5+ / box 0 - 5 days |
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We haven't found moving kits we're in love with (tell us at contact@veryapt.com if you do!), so our general suggestion is to take a quick inventory and order the boxes that work best for you from Amazon. |
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$ $ $
$10+ / container 0 - 5 days |
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One often-overlooked packing option is stackable plastic containers. They may cost a bit more than cardboard, but they're sturdy, easy to label, and can be used for later storage and moves. Typically you should be able to find 5-packs of 30-50 quart containers for $50-100. We've linked to the top selling plastic storage containers on Amazon. |
Moving
Find movers
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$ $ $
Varies 1 hour |
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Unpakt lets you list the items you're moving *once*, and then provides guaranteed quotes from carefully vetted, insured movers. On average, booking via Unpakt saves 45% compared to calling movers directly. We suggest Unpakt for longer-distance moves. ***Use the link to the left or promo code VERYAPT5 for 5% off of your move.*** |
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$ $ $
Varies 0 - 1 days |
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If you're looking for a local mover, Thumbtack helps you manage the entire process online. Thumbtack matches you with professionals, who will send you custom quotes for your move. You simply answer a few questions and choose one of the quotes provided based on your needs. |
Reserve a spot for your movers
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$ $ $
$25+ 4 business days |
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Parking access for your moving truck will vary by property, but the best way to make sure you're all set for moving day is to apply for a parking space from the Chicago Department of Transportation. This way you can focus on your move instead of whether you're going to get a ticket! |
Storage
Find local storage
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$ $ $
$20+ / month 1 hour |
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SpareFoot offers access to many of the local options for self-storage. Storage units are typically rented on a month-to-month basis, and we like SpareFoot for quickly comparing units and prices in the Chicago area. |
Parking and Vehicle Consideration
Find long-term parking
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$ $ $
$87+ / vehicle 0 - 5 days |
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For a cheap parking option, scout out street parking that is eligible for residential parking permits that exempt them from meter and time limit restrictions. If you have Illinois license plates and a registered/insured to your home address in Illinois, valid Illinois DMV credential or reciprocity permit, and pay the applicable fees, you can apply for permit parking. |
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$ $ $
$100+ /month 1 hour |
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If you're bringing a car and looking for daily or monthly parking, Best Parking is a great resource. You can search by neighborhood or address and find an affordable spot near your new home or office. |
Store your bike
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$ $ $
$35 1 - 5 days |
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If your tight on space but still need a quick and easy way to get around the city, wall-mounted bike racks are the best solution. This bike rack hangs horizontally and can be adjusted to keep your bike level. The sturdy aluminum will keep your bike in place. |
Update Your Information
Change your address
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$ $ $
Free 7 - 10 business days |
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Once you've found your new place, be sure to make sure your mail gets to you! USPS' online change of address form is simple and will begin forwarding your mail in 7-10 business days. |
Transfer or cancel your existing utilites
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$ $ $
Free 30 days |
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In advance of moving, we recommend you transfer any utilities you have to your new property (if applicable) or cancel them if you will be switching utility providers altogether. Generally, this means writing to your providers of electrical, water, and similar services to make sure that they terminate your service after your last day in your current home, and if relevant, transfer the service to your new apartment. |
After Moving
Property Inspection and Insurance
Inspect your new apartment
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$ $ $
Free 1 hour |
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On your first day in your new apartment, check the doors, windows, floors, carpet, rugs, walls, ceiling, electrical, furniture, appliances and plumbing in each room - note if they are in good condition or not and take plenty of pictures. We suggest storing your pictures and notes in a Dropbox folder and then sending a checklist and pictures to your landlord to document the state of the apartment when you move in. You'll thank yourself when you ask for your deposit back! |
Get renter's insurance
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$ $ $
$10 - $30 1 hour |
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Many leases require you to obtain renter's insurance. Take care of it right away before you forget! Bungalow Insurance is a quick one-click style signup with clear explanations of what is covered. Best of all, renter's insurance is pretty cheap for the peace of mind - it will likely run you $150-250/year. |
Internet
Sign up for internet
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$ $ $
$40+ / month 1 week |
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Comcast is one of the most popular internet providers in Chicago. Internet-only packages start around $40/month. One benefit of Comcast is the great coverage of Infinity WiFi which allows you to access hotspots throughout the city using your email/username and password. We've linked to the Amazon cable store, where you can sign up for relevant Xfinity internet packages. |
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$ $ $
$50+ / month 1 week |
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Verizon is another popular internet service in Chicago. Hover over “Shop” in the top menu and then click “Check Availability" on the right side of the menu. Options start around $50/month. |
Buy your internet hardware
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$ $ $
$70+ 1 - 5 days |
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If you're signing up for cable internet, save yourself the monthly $5-10 modem rental fee and just buy one up front. It can pay for itself in about a year. For most services 150mbs or below, we recommend the ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 (linked) - just make sure it works with your internet provider. For faster speeds, the SB6183 can be a great option. |
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$ $ $
$349 1 - 5 days |
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Nothing is worse than springing for that pricy internet package only to have your WiFi router constantly hold you back. Eero is a premium product, with a two-pack running $349 and a three-pack running $499, but if you value consistent high speed connectivity throughout your new apartment without the dead spots or hassle of a sophisticated system, we recommend you consider the investment. |
Furniture
Furnish your new home
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$ $ $
Free consultation 1+ week |
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Homee designs your home for free! Chat with your designer and get a custom design that fits your style & budget. Order the items from your design in one click and enjoy free shipping directly to your doorstep. Whether you need all new furniture or just a few items, Homee can help you love where you live. ***Mention VeryApt to your designer to get 10% off. *** |
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$ $ $
$99+ / month 1+ week |
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CORT furniture rentals are a quick and inexpensive way of making your apartment a home. If you don't plan on staying in your apartment for more than a year or two, you can save money and time with this quick furniture upgrade. |
Upgrade your mattress
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$ $ $
$600 - $995 2 - 3 weeks |
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Helix Sleep is poised to devour the mattress dinosaurs. Order your fully customized and personalized mattress in minutes, and have it delivered to your new apartment. ***Get $50 off your order by using the link to the left.*** |
Public Transit
Pay for your metrorail fare
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$ $ $
$1- 3 / ride 0 - 1 hours |
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CTA fares vary widely depending on form of transporation and type of customer, but luckily Ventra has an easy payment system that allows you to pay directly on your smartphone through Apple Pay or Android pay. If you want to go old school, you can simply buy tickets at the station (we have attached a list of locations for purchase). |
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$ $ $
$5 / ride 7 - 10 business days |
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If you're not a big fan of buying your CTA tickets at the station, you can opt to load your Ventra Card online or in person. You'll save $0.75+/ride off the cash fare (as you would buying them at the machines). |
Sign up for ride sharing
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$ $ $
Free signup 5 minutes |
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Uber is a super convenient way to get around the city if you don't feel like driving yourself. If you are one of the very few people who hasn't used Uber yet, feel free to use our custom promo code (VERYAPT) or click the link to sign up for a free ride of up to $15. |
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$ $ $
Free signup 5 minutes |
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Lyft is an alternative to Uber which offers a similar ride sharing service. Prices between the two companies are comparable. The new Lyft Line option allows you to share a ride with another customer who is going to a similar destination for a cheaper price. |
Vehicles
Update your driver's license
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$ $ $
$5+ 1 - 5 days |
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For renters moving from another state, you will have to obtain a Chicago Driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency. Find your nearest Department of Transportation center and follow all of their instructions listed online to switch out your old out-of-state license for a shiny new Chicago license (sorry it's not actually shiny). |
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$ $ $
$5+ 10 business days |
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If you're moving within Chicago, be sure to notify the Chicago Department of Transportation within 10 days. You can update your license online, in person, or via mail. |
Sign up for car sharing
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$ $ $
$4 / hour 7 - 10 days |
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Enterprise CarShare offers a number of options for renting a vehicle 24/7 from dedicated spots in lots throughout Chicago. You'll need a valid license, a credit card, and, if you're 18-20, a valid .edu email address. |
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$ $ $
$8 - 10 / hour 0 - 7 days |
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Zipcar offers a number of different options for drivers, including plans that don't require an annual fee. They also have a mobile app for iPhone and Android where you can find, book, and unlock your car. You'll need to be 21 or older (18-20 with an affiliated college) and have a valid driver's license to apply. |
Find and pay for hourly parking
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$ $ $
Varies 10 minutes |
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Park Chicago is a mobile payment app for street parking. The Chicago Meters company has created this app that helps you locate metered parking and pay with your phone. Download the app now so you're prepared. |
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$ $ $
Varies 10 minutes |
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SpotHero allows you to find and compare parking options, pre-pay to reserve your spot, and save favorite locations. This will save you time and hassle when adjusting to the new city. Download the app now to save time later. |
Sign up for bike sharing
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$ $ $
$10 / month 30 minutes |
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Divvy Bikes offers over thousands of bikes and hundreds of stations across the city. Divvy bikes can be rented from and returned to any station in the system, creating an efficient network with many possible combinations of start and end points. Check out a bike for your trip to work, to the metro station, to run errands, to go shopping, or to visit friends and family. The first 30 minutes of each trip are free. Each additional 30 minutes incurs an additional fee. |
Bill Payments
Pay your rent and bills online
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$ $ $
Free 0 - 1 hours |
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Mint Bills is great for consolidating your online bill payments, especially if you're already a Mint user (which if you're not, we suggest that too!) You'll be able to see all your bills and accounts in one place, get reminders, and schedule bill payments from your bank account or credit/debit card. |
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$ $ $
2.5% credit/0% debit 1 week |
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Does your landlord require paper checks? Are you tired of mailing your utility bills? Plastiq allows you to pay your bills (including rent!) online. For a 2.5% fee or less, Plastiq will let you pay your bill with a credit card. Debit card transactions are free! They'll send the check for you and even set up recurring payments for your rent. |
Manage your bills with roommates
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$ $ $
Free 0 - 1 hour |
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Splitwise makes it easy to split bills. They help you organize all the shared expenses in one place, and best of all, it's free! In addition, to the website, they offer an app for iPhone and Android. |
Getting Settled
Groceries, Food, and Cleaning
Get your food delivered
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$ $ $
Free 0 - 2 hours |
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For traditional delivery restaurants, Grubhub is great. Grubhub will show you all the local delivery options and allow you to place your order online. They'll even text you when your food is on its way! |
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$ $ $
18%+ / order 0 - 2 hours |
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Caviar offers you access to some of the most prestigious restaurants in Chicago via delivery. The charges can add up (18% service fee + delivery) but for larger groups and nicer restaurants it can be a great option. |
Take care of your home and dry cleaning
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$ $ $
$40+ 1 - 5 days |
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If you're looking for a local cleaner, Handy helps you manage the entire process online. All their professionals are verified and they offer a 100% money-back guarantee. |
Fitness
Discover fitness classes
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$ $ $
$89 / month 0 -1 hours |
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ClassPass gives you a monthly membership to the best fitness classes in Chicago (and elsewhere too). You can visit the same studio up to 3 times per month and take as many classes as you want otherwise. Great for finding your new favorite classes in Chicago! |
Join a sports league
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$ $ $
Varies 0 - 1 hours |
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Players Sports Group is a great way to meet new people in Chicago while playing sports you love. They offer basketball, flag football, and soccer among over a dozen sports! League fees vary and they play at a variety of locations. |
Pets
Take care of your favorite roommate(s)
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$ $ $
Varies 0 -1 hours |
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For helping take care of your canine roommates while you're at work or traveling, we suggest checking out Rover. You can quickly learn availability and pricing for dog boarding, house sitting, and dog walking nearby your new apartment in Chicago. |
Medical
Find healthcare providers
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$ $ $
Free 0 -1 hours |
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Finding new doctors (primary care, dentist, eye care, etc.) can be a hassle after moving. ZocDoc's coverage of Chicago is great and will help finding doctors that take your insurance easy! You can also schedule your appointment online and some doctors will also let you submit your forms online. |
Volunteering
Sign up to volunteer
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$ $ $
Free 0 -1 days |
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Chicago Cares is a leading non-profit in the Chicago area. It is a good starting point for finding your cause and discovering what volunteer opportunities are available in Chicago. |
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$ $ $
Free 3 - 4 weeks |
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At VeryApt, we love Big Brothers Big Sisters and the support it provides to children in Chicago. Volunteering takes just a few hours a month and can have an incredible impact on the life of your little brother/sister. |