Move in Chicago—whether you’re heading to Lincoln Park, the West Loop, Lakeview, or the suburbs—can be exciting, but it often comes with stress, logistics, and more belongings than you realized you own. One of the most effective ways to simplify your move is to declutter before you pack.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through a streamlined decluttering process so you can save time, reduce moving costs, and enjoy a much smoother move with help from the professionals at Advanced Moving & Storage.
Why Decluttering Before a Move Matters
1. You’ll Save Time and Reduce Moving Costs
The less you pack, the less you pay—and the faster everything goes.
Decluttering helps you:
- Reduce the number of boxes and supplies needed
- Cut down on labor costs
- Shorten packing and unpacking time
For Chicago moves, where many buildings have strict elevator reservations and loading zone time limits, having fewer items can make the entire day easier.
2. You’ll Reduce Stress and Stay Organized
Moving is one of the top stress-inducing events for families. Decluttering in advance gives you a sense of control and prevents last-minute chaos.
You won’t have to rush through closets or drawers on moving day. Everything will already be organized and ready for the movers.
3. You’ll Enjoy a Fresh Start in Your New Home
A new home is an opportunity to reset. Decluttering lets you leave behind:
- Outdated paperwork
- Furniture that no longer fits your style
- Clothes you no longer wear
- Items you forgot you even owned
You’ll create space—literally and mentally—for a clean start.
How to Declutter Before Your Chicago Move
1. Start Early
Chicago moves often require coordinating:
- Elevator time slots
- Parking permits
- Alley access
- Moving window reservations
Starting decluttering 6–10 weeks before moving day ensures you’re ahead of schedule.
2. Declutter One Room at a Time
Avoid overwhelm by focusing on a single area:
Week 1 → Bedrooms
Week 2 → Kitchen
Week 3 → Living areas
Week 4 → Storage spaces
This structured approach keeps the process manageable.
3. Use the Four-Box Method
Label four boxes:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Trash
This system forces quick decisions and keeps clutter from spreading.
Tip: In Chicago, great donation options include Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local shelters that accept household items.
4. Ask Yourself Key Questions
When unsure whether to keep an item, ask:
- Have I used this in the past year?
- Does it fit my current lifestyle?
- Is it cheaper to replace than to move?
- Would it suit my new home?
Being honest during this stage unlocks the biggest decluttering wins.
Packing Tips to Keep Your Move Smooth
1. Use High-Quality Packing Materials
Chicago weather can be unpredictable—rain, snow, wind, and humidity can impact moving day.
Quality boxes and protective materials keep items safe from the elements.
2. Label Clearly and Consistently
Write:
- What’s inside
- The room it belongs to
- Whether it contains fragile items
This helps movers place boxes correctly and speeds up unpacking.
3. Pack a First-Night Essentials Box
Include:
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Phone chargers
- A change of clothes
- Basic kitchenware
- Bedding
This box will keep you comfortable the first night, even if you can’t unpack everything.
Moving Day Checklist (Chicago-Specific)
- Confirm elevator times and loading dock access
- Secure a temporary street parking permit (if required)
- Protect floors and hallways according to building rules
- Clear walkways for movers
- Do a final sweep of all rooms, closets, and cabinets
These steps reduce delays—especially in Chicago’s busy urban areas.
Why Hire a Professional Moving Company in Chicago
Expertise & Reliability
Advanced Moving & Storage has over 25 years of experience handling Chicago moves. They understand:
- City parking challenges
- High-rise elevator booking
- Narrow condo hallways
- Winter and summer weather risks
This expertise helps your move stay on time and on budget.
Stress-Free Moving from Start to Finish
The team handles:
- Packing
- Loading
- Transportation
- Unloading
- Optional unpacking services
You get to focus on your new home—not the heavy lifting.
Secure Storage Options
If your closing date changes or your new place isn’t move-in ready, Advanced Moving & Storage provides safe, climate-controlled storage for both short- and long-term needs.
Settling Into Your New Home
Unpack in Logical Order
Start with:
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Living areas
This keeps you functional while you set up.
Personalize Your Space
Hang photos, display décor, and arrange your furniture to make the space feel like home.
Explore Your New Chicago Neighborhood
Walk the area, meet your neighbors, find grocery stores, trails, parks, and coffee shops. The quicker you familiarize yourself, the quicker your new home will feel comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decluttering for a Move
How far in advance should I declutter before moving?
Start 6–10 weeks in advance to avoid stress and last-minute packing issues.
Should I declutter before getting a moving quote?
Yes. Decluttering first leads to a more accurate, potentially lower quote.
Do Chicago movers help with packing?
Advanced Moving & Storage offers full-service packing and can pack your entire home or selected items.
What items should I never move?
Avoid transporting:
- Expired items
- Broken electronics
- Outdated paperwork
- Cheap items that cost more to move than replace
Conclusion
Decluttering before your Chicago move is one of the smartest things you can do to reduce stress, lower costs, and enjoy a seamless transition. With a solid plan and the help of a trusted Chicago moving company like Advanced Moving & Storage, you’ll be ready for a smooth, efficient, and organized moving experience.
