Written by: Madeline Blake
Date:

Moving is a big decision. This is especially true if you’re moving long-distance. Crossing the border to start anew in another state is intimidating to most. This fear can additionally be fueled by a lack of proper preparation. Whatever thereon for your move, it’s important to do it right. There is, of course, no better way to move than with the help of professionals, and Verified Movers will be happy to help you find them. Let’s have a look at what awaits in Illinois and how to go about moving to Illinois with no stress.

Illinois – the basics

Illinois is located in the Midwestern region of the United States. The largest city in Illinois is Chicago. The state of Illinois is rich with farmland, but also has large industrial areas and is rich with natural resources. It’s interesting to mention that, even though it may seem landlocked, Illinois is actually a major maritime transport hub. In fact, it has access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Life in Illinois

Before you decide on moving to Illinois and you contact the top movers in Chicago to get you there, let’s examine what living in Illinois looks like. We will look at life in Illinois objectively with some comparisons to the national averages and other states.

The Pros

The cost of living in Illinois is, overall, very affordable. This is definitely one of the big pros of life in this state. Compared to other states with major cities, Illinois is significantly cheaper in terms of rent. In fact, rent in Chicago is around 1,800$, which is noticeably cheaper than the stunning 4,100$ in New York City, or 3,600$ in San Francisco. When it comes to other places in Illinois, the rent goes down about half of that amount, which puts it slightly below the national average.

a calculator, and some dollar bills
Moving to Illinois for the low cost of living and many job opportunities makes a lot of sense which is why many have done so.

Another big benefit that pairs well with the low cost of housing in Illinois is the job market. Illinois is the home of 36 Fortune500 companies. The job market here is very diverse as well. There are job openings in nearly every field. While it may be competitive, this shouldn’t discourage you. The rate of unemployment is significantly lower than the national average, meaning that there is something to do for everyone who wants to work. In fact, the state of Illinois ranks fifth by GDP in the United States.

Other pros of Illinois are more lifestyle-related. Although Illinois isn’t the first state that comes to mind when talking about landscapes and nature, it has it’s moments. The state of Illinois is very historically important. There are many historical sites to visit. Some swear that the food in Illinois is the best in the entire United States. Also, let’s not forget the hospitality of the polite Midwest.

Cons

We mentioned that Illinois isn’t going to amaze you with natural beauty. This is because 85% of the entire state’s landmass is covered in cornfields. This is not an overstatement or a joke, this is a fact. There just isn’t much to see or enjoy if you’re into the great outdoors. The weather is no friend either. It can be quite unpredictable and very harsh. Natural disasters are also a risk. However, if you look past these flaws, Illinois can prove to be a beautiful home for you.

a tall grass field
If you’re moving to Illinois for the natural sights, you may be in for a disappointing surprise.

Moving to Illinois

Depending on which part of the state you wish to move to, it’s important to get in touch with the right people. Contact long distance moving companies Rockford if you’re looking to move to that area and make it easier on yourself. This will make the process simpler, as local movers, from the area, are best suited to settle you there. Once you get your free quote and decide on employing the services of the professional moving company, it’s very easy.

The moving process

Upon deciding on the date, you will have a team of trained moving professionals at your disposal. The team will arrive when agreed on and start with the packing. The packing process may take a while, depending on the number of personal belongings you have. There may also be a need for specialized packing methods and materials for items that require additional care when handling. You can help the team out by instructing them on which items may require extra care. Also, it may be a good idea to pack up or move any cables lying around which could be a hazard.

a mover in a moving van
Moving to Illinois can be a stress-free experience if you hire professional help.

Once the team has packed and loaded everything into the transport van once again, you have no reason to worry. Professional drivers, operating vehicles specifically suited for this use will get your things to the desired location safely and swiftly. Once you’ve reached the location the team will unload your items and place them according to your instructions. You may save yourself extra work by asking the team to place the furniture where you want it to remain.

If there are items that you had to take from your previous residence but currently cannot fit into your new interior, it may be a good idea to explore storage options. This way, you can make sure that the pieces you currently cannot find the place for, will remain safe until you find a place and use for them. Most of the companies that offer full-service moving have some kind of storage solution. Another reason to look for moving companies that are location specific. If you’re moving to Illinois, Joliet, and want some of your things stored nearby, primarily looking at the long distance moving companies Joliet has available makes the most sense.

Moving to Illinois – the takeaway

While Illinois has some flaws, it certainly has many positives as well. With the low cost of living overall and job opportunities all around, moving to Illinois makes a lot of sense long-term. If you can turn a blind eye to the weather and focus on the hospitality, architecture, cuisine, social life, sports events, and historical sites, you will find that Illinois will become an irreplaceable home for you and yours.