Local planning Confirm authority for the Chicago route
Every for-hire mover handling a Chicago move within Illinois must hold an ICC Household Goods License, so ask for the license number and verify it with the Commission before comparing anything else. Our Illinois state guide walks through the license and tariff system in more detail. Once the license is confirmed, collect written estimates for the same inventory so the rest of the comparison is apples to apples.
- Ask for the ICC Household Goods License number and verify it with the Commission.
- Match the licensed legal name to the name on your written estimate.
- For a move leaving Illinois, also review the company's federal USDOT record.
- Compare written estimates for identical inventory and services.
Local planning High-rise and elevator scheduling
If either address is a managed building, ask management whether a freight-elevator reservation, set move window, common-area protection, or insurance document is required.
- Reserve the freight elevator at both addresses as early as the building allows.
- Ask management about permitted move hours and any certificate-of-insurance requirement.
- Ask each mover how it protects hallways, elevators, and door frames.
- Confirm the crew size and pace fit within the reserved elevator window.
Local planning Truck access and loading at the curb
Check posted curb restrictions and current Chicago public-right-of-way guidance for each address before move day. Ask where the truck can legally stop and how a longer carry changes the written scope.
- Identify the closest legal loading spot to each entrance before moving day.
- Ask each company whether your block requires any advance parking or loading arrangement.
- Note hydrants, bus zones, and alleys that limit where a truck can stop.
- Ask how a long carry from the truck would be handled and documented.
Local planning Winter move planning in Chicago
For a winter date, check the forecast and walking surfaces close to the move. Put snow, ice, delay, rescheduling, and item-protection responsibilities in writing.
- Clear and salt walkways, steps, and the path to the truck at both addresses.
- Plan around shorter daylight and slower cross-city transit in winter.
- Agree in advance on a weather contingency and how rescheduling would work.
- Protect floors at both entrances from snow, salt, and water during the move.
Official resources Check current records and local guidance
Rules and public records can change. Use these official sources to confirm the requirements and access details that apply to your route and addresses.