How Chicago’s 2025 Road & Transit Changes Are Impacting Local Moves
Why 2025 Saw a Surge in Chicago Suburban Moves - And What’s Expected for 2026
Chicago Moving Trends for 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, Chicago’s moving patterns have taken an interesting turn. Instead of a decline, the city has seen an increase in relocations – both inside Chicago and into surrounding regions. Many residents are looking for more space, quieter neighborhoods, and flexible living options that fit today’s lifestyle changes. These trends have reshaped how moving companies in Illinois operate and how people plan their relocations.
Suburban Moves Hit Their Highest Demand of the Year
One of the strongest patterns in late 2025 is the continued shift toward Chicago suburbs. Families and remote workers are choosing areas such as Naperville, Elmhurst, Schaumburg, Oak Park, and Evanston, where larger homes and more green space create a more relaxed day-to-day life.
Improved commute options, updated suburban downtowns, and affordable housing choices have kept suburban demand steadily rising.
High-Rise Downsizing Becomes a Major Trend
Residents in neighborhoods like River North, South Loop, and Streeterville are making a noticeable move from high-rise living to townhomes and single-family properties.
Many want:
Lower monthly expenses
Easier parking access
More outdoor space
Quieter, less crowded living environments
This trend has increased requests for apartment-to-suburb moving services, especially toward the end of the year.
Small Business Relocations Are Picking Up Again
Chicago’s commercial sector showed stronger activity in the second half of 2025.
A growing number of small businesses are:
Moving into renovated office spaces
Downsizing to flexible work environments
Shifting from downtown areas to more affordable neighborhoods
As a result, commercial moving requests have seen steady growth, especially for companies looking to upgrade or consolidate their workspace.
Illinois-to-Midwest Moves Remain Strong
Interstate relocation continues to rise, mainly between Illinois and nearby states. Popular destinations include:
Wisconsin (especially Milwaukee and Madison)
Indiana (Indianapolis region)
Michigan (Grand Rapids & Detroit areas)
Iowa and Missouri for lower-cost living
These regional moves often come from job changes, family reasons, or more affordable housing options — a trend expected to continue into early 2026.
Storage Demand Surged in Late 2025
Renovations, downsizing, and transitional housing increased the need for short-term and long-term storage.
Many residents looked for:
Temporary storage while homes were remodeled
Extra space during longer relocation timelines
Storage paired with packing and moving services
This combination of services became one of the most requested add-ons of the year.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026
Based on late-2025 data, moving trends in Chicago are likely to continue in the same direction:
More moves toward the suburbs
Growth in regional Midwest relocations
Higher demand for full-service packing
More flexible, weekend, or off-hours commercial moves
Continued need for storage during transitions
Chicago remains a dynamic, evolving city — and the moving trends heading into 2026 reflect a population that values flexibility, space, and better living solutions.
Final Thoughts
As 2025 wraps up, Chicago’s moving activity is busier than ever. Whether relocating across town or to a nearby state, residents and businesses are prioritizing smooth, organized moves with professional support.
Understanding these trends can help you plan smarter and choose the right services for your move in the year ahead.