In Chicago, most leases end on the last day of the month, which means half the city moves on the same weekend. If your move falls on the 30th, 31st or 1st, especially between May and September, a little planning makes a big difference.

The truck is not the hard part of a month-end move. The elevator, the parking and the other three moving companies in your building are.

Book early, ask your building for an elevator slot in writing, and apply for parking signs as soon as you have a date.

• Book movers four to six weeks ahead for summer month-ends
• Reserve the freight elevator at both buildings
• Apply for city no-parking signs at least ten days before
• Ask for the first slot of the day if you can get it
• Have keys and access codes sorted before the crew arrives

If you can move mid-month, you will usually get more choice of times and a calmer crew. Some companies also charge less on weekdays in the middle of the month.