Your First 90 Days in Illinois: A Survival Guide

You've made the move—now what? Here's how to get established efficiently and start feeling at home.

Week 1-2: Immediate Essentials

Day 1-3: Basic Setup

• Unpack essentials and set up sleeping areas

• Locate nearest grocery store, pharmacy, hospital

• Test all utilities and document any issues

• Set up internet (schedule this before you move!)

Day 4-7: Admin Priorities

• Update your address with USPS

• Get a P.O. Box if mail forwarding is unreliable

• Locate your new polling place

• Find nearest post office and bank branch

Week 2: Vehicle & License

Illinois requires action within 90 days, but don't wait.

Visit Secretary of State facility for:

• Illinois driver's license

• Vehicle registration

• License plates

Bring:

• Current out-of-state license

• Proof of insurance

• Vehicle title

• Two proofs of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement)

Week 3-4: Healthcare & Services

Find Your Providers

• Primary care physician (check insurance network)

• Dentist

• Specialists you need regularly

• Pediatrician if you have children

• Veterinarian if you have pets

Transfer Records

• Request medical records from previous providers

• Transfer prescriptions to local pharmacy

• Update emergency contacts everywhere

Chicago Area Specific

• Get a city sticker if required for parking

• Research residential parking permits

• Register for garbage/recycling pickup

• Learn street cleaning schedule (tickets are real!)

Month 2: Building Your Network

Join Local Groups

• Facebook groups for your city/neighborhood (like ours!)

• Nextdoor for hyper-local connections

• Meetup groups for hobbies

• Religious or community organizations

Introduce Yourself

• Meet immediate neighbors personally

• Visit local businesses and become a regular

• Attend a community event (check park district calendars)

For Parents

• Connect with school parent groups

• Find local sports leagues

• Locate library story times and programs

• Research summer camp options (they fill early!)

Month 3: Getting Comfortable

Explore Your Region

• Visit a state park

• Try restaurants locals recommend

• Find your go-to coffee shop

• Discover weekend routines

Practical Optimizations

• Learn traffic patterns and alternate routes

• Find best grocery stores for different needs

• Identify reliable service providers (plumber, electrician)

• Understand garbage day, recycling rules, yard waste

Prepare for Weather

If you arrive in warmer months, don't forget:

• Winter gear will be needed (coat, boots, gloves)

• Snow removal supplies (shovel, salt, scraper)

• Emergency car kit

• Understanding of snow day/school closing procedures

Administrative Checklist Summary

Within 30 Days

• Mail forwarding set up

• Utilities in your name

• Internet working

• Bank notified of address change

Within 60 Days

• Illinois driver's license obtained

• Vehicle registered in Illinois

• New license plates installed

• Insurance updated to Illinois address

Within 90 Days

• Voter registration updated

• Healthcare providers established

• Emergency contacts updated everywhere

• Tax withholding updated with employer

Signs You're Becoming an Illinoisan

• You have opinions about deep dish vs. thin crust

• You know what "dibs" means (and have feelings about it)

• You've complained about property taxes at least once

• You've discovered a "hidden gem" restaurant

• You've survived your first real winter

• You say "pop" instead of "soda" (or at least understand those who do)

Final Advice

Be patient with yourself. Feeling at home takes time. Many newcomers say it took a full year—experiencing all four seasons—before Illinois truly felt like home. You'll get there.

Stay connected. Join local groups, ask questions, and don't be afraid to admit you're new. Illinoisans love showing off their state to newcomers.