How Much Do Movers Cost in Chicago?

Moving locally within Chicago, the cost will range from $500 to $3,800 on average.

Moving out of state to or from Chicago, the average cost ranges from $3,060 – $6,500 (1-bedroom) to $6,050 – $9,150 (4-bedroom) for a distance of 1,000 miles.

Average Cost of Local Home Moves in Chicago

Home Size	Average Cost	Number of Movers	Number of Hours
Studio / 1-bedroom	$510	2	4
2-bedroom	$1,150	3	6
3-bedroom	$1,795	4	7
4-bedroom	$2,300	4	9
5-bedroom	$3,850	5	12

Studio / 1-bedroom. The average cost to hire movers in Chicago when you’re moving out of a studio apartment or a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $510, provided that 2 movers work roughly 4 hours to complete the local move.

2-bedroom. When you’re moving out of a 2-bedroom home, the average cost to hire local movers in Chicago will be around $1,150, provided that 3 movers work approximately 6 hours to finish the job.

3-bedroom. When you’re moving out of a 3-bedroom home, the local movers’ cost in Chicago will go up to around $1,795 as long as 4 professionals work roughly 7 hours to complete the local house move.

4-bedroom. Moving out of a 4-bedroom home will cost you approximately $2,300 when you’re using the services of local Chicago movers. In that case, you’ll need 4 movers who are supposed to finish the house-moving job in about 9 hours or so.

5-bedroom. The cost of hiring Chicago movers for a home that has 5 or more bedrooms will be roughly $3,850, provided that 5 experienced movers work 12 hours to get the job done.

Keep in mind that the example costs to hire local movers in Chicago are only average values, so the price you have to pay for your move can be higher due to several external factors, including the specific Chicago moving company you choose to work with.

Important: Local moving companies in Chicago are regulated by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Ensure that any local mover you are thinking of hiring is properly licensed and insured with the Illinois Commerce Commission.

You may also like to read: Understanding Moving Quotes. There are different types of moving quotes, and the one you choose can have a significant impact on what your final moving costs are. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about moving quotes.

Average Cost of Long-Distance Movers in Chicago

On average, the cost of interstate movers in Chicago ranges from $3,060 – $6,500 (1-bedroom) to $6,050 – $9,150 (4-bedroom) for a distance of 1,000 miles.

It’s important to note that the cost of moving out of state will depend on the move distance, the weight of the items to be moved between the two homes, and any additional services such as packing, furniture disassembly, and temporary storage, etc. that you choose.

Here are some average moving costs when using the services of a Chicago moving company for moves of 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 miles, respectively, from your home in the state of Illinois.

Distance	1-bedroom	2-bedroom	3-bedroom	4-bedroom
250 miles	$1,565 – $4,000	$2,080 – $5,370	$2,710 – $5,990	$2,990 – $6,635
500 miles	$2,075 – $4,305	$2,780 – $5,945	$4,220 – $7,135	$4,680 – $8,950
1,000 miles	$3,060 – $6,500	$3,320 – $7,865	$5,025 – $8,150	$6,050 – $9,150
2,000 miles	$3,300 – $6,465	$4,720 – $8,250	$6,425 – $10,080	$8,350 – $13,950

Important: All interstate moving companies in Chicago are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Long-distance movers must have a valid USDOT number to operate across state lines. Do not book any interstate move without first checking that the mover is properly licensed and insured.

Moving Routes from Chicago to Other Big U.S. Cities

Here are some average moving costs along the busiest moving routes from Chicago to other major cities in the country:

Moving from Chicago to New York

$2,970 – $6,190 (1-bedroom) $3,225 – $7,285 (2-bedroom) $4,485 – $7,740 (3-bedroom)

Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles

$2,960 – $6,275 (1-bedroom) $4,345 – $7,720 (2-bedroom) $5,895 – $9,450 (3-bedroom)

Moving from Chicago to Houston

$2,970 – $6,275 (1-bedroom) $3,225 – $7,285 (2-bedroom) $4,485 – $7,740 (3-bedroom)

Moving from Chicago to Dallas

$2,970 – $6,275 (1-bedroom) $3,225 – $7,285 (2-bedroom) $4,485 – $7,740 (3-bedroom)

Moving from Chicago to Phoenix

$2,960 – $6,275 (1-bedroom) $4,345 – $7,720 (2-bedroom) $5,895 – $9,450 (3-bedroom)

Moving from Chicago to Boston

$2,970 – $6,190 (1-bedroom) $3,225 – $7,285 (2-bedroom) $4,485 – $7,740 (3-bedroom)

Moving from Chicago to Denver

$2,970 – $6,190 (1-bedroom) $3,225 – $7,285 (2-bedroom) $4,485 – $7,740 (3-bedroom)

Moving from Chicago to Atlanta

$2,010 – $4,035 (1-bedroom) $2,615 – $5,465 (2-bedroom) $4,080 – $6,750 (3-bedroom)

Moving from Chicago to Cleveland

$1,520 – $3,785 (1-bedroom) $1,955 – $5,305 (2-bedroom) $2,360 – $5,655 (3-bedroom)

You may also like to read: What is a Bill of Lading? This is a vitally important document; it is the contract between you and the mover. No matter what your salesperson told you, if it is not in the document, it does not exist. Discover the red flags to watch out for and why you must read and understand the Bill of Lading.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Movers in Chicago

The cost of hiring movers in Chicago can vary significantly based on several factors. If you’re considering relocating within or from Chicago, it’s crucial to understand these factors so you can budget appropriately and get the best value for your money.

Here are the primary factors that influence the cost of movers in the Chicago area:

• Distance of the move. If you’re moving locally (within a radius of approximately 50 miles), you will be charged on an hourly basis by a local moving company. When moving to a different state, the price of your long-distance move will generally be based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they need to be transported.
• Size of the move. The more items you have, the more labor and transportation resources are required.
• Weight of items. Interstate movers will weigh the truck before and after loading to determine the total weight of your belongings.
• Time of the year. Moving companies in Chicago have peak seasons, such as the summer months, when many families decide to move. During these peak moving times, prices are usually higher due to the higher demand for professional moving services.
• Day of the week and time of the day. Moving during weekends usually costs more than moving on a weekday. Similarly, if you require an unusual move-in or move-out time of the day, there may be an additional charge for you.
• Packing services. Full-service moving companies in Chicago offer packing services for an additional fee. This includes both the labor of packing and the materials used.
• Additional services. In addition to packing, extra services include assembly and disassembly of furniture, storage solutions, or special handling of items like pianos or antiques.
• Insurance. Basic coverage might be included in the moving price, but additional insurance or valuation coverage will cost extra. You’re strongly recommended to research your insurance options and get the coverage that’ll work best for you.
• Access and complexity. If your home has narrow hallways, several flights of stairs, or lacks an elevator, additional fees might apply. Similarly, if the moving truck cannot park close to your home and items have to be carried a longer distance, it might increase costs.
• Specialized equipment. If certain items require cranes, hoists, or other specialized equipment, it can add to the cost.
• Tolls and parking fees. Especially relevant in urban areas like Chicago, movers might charge for tolls or any parking fees they incur during the move.
• Economic factors. Inflation, changes in fuel prices, and local economic conditions can also influence moving costs.

When seeking a quote from moving companies in Chicago, ensure you provide as much detail as possible about your move to get the most accurate estimate.

It’s also a good idea to get quotes from several Chicago movers to compare prices and services offered.

You may also like to read: Home Moving Insurance. Many people moving home make the mistake of being underinsured. Movers Basic Insurance is usually woefully inadequate. This guide explains what the different types of insurance cover and why it is so important to understand exactly what is and is not covered and by how much.

Why Knowing Chicago Movers’ Costs in Advance is Important

Knowing those moving costs is critical for planning and budgeting for several reasons:

• Avoiding unexpected expenses: Without a clear understanding of potential moving costs, you may face unexpected expenses that may strain your finances. Accurate budgeting ensures that all potential costs are anticipated and accounted for.
• Allocation of resources: By having a good idea of Chicago movers’ costs, you can make informed decisions on where to allocate resources. For instance, if packing services are too costly, you can choose to pack your things by yourself.
• Comparison of Chicago moving companies: Understanding the detailed breakdown of moving costs will enable you to compare multiple quotes from different movers in Chicago. You can evaluate which services are worth paying for and which aren’t, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
• Risk management: Moving involves multiple risks, such as damage to items, delays, or additional charges. By understanding and budgeting for potential costs, including insurance, you can minimize the financial impact of these risks.
• Decision making: A decent understanding of the costs of hiring Chicago movers can influence various decisions, such as the timing of the move, the items to be moved, sold, or discarded, and whether to use professional services for specific tasks.
• Stress reduction: Moving is considered to be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. When you have a clear budget and a good understanding of the moving costs, one major source of move-related stress, financial uncertainty, will be reduced.
• Negotiation power: A clear understanding of standard moving costs gives you a stronger position when negotiating with moving companies in Chicago. If you get a quote that seems excessively high, you can challenge it or look for another mover.

You may also like to read: How to Create a Moving Budget. In this guide, we share the best way to create a home moving budget and what to include in it so that nothing is forgotten.

How to Reduce Costs When Hiring Movers in Chicago

Moving house can be expensive, but there are safe ways to reduce your moving costs and still have a stress-free move.

• Get multiple estimates. The only way to be sure that you’re getting the best deal in terms of price and conditions is to be able to compare several quotes supplied by professional moving companies.
• Declutter before moving out. This is a must-do task. The fewer items you choose to take with you, the lower the total weight will be, meaning you’ll pay less. Take with you only the things you plan to use in the foreseeable future.
• Pack your belongings by yourself. Paying professional packers to protect your possessions for the upcoming move is not cheap. Consider packing low-value things by yourself (plus family and friends) and having the movers pack the fragile and valuable items.
• Use free packing materials. If you’re moving on a tight budget, free packing supplies, especially free moving boxes, will help keep packing costs to a minimum.
• Move during the off-peak season. Moving during the off-peak moving season (September – May) can help you slash the moving costs even more. Most Chicago moving companies will reduce their rates during the cold months of the year because the overall demand for their moving services is lower.

You may also like to read: How to Cut Moving Costs. In this guide, we suggest various ways that you can save money moving home without compromising the safety of your goods or your sanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do local movers cost in Chicago? The average cost of local movers in Chicago ranges from $500 to $3,800. When moving locally within Chicagoland, professional movers will charge you by the hour.

How much do cross-country movers cost to/from Chicago? The average cost of long-distance movers to or from Chicago ranges from $3,060 – $6,500 (1-bedroom) to $6,050 – $9,150 (4-bedroom) for a distance of 1,000 miles. Interstate moving companies charge a fixed rate based on the move distance, the total weight of the shipment, and the requested additional services.

How to find low-cost movers in Chicago? Finding cheap movers in Chicago comes down to comparing several cost estimates and picking the one that best fits your budget. Get free moving quotes from top-rated Chicago movers to begin the hunt for affordable moving services.

Good luck with your move, and be sure to visit our home moving blog for guides on how to make every aspect of your move easier, cheaper, and safer.