How Much Do Movers Cost in Chicago?

If you happen to be moving within or out of Chicago, Illinois, then one of your major concerns will be the cost of your move. You just have to know how much movers cost in Chicago so that you can plan and budget for your move accordingly.

Moving locally within Chicago: What prices should you expect when moving within Chicagoland? If you’re moving locally within Chicago, then the cost of Chicago moving companies will range from $480 to $3,600 on average.

Moving out of state to or from Chicago: How much will you have to pay for professional moving services when moving outside the Chicago metropolitan area – for example, moving to another state? On average, the cost of cross-country movers in Chicago ranges from around $2,525 to $8,100 for a distance of 1,000 miles.

How much do movers cost in Chicago?

Find below the average cost of movers in Chicago, together with the main factors that will affect the moving cost and what you can do to reduce that price.

Average cost of local movers in Chicago

If you’re moving locally within Chicago, then you should be aware that the average cost of Chicago movers will range from $480 to $3,600.

For example, when you’re moving out of a small apartment (a studio or a 1-bedroom apartment), then the local moving cost should be closer to the lower end of the price range.

However, when you’re moving out of a big house (a 4-bedroom home or a 5-bedroom home), then you’re likely to pay an amount that’s much closer to the higher end of the range because of the extra moving labor and time required to complete the residential move.

Home Size	Average Cost	Number of Movers	Number of Hours
Studio / 1-bedroom	$480	2	4
2-bedroom	$1,080	3	6
3-bedroom	$1,680	4	7
4-bedroom	$2,160	4	9
5-bedroom	$3,600	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 $480 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, then the average cost to hire local movers in Chicago will be around $1,080 provided that 3 movers work approximately 6 hours to finish the job.
• 3-bedroom. When you’re moving out of a 3-bedroom home, then the local movers cost in Chicago will go up to around $1,680 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 $2,160 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 $3,600 provided that 5 experienced movers work 12 hours to get the job done.

It’s easy to see that as the size of the home increases, so do the number of hours and the number of movers needed for the completion of the local move.

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 a number of external factors, including the specific Chicago moving company you choose to work with.

What’s the Average Moving Cost?

When you’re moving locally to one of the best Chicago suburbs, such as

• Glenview, IL
• Naperville, IL
• Downers Grove, IL
• Evanston, IL
• Arlington Heights, IL
• Buffalo Grove, IL
• Oak Park, IL
• Wilmette, IL

you’re still going to need to hire a local moving company in Chicago to transport your belongings quickly and safely. Follow the link below to get in touch with one of the best local movers in Chicago, Illinois.

Top-Rated Movers in Chicago, IL

Important info: You should know that local moving companies in Chicago are regulated by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). In case of any issues with your local Chicago movers, you can contact the Department for further assistance.

Average cost of long-distance movers in Chicago

It’s important to note that the cost of moving out of state will depend primarily on the move distance and the weight of the items to be moved between the two homes.

Also, the cost of interstate movers in Chicago will be influenced by any additional services you choose or that are required for the successful completion of the cross-country move.

When you’re moving across the country, the only way to know the exact price of your intestate move is to get free moving quotes from several top-rated Chicago moving companies.

On average, the cost of cross-country movers in Chicago ranges from around $2,525 to $8,100 for a distance of 1,000 miles.

Home Size	Average Cost	Approx. Weight	Distance from Chicago
Studio	$2,525 – $4,500	1,800 lbs.	1,000 miles
1-bedroom	$2,780 – $5,800	2,200 – 3,200 lbs.	1,000 miles
2-bedroom	$3,020 – $6,825	5,000 – 6,000 lbs.	1,000 miles
3-bedroom	$4,200 – $7,250	9,000 lbs.	1,000 miles
4-bedroom	$4,950 – $8,100	9,000+ lbs.	1,000 miles

• Studio apartment: $2,525 – $4,500. Hiring long-distance movers in Chicago when moving out of a studio apartment (approximate weight of items: 1,800 lbs., distance to the new home: 1,000 miles) should cost between $2,525 – $4,500.
• 1-bedroom: $2,780 – $5,800. Hiring interstate movers in Chicago when moving out of a 1-bedroom apartment (approximate weight of items: 2,200 – 3,200 lbs., distance to the new home: 1,000 miles) should cost between $2,780 – $5,800.
• 2-bedroom: $3,020 – $6,825. Moving out of a 2-bedroom home (approximate weight of items: 5,000-6,000 lbs., distance to the new home: 1,000 miles) should cost somewhere in the range of $3,020 – $6,825 when using the services of a cross-country moving company in Chicago.
• 3-bedroom: $4,200 – $7,250. Moving out of a 3-bedroom home (approximate weight of items: 9,000 lbs., distance to the new home: 1,000 miles) should cost around $4,200 – $7,250 when hiring Chicago movers for a cross-country move.
• 4-bedroom: $4,950 – $8,100. Moving out of a 4-bedroom home to a location that’s roughly 1,000 miles away should cost you $4,950 – $8,100 when you’ve picked one of the best Chicago movers as your relocation partner.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers?

All interstate moving companies in Chicago are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Long-distance movers must have a valid USDOT number in order to operate across state lines – that is, to be registered with and licensed by the Department of Transportation (DoT).

Click here to check the legitimate status of cross-country movers in Chicago and make sure they have a DOT number before you trust them with your valuable possessions.

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
  • $2,780 – $5,800 (1-bedroom)
  • $3,020 – $6,825 (2-bedroom)
  • $4,200 – $7,250 (3-bedroom)
• Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles
  • $2,772 – $5,880 (1-bedroom)
  • $4,070 – $7,231 (2-bedroom)
  • $5,521 – $8,850 (3-bedroom)
• Moving from Chicago to Houston
  • $2,780 – $5,880 (1-bedroom)
  • $3,020 – $6,825 (2-bedroom)
  • $4,200 – $7,250 (3-bedroom)
• Moving from Chicago to Dallas
  • $2,780 – $5,880 (1-bedroom)
  • $3,020 – $6,825 (2-bedroom)
  • $4,200 – $7,250 (3-bedroom)
• Moving from Chicago to Phoenix
  • $2,772 – $5,880 (1-bedroom)
  • $4,070 – $7,231 (2-bedroom)
  • $5,521 – $8,850 (3-bedroom)
• Moving from Chicago to Boston
  • $2,780 – $5,800 (1-bedroom)
  • $3,020 – $6,825 (2-bedroom)
  • $4,200 – $7,250 (3-bedroom)
• Moving from Chicago to Denver
  • $2,780 – $5,800 (1-bedroom)
  • $3,020 – $6,825 (2-bedroom)
  • $4,200 – $7,250 (3-bedroom)
• Moving from Chicago to Atlanta
  • $1,880 – $3,780 (1-bedroom)
  • $2,450 – $5,120 (2-bedroom)
  • $3,823 – $6,323 (3-bedroom)
• Moving from Chicago to Cleveland
  • $1,423 – $3,545 (1-bedroom)
  • $1,830 – $4,970 (2-bedroom)
  • $2,212 – $5,300 (3-bedroom)

Factors affecting the cost of movers in Chicago

The cost of hiring movers in Chicago can vary significantly based on a multitude of factors. If you’re considering relocating within or from Chicago, it’s crucial to understand these factors so that you can budget appropriately and ensure you 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. Typically, the size of the home (e.g., studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, etc.) can be a good indication of the volume of items.
• Weight of items. Some moving companies 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 (boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, etc.).
• 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.

Importance of knowing Chicago movers costs in advance

Why is it important that you understand the average cost of movers in Chicago? 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.

In essence, a thorough comprehension of how much Chicago movers cost ensures that you will be able to make informed choices, manage your finances effectively, and reduce the overall stress associated with moving.

How to reduce costs when hiring movers in Chicago

Moving house can be an expensive business so it’s no wonder that everybody’s looking for low-cost movers in Chicago.

And while you should be able to find cheap movers in Chicago through a bit of research, the truth is that there are a number of proven tactics you can use to reduce moving costs – that is, to save money on your local or long-distance 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. Use our Moving Cost Calculator at the top of the page to get in touch with top-rated Chicago movers.
• Declutter before moving out. This is a must-do task before you even pack your first box. Why? The fewer items you choose to take with you, the lower the total weight will be, meaning you’ll pay less money in the end. Take with you only the things you do 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 your things by yourself (plus family and friends) to save big.
• Use free packing materials. If you’re moving on a tight budget, you are encouraged to find free packing supplies – especially free moving boxes – to keep packing costs to a minimum. In fact, scoring moving boxes without paying for them is easier than you might think.
• 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 less.  

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FAQs about Chicago movers cost