Now that you have made the call, know that moving to or from Chicago involves a lot of logistical decisions, and one of the biggest factors to consider is how to manage the costs of professional movers and everything needed for the move.
No matter where or when you are moving, understanding pricing and how it works, what to expect regarding services, and how to save money can make a significant difference in your moving experience as a whole.
Moving APT is here to make your move cost-effective and smooth sailing. We have learned over the years that it’s crucial to be in the know about the factors that influence moving prices, potential hidden costs, and how to save money by making small tweaks to your move.
This guide covers the costs, rental options, and tricks to ensure that your move is affordable.
Average Cost of Hiring Local Movers in Chicago
Let’s talk numbers. This way you can budget. Hiring local movers in Chicago costs between $100 and $150 per hour for a team of two movers.
For most families that isn’t enough. Most local moves require a minimum of 2 to 3 hours of work, which means a small apartment will cost from $500 to $900 from A to B.
These are costs for moving from Evanston to the city, such as a short drive. For larger homes, moving prices range from $900 to $2,500 or more, depending on the amount of furniture, the distance in miles and the complexity of the move.
If you are just moving a few blocks over and can handle the packing yourself, you can likely keep things costing under $1000.
Keep in mind that many moving companies will charge extra for services like packing, furniture disassembly, and stairs. Be sure to account for this when you compare quotes.
| Service | Cost Range | Notes |
| Hourly Rate (2 Movers) | $100 – $150 per hour | Typically requires a minimum of 2-3 hours. |
| Small Apartment Move | $500 – $900 | Covers basic moving services. |
| Medium to Large Home Move | $900 – $2,500+ | Larger homes and complex moves can cost more. |
| Packing Services (Optional) | $25 – $50 per hour | Can add up based on the size of the move. |
| Furniture Disassembly/Assembly | $50 – $150 | Depends on the furniture and complexity. |
| Stairs or Long Carry Fees | $50 – $150 | Extra fees may apply depending on the situation. |
Average Cost of Hiring Long Distance Movers in Chicago
Long-distance moves to and from Chicago are more expensive, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the final destination, the number of boxes, and the services you choose.
Long-distance pricing for moves is based on the weight and volume of your items and the distance they need to travel. For example, a move from Chicago to LA might cost $3,000, while a move to NY could go well beyond $4,500.
Don’t forget to be sure that you have accounted for gas prices, tolls, and the size of your moving crew.If you want more VIP options like packing, storage, or expedited delivery, the total price will increase.
For a long-distance move, don’t just close with any mover. You need a team, that knows how to do the logistics on your behalf and will route-plan to save you money. Moving APT would be proud to get you there.
| Service | Cost Range | Notes |
| Standard Long-Distance Move | $2,000 – $5,000+ | Longer distances or larger moves cost more. |
| Move from Chicago to LA | $3,000 – $4,000 | Prices will depend on the size of the move. |
| Move from Chicago to NYC | $3,500 – $4,500+ | Based on weight and volume of items. |
| Move from Chicago to Florida | $2,500 – $4,000 | Tolls, gas, and crew size factor into costs. |
| Move from Chicago to Texas | $2,000 – $3,500 | Can vary based on the route and size. |
| Packing Services (Optional) | $25 – $50 per hour | Helps streamline the move but adds cost. |
| Storage Services (Optional) | $100 – $300+ per month | Temporary storage may increase costs. |
| Expedited Delivery (Optional) | $500 – $1,500+ | Speedy delivery increases cost. |
| Fuel, Tolls & Additional Fees | Varies | These costs are based on mileage and routes. |
Estimated Moving Costs for Specific Routes from Chicago
The cost of moving from Chicago to other cities will be a wide range, depending on the distance and complexity of the move. So many factors play into that final price.
For example, moving from Chicago to New Jersey costs between $3,000 and $4,500 for a 3 bedroom, while a cross-country move to Los Angeles could be $4,000 to $7,000 for the same amount of goods.
The factors that affect costs are the size of the house, the weight and volume of your things, and whether you’re using a full-service mover or another option like PODS or going the DIY route.
Longer moves are more expensive due to more gas being used and wear and tear on the moving truck, the overnight stops where movers need a hotel and meals, and the increased time for delivery meaning they can’t work other jobs.
If you’re moving to a a smaller city or rural area, the costs might increase as well, you have less direct routes.
| Route | Cost Range | Details |
| Chicago to New Jersey | $3,000 – $4,500 | 3-bedroom home |
| Chicago to Los Angeles | $4,000 – $7,000 | Cross-country 3-bedroom home |
| Chicago to New York City | $3,500 – $5,000 | Common route for 3-bedroom homes. |
| Chicago to Texas (Dallas) | $2,500 – $4,000 | Move from Chicago to a major Texas city. |
| Chicago to Florida (Miami) | $2,800 – $4,500 | for a 3-bedroom home. |
| Chicago to San Francisco | $4,500 – $6,500 | Cross-country move to the West Coast. |
| Chicago to Seattle | $4,500 – $6,500 | Move across the country to Seattle. |
| Chicago to Colorado (Denver) | $3,000 – $4,500 | 3-bedroom home. |
| Chicago to Arizona (Phoenix) | $3,200 – $4,500 | Relocating to the Southwest. |
| Chicago to Michigan (Detroit) | $1,500 – $3,000 | Local to regional move. |
| Chicago to Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) | $2,500 – $4,000 | Move to the East Coast. |
| Chicago to Smaller City or Rural Area | $3,500 – $5,000+ | Move to a rural area may incur higher costs due to lack of direct routes. |
Cost to Rent a Moving Truck and PODS in Chicago
DIY is your vibe, read on. Renting a moving truck without a moving team in Chicago is generally more affordable than hiring professional movers, especially for smaller moves.
A rental for a small truck that is 10-15 feet will cost between $25 to $60 per day, with additional mileage and gas charges that cost $0.50 to $1 per mile over your agreed allowance.
For long-distance moves, truck rental prices rise significantly, especially if you need a bigger truck. When you pack the truck on your own you are less likely to use professional techniquers to save space and therefore may need a bigger truck than the job requires so take this into account. Renting a 28 foot truck for a one-way move to Dallas will run you $1,500 to $3,000, including everything.
Another option you have to save is PODS (Portable On-Demand Storage) which usually start at $150 to $500 per month for rental, depending on the size of the container and how long you need it.
PODS are perfect for people who need more time for packing and unpacking, but they may be more expensive than truck rentals if you’re looking for a short-term idea to save.
Both truck rentals and PODS allow you to manage your move and save you the main cost which is moving labor salary. Before you book this option be realistic and be sure you can handle the job.
| Option | Cost Range | Additional Costs |
| 10-15 ft. Truck (Daily Rental) | $25 – $60 per day | Mileage fees: $0.50 to $1 per mile over agreed allowance |
| Truck Rental (One-Way, 28 ft.) | $1,500 – $3,000 | Gas costs, mileage charges, and possible additional fees |
| PODS (Small Container) | $150 – $300 per month | Delivery/pickup charges, storage fees after initial month |
| PODS (Medium Container) | $200 – $400 per month | Delivery/pickup charges, storage fees after initial month |
| PODS (Large Container) | $300 – $500 per month | Delivery/pickup charges, storage fees after initial month |
| Mileage Fees (One-Way Rental) | $0.50 – $1 per mile | Increases with long-distance moves, based on route |
Key Factors Influencing Movers' Costs in Chicago
You know by this point that you need to know what it is that influences the cost of hiring movers in Chicago, to plan your move for savings.
You have the obvious factors like the size of your home and the amount of big furniture,but also the distance of your move—if it’s local, long-distance, or across the country– plays a major role in pricing.Think about gas costs and time spent on the road as well as opportunity costs of your time.
The timing of your move is a big one too- moving during peak seasons, like the summer months or weekends, means higher prices due to upped demand for movers.
The accessibility of your home and the structure itself (stairs, elevators, narrow hallways), packing services you choose, and the type of insurance coverage you want, and more all play into that final cost.
Be transparent with your moving company about your needs and real budget to get a detailed quote that includes all charges so you can play with them and adjust to save.
Smart Ways to Save Money on Chicago Movers
Savings for hiring movers in Chicago is our specialty here at Moving APT. First, as we always say, try booking your move during the off-peak time which is fall or winter, when movers are less busy and can offer lower prices as they need the work.
Packing your own home up will help to cut costs if it doesn’t cost you more to have childcare and miss work time. Also be sure to compare quotes from different moving companiesso you get the best deal.
If you find better rates than what we offer at Moving APT, let us know and we will try to figure out why. Schedule your move for weekdays rather than weekends too to shave off a few extra dollars if you can and be flexible with your moving date.
If you have the manpower to rent only a truck or POD you can choose this budget-friendly option too. Be sure and source for free your own packing materials so that you aren’t wasting money buying boxes you could get for free.
FAQ's
Do Chicago movers offer flat-rate pricing?
Yes, some movers in Chicago offer flat-rate pricing that gives you a simple total. This is common for local moves where the job is straightforward and the distance is short.
Flat-rate pricing is based on the move size, the number of rooms, and the amount of furniture that needs disassembly and reassembly, this is how they know the average costs. For long-distance moves or moves with complex needs, movers still prefer to charge by the hour or by the weight of your items.
Are there hidden fees when hiring movers in Chicago?
It depends. Hidden fees can be included when hiring movers in Chicago or can not be, it depends on the moving company you choose to work with. Look for things like charges for packing materials, long carries, additional labor for heavy or bulky items, or if your move extends beyond the quoted time or mile allowance. Always ask for a detailed boq.
How much do movers charge per hour near Chicago?
Movers in Chicago will charge you between $100 to $150 per hour for a two-person crew for a tiny move. Larger crews, with three or more movers, will cost $150 to $200 per hour.
The total cost will depend on the size of your move, the amount of furniture, and the complexity of the job, with a minimum of 2 to 3 hours typically required. You can also find companies that will offer you a flat rate such as $2000 to $4000.
Do movers in Chicago charge extra for stairs or elevators?
Yes, movers in Chicago and across the US will charge extra for stairs or small elevators if your move involves multiple flights of stairs or using a freight elevator that is slow and will take up their time.
These additional costs are listed as “long carry” charges and are meant to compensate for the extra time and work involved in maneuvering furniture and boxes through tight spaces. These movers work hard, so they should be compensated.
Can I negotiate prices with movers in Chicago?
Yes, you can. We suggest you negotiate prices with your movers in Chicago, especially if you are booking during off-peak seasons or have flexibility in your moving date- this can help you save big.
Some movers offer discounts or will give you lower flat rates if you’re flexible with the timing of your move or can reduce the number of movers needed. It’s always worth asking if there are any promotions or ways to lower the overall cost if you change some details.
