The average cost of movers in Chicago is between $300 to $1,500 for local moves under 50 miles, with prices varying significantly based on your home size and specific needs. Studio apartments generally fall on the lower end at $300-$600, while larger homes can reach up to $3,000 for five-bedroom properties. If you’re moving to Chicago from another city, expect substantially higher costs ranging from $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the distance and origin location.

When searching for Chicago movers costs, it’s important to remember that there’s no single right answer. The cost of your move depends on factors like where you’re moving to and from, the time of year, and the size of your household goods. That’s why Agoyu uses AI technology to instantly analyze your moving details and match you with the best movers and lowest prices for your specific situation. With Agoyu, you can quickly compare movers, get accurate quotes, and choose the option that truly fits your needs.

How Much Do Movers Cost in Chicago?

Movers’ charges in Chicago primarily depend on the distance of the move and the amount of stuff you’re moving. The average cost for a local move within Chicago (under 50 miles) ranges between $300 to $1500.

To make this more transparent, here is a simplified table based on home size:

Home Size	Average Total Cost	Cost Per Hour	Number of Movers
Studio	$300-$600	$80-$100	2
1 Bedroom	$400-$800	$100-$120	2-3
2 Bedrooms	$600-$1,000	$120-$150	3-4
3 Bedrooms	$800-$1,500	$150-$200	4-5
4 Bedrooms	$1,000-$2,000	$200-$250	5-6
5 Bedrooms	$1,500-$3,000	$250-$300	6-7

How Much Does it Cost to Move to Chicago?

Similar to NYC moving costs, moving to Chicago can be costly due to the extra mileage and labor. Here is a brief overview of estimated moving costs to Chicago from various cities:

From City	Average Cost
New York City, New York	$2,000-$5,000
Austin, Texas	$1,500-$3,500
Boston, Massachusetts	$2,200-$4,500
Denver, Colorado	$1,500-$4,000
Los Angeles, California	$2,500-$6,000
Seattle, Washington	$3,000-$7,000

Chicago movers rates can be a big expense, you likely want to find ways to help reduce your moving costs. Agoyu can help you save money on your move to Chicago. With the Agoyu app, you can compare the costs of the best moving companies, read mover reviews, and estimate what it would cost to move your belongings. 

What does Reddit say?

I moved from the western suburbs (storage unit first floor) to high rise in Lakeview with elevator and paid around $450-$500. They wrapped all my furniture and reassembled things upon arrival. Included a probably 45min commute in rush hour into the city. For context, was end of October last year.

Factors That Impact Moving Costs in Chicago

The cost of moving services in Chicago depends on several factors.

Home Size: The more extensive your home, the more stuff you likely have to move, and thus, the higher the cost.

Moving Distance: Moving to a new neighborhood in Chicago is less expensive than relocating to a different state.

Moving Supplies: Purchasing boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and other packing materials can add to your moving expenses. Some moving companies include these in their estimates, while others charge separately.

Packing: If you choose to have the moving company pack your items, this will also increase the total cost.

Travel Time: The movers’ time to travel from their facility to your home, then to the new destination, is typically included in the bill.

Time of Year: Moving costs can also vary depending on the time of year. For example, summer moves are often more expensive due to higher demand.

Extra Fees for Specialty Items: Moving specialty items such as pianos, pool tables, artwork, or safes often requires special equipment or extra care, which comes at an additional cost.

Storage Fees: If you need your items stored by the moving company for any time, you’ll have to pay storage fees.

Stair Fees: If your move involves navigating stairs (common in Chicago’s older buildings), you may be charged an additional stair fee. This is often a hidden cost of moving that should be factored into your moving cost if you live in a building with multiple stairs.

Insurance: Basic moving insurance is typically included in the quote, but comprehensive coverage will cost extra.

Long-Carry Fee: A long carry fee is an additional charge that moving companies may apply when movers must carry items over a certain distance from your home to the moving truck or vice versa. You may get charged a long-carry fee when moving to Chicago if your moving truck cannot park close to the entrance of your new home.

City Regulations: Some cities, including Chicago, have specific regulations for moving trucks, such as permit requirements or restrictions on where and when moving trucks can park. Any fees associated with these regulations would be added to the cost of your move.

Gratuity: While not mandatory, it’s customary to tip movers, typically around 10-20% of the total moving cost or $10-20 per mover for a full day’s work.

By understanding these factors, you can better anticipate the potential costs of your move to Chicago and find ways to reduce your moving expenses.

How to Cut Costs

Despite the numerous expenses associated with moving, you can cut costs in several ways.

Downsize: The less you have to move, the cheaper your move will be. Consider selling, donating, or throwing away items you no longer need. If you downsize, you will need fewer packing materials, have less to store, reduce labor costs, and need a smaller moving vehicle. 

Do your own packing: This can reduce your moving costs. Start early to avoid last-minute stress. Doing your own packing can cut labor, material, and specialty packing costs. In addition, packing your stuff allows you to decide how your items are packed. 

There is also no unnecessary packing from movers since sometimes movers accidentally pack items you plan to donate or give away.

Compare quotes: Get estimates from different moving companies and choose the one that offers the best value for your needs.

Comparing moving quotes from different companies helps you avoid overpriced services and negotiate better deals. In addition, you can better identify potential extra costs, such as flight charges or long carry fees, and you will understand all services offered by each company.

Move during off-peak times: Try to schedule your move during off-peak times, such as weekdays or outside of the summer months. The weekends and summer months are typical for families to plan their moves, as it aligns with the school schedules. 

Therefore, moving during the off-season can help you get better rates and negotiate leverage. You will also have more availability and flexibility when choosing your moving date.

Local Movers in Chicago

New City Moving

New City Moving stands out as a top-rated Chicago mover with an impressive 5.0-star rating from nearly 1,200 reviews and a remarkable 92.4% positive feedback rate. Located on N Campbell Avenue, this company has built a strong reputation for efficient service, careful handling of belongings, and professional staff who maintain excellent communication throughout the moving process. While some customers have reported occasional damage issues and unexpected charges, the overwhelming majority praise their quick turnaround times and courteous service.

H2H Movers Inc

H2H Movers Inc, based on N Marine Drive, maintains an excellent 4.86-star rating with 88% positive reviews from over 600 analyzed customer experiences. This company excels in efficient service delivery, careful handling, and professional communication, offering a comprehensive range of services including specialty items like pianos, pool tables, and artwork. Their team is consistently praised for being polite and professional, though some customers have experienced unexpected charges and occasional delays.

Alliance Moving and Storage

Alliance Moving & Storage, operating from Rolling Meadows, boasts the highest positive feedback rate at 95.5% with a 4.8-star rating. With over 21 years of experience serving Chicago and its suburbs, this full-service company has built a reputation for efficient, careful handling and professional service with clear communication. They position themselves as a tried and tested option that other local movers rely on, though like others in the industry, they occasionally face complaints about unexpected charges.

Professionals Moving Specialists

The Professionals Moving Specialists earns its name with a 4.86-star rating and an outstanding 92.5% positive feedback rate from over 1,300 reviews. Located on N Western Avenue, this company is particularly noted for efficient service, careful handling, and quick-working crews that maintain professionalism throughout the process. They offer specialized services for valuable items like antiques and grandfather clocks, though some customers have reported higher-than-expected costs.

Questions to Ask Your Movers Before Your Move to Chicago

Before hiring movers to help with your move to Chicago, asking the right questions is crucial to ensure you’re making an informed decision. Here are some key questions to ask:

Are You Licensed and Insured? Always ask for the mover’s U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which you can verify online. Also, inquire about their insurance coverage to understand how your belongings will be protected during the move.

What Services are Included in the Quote? Some movers may provide a basic quote and then add extra charges for services like packing, moving supplies, or disassembling and reassembling furniture. Make sure you understand exactly what is included in your quote.

Do You Have Experience with City Moves? Moving to a city like Chicago presents unique challenges like limited parking and navigating busy streets. Ask about the moving company’s experience with city moves to ensure they’re prepared to handle these issues.

Are there Any Potential Additional Fees? Ask about any additional fees that might come up, like long carry fees if the movers have to carry items a long distance from your home to the truck or stair fees if they have to navigate multiple flights of stairs.

What’s Your Policy on Delays? In case of unforeseen circumstances that cause delays, you’ll want to know how the moving company handles such situations. Do they offer any compensation for late delivery, or do they charge extra fees for rescheduling?

What Type of Liability Coverage Do You Provide? While all moving companies must provide basic liability coverage, this might only partially cover the value of your belongings if something is damaged or lost. Ask about their insurance options and consider whether you need additional coverage.

How Do You Handle Specialty Items? If you have items like pianos, artwork, antiques, or large electronics, you’ll need to know how the moving company plans to handle these. They might charge additional fees for these items.

Can You Provide References? A reputable moving company should be able to provide references from previous customers. You can also check online reviews and ratings.

By asking these questions, you can ensure you’re hiring a reliable, experienced moving company that will handle your belongings with care and make your move to Chicago as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What Does Reddit Say?

I’ve used movers for 3-4 moves within the last 5 years and the pricing always comes out to be 1,000-1,200. All moves were 1 beds moving between Lincoln Park, Old Town, and Lakeview. Total work was about 4 hrs and all they did was move the furniture and boxes. I did the packing myself.

Chicago Movers Cost: FAQs

How much are movers in Chicago, on average?

The cost of moving within Chicago varies based on several factors, but on average, you can expect to pay between $300 to $1500. 

The size of your home and the amount of belongings significantly influence the price, as the cost to move a three-bedroom house will cost significantly less than if you are moving out of a one-bedroom apartment. 

How much does it cost to move to Chicago from another city?

The cost of interstate moves to Chicago can range from $1500 to $7000, depending on the distance and the number of items being moved.

How much does it cost to move into a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago?

The average cost of moving a one-bedroom apartment within Chicago ranges from $400 to $800.

Does the time of year affect the moving cost in Chicago?

Yes, the time of year can significantly impact moving costs. Summer months are usually the busiest for moving companies, which may lead to higher rates. If you have flexible moving dates, off-peak seasons can be more affordable.

Final Thoughts

The cost of the Chicago movers cost varies greatly, depending on several factors. However, by understanding these factors and employing some cost-cutting strategies, you can make your move to or within the Windy City more manageable and affordable. 

Regardless of the costs, remember that the goal is a successful transition to your new home, and professional movers can provide the ease and efficiency to make that happen.

The Agoyu moving app can help you compare the cost of the best moving companies in Chicago and read mover reviews. Check out the Agoyu app today to start planning your move to Chicago!