Moving can be an exciting yet stressful endeavor, filled with anticipation, paperwork, and various expenses. A significant part of any move is the cost of hiring professional movers.
This article sheds light on the average prices of hiring movers in Chicago, variables that impact these costs, and how you can potentially cut costs.
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 |
Since moving to Chicago can be a significant 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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!
