Understanding the True Cost of Moving Your 2-Bedroom Apartment

A moving estimate for 2 bedroom apartment relocations can vary significantly, but here’s a quick overview of what to expect.

Quick Answer: 2-Bedroom Moving Costs in Illinois

• Local moves (under 100 miles): $1,195 – $1,595
  • Hourly rate: $175 – $225 per hour
  • Average duration: 5-7 hours with a 3-person crew
• Long-distance moves: $2,500 – $6,000+
  • Based on weight (typically 3,500-5,000 lbs) and distance
  • Additional services increase total cost

Moving to a new apartment is exciting, but the costs can be surprising. The final bill depends on far more than just apartment size. Distance, timing, the volume of your belongings, and extra services all play crucial roles. A local move within Chicago might cost $1,400, while a long-distance relocation from Illinois could exceed $5,000.

Many people underestimate these costs by focusing only on the base rate, forgetting about factors like stairs, specialty items, or packing supplies. These “hidden” costs can add hundreds or even thousands to your final bill.

I’m Mina Georgalas, and with nearly 30 years of leadership at Bernard Movers, I’ve helped thousands of families get an accurate moving estimate for 2 bedroom apartment relocations in Chicago, Melrose Park, and across Illinois. In this guide, I’ll explain what affects your moving costs and how to get the most precise estimate.

Your Complete Moving Estimate for a 2-Bedroom Apartment

Let’s get down to what you really want to know: what’s this move going to cost? If you’re moving from a 2-bedroom apartment in Chicago, Melrose Park, or anywhere in Illinois, the answer depends on whether you’re moving across town or across the state.

Local moves (under 100 miles) are priced by the hour. The time our crew spends loading, driving, and unloading directly shapes your bill. Factors like stairs, distance between apartments, and packing readiness all affect the total time.

Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) are priced differently. For moves from Chicago to Springfield or out of state, the cost is based on the weight of your belongings and the mileage to your destination. This is why decluttering can save you real money on a long-distance move.

At Bernard Movers, we provide clear, understandable estimates. When we give you a moving estimate for 2 bedroom apartment relocation, we want you to know exactly what you’re paying for.

The Average Moving Estimate for a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Illinois

Let’s talk real costs for Illinois moves.

For local moves around Chicago, Melrose Park, and our other service areas, a typical crew of three movers with a truck runs between $175 and $225 per hour. Most 2-bedroom apartments take 5 to 7 hours to move completely. That puts the average cost at roughly $1,195 to $1,595 for standard service.

Long-distance moves are a different calculation. Moving from Chicago to southern Illinois or out of state involves weight and mileage. A 2-bedroom apartment typically holds 3,500 to 5,000 pounds of belongings. Based on this weight and varying distances, you’re generally looking at $2,500 to $6,000 or more. The final cost depends heavily on how far you’re going and any extra services you select.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Key Factors That Influence Your Final Bill

Your specific situation determines your actual moving estimate for 2 bedroom apartment. Here’s what moves the needle on your price.

Volume of belongings matters greatly. A minimalist apartment costs less to move than one packed with boxes. For long-distance moves, every pound adds to the cost. For local moves, more items mean more time loading and unloading. Think about it room by room: your master bedroom likely has a bed, two nightstands, a dresser, and several boxes of clothes. The second bedroom might be an office with a desk, chair, and bookshelves, or another bedroom set. Your living room contains the largest items—a sofa, chairs, coffee table, and entertainment center. Add in a dining set and all your kitchenware, and the volume adds up quickly. A minimalist who lives with just the essentials will have a much lower volume than a collector or a family that has accumulated items over many years.

Specialty items like a piano, large antique armoire, or delicate artwork require special equipment and expertise, which adds to the estimate. Beyond these, think about oversized gym equipment like treadmills or ellipticals, which are heavy and awkwardly shaped. Large, fragile items like glass tabletops, heavy mirrors, or valuable paintings may require custom crating to prevent damage during transit. Even modern electronics, like large-screen OLED TVs, are extremely delicate and benefit from professional packing in their original boxes or specialized TV boxes. Bernard Movers handles these items regularly, but the additional care, materials, and time are factored into the cost.

Extra services make your move easier but adjust the price. These include packing and unpacking services, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and providing moving supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Our full-service packing means you don’t have to lift a finger. Our team will arrive with all the necessary supplies and systematically pack your entire apartment, labeling everything for easy unpacking. This is a lifesaver for busy professionals or families with young children. Partial packing is a great middle ground, where you handle the personal items and we tackle the fragile and bulky things, like your kitchen. For furniture services, we can disassemble large items like bed frames, sectional sofas, and complex shelving units, and then reassemble them in your new home, saving you hours of frustration. We discuss these options during the estimate so you can find the right balance for your budget.

Unpacking Potential Hidden Moving Fees

We believe in upfront pricing. Here are common charges that can appear on a moving bill, so you can plan accordingly.

• Stair carry fees: Charged per flight of stairs for apartments not on the ground floor.
• Long carry fees: Apply if the truck must be parked far (usually over 75-100 feet) from your door. This is common in downtown Chicago.
• Elevator fees: Some buildings charge for elevator reservations, and slow elevators can increase time on hourly moves.
• Shuttle service charges: Necessary if a full-sized truck can’t access your street, requiring a smaller vehicle to transfer items.
• Travel fees: Cover the time and fuel for the moving truck to get to and from your locations.
• Temporary storage: If your move-in and move-out dates don’t align, we can arrange storage for an additional fee.
• Last-minute changes: Adding items or changing dates close to your move may incur charges.
• Cancellation fees: Most companies charge a fee for canceling too close to the move date.

The more details you provide us upfront, the more accurate your moving estimate for 2 bedroom apartment will be, with no surprises on the final invoice.

Smart Strategies for an Accurate and Affordable Move

Moving doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With smart planning, you can get an accurate moving estimate for 2 bedroom apartment and keep costs reasonable. After nearly three decades helping families relocate throughout Chicago and Illinois, I’ve learned that the best moves start with a good plan.

How to Get an Accurate Moving Estimate for Your 2-Bedroom Apartment

A ballpark phone quote isn’t enough for proper budgeting. The most reliable moving estimate for 2 bedroom apartment comes from a thorough assessment.

In-home or virtual video surveys are best. Our consultants can see everything that impacts the cost—from specialty furniture to building access—giving you a realistic number. If a survey isn’t possible, create a detailed inventory list. Be specific: “leather sectional sofa” is better than “living room furniture.”

I recommend comparing quotes from at least three professional moving companies. Look beyond the bottom line to see what’s included. A low quote might exclude necessary services. Also, understand the types of estimates: a non-binding estimate can change, a binding estimate locks in the price, and a not-to-exceed estimate sets a price cap, which is often the best deal for you. Finally, always verify the moving company’s credentials to ensure they are licensed and insured.

Proven Ways to Save Money on Your Apartment Move

You can cut costs without cutting corners. The most effective way is to declutter ruthlessly. Every item costs money to move, especially on long-distance, weight-based relocations.

Sell unwanted items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to reduce your load and earn some cash. Donating goods to local charities is another great way to downsize.

Self-packing can significantly reduce labor costs. For moving boxes and supplies, check local stores for free boxes. If you need to purchase supplies, retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart carry what you need.

For efficient packing, start weeks early with non-essentials. Use small boxes for heavy items (like books) and large boxes for light ones (like linens). Label every box with its contents and destination room to save time and money during unloading. If you’re handy, disassembling furniture yourself also saves time on hourly-rate moves.

Final Steps: Tipping, Timing, and Making Your Choice

You’re almost there. Let’s cover the final details for a smooth move.

Tipping your movers is not required but is a genuinely appreciated gesture for hard work. A common guideline is $4-5 per hour per mover, which for a 5-7 hour local move is about $20-35 per mover.

Timing matters for cost. The peak moving season (May-September) has the highest prices. Moving during the off-peak months (October-April) can save you 20-30%. Weekday and mid-month moves are also typically cheaper than weekends or end-of-month dates.

Now, it’s time to choose your moving partner. You’ve done your homework and understand the factors affecting your moving estimate for 2 bedroom apartment. At Bernard Movers, we’ve built our reputation on transparency and reliability for nearly 30 years. Whether you’re moving within Chicago, from Melrose Park to another Illinois city, or heading to Georgia or Florida (we’re offering a 20% additional discount for moves booked for delivery by March 15, 2025), we’re here to help.

A move is a new beginning. We’d be honored to help you start your next chapter with confidence.

Plan your stress-free apartment move today.