Your Guide to Budgeting a Chicago Move
Moving cost Chicago typically ranges from $300 to $3,300 for local moves and $1,500 to $10,500 for long-distance relocations. Understanding what drives these costs is key to budgeting accurately and avoiding surprises.
Quick Cost Overview:
| Move Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local Studio/1BR | $300 – $800 |
| Local 2BR | $600 – $1,500 |
| Local 3BR+ | $800 – $3,300 |
| Long-Distance (500 mi) | $1,900 – $6,700 |
| Long-Distance (1,000+ mi) | $2,900 – $10,500 |
Key Cost Factors:
- Local moves: Charged hourly ($85-$100 per mover)
- Long-distance moves: Based on weight and mileage
- Peak season (May-Sept): Costs up to 30% higher
- Additional fees: Stairs, long carries, packing services
Whether you’re moving from a Wicker Park studio to a Lincoln Park brownstone or relocating out of state, the final bill is impacted by many factors. Chicago’s unique challenges—like narrow streets, high-rise buildings, and specific parking rules—can affect the price. Navigating congested downtown streets or securing a parking permit requires local expertise that influences the overall time and cost. These logistics, along with the size of your home, the distance you’re traveling, and the time of year, all play a role.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers, where we’ve handled moving cost Chicago scenarios for over 50 years across Chicagoland and throughout Illinois. My experience has shown me exactly which factors affect your moving budget most—and how to plan accordingly.
Breaking Down the Moving Cost Chicago: From Local to Long-Distance
Understanding your moving cost Chicago is easier when you know how prices are structured. From local moves within the city to long-distance relocations to or from Illinois, the key is knowing what impacts the price.
Professional moving services price local and long-distance moves differently. Local moves are typically charged by the hour, while long-distance moves are usually a flat rate based on the weight of your belongings and the mileage.
The following table compares average local moving costs in Chicago by home size.
| Home Size | Estimated Hours | Number of Movers | Cost Per Hour (Crew) | Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 3-4 hours | 2 movers | $80 – $140 | $300 – $600 |
| 1-Bedroom | 4-5 hours | 2-3 movers | $100 – $140 | $400 – $800 |
| 2-Bedroom | 5-7 hours | 3-4 movers | $120 – $196 | $600 – $1,500 |
| 3-Bedroom | 7-9 hours | 4-5 movers | $150 – $274 | $800 – $2,500 |
| 4-Bedroom | 9-10 hours | 4-6 movers | $200 – $274 | $1,000 – $2,129 |
| 5+ Bedroom | 10+ hours | 5-7 movers | $250 – $384 | $1,500 – $3,283 |
Note: This table provides a general overview. Individual quotes will vary based on your specific needs.
Average Local Moving Cost Chicago
A local move is typically under 50 miles, such as staying within Chicago or relocating to nearby suburbs like Melrose Park or Evanston. These moves are charged hourly, covering labor, the truck, and basic equipment. As the table above shows, the average cost for a local move in Chicago ranges from $300 for a studio to over $3,200 for a large home. The primary factors are the size of your home and the number of movers required.
On average, movers in Chicago charge about $85 per hour per mover. Many companies also include travel time fees in their hourly billing, which covers the trip from their office to your locations. For more details on local relocations, explore our insights on Chicago Local Moving.
Long-Distance Moving Costs To or From Illinois
A move over 100 miles from Chicago is considered long-distance. The pricing shifts from hourly rates to a flat rate based on the weight of your belongings and the travel distance. The average cost for a long-distance move from Chicago can range from $2,800 to $10,500, depending on the destination and the size of your home.
For example, moving a 3-bedroom home 1,000 miles from Chicago could cost between $4,700 and $7,600. A move from Chicago to Los Angeles might range from $3,272 to $5,579. The cost is often calculated at $0.50 to $0.80 per pound.
We offer specialized services for those moving out of state. You can learn more about our options for Local Movers That Move Out Of State.
Key Factors That Influence Your Final Bill
Several elements determine your final moving cost Chicago. Understanding them helps you anticipate expenses.
- Move Distance and Volume: The further you move and the more belongings you have, the higher the cost. For local moves, travel time is part of the hourly rate. More items require more labor and a larger truck, increasing the price.
- Time of Year: Moving during peak season (May-September) can increase prices by up to 30%. Weekends and the beginning/end of the month are also busier. For savings, consider moving mid-week or during the off-season (October-April).
- Specialty Items: Pianos, antiques, or large art pieces require special handling and equipment, which adds to the cost. Mention these items when getting a quote.
- Accessibility and Regulations: Chicago’s urban environment presents unique challenges.
- Stair, Elevator, and Long-Carry Fees: Movers may charge extra for multiple flights of stairs, coordinating elevator access in high-rises, or if the truck cannot park close to your entrance (a “long-carry”).
- City Regulations: Chicago has specific regulations for moving trucks, and any associated permit fees (around $10-$80) are typically added to your bill.
Understanding Your Quote: Included Services & Potential Extra Fees
A basic moving quote typically covers labor for loading/unloading, transportation, and simple furniture disassembly/reassembly. However, several additional services can affect your final bill.
Potential Additional Fees:
- Packing Services and Supplies: We offer professional Packing and Unpacking Services. Costs in Chicago average $1,050 but vary by home size. If we pack, the cost of materials (boxes, tape, etc.) will be added.
- Specialty Services: This includes custom crating for fragile items, disconnecting/reconnecting appliances, or disassembling complex furniture.
- Accessibility Fees: As mentioned, expect potential fees for stairs ($50-$200), long carries from the truck to your door ($100-$300), or coordinating elevator use.
- Shuttle Services: If a large truck can’t access your home, a smaller shuttle truck may be needed for an extra charge.
- Storage: We can arrange temporary storage if needed, with costs varying by size and duration.
- Moving Insurance: By law, we provide basic Released Value Protection ($0.60 per pound per item). For greater peace of mind, we recommend full-value protection, which covers the replacement cost of your goods.
- Gratuity: While not required, tipping your moving crew is a customary way to show appreciation for their hard work and professionalism. If you’re pleased with the service, a tip of 10-20% of the total moving cost, divided among the crew members, is a common guideline. You can also provide refreshments like water or snacks as a gesture of thanks.
Always ask for a detailed estimate to avoid surprises on moving day.
How to Save on Your Moving Cost Chicago
Reducing your moving cost Chicago is possible with smart planning. Here are our top tips:
- Move Off-Peak: Avoid the summer peak season (May-September) and move mid-week or mid-month to save up to 30%.
- Declutter: The less you move, the less you pay. This is the most effective way to lower your moving costs. Before packing, go through your belongings and decide what to sell, donate, or discard. Reducing the volume of your items directly translates to lower costs for both local (fewer hours) and long-distance (less weight) moves. If you downsize your home, you’ll also save on packing supplies and labor.
- Pack Yourself: While we offer professional packing, doing it yourself can significantly cut labor costs.
- Compare Quotes: Get estimates from at least three reputable movers to compare pricing and services.
- Book in Advance: Book 4-6 weeks ahead for local moves and 8-12 weeks for long-distance to secure better rates, especially during peak season.
- Be Prepared: Have boxes packed and labeled before the movers arrive to save time on hourly-rated local moves.
- Ask About Discounts: We are currently offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.
Essential Questions to Ask Your Chicago Movers
Vetting your moving company is crucial. Ask these questions to ensure you hire a reputable and transparent mover:
- Are you licensed and insured? Illinois movers need a license from the Illinois Commerce Commission, and interstate movers need a USDOT number. Always verify these credentials.
- How do you calculate estimates (binding vs. non-binding)? A binding estimate is a guaranteed price, while a non-binding estimate can change. We provide transparent estimates to minimize surprises.
- What’s included in the quote and what costs extra? Get a detailed breakdown of all potential charges, such as stair fees, packing materials, or long-carry fees.
- What is your cancellation policy? Understand the terms and any penalties for rescheduling or cancelling.
- What is your claims process for damaged items? Know how to file a claim and understand the different liability coverage options.
- Do you have experience with Chicago moves? An experienced city mover will efficiently handle building regulations and parking restrictions.
- Can you provide references? Testimonials from previous clients offer valuable insight into a company’s service quality.
For a complete guide on choosing a mover, see our In-depth Guide to Finding Reliable Movers in Chicago.
Finalizing Your Chicago Moving Budget
Budgeting your moving cost Chicago is manageable when you understand the key factors that influence the final price. From the size of your home and the volume of your belongings to the time of year you choose to move, every detail matters. Creating a clear financial plan based on these variables is the best way to approach your relocation with confidence and avoid unexpected expenses.
Key Takeaways:
- Local moves are hourly; long-distance moves are based on weight and distance.
- The size of your home and volume of belongings are major cost drivers.
- Moving in peak season (summer, weekends) is more expensive.
- Account for potential fees for packing, specialty items, and accessibility challenges.
- Save money by decluttering, planning ahead, and comparing quotes.
- Always vet movers by checking licenses, insurance, and asking detailed questions.
At Bernard Movers, we prioritize transparent pricing and clear communication. With over 50 years of experience moving families across Chicago, Melrose Park, and Illinois, we know the importance of an informed client.
For a detailed estimate for your move, learn How Much Do Movers Cost in Chicago?. We’re ready to help you plan your next chapter, whether it’s across town or to Georgia or Florida (ask about our 20% discount on moves to GA and FL booked for delivery by March 15, 2025!). Let us handle the heavy lifting.
