Understanding What You’ll Pay for Your Apartment Move
Apartment movers cost typically ranges from $370 to $3,400 for local moves in Chicago, Melrose Park, and throughout Illinois, depending on your apartment size and the services you need. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Apartment Size | Local Move Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1-Bedroom | $370 – $750 | 3-4 hours |
| 2-Bedroom | $640 – $1,200 | 4-7 hours |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,100 – $2,000 | 6-8 hours |
| 4-Bedroom | $1,800 – $3,400 | 8-12 hours |
Long-distance moves from Illinois cost significantly more, starting at $2,000 and reaching $14,000 or more, based on distance and weight.
Budgeting for a move can be overwhelming. While the average local move costs around $1,250, this figure varies dramatically based on your specific needs.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years of experience helping families in Chicago, Melrose Park, and across Illinois, I have deep insight into what drives moving costs. This guide will help you budget effectively for your apartment relocation.
Key terms for apartment movers cost:
Breaking Down the Average Apartment Movers Cost
Moving into a new apartment in Chicago or Melrose Park is exciting, but it’s wise to understand the expenses involved. This section details the costs of hiring professional movers in Illinois to help you create an accurate budget.
Typical Apartment Movers Cost in Chicago, Melrose Park, and Illinois
For local moves in Illinois (under 100 miles), apartment movers cost is usually based on an hourly rate. In the Chicago area, this is often around $100 per hour for two movers and a truck, with individual mover rates from $38-$75 per hour. Most companies have a 2-3 hour minimum, meaning even a quick studio move might cost $260-$375 for labor.
Here are average local move costs by apartment size:
- Studio/1-Bedroom: Expect 3-5 hours. Full-service moves (two movers and a truck) typically cost $600-$750. Labor-only help is around $250-$450.
- 2-Bedroom: Takes 4-7 hours. A full-service move is about $800-$900, with labor-only services costing $500-$600.
- 3-Bedroom: Takes 6-8 hours. Full-service moves range from $1,000-$1,300, while labor-only help is $700-$800.
- 4-Bedroom/Homes: Can take 8-12+ hours. Full-service moves can cost $1,150-$1,450, with labor-only services from $800-$1,000.
These are typical ranges. For a detailed local cost breakdown, see our guide on How Much Do Movers Cost in Chicago?.
Key Factors That Influence Your Final Bill
Understanding what drives the apartment movers cost is key for budgeting.
- Distance of the Move: Local moves (under 100 miles in Illinois) are hourly, so shorter distances cost less. Long-distance moves (over 100 miles or interstate) are priced by weight and mileage.
- Apartment Size and Volume of Items: More belongings mean more time, more movers, and higher costs. Each extra bedroom can add 2-3 hours to a local move. Decluttering is a great way to save money.
- Time of Year and Day of Week: Moving during peak season (May-September) can be 20-30% more expensive due to high demand for limited moving crews and trucks. For the best rates and more flexible scheduling, aim for the off-season (October-April). Similarly, weekends are always busier than weekdays. If you can, book your move for a Tuesday or Wednesday in the middle of the month to secure the lowest prices.
- Access Challenges: Difficult access directly translates to more labor time and higher costs. This includes multiple flights of stairs without an elevator, narrow hallways that require furniture disassembly, or a long distance from the moving truck to your apartment’s front door (a “long carry”). In urban areas like downtown Chicago, access can be particularly complex. Many high-rise buildings have strict rules, requiring you to reserve a service elevator and loading dock in advance. You may also need to provide the building management with a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company. Furthermore, securing a legal and safe parking spot for the large moving truck might require a city-issued parking permit, which you should arrange ahead of time.
Knowing these factors helps in estimating your Local Movers Chicago costs.
Understanding Additional Services and Potential Fees
Beyond basic labor, several services and fees can affect your apartment movers cost.
- Packing and Unpacking Services: Professional packing offers convenience and protection but adds to the cost. You can choose from several levels of service. Full packing means the movers pack everything in your home. Partial packing allows you to designate specific rooms (like the kitchen) for the pros to handle while you pack the rest. Fragile-only packing is a popular option where experts securely pack your most delicate items like glassware, china, and artwork. For a 1-bedroom apartment, full packing can add $200-$400 or more to a local move. We offer comprehensive Movers with Packing Service to simplify your move.
- Specialty Items: Moving large, heavy, or delicate items like pianos ($260-$590 extra), hot tubs, gun safes, large-screen TVs, valuable antiques, or heavy exercise equipment requires special handling, equipment, and expertise. These items often incur extra fees due to the increased risk and labor involved. Always inform your mover about any such items during the estimate process to get an accurate quote.
- Moving Insurance (Valuation Coverage): Interstate movers are required by federal law to offer two liability options:
- Released Value Protection: This is the most basic, no-cost coverage included in your move. However, it provides minimal protection, compensating you at just $0.60 per pound per item. For example, if a 10-pound, $200 lamp is broken, you would only receive $6.00. This is often insufficient for valuable items.
- Full Value Protection: This is a more comprehensive option where the mover is liable for the current market replacement value, repair cost, or a cash settlement for any lost or damaged items. While it costs extra, it provides significantly greater peace of mind, especially when moving valuable belongings.
- Potential Additional Fees: Always ask your mover for a complete list of potential surcharges, which should be clearly outlined in your contract. Common fees include:
- Long Carry Fees: Charged when movers have to carry items over a certain distance (e.g., more than 75 feet) from the truck to your door.
- Stair/Elevator Fees: An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs or for the time spent waiting for and using an elevator.
- Shuttle Service Fees: If a full-size moving truck cannot access your street or building, a smaller “shuttle” truck is used to transport your belongings between the main truck and your home, incurring an additional fee.
- Storage in Transit (SIT): If you need to store your belongings temporarily before they can be delivered to your new home, this service will be an added cost.
- Fuel Surcharges: Especially common for long-distance moves, this fee helps cover the fluctuating cost of fuel.
- Packing Materials: The cost of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other supplies if provided by the moving company.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rules for drivers also influence the timeline and cost of long-distance moves.
How to Reduce Your Apartment Movers Cost
Managing your apartment movers cost is a top priority. Here are several strategies to keep expenses down for your move in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois.
- Declutter Ruthlessly: The less you move, the less you pay. This is especially true for long-distance moves priced by weight. Donate or sell items you no longer need.
- DIY Packing: Packing yourself can save hundreds. Look for free boxes from local stores and use towels or linens for padding to save on supplies.
- Strategic Timing: Avoid peak moving times. Schedule your move mid-week and mid-month during the off-season (October to April) for the best rates.
- Do Some Labor Yourself: Save on hourly costs by disassembling furniture and staging all boxes in an accessible area before the movers arrive. Ensure pathways are clear.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain at least three itemized quotes. Compare them carefully and ask about price flexibility, especially during slower periods.
Our Moving Tips page has more advice for a budget-friendly move.
Before booking, ask these 5 essential questions:
- What is included in the hourly rate?
- Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
- What type of valuation coverage do you offer, and what are the costs?
- Do you have a minimum charge for local moves?
- Are you licensed and insured for moves in Illinois?
Why Choose Professional Movers for Your Apartment Move
While a DIY move seems cheaper, the true apartment movers cost includes more than just money. Hiring professionals in Chicago or Melrose Park is often a wise investment. A DIY move involves truck rental, gas, supplies, and the value of your time. The physical effort is demanding and carries a risk of injury or damage to your belongings and property.
Professional movers offer significant advantages:
- Efficiency: Our trained teams work quickly, knowing the best ways to pack a truck and steer tight spaces. A move that could take you a full day might be done in hours.
- Safety: We use proper equipment (dollies, straps, padding) to handle heavy lifting safely, preventing injury and protecting your items.
- Peace of Mind: As Licensed Insured Movers, we operate under strict regulations. This provides a layer of protection and recourse that a DIY move lacks.
The savings in time, stress, and potential damage often make professional movers a worthwhile investment.
Estimating Long-Distance Moves from Illinois
Long-distance moves from Illinois have a different cost structure than local ones.
Cost Calculation for Long-Distance Moves:
Unlike hourly local moves, long-distance relocations are priced on two main factors:
- Weight of Your Belongings: The heavier your shipment, the more it costs. The average one-bedroom apartment move weighs 2,200-3,200 lbs.
- Mileage: The distance between your old and new homes.
A 1,000-mile move for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $2,830–$4,570. A cross-country move for a larger home could be $9,250–$12,000. Additional services like packing and fuel surcharges ($300–$800) will add to the total apartment movers cost.
Long-Distance Moves Within and From Illinois:
We facilitate moves across Illinois and out of state. A move from Chicago to Springfield, for example, is considered long-distance due to the mileage.
Exclusive Offer: Moves to Georgia and Florida!
Planning a move from Illinois to Georgia or Florida? We offer an additional 20% discount on your move when booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.
Verifying Your Long-Distance Movers:
For interstate moves, it’s crucial to work with a legitimate company. Interstate movers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must have a USDOT number. You can verify a mover’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website to check their registration and safety record. This protects you from rogue movers.
We offer comprehensive Full Service Moving solutions for your long-distance relocation.
Plan Your Perfect Apartment Move
Planning an apartment move in Melrose Park, Chicago, or across Illinois requires careful budgeting. As we’ve covered, the apartment movers cost depends on factors like your apartment’s size, move distance, timing, and any additional services you need.
While a DIY move seems cheaper, professional movers save you time, prevent injuries, and protect your belongings, offering significant value and a stress-free experience. The most crucial step is to get a detailed moving estimate. Don’t rely on ballpark figures; a transparent quote will ensure you understand every cost involved.
At Bernard Movers, we are dedicated to providing reliable and affordable moving services. Our experienced team is ready to help with any size apartment move throughout Illinois.
Ready to plan your move? Contact us for your residential moving needs for a custom quote that fits your budget.
