Cost for Full Service Movers: Best Value 2025
Understanding the True Value of Full-Service Moving
The cost for full service movers can seem overwhelming at first glance, but understanding what you’re paying for makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to know:
Full-Service Moving Costs:
- Local moves (within Chicago/Illinois): $1,200-$1,600 average
- Long-distance moves: $2,000-$5,000+ depending on distance
- Hourly rates: $130-$200 per hour for 2-3 movers
- Full packing services: $250-$500 (1-bedroom) to $1,000-$1,800 (3-bedroom)
Full-service movers handle everything – from carefully wrapping your grandmother’s china to assembling your furniture in your new home. This comprehensive service includes packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking, and even furniture assembly.
The question isn’t really about the price tag – it’s about value. When you consider the time, stress, and potential damage costs of a DIY move, professional movers often save you money in ways that don’t show up on the initial invoice.
As someone who’s been relocating Chicago families for nearly 30 years, I’ve seen how the cost for full service movers reflects the expertise, equipment, and peace of mind that come with professional moving services. I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers, and I’ve helped thousands of families steer the moving process while keeping costs transparent and fair.
Quick cost for full service movers definitions:
- Domestic movers and packers
- Local packing and loading services for moving
- Professional movers state to state
Breaking Down the Cost for Full Service Movers
Figuring out the cost for full service movers for your move from Chicago to a new home in Melrose Park can feel complex. It’s not one simple number, but more like a recipe with several key ingredients that come together to create your final price.
After nearly three decades in the moving business, I know transparency builds trust. We break down every component of your estimate so you know what you’re paying for. The main factors include your home’s size, move distance, weight of belongings, extra services, and timing. Understanding these helps you budget effectively, whether moving within Illinois or using our 20% discount for moves to Georgia or Florida.
What Factors Influence the Cost for Full Service Movers?
When we create your moving estimate, we consider nine key factors that directly impact the cost for full service movers. Each one plays an important role in determining the time, equipment, and expertise needed for your specific move.
Move distance is often the biggest factor in your moving costs. For local moves within Chicago, Melrose Park, or anywhere in Illinois, we charge by the hour because we can predict travel time and logistics more easily. You’ll typically pay between $130-$200 per hour for our professional crew and truck. A three-bedroom home in Illinois usually takes our team about 6-7 hours, bringing your total to around $1,270-$1,595.
Long-distance moves work differently. When you’re relocating from Illinois to Georgia or Florida, we calculate costs based on the weight of your belongings and the distance to your new home. These interstate moves fall under federal regulations, which means more paperwork but also more protection for you as our customer.
Home size gives us a reliable way to estimate how much stuff you have. A studio apartment naturally costs less to move than a four-bedroom house. We’ve found that bedroom count correlates pretty well with the total volume and weight of belongings, though we always do a thorough inventory to be sure.
Our packing services can significantly impact your total cost, but they also provide tremendous value. Full packing for a one-bedroom apartment typically runs $250-$500, while a three-bedroom home ranges from $1,000-$1,800. Yes, it’s an investment, but consider this: our professional packers can pack your entire kitchen in the time it might take you to carefully wrap a dozen wine glasses.
Specialty items require extra attention and often specialized equipment. That baby grand piano or antique armoire needs different handling than your everyday furniture. We factor in the additional time, equipment, and expertise these treasures require.
Accessibility challenges like narrow staircases, long walks from the truck, or buildings without elevators add time and complexity to your move. We assess these factors during our estimate because they directly affect how long your move will take.
Timing matters more than most people realize. Moving during peak season (May through August) or on weekends typically costs more due to higher demand. If you can be flexible with your dates, especially moving mid-week during off-season months, you’ll often see better rates and have more scheduling options.
Local vs. Long-Distance: A Tale of Two Pricing Models
The cost for full service movers follows completely different rules depending on whether you’re moving locally or long-distance. It’s like comparing apples to oranges – both are moves, but the pricing logic is entirely different.
![TABLE comparing average costs for local moves within Chicago, Melrose Park, and Illinois vs. longer moves to nearby states like Georgia or Florida for different home sizes]
For local moves within Illinois, we use hourly pricing because it’s the fairest way to charge for predictable, shorter-distance relocations. Our crews know Chicago and Melrose Park like the back of their hands, so we can estimate timing pretty accurately. A studio apartment might take 3-4 hours, while a four-bedroom house could require 8-10 hours with our full crew.
Long-distance moves operate on weight-based pricing combined with distance calculations. When you’re moving from Illinois to Georgia or Florida, we’re talking about federal interstate commerce, which means FMCSA regulations and different logistics entirely. The weight of your shipment becomes the primary cost driver because it determines fuel consumption, truck space, and the physical effort required.
Here’s what you can expect for different home sizes:
| Home Size | Local Move (Within Illinois) | Long-Distance (Illinois to GA/FL) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $470 – $1,100 | $2,200 – $3,500 |
| 1-Bedroom | $550 – $1,245 | $2,200 – $3,500 |
| 2-Bedroom | $885 – $1,450 | $5,500 – $7,500 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,270 – $1,595 | $6,700 – $9,250 |
| 4-Bedroom | $1,500 – $3,500 | $10,500 – $13,900 |
The jump from local to long-distance pricing reflects the complexity of interstate moves – longer travel times, overnight expenses for our crew, fuel costs, and the coordination required to move your belongings safely across multiple states.
How to Get an Accurate Quote and Reduce the Cost for Full Service Movers
Getting a precise moving estimate isn’t rocket science, but it does require some preparation and honest communication. The more accurate information you provide us, the better we can estimate your actual cost for full service movers.
In-home estimates remain the gold standard for accuracy. Our experienced estimators can spot potential challenges and properly assess your belongings’ volume and weight. We also offer virtual surveys using video calls, which have become increasingly popular and surprisingly accurate when done thoroughly.
Decluttering before your estimate is hands-down the best way to reduce moving costs. Every box you don’t pack, every piece of furniture you don’t load, directly reduces your final bill. Self-packing non-fragile items can reduce your costs by about 15-20%, though we recommend leaving fragile and valuable items to our professionals.
Booking in advance gives you better rates and more scheduling flexibility, especially during peak moving season. We recommend gathering quotes at least two months before your planned move date. Flexible moving dates can open up significant savings – moving mid-week during off-season months often results in better pricing and more personalized attention from our crew.
Before hiring any moving company, always verify their credentials. For interstate moves, ensure your mover is licensed by the FMCSA. You can check a mover’s license on the FMCSA website to confirm legitimacy and regulatory compliance. This simple step protects you from scams and ensures you’re working with a reputable, insured company.
Most importantly, get everything in writing. A detailed, written estimate protects both you and us by clearly outlining services included, timeline expectations, and total costs. We prefer providing binding estimates whenever possible because we believe in transparent, predictable pricing that lets you plan your move with confidence.
Is a Full-Service Move Right for You?
Now that we’ve unpacked the cost for full service movers, the big question remains: Is it the right choice for your upcoming relocation? For many families in Chicago, Melrose Park, and across Illinois, the answer is a resounding yes. It boils down to weighing the value against the price tag.
Value vs. Price: What You’re Really Getting
While the initial cost for full service movers might seem higher than a DIY move, let’s talk about what you’re truly paying for. Think of it as an investment in your sanity and well-being.
Convenience is perhaps the biggest game-changer. Picture this: you wake up on moving day, sip your coffee, and watch as professional movers handle everything from wrapping your grandmother’s china to assembling your bed in your new home. No scrambling for boxes, no begging friends to help lift your couch, no stress about whether you packed your dishes properly. This is especially valuable if you’re juggling work deadlines, managing kids, or simply want to focus on the emotional aspects of your move.
The safety factor can’t be overstated either. Moving heavy furniture and countless boxes is a recipe for pulled muscles and broken treasures. Our professional movers know how to lift properly, steer tight corners, and protect your belongings. Plus, when we pack your items, we’re liable for them – giving you protection that a DIY move simply can’t offer.
Time savings might surprise you with how significant they are. Packing a 3-bedroom home yourself can eat up entire weekends for weeks. Our professional crew can often pack that same home in a single day. For busy Chicago families, that time is precious – whether you’re spending it with family, wrapping up work projects, or just breathing before the big transition.
But perhaps most importantly, there’s the peace of mind. Moving ranks among life’s most stressful events, right up there with job changes and family milestones. Knowing that experienced professionals are handling the logistics lets you focus on what matters most – helping your family adjust to the change and getting excited about your new chapter.
Making the Numbers Work for Your Budget
Even with all these benefits, smart budgeting is essential. Beyond the base cost for full service movers, remember to set aside funds for potential extras like additional insurance coverage, tips for your moving crew (typically $20-40 per mover for a local move), and maybe a few meals out while you’re settling in.
When you’re comparing quotes, resist the urge to automatically choose the cheapest option. A suspiciously low estimate often means hidden fees or corner-cutting that could cost you more in the long run. Instead, look for transparent pricing and clear communication – hallmarks of a company you can trust.
Here’s something many people don’t consider: the hidden costs of DIY moving. You might save on labor, but you’re still paying for truck rental, gas, packing supplies, and potentially medical bills if someone gets hurt. More importantly, you’re spending your valuable time and energy – resources that might be better invested elsewhere.
At Bernard Movers, we’ve been helping Chicago and Melrose Park families steer these decisions for nearly three decades. We understand that every move is unique, and we tailor our services to fit your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re moving across town in Illinois or starting fresh in a new state, we’re committed to making your transition as smooth as possible.
For those dreaming of warmer weather, we have exciting news: Bernard Movers offers a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. It’s our way of making your long-distance adventure more affordable and helping you escape those harsh Illinois winters!
Ready to see how a full-service move can transform your relocation from overwhelming to exciting? We’d love to show you the Bernard Movers difference.
