Inexpensive moving options: 3 Smart, Stress-Free Tips
Making Your Cross-Country Move Affordable
Finding inexpensive moving options is a top priority for anyone planning a big move, especially cross-country from a city like Chicago. The cheapest way to move depends on how much stuff you have, how far you’re going, and how much work you’re willing to do yourself.
Here’s a quick look at the typical costs for common cross-country moving solutions:
- DIY Truck Rental: Often the most budget-friendly at $2,000 to $4,000, but you do all the lifting and driving. Remember to factor in fuel, tolls, and personal travel expenses.
- Moving Containers (Self-Service): A middle ground costing $3,000 to $5,000. You pack and load, and the company transports the container.
- Full-Service Movers: The most convenient option, typically costing $7,000 to $10,000.
Moving can be one of life’s biggest stresses, but smart planning can save you money and headaches. This guide will help you understand your choices for relocating from Illinois. I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers, and with nearly 30 years in the industry, I’ve seen the importance of finding inexpensive moving options that don’t compromise on peace of mind.
Comparing Your Top Inexpensive Moving Options
Finding the best value is about balancing cost with your time, effort, and risk tolerance. The “cheapest” way isn’t always the best for your specific situation. Let’s compare the main types of moving services to help you pick the right fit for your move from Chicago.
DIY Truck Rental: The Hands-On Approach
This is often the first thought for a budget-friendly move, especially for smaller apartments with minimal belongings. You are in complete control: you pack, load, drive, and unload everything yourself.
Pros:
- Maximum Cost Control: You only pay for the truck, fuel, and supplies.
- Flexibility: You set your own schedule for packing, loading, and driving.
- Ideal for Smaller Moves: A great choice for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, especially for local moves in Chicago or Melrose Park.
Cons & Hidden Costs:
- Significant Physical Labor: You are responsible for all heavy lifting, which is exhausting and risks injury or damage.
- Time Commitment: Driving a large truck cross-country is a multi-day journey.
- Driving Stress: Navigating a large vehicle on unfamiliar roads can be challenging.
- Added Expenses: Don’t forget to budget for fuel, tolls, insurance, accommodation, food, and packing supplies. These can add up quickly. For more on local rentals, see our guide on Affordable Moving Truck Rental.
Moving Containers: A Hybrid Solution
Moving containers are a hybrid solution: a container is delivered to your home, you pack and load it, and the company transports it to your destination.
Pros:
- Flexibility: Pack over several days or weeks at your own pace.
- Less Physical Strain: No need to drive a massive truck cross-country.
- Built-in Storage: Many services offer storage if there’s a gap between move-out and move-in dates.
- Price Certainty: Often priced by space used, not by surprising weight charges.
Cons:
- Labor Still Required: You still do all the packing, loading, and unloading.
- Space Limitations: May not fit extremely large or oddly shaped items.
- Logistics: You need adequate space for the container at both locations.
Here’s a quick comparison for your move from Illinois:
| Feature | DIY Truck Rental | Moving Containers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2,000 – $4,000 (plus fuel, tolls, hotels) | $3,000 – $5,000 (all-inclusive for transport) |
| Labor | You pack, load, drive, unload | You pack, load, unload; company drives |
| Convenience | High for local moves, low for long-distance driving | High flexibility for packing, no driving stress |
| Timeline | Fast (as fast as you can drive) | Flexible packing time, fixed transit time (often 2-5 days) |
| Storage | Not typically included | Often available as an add-on or built-in |
This is a great option for those who want to save money by packing themselves but want to avoid a cross-country drive.
Hiring Professional Movers: A Surprisingly Inexpensive Moving Option
While it has the highest upfront cost, hiring professional movers can be a surprisingly inexpensive moving option when you factor in time, labor, and potential damages.
Key Benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Professionals handle the loading, driving, and unloading, freeing you to focus on settling in.
- Efficiency and Expertise: Seasoned pros know how to pack and load safely, navigating tricky spaces in Chicago homes or high-rises.
- Safety of Belongings: Proper equipment and techniques significantly reduce the risk of damage.
- Insurance and Accountability: Reputable companies are insured, offering protection you don’t get with a DIY move.
- Partial Services: Save money by having movers pack only fragile items or specific rooms.
The main drawback is the higher upfront cost, but the price gap narrows when you calculate the full expense of a DIY move. For those in the Chicago area, Bernard Movers offers customizable services with transparent, all-inclusive pricing. Learn more at our Movers Chicago page.
Make Professional Movers More Affordable:
- Move Off-Peak: Moving between October and April is cheaper than the peak summer season.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Always compare prices from at least three companies.
- Declutter: The less you move, the less it costs. This is key for professional moves often priced by weight or volume.
Questions to Ask a Moving Company:
- Are you licensed and insured? (Verify their USDOT number at Check your mover’s credentials with the FMCSA).
- Do you provide a binding or non-binding estimate?
- What are my liability coverage options?
- Are there any potential hidden fees (shuttle, stairs, long carry)?
- What is your cancellation policy and estimated delivery window?
Key Factors That Influence Your Moving Costs
Several factors significantly impact your final bill, whether moving across Illinois or cross-country.
- Distance: A move from Chicago to Los Angeles will cost more than one to Springfield, IL, due to fuel and time.
- Volume and Weight: Moving a three-bedroom house costs more than a studio apartment. Decluttering is the #1 way to save money.
- Time of Year: Summer (May-September) is the peak season and most expensive. Moving off-season (October-April) or mid-week/mid-month can lead to significant savings.
- Add-on Services: Professional packing, crating, or temporary storage will add to the cost but can provide convenience.
- Accessibility: Expect extra fees for challenges like multiple flights of stairs, long carries from the truck to your door, or if a smaller shuttle truck is needed to access your home.
Essential Tips for Finding Inexpensive Moving Options
Here are actionable tips to find inexpensive moving options for your relocation from Illinois.
- Declutter Ruthlessly: The less you move, the less it costs. Sell, donate, or discard items you haven’t used in a year. The money earned can offset moving costs.
- Find Free Moving Supplies: Check local stores, offices, or online community groups in Chicago for free boxes. Use towels and blankets to wrap fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap.
- Pack Smartly: Label boxes clearly with contents and their destination room to save time and protect your belongings.
- Book in Advance & Be Flexible: Booking several weeks or months ahead can secure better rates. If possible, move mid-week or during the off-peak season (October-March) to lower costs.
- Compare Quotes: Get at least three quotes for any service you’re considering, whether it’s truck rentals, containers, or full-service movers.
For more tips on moving within Illinois, check our Moving Companies in Illinois Guide.
Watch Out for These Hidden Costs
Even with careful planning, hidden costs can inflate your budget. Be aware of these common pitfalls.
- Insufficient Insurance: Basic liability coverage ($0.60 per pound) is rarely enough. Ask about full-value protection or check your homeowner’s policy.
- Unexpected Mover Fees: Ask about potential charges for stairs, elevators, long carries (if the truck is far from your door), or shuttle services (if a large truck can’t access your street).
- Weight-Based Pricing Surprises: With non-binding estimates, the final cost can exceed the quote if your items weigh more than expected. Ask for a binding estimate for price certainty.
- DIY Travel Expenses: Don’t underestimate the cost of gas, food, and hotels for a cross-country drive.
- Moving Scams: Be wary of suspiciously low quotes, large cash deposit requirements, or movers who won’t perform an in-person or video survey. A common scam involves holding goods hostage for more money.
Action: Always verify a mover’s license and complaint history on the FMCSA website: Check your mover’s credentials with the FMCSA. This is a crucial step to protect yourself.
Your Smart Move Checklist & Final Thoughts
Planning a cross-country move from Illinois on a budget is achievable with the right strategy. We’ve covered the main approaches: DIY truck rentals, moving containers, and professional movers. The “cheapest” option on paper isn’t always the best value once you factor in your time, energy, and peace of mind. A small apartment move might be perfect for a rental truck, while a larger home often benefits from the convenience of containers or professional movers.
Planning is the key to an affordable move. Start months ahead, declutter ruthlessly, and compare multiple quotes. A successful move has no financial surprises, so remember to account for potential hidden costs like fuel for a DIY move or access fees for professional services.
At Bernard Movers, we’ve built our reputation on transparent, all-inclusive pricing—what we quote is what you pay. Our teams work seven days a week to make your move from the Chicago area as smooth as possible.
Ready to start planning? Get quotes for all three options to see the full picture. Then, factor in your own time and stress tolerance to make the smartest choice. For those heading south from Illinois, we’re offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.
Find the best affordable moving companies for your needs and let’s make your move happen smoothly and affordably.