Understanding the True Cost of Moving in Chicago
Moving companies Chicago prices typically range from $300 to $3,300 for local moves and $2,000 to $10,500 for long-distance relocations. The final cost depends on your home’s size, moving distance, time of year, and any extra services required.
Quick Price Reference for Chicago Moves:
| Home Size | Local Move Cost | Number of Movers | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $300-$600 | 2 movers | 3-4 hours |
| 1-Bedroom | $400-$1,000 | 2-3 movers | 4-5 hours |
| 2-Bedroom | $600-$1,500 | 3-4 movers | 6-7 hours |
| 3-Bedroom | $800-$2,500 | 4-5 movers | 7-9 hours |
| 4-Bedroom | $1,000-$3,000 | 5-6 movers | 9-10 hours |
Understanding what you’ll actually pay can feel overwhelming. In Chicago, costs are influenced by more than just distance; factors like building stairs and peak season demand affect your final bill. The city’s unique landscape—with its narrow streets, parking rules, and high-rises—also plays a role. Getting a clear breakdown before you commit is essential to avoid surprises.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years of experience helping people move throughout Chicagoland and across 45 states, I know how important it is to understand costs upfront. This guide will help you budget accurately for a smooth moving day.
A Breakdown of Moving Companies Chicago Prices
To budget with confidence, it’s important to understand the components that make up moving companies Chicago prices. We’ll break down costs for local and long-distance moves, explore factors that influence pricing, and discuss additional services that might impact your final bill.
Understanding Local Moving Companies Chicago Prices
Local moves (typically under 50 miles within the Chicago area) are priced at an hourly rate. This rate covers the movers’ labor, truck, and basic equipment.
What is the average cost of movers in Chicago for a local move?
For a local move, expect to pay between $300 and $1,500, though this can reach $3,300 for larger homes. The cost depends on the size of your home and the volume of your belongings, which determines the number of movers and hours needed.
What are the average hourly rates for movers in Chicago?
The average hourly rate is around $85 per mover. The total hourly rate depends on the crew size:
- Studio Apartment: 2 movers at $80-$100/hour. Total: $300-$600.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: 2-3 movers at $100-$120/hour. Total: $400-$1,000.
- 2-Bedroom Home/Apartment: 3-4 movers at $120-$150/hour. Total: $600-$1,500.
- 3-Bedroom Home: 4-5 movers at $150-$200/hour. Total: $800-$2,500.
- 4-Bedroom Home: 5-6 movers at $200-$250/hour. Total: $1,000-$3,000.
- 5-Bedroom Home or Larger: 6-7 movers at $250-$300/hour. Total: $1,500-$3,000+.
Most moving companies, including Bernard Movers, have a two-hour minimum for local moves. We pride ourselves on being reliable local movers chicago and specialize in handling apartment movers chicago il challenges.
Estimating Long-Distance Moving Costs
Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) are priced differently. Costs are based on the weight of your belongings, the distance of the move, and any additional services.
How much does it cost to move to Chicago from another city?
The average cost for long-distance movers in Chicago ranges from $2,800 to $10,500.
Here are some examples:
- Moving from New York City to Chicago: A 1-bedroom home may cost $1,871-$3,774, while a larger 4+ bedroom home could be $3,917-$6,535.
- Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago: A 1-bedroom home might cost $2,485-$4,632, while a 4+ bedroom home could range from $6,193-$10,153.
- Moving from Seattle to Chicago: This longer move typically ranges from $3,000-$7,000.
Long-distance movers often charge between $0.50 and $0.80 per pound, so decluttering can lead to significant savings. We specialize in making these transitions smooth, whether you need chicago long distance movers or an average cost for movers out of state estimate.
Factors That Adjust Moving Companies Chicago Prices
Several variables can influence your final moving companies Chicago prices. Understanding these factors is key to creating an accurate budget and avoiding unexpected charges on moving day.
What factors influence the cost of hiring movers in Chicago?
- Size of Your Home: More items mean more time, more movers, and a larger truck, all of which increase costs. A one-bedroom apartment typically has 2,000-3,000 pounds of belongings, while a three-bedroom house can easily have over 7,000 pounds. Providing a detailed inventory helps movers give a more accurate quote.
- Distance of the Move: Local moves are hourly, but many companies add a “travel time” fee to cover the crew’s trip to and from your locations. Long-distance moves are priced by weight and mileage, making them significantly more complex to quote.
- Time of Year and Week: Peak season (May-September) and weekends are busiest due to favorable weather and school schedules, with rates up to 30% higher. The first and last days of the month are also high-demand. For significant savings, book your move during the off-peak season (October-April) and on a weekday.
- Accessibility Issues: Chicago’s urban environment presents unique challenges that can add to your bill.
- Stairs and Long Carries: Many Chicago apartments are in walk-up buildings. Movers often charge extra for each flight of stairs. A “long carry” fee may apply if the truck must park more than 50-75 feet from your entrance, a common issue on narrow city streets.
- Elevator Restrictions: High-rise buildings in areas like the Loop or River North often require you to reserve a freight elevator, which can involve fees ($75-$150) and strict time windows. Delays can increase hourly costs by $200-$500.
- City Regulations: Chicago requires permits for moving trucks in many areas to secure a legal parking spot. These can range from $10 to $80. Failing to get a permit can lead to tickets or costly long carries. Check the City of Chicago parking regulations to plan ahead.
- Additional Services: Opting for services like full or partial packing, unpacking, and handling specialty items will increase your bill as they are priced separately from the core moving labor.
- Insurance and Valuation: Basic liability (Released Value Protection) is included but only covers $0.60 per pound per item, which is insufficient for most belongings. For better protection, Full Value Protection is available at an additional cost and covers the replacement value of your items.
- Fuel Surcharges: These may be added to cover fluctuating fuel costs, especially for long-distance moves, and are usually calculated as a percentage of the transportation cost.
- Extra Stops: Picking up items from a storage unit or dropping off furniture at a family member’s house adds to the time and cost of a local move, or may incur a flat fee for a long-distance one.
For more insights, check out our holiday moving chicago faq.
The Price of Packing and Other Add-On Services
Optional services can streamline your move but will add to your moving companies Chicago prices.
What is the cost of packing services offered by Chicago movers?
The average cost for packing services in Chicago is around $1,050, ranging from $300 to $2,300.
- Full-Service Packing: Movers pack your entire home. This can cost $300-$700+ for a 3-bedroom home, plus materials, or $25-$40 per hour per packer.
- Partial Packing: You choose specific rooms or fragile items for movers to pack.
- Unpacking Services: Movers unpack boxes and remove debris.
- Crating: Custom crating for fragile items like artwork or mirrors adds a specialized cost.
- Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly: Basic disassembly is often included, but complex items may cost extra.
- Specialty Items: Moving pianos, safes, or large fitness equipment requires special handling and comes with additional fees. We offer dedicated fitness equipment movers to handle these items safely.
Discuss these add-ons when getting an estimate. Our packing services chicago offer flexibility and peace of mind.
Smart Strategies to Reduce Your Moving Expenses
A little planning can go a long way in saving money on your move.
How can I cut costs when hiring movers in Chicago?
- Declutter Ruthlessly: This is the most effective way to save. Less stuff means lower labor costs and fewer packing materials. If you are Downsizing your belongings, you’ll save time and money. To stay organized, create a list of items to sell, donate, or discard. A simple checklist might include:
- Furniture that won’t fit or you want to replace
- Old electronics and appliances
- Clothing and shoes you no longer wear
- Kitchen gadgets and duplicates
- Books, movies, and old media
- Do Your Own Packing: Packing yourself significantly reduces labor costs. Start early and gather free boxes from local stores.
- Book in Advance: Book movers several weeks or months ahead, especially for peak season moves, to secure better rates.
- Compare Multiple Estimates: Contact at least three reputable moving companies to compare quotes and find the best value.
- Move During Off-Peak Times: Moving between October and April, or on a weekday mid-month, can result in lower rates.
- Disassemble Furniture Yourself: If you’re able, disassembling furniture saves the movers time and reduces your hourly bill.
- Be Prepared on Moving Day: Have all boxes packed, labeled, and pathways cleared to avoid delays that add to your cost.
By implementing these strategies, you can find an affordable moving company chicago and stick to your moving out of state budget.
Key Questions to Ask Your Chicago Mover
Before hiring a moving company, ask these crucial questions to avoid surprises.
What questions should I ask movers before hiring them for a move in Chicago?
- Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. Illinois movers need a state license, while interstate movers require a USDOT number from the FMCSA. Always ask for proof. We are proud to be licensed insured movers.
- What services are included in the quote? Get a detailed, written estimate and clarify what’s included (labor, truck, fuel) versus what’s extra (packing materials, specialty items). This helps you understand your chicago moving company estimates thoroughly.
- Do you have experience with city moves? An experienced city mover will be better equipped to handle Chicago’s narrow streets, parking, and high-rises.
- Are there any potential additional fees? Ask specifically about fees for stairs, long carries, elevators, heavy items, fuel surcharges, or storage.
- What’s your policy on delays? Understand how unforeseen delays (traffic, weather) will affect your final bill.
- What are my liability coverage options? Movers offer basic Released Value Protection ($0.60 per pound per item). Ask about Full Value Protection for more comprehensive coverage and understand the claim process.
- How do you handle specialty items? Ensure the company has the expertise to move delicate electronics, antiques, or artwork safely.
- Can you provide references or online reviews? Reputable movers will happily share testimonials or links to their reviews on sites like Yelp or Google.
Finalizing Your Moving Budget
Navigating moving companies Chicago prices is manageable with the right strategy. By understanding the costs for local and long-distance moves, the factors influencing your bill, and smart ways to save, you can budget effectively. The key is to be proactive: get multiple detailed estimates, ask thorough questions, and plan ahead. Decluttering and moving during off-peak times can also lead to significant savings.
At Bernard Movers, we understand the nuances of moving in and around Chicago, from the busy city streets to the charming suburbs like Glencoe, Northbrook, and Elmhurst. We are committed to providing transparent pricing and exceptional service custom to your specific needs. Our goal is to give you the confidence to budget effectively and enjoy a stress-free move.
We’re here to help you understand your options and provide a clear, comprehensive estimate for your next move. If you’re considering a move to Georgia or Florida, we’re currently offering a 20% additional discount on those relocations booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. Contact us today to discuss your moving needs and get started with a personalized quote for your move with moving companies chicago.
