Cost to Hire Movers in Chicago For Local and Long Distance

A long distance move in Chicago will cost you from $1,400 to $9,800. On the other hand, if you’re looking to move locally, it’ll cost you between $500 and $6,000.

Long distance movers will charge you per mile and per pound, and local movers will charge you per hour and per mover (typically 2 movers per bedroom, at $40 an hour).

It’s a big window, and if you want to really narrow it down, there are a lot of different factors to remember. In this article, we’ll walk you through all your major moving costs, and we’ll also show you a few ways you can save big.

How much does it cost to move in Chicago? Your exact figure depends on a few key factors. Let’s take a look:

• Distance: When you’re shopping for a quote, the biggest factor behind your moving price is usually the distance. The farther you have to travel, the more money you’ll have to pay. This can stack up, especially if you’re moving from Chicago to Cape Coral.

• Physical dimensions: This is the physical size of your move. Some moving companies assign a value to all your stuff in weight, and others assign a value in volume. Either way, it’s a good idea to downsize and trim the excess before you shop for quotes.

• Packing services: Packing is an optional service, but you’ll need it if A: You want to make your life easier, and B: You want full-value insurance coverage. In any case, it ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand, depending on how much stuff needs packing.

• Storage: Another optional service, but lots of people end up shelling out a little extra for storage. A storage unit gives you extra space, and extra time while you figure out where everything will live. Plus, many moving companies offer a free month!

• Insurance: Basic moving coverage is complimentary, but it’s usually only good for $0.60 per pound. If you want to get more than $2.40 for that damaged PS5, you’ll have to pay for full-value insurance coverage (and professional packing, too).

Use this section for a bulleted list of hidden fees and extras that the reader may pay for:

• Access Fees: If you have a long driveway or a gate, or you live in a neighborhood with strict parking regulations, you may have to pay a little extra for the trouble. The same applies to apartment buildings with elevators, long halls, and multiple flights of stairs.

• Shuttle Fees: Some cities are pretty strict on where your movers can park their big moving trucks. Unfortunately, this means your movers may have to use a smaller shuttle truck to get your items from your place to the staging area.

• Specialty Hauling: If you have art, antiques, or anything else that’s fragile, expensive, or just plain bulky, the extra TLC will cost you some extra USD. Still, it’s much better than trying to pack your Stradivarius in with your dirty laundry. 

• Increased Demand: Avoid a summer move if you can. June, July, and August have historically commanded the highest rates for moving since everyone wants to move when school’s out. Try to book a mid-month, mid-week move, far from the holidays.

• Tips and Gratuity: While your tip isn’t explicitly included in your moving quote, you should still budget accordingly. Moving is hard work, and tips are oftentimes expected. 15% to 20% is a good figure, to be split between your whole moving team.

You’ve seen the price, and now it’s time to meet the movers. At iMoving, we have over 1000 vetted and verified movers to choose from, and our marketplace makes booking your movers easier than ever.

We’re the only place that lets you shop around, compare prices, and book your Chicago moving companies in a few easy clicks. No annoying phone calls, no intrusive in-home inspections. Just tell us more about your move, and let’s get packing!