Moovers Chicago · Pricing Guide
How much does a move cost in Chicago?
Straight answers on what a Chicagoland move actually costs, how we bill, and the fees we never tack on. No quote required to read it.
Why we publish our prices
Most moving companies make you call before they tell you anything. We would rather you walk into your move already knowing how the numbers work. This guide lays out our hourly rates, typical move estimates, and the costs of packing, materials, storage, and protection.
The four things that set your price
For a local Chicago move, your final cost comes down to time and resources. Here is what moves the number.
- 01Crew sizeHow many movers it takes to do the job safely and quickly. A bigger crew costs more per hour but usually finishes faster.
- 02Number of trucksThe first truck and its equipment are included in your hourly rate. Each additional truck is a flat $200.
- 03Hours on the clockEvery job has a 2.5 hour minimum. After that you pay for the time the move actually takes.
- 04When you moveWe run three rate tiers: weekdays are lowest, Friday and weekends are higher, and the start and end of the month are highest because demand peaks then.
Crew and truck rates by tier
All rates are per hour with a 2.5 hour minimum. The first truck and its equipment are included. Weekdays fall at the low end of each range; Fridays, weekends, and the start and end of the month fall at the high end because demand peaks then.
| Crew and trucks | Hourly rate range |
|---|---|
| 2 movers, 1 truck | $148 – $195 |
| 3 movers, 1 truck | $198 – $260 |
| 4 movers, 1 to 2 trucks | $248 – $330 |
| 5 movers, 1 to 2 trucks | $298 – $395 |
| 6 movers, 1 to 2 trucks | $348 – $460 |
| 7 movers, 2 to 4 trucks | $398 – $525 |
| 8 movers, 2 to 4 trucks | $448 – $590 |
Larger crews and additional trucks are dispatched as the job requires. Each truck beyond the first adds a flat $200 equipment fee. Your exact rate is set by our filed tariff and confirmed in your written estimate before move day.
What people usually pay by home size
These are real world estimates for a typical local move, not quotes. The actual total depends on how much you have, your access, and the factors above. Condos, high rises, townhomes, and HOA moves are priced the same way, by the size of the move.
Studio apartment
A typical starting point for the smallest moves.
1 bedroom apartment
One of our most common local moves.
2 bedroom apartment
Couples and small families.
3 bedroom apartment
Larger units with more to carry.
3 bedroom home
A full house with standard access.
4+ bedroom home
Larger homes with more rooms and stairs.
Small office
Commercial moves on the smaller side.
Senior living move
Right sized crews for facility moves.
Moving out of the neighborhood?
| Move distance | Typical estimate |
|---|---|
| Local residential (within Illinois, under 50 miles) | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Intrastate (Illinois, 50+ miles) | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Interstate / long distance | $3,500 – $6,000+ |
Long distance and out of state moves are quoted based on distance and weight rather than the hourly model used for local moves.
What we never charge extra for
A lot of moving companies hide the real cost in add on fees. These are the charges you will not find on a Moovers Chicago invoice.
Access charges, kept simple
Most access situations cost nothing extra. The one common exception is a true walk up.
| Condition | Charge |
|---|---|
| Stairs (third floor walk up) | $75 – $95 |
| Elevator buildings | No fee |
| Long carry to the door | No fee |
| Steep driveway | No fee |
Specialty and heavy items are priced separately by weight. Your move coordinator can give you the exact rate for your items.
Boxes and supplies
Need materials? Here is what they cost. Full and partial packing service is also available and priced after a quick look at your home.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Small box (1.5 cf), 18 x 12 x 12 in | $5 |
| Medium box (3 cf), 18 x 18 x 16 in | $6 |
| Large box (4.5 cf), 18 x 18 x 24 in | $7 |
| Dish pack (5.2 cf), double corrugated | $11 |
| Picture / mirror carton, adjustable | $20 |
| Wardrobe box with hanging bar | $25 |
| TV box, under 65 in, with foam corners | $60 |
| TV box, 65 in and over, with foam corners | $80 |
| Mattress bag (any size) | $25 |
| Packing paper (25 lb, 144 sheets) | $25 |
| Stretch / plastic wrap | $50 |
| Packing tape | $4 |
| Moving blanket | $25 |
Storage options
If your timing does not line up, we can hold your belongings.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Vaulted storage | $70 – $85 / vault |
| Hold on truck, non peak | $200 – $250 |
| Hold on truck, peak | $500 – $575 |
Coverage and floor protection
Every move includes released value, the basic protection required by law. Full value protection is available with several deductible options for both local and interstate moves. Your move coordinator will walk you through the choices and the cost so you can pick what fits.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Released value (basic coverage) | Included |
| Standard floor protection | $50 |
| Mattress disposal surcharge | $150 |
Crating is not a standard service. When it is needed as part of a larger move, it starts at $500. Appliance disconnect and reconnect is not offered.
Ready for a real number?
Give us the details of your move and we will turn these rates into an honest estimate for your home, in writing, before move day.
Get My Free Estimate Or call us now at (773) 474-2691