Rates

Moving can be a stressful and costly experience, especially when you’re moving to a large and bustling city like Chicago. Whether you’re moving into the city or relocating to one of the surrounding suburbs, it’s important to have a clear understanding of moving company rates. Knowing what to expect can help you budget appropriately and ensure you get the best value for your move.

In this article, we’ll break down what factors influence moving company rates in the Chicago area and provide an overview of typical costs so you can plan your move accordingly.

Several factors impact the cost of hiring a moving company in Chicago. These factors can vary depending on the company you choose, the time of year, and the specifics of your move.

1. Distance of the Move
   The most straightforward factor that affects moving costs is the distance between your current home and your new residence. Local moves (under 50 miles) are generally priced at an hourly rate, while long-distance moves (over 50 miles) are often calculated based on the weight of your belongings and the distance traveled.
2. Size of the Move
   The more belongings you have, the higher the cost will likely be. Larger homes or apartments with more furniture, boxes, and personal items will take longer to move, requiring more movers and larger trucks. If you're moving into a larger home, expect the moving costs to increase accordingly.
3. Time of Year
   The season you choose to move plays a significant role in your moving costs. The peak moving season in Chicago typically runs from late spring to early fall, especially from May through September. During this busy time, moving companies may charge higher rates due to increased demand. Moving during the off-peak months (fall and winter) can help you save money as companies often offer discounted rates.
4. Hourly vs. Flat-Rate Charges
   Moving companies may charge either an hourly rate or a flat-rate price depending on the type of move. Local moves are often charged by the hour, while long-distance or interstate moves are more likely to have a flat-rate price based on the estimated weight of your belongings and the distance to your new home.
5. Additional Services
   Special services such as packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly/assembly, and handling fragile items can increase the overall cost of your move. If you need the moving company to pack your belongings or provide additional equipment like specialty crates for delicate items, make sure to get an estimate for those services ahead of time.
6. Accessibility of Your Home
   The accessibility of both your current and new home can influence the cost. If there are obstacles, such as long walkways, steep stairs, or limited parking near your buildings, the moving company may charge additional fees. Elevator access (or lack thereof) can also be a factor in your final price.
7. Insurance and Liability Coverage
   Basic liability coverage is usually included in the price, but for full protection of your belongings, you may need to purchase additional insurance. Make sure to ask your moving company about the available coverage options and how much they cost.

Now that we understand the factors affecting the cost of a move, let’s take a look at some typical pricing for moving services in the Chicago area.

For a local move, moving companies typically charge by the hour. On average, hourly rates in the Chicago area can range from $150 to $200 per hour for a team of two movers and a truck. For a larger team of three or four movers, rates may increase to $175 to $300 per hour.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment: 2-4 hours of moving time, $450 to $750
• 2-Bedroom Apartment: 4-6 hours of moving time, $900 to $1,250
• 3-Bedroom House: 6-8 hours of moving time, $1,250 to $1,600

Keep in mind that these rates typically include loading, transport, and unloading, but additional charges may apply for packing, long carry distances, or extra equipment.

Long-distance moves in and around Chicago can range greatly in price due to distance and weight. Companies often charge between $2,000 to $5,000 for moves over 100 miles, with higher costs for moves that exceed 500 miles or involve a large amount of belongings.

Long-distance pricing typically breaks down as follows:

• Distance of 100-300 miles: $2,000 to $3,000
• Distance of 500 miles and beyond: $3,000 to $5,000+

This estimate can vary depending on the weight of your items, the complexity of the move, and the level of services you require (e.g., packing, storage).

Packing services can add anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on how much is packed and whether you use professional movers for packing. Packing fragile items, disassembling furniture, or using special packaging for valuable or delicate possessions can drive up the price.

• Stairs/Elevator Fees: If your building doesn’t have an elevator or requires the movers to use stairs, you might face a fee of $50-$100 for each additional floor.
• Furniture Assembly/Disassembly: Some companies charge $50-$150 for disassembling and reassembling furniture.
• Heavy Items: If you have exceptionally heavy or bulky items (such as a piano, safe, or large gym equipment), expect to pay additional fees, which can range from $100 to $500.

• Plan Ahead: Schedule your move well in advance to lock in lower rates, especially if you're planning a move during the busy summer season.
• Declutter: The fewer items you move, the less you’ll pay. Donate or sell items you no longer need before your move.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Get quotes from multiple moving companies to ensure you're getting the best value.
• Pack Yourself: If you can, pack your own boxes to avoid additional packing fees from the moving company.

The cost of moving in the Chicago area can vary depending on numerous factors, including the distance of the move, the size of your home, and any additional services you require. Local moves tend to be priced hourly, while long-distance moves are based on distance and weight. Understanding the pricing structure and planning ahead can help you avoid surprises and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

By shopping around, getting multiple quotes, and considering ways to reduce your moving load, you can keep costs under control while making your move as stress-free as possible.

Our trucks are clean and well maintained. Our drivers undergo rigid hiring process that involves a background check, drug test, credit check and a clean driving record is a must. Same goes for our non-driver movers, with the exception for the driving record check. We also do random drug tests for all of our employees.

We are busy all year long, with summer being the busiest. So please, book ahead of time. Weekends and end of the month period is the busiest. We provide services 7 days a week during winter season. We don't work on Sundays from March-November.