MOST TRUSTED CHICAGO MOVERS

For a local move within Chicago, expect to pay between $350–$700 for a one-bedroom apartment and $800–$1,500+ for a three-bedroom home. Rates typically range from $120–$180 per hour for a two-man crew with a truck. Factors that affect your final cost include the size of your home, number of stairs, distance traveled, time of year, and any specialty items like pianos or antiques. Long-distance moves are priced by weight and mileage. We recommend getting an in-home or virtual estimate for an accurate quote—phone estimates often miss key details that impact pricing.

Mid-week moves (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) typically offer the best availability and sometimes lower rates. Weekends and month-end dates are peak demand times when moving companies are busiest. If you have flexibility, avoid the last and first week of any month—that's when most leases turn over in Chicago. September through April is generally the slower season, meaning easier scheduling and potentially better pricing. Summer months (May–August) are the busiest in the industry, so book well in advance if you're moving during that window.

Yes, but it depends on the situation. Reputable movers base their pricing on labor, time, and resources—not arbitrary markups—so there's often limited room to haggle on hourly rates. However, you can ask about discounts for mid-week or off-season moves, bundled services (like packing and storage), or flexibility on your move date. Be cautious of companies that significantly undercut competitors—extremely low bids often lead to hidden fees, hostage situations with your belongings, or uninsured crews. Focus on value and transparency over the cheapest price.

The industry standard is $20–$40 per mover for a half-day job (4 hours or less) and $40–$60+ per mover for a full-day or particularly challenging move. Consider tipping on the higher end if your crew handled stairs, narrow hallways, heavy furniture, extreme weather, or went above and beyond. Cash is preferred and should be handed directly to each mover at the end of the job. Tipping isn't mandatory, but it's customary and appreciated—moving is physically demanding work, and a tip recognizes a job well done.