How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers in Illinois (2026)?
Hiring movers in Illinois costs $35/hour per mover on average, putting the state in the average labor rate tier nationally ($30-$38/hr per mover). Right in line with the national average. A mature market with multiple reputable companies competing for business. This price range typically delivers consistent quality, professional equipment, and adequate insurance coverage.
- What movers charge in Illinois
- Moving costs by home size in Illinois
- Moving costs in context: Illinois cost of living
- Most popular moving routes from Illinois
- Types of moving services in Illinois
- Mover licensing and regulations in Illinois
- Best and worst times to move in Illinois
- How to save on movers in Illinois
- Additional moving costs in Illinois
- Local moving tips for Illinois
- How Illinois compares to neighboring states
- Frequently asked questions about moving in Illinois
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) licenses all intrastate movers. Companies must carry minimum $100,000 cargo insurance and $300,000 liability. Chicago specifically requires movers to obtain a Chicago Business License and follow building move-in/move-out scheduling rules.
Chicago high-rise moves require elevator reservations (often $200-$500), building COI, and specific move-in windows (typically 9am-5pm weekdays only). A 30-story move can add $500-$1,000 to the base cost.
What movers charge in Illinois
Moving costs by home size in Illinois
These estimates are based on Illinois’s average mover rate of $35/hr per mover and local cost of living index of 1.04 (national average = 1.00).
| Home size | Crew | Hours (local) | Local cost | Long-distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | 2 movers | 3-5 hrs | $400-$850 | $1,550-$3,100 |
| 2 BR | 2-3 movers | 5-7 hrs | $850-$1,850 | $2,300-$4,700 |
| 3 BR (most common) | 3-4 movers | 6-10 hrs | $1,250-$2,600 | $3,100-$5,950 |
| 4 BR | 4 movers | 8-12 hrs | $1,850-$3,650 | $4,150-$8,300 |
| 5+ BR | 4-6 movers | 10-14 hrs | $2,600-$5,200 | $6,250-$12,500 |
Moving costs in context: Illinois cost of living
The median household income in Illinois is $72,205/year. A typical local move at $1,700 represents roughly 2.4% of annual household income. Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,250/month.
At 2.4% of annual income, moving costs in Illinois are proportional to what residents earn. This is roughly in line with the national average, meaning the cost isn’t unusually burdensome relative to local wages.
Most popular moving routes from Illinois
Illinois’s top inbound states are Indiana, Wisconsin, California. The most common outbound destinations are Indiana, Texas, Florida.
| Route | Miles | Avg Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois → Indiana | 200 | $800-$1,600 | Chicago suburbs to Indianapolis. Short haul. Often priced as extended local. |
| Illinois → Texas | 1000 | $2,800-$4,800 | I-55 to I-44 or I-57 to I-40. DFW, Austin, and Houston are the top TX destinations. |
| Illinois → Florida | 1100 | $2,600-$4,500 | I-65 south or I-57 to I-24. Naples, Tampa, and Orlando are the most common FL destinations from IL. |
One-way truck availability matters. If Illinois is a net-outbound state, trucks heading out are plentiful and DIY rental costs are lower. If Illinois is net-inbound, outbound trucks are cheap but inbound are expensive. Check both professional mover quotes and one-way truck rental prices to find the best deal for your specific direction.
Types of moving services in Illinois
Three main service levels are available in Illinois, each with different price points and tradeoffs.
Full Service ($1,500-$3,200)
Chicago has 50+ ICC-licensed movers. One of the most competitive markets in the country.
Labor Only ($280-$550)
Abundant in Chicago and suburbs. Labor-only with a rented truck is the go-to budget option for Chicago apartment moves.
Container ($2,200-$4,000)
PODS, U-Pack, and ABF all have strong Chicago-area presence.
Labor-only movers combined with a rental truck (U-Haul, Penske, Budget) save 40-50% on local moves in Illinois. You handle the driving and packing; they handle the heavy lifting. At Illinois’s average labor rate of $35/hr, a 4-hour load-and-unload runs roughly $280-$420 for a 2-3 person crew.
Mover licensing and regulations in Illinois
Licensing: Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). All intrastate movers must be licensed. This is one of the stronger state licensing programs in the country.
Insurance requirements: $100,000 cargo insurance and $300,000 liability minimum required by ICC. Companies must file proof annually.
How to file a complaint: ICC Consumer Services at (217) 782-7295 or icc.illinois.gov. Also file with the Chicago Department of Business Affairs if the move was within city limits at (312) 744-6060.
This state has strong consumer protections for moving. Companies must be licensed, carry mandatory insurance, and provide binding written estimates. If something goes wrong, you have clear legal recourse through the state regulatory agency. Always verify the company’s state license number before hiring.
Check the state licensing database before hiring any mover. Licensed companies have skin in the game. They risk losing their operating authority if they rack up complaints.
Best and worst times to move in Illinois
Most expensive: May-September. During peak season, Illinois movers charge a 26% premium over base rates. Availability is tightest, and the best crews book out 4-6 weeks in advance.
Cheapest window: November-March. Off-peak rates in Illinois run 20% below peak pricing. Movers discount to keep crews working and trucks on the road.
In dollar terms, the same 2-3 bedroom local move that costs $2,142 in May costs roughly $1,360 in November. That’s a $782 difference just from timing.
Weather considerations
The sweet spot for moving is late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate and roads are clear. Winter moves face snow delays and frozen equipment, while summer brings peak pricing. If moving in winter, confirm the company has heated trucks for temperature-sensitive items.
Chicago winters are severe. Lake-effect snow dumps 1-3 feet with little warning November through March. Moving trucks must carry chains for residential streets that may not be plowed. Ice storms in central and southern Illinois can close I-55 and I-57 for hours. Summer severe weather (tornadoes, derecho wind events) can disrupt moves June-August. The infamous ‘polar vortex’ events drop wind chills to -40°F and effectively shut down moving operations for days.
How to save on movers in Illinois
Time your move right. Moving during November-March instead of May-September saves $782 on a typical Illinois move. Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) saves an additional 5-10%.
Reduce volume before you pack. At $35/hr per mover, every hour matters. Decluttering before the movers arrive cuts 1-2 hours off a typical job, saving $70-$140 with a 2-mover crew.
Be fully packed and ready. Movers billing at $35/hr per person don’t want to wait while you decide what goes in which box. Having everything boxed, labeled, and staged near the door can save 30-60 minutes of billable time.
Get 3-5 binding estimates. Three binding estimates is the minimum. Five gives you real negotiating use. In Illinois’s 5.0% turnover market, movers have enough competition to be flexible on pricing if you can show a lower quote from a competitor.
Non-binding estimates. A non-binding estimate from a Illinois mover is just a guess. The final bill can legally exceed it by any amount. Always request a binding not-to-exceed estimate based on an in-home or video survey. If a company won’t do a survey, that’s a red flag.
Additional moving costs in Illinois
| Service | Cost in Illinois | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | $400-$1,000 | Usually $30-$50/room including materials |
| Piano move | $250-$650 | Upright $200-$350, grand $400-$600 |
| Storage (1 month) | $125-$300 | Climate-controlled 10×10 unit |
| Stair fee | $50-$100 | Applies at both pickup and delivery |
| Long carry fee | $50-$150 | If truck can’t park within 75 feet of door |
| Furniture disassembly | $100-$225 | Beds, desks, shelving units |
Local moving tips for Illinois
Chicago high-rise moves are a different animal. Elevator reservations ($200-$500), building COI naming the building as additional insured, loading dock time slots (often first-come-first-served), and move-in/out windows (typically weekdays 9am-5pm only) are standard. A 30-story Chicago high-rise move can add $500-$1,000 in building fees alone. September 1st lease turnover in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wrigleyville creates a mini version of Boston’s moving chaos. The suburbs (Naperville, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights) are significantly easier and cheaper to move in due to easier access and fewer restrictions.
How Illinois compares to neighboring states
| State | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Local Move | vs Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $28/hr | $1,550 | +10% |
| Iowa | $24/hr | $1,450 | +17% |
| Missouri | $26/hr | $1,450 | +17% |
| Kentucky | $24/hr | $1,450 | +17% |
| Indiana | $25/hr | $1,450 | +17% |
Among Illinois’s neighbors, Iowa offers the lowest average moving costs at $1,450 for a local move. If you’re moving to a border area, getting quotes from movers in both states can reveal significant savings.
National guide: Hiring Movers cost. Complete 2026 guide
Frequently asked questions about moving in Illinois
Local movers in Illinois cost $850 to $2,600 for a 2-3 bedroom home, based on an average rate of $35/hour per mover. Long-distance moves from Illinois run $2,300 to $7,800 depending on distance and volume.
The cheapest window to move in Illinois is November-March. During this period, movers typically discount 20% off peak rates to keep crews working. The most expensive time is May-September when rates carry a 26% premium.
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). All intrastate movers must be licensed. This is one of the stronger state licensing programs in the country. For interstate moves, all companies must hold FMCSA authority regardless of state requirements. Always verify the company’s USDOT number at protectyourmove.gov.
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for local moves in Illinois and 8-12 weeks for long-distance. During peak season (May-September), booking 3+ months early is recommended. Illinois’s housing turnover rate is 5.0%, which keeps the market manageable.
A standard Illinois moving quote covers loading, transport, unloading, and basic furniture protection. It does not include packing (add $300-$1,000), specialty items (piano $200-$600), stair fees ($50-$100/flight), or storage. Always confirm exclusions before signing.