($408+) Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN, runs anywhere from $388 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,370 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 471 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,181, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,370 or more.
- Moving containers run $942 - $3,220, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $388 - $1,054.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,936 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Nashville: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,936 - $5,093. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 471 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 471-mile route from Chicago to Nashville, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,181 - $3,602 | $942 - $1,700 | $388 - $746 | $875 - $1,578 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,936 - $5,093 | $1,256 - $2,273 | $457 - $858 | $975 - $1,971 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,517 - $7,370 | $1,652 - $3,220 | $536 - $1,054 | $1,322 - $2,430 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Nashville, Tennessee, costs between $1,181 and $7,370. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 471-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $317 - $2,112, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chicago and Nashville. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chicago tend to start around $220 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Nashville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,181 - $3,602
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,936 - $5,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,517 - $7,370
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Nashville.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Nashville, 81% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $528 - $5,280 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $211 - $1,267/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $317 - $2,534 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,056 - $3,168 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,640 - $10,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $791 - $1,503 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,056 - $2,640 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $845 - $3,696 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $317 - $1,584 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $686 - $2,112 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $317 - $15,840+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $317 - $3,696+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Nashville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Chicago, IL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Nashville with a local mover averages $1,955 - $5,143. Working with a local mover based in Chicago, IL often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Mighty Moving & Storage (4.7/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 88 customers, 94.3% of which is positive.
Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Nashville, Tennessee, cost between $942 and $3,220. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Nashville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $942 - $1,700
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,256 - $2,273
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,652 - $3,220
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $79 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $158 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $739 in Chicago, IL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Nashville, TN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $942. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,256 - $2,273, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Nashville?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN
Truck rentals from Chicago, Illinois, to Nashville, Tennessee, range from $388 - $1,054 for the 471-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $158 - $181
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Nashville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $388 - $746
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $457 - $858
- 4+ bedrooms: $536 - $1,054
Pro tip: The base rate of $388 - $1,054 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Nashville. Fuel ($158 - $181) , lodging at around $158/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $739.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $158 - $181 for the 471-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $63 and $343, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $158 per night for hotel stops on the 471-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $317 - $475.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Nashville?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Nashville, Tennessee, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $975 and $1,971.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Nashville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $875 - $1,578
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $975 - $1,971
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,322 - $2,430
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $79 - $158 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $739.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Nashville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Chicago to Nashville, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Nashville, TN
Day-to-day costs in Nashville are close to what you're used to in Chicago: cost of living index of 105 versus 106, with average rent of $1,971/mo compared to $2,045/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago versus 96/100 and 50.9/100 in Nashville.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 103 movers based in Illinois, handy for sizing up options on this 471-mile route.
Our take
The 471-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN, costs between $1,181 and $7,370 with full-service movers, $942 - $3,220 with a moving container, and $388 - $1,054 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,936 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include HCA Healthcare and Access Control Systems.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($158 - $181), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $158/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $457 - $858. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
