($512+) Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Moving from Winston-Salem, NC, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $512 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,497 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 707 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,491, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,497 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,073 - $3,439, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $512 - $1,397.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,184 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Moving options from Winston-Salem to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,184 - $5,253 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 75% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 707-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 707-mile route from Winston-Salem to Chicago, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,491 - $3,730 $1,073 - $1,855 $512 - $962 $911 - $1,669
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,184 - $5,253 $1,325 - $2,648 $542 - $1,176 $1,092 - $2,159
4+ bedrooms $3,724 - $7,497 $1,704 - $3,439 $651 - $1,397 $1,406 - $2,591

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Full-service movers for the 707-mile relocation from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,491 and $7,497. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $278 - $1,856, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Winston-Salem typically charge a base rate around $272 plus $85 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Winston-Salem to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,491 - $3,730
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,184 - $5,253
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,724 - $7,497

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 Winston-Salem to Chicago.

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 Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Winston-Salem movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing68% of local movers$464 - $4,640
Storage in transitNew place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc.$186 - $1,114/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$278 - $2,227
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$928 - $2,784
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,320 - $9,280
Car shippingSecond vehicle$695 - $1,321
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items21% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc.$928 - $2,320
PianoAny piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc.$742 - $3,248
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers$278 - $1,392
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect19% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving$603 - $1,856
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$278 - $13,920+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$278 - $3,248+

What are the best full-service movers from Winston-Salem to Chicago?

All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Winston-Salem, NC. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Moving containers from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,073 and $3,439. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Winston-Salem runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Winston-Salem to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,073 - $1,855
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,325 - $2,648
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,704 - $3,439

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $650 in Winston-Salem, NC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $70 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $139 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chicago, IL, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to Illinois 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 $1,073. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,325 - $2,648.

What are the best moving containers Winston-Salem to Chicago?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem:

  • American Moving & Hauling, Inc. (4.8/5), 20 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 31 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 14 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Renting a moving truck for the 707-mile move from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $512 and $1,397, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $209 - $239
  • Daily insurance: $28/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $19
  • Winston-Salem daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Winston-Salem to Chicago based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $512 - $962
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $542 - $1,176
  • 4+ bedrooms: $651 - $1,397

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $512 - $1,397 when pricing out a rental truck from Winston-Salem to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $209 - $239, and overnight lodging ($139/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $209 - $239 for the 707-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for about 5 hours typically costs around $650.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 707-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $139 per night, adding $278 - $418 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $46 and $278.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Winston-Salem to Chicago?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,092 and $2,159.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Winston-Salem to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $911 - $1,669
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,092 - $2,159
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,406 - $2,591

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?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $650.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $139 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Winston-Salem to Chicago?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Winston-Salem to Chicago. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Chicago, IL

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Winston-Salem on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Winston-Salem, NC Chicago, IL
Cost of living index84106
Average rent$1,300/mo$2,045/mo
Median home value$208,184$317,509
Average income$57,673/yr$75,134/yr
Unemployment rate5.2%9.0%
State income taxUp to 4.5%Up to 4.95%
Walkability score22/10077/100
Safety index67.33/10033.87/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC guide.

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Our take

For a move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,491 for a studio to $7,497 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 707-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,073 - $3,439. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $512 - $1,397, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,184 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.

FAQs: Moving from Winston-Salem, NC, to Chicago, IL

How much does it cost to move from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL?

Costs on this route range from around $512 to $7,497, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,491 and $7,497, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What is the cheapest way to move from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL?

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 $542 - $1,176. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($209 - $239), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $139/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 is the best time of year to move from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL?

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.

What percentage of Winston-Salem movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 40% of movers in Winston-Salem handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.