($588+) Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $599 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,362 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 799 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,787, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,362 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,084 - $3,719, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $599 - $1,579.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Richmond, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,254 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 Richmond, VA
Moving options from Chicago to Richmond fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,254 - $5,630 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 799 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 799-mile route from Chicago to Richmond, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,787 - $4,318 | $1,084 - $2,118 | $599 - $1,064 | $1,056 - $1,778 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,254 - $5,630 | $1,494 - $2,796 | $604 - $1,263 | $1,195 - $2,236 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,817 - $8,362 | $2,023 - $3,719 | $811 - $1,579 | $1,525 - $2,857 |
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 Richmond, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 799-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Richmond, Virginia, with costs ranging from $1,787 - $8,362. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $305 - $2,032. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Richmond. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,787 - $4,318
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,254 - $5,630
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,817 - $8,362
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 Richmond.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Richmond, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $508 - $5,080 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $203 - $1,219/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $305 - $2,438 |
| 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 | $1,016 - $3,048 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,540 - $10,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $761 - $1,446 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,016 - $2,540 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $813 - $3,556 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $305 - $1,524 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $660 - $2,032 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $305 - $15,240+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $305 - $3,556+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Richmond?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $1,084 and $3,719. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Chicago costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,084 - $2,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,494 - $2,796
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,023 - $3,719
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chicago, IL and Richmond, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $711 in Chicago, IL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $76 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $152 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Virginia 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 $1,084. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,494 - $2,796, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Richmond?
- 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 Richmond, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 799-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Richmond, Virginia, costs between $599 and $1,579, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $258 - $295
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $599 - $1,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $604 - $1,263
- 4+ bedrooms: $811 - $1,579
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $599 - $1,579 when pricing out a rental truck from Chicago to Richmond. Fuel alone runs ($258 - $295) , and overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $76 and $356.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $152.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $258 and $295 for the 799-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $711 for 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Richmond?
- 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 Richmond, VA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Chicago, Illinois, to Richmond, Virginia. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,195 and $2,236.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,056 - $1,778
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,195 - $2,236
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,525 - $2,857
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $711.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $76 and $152 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Richmond?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Richmond fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Richmond, VA
Chicago and Richmond land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Chicago and 95 in Richmond, and rent tracks closely too ($2,045/mo vs. $1,595/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (77 vs 51) and safety scores (33.87 vs 51.55) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Virginia, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 103 movers licensed in Illinois, useful context for sizing up this 799-mile move.
Our take
The 799-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Richmond, VA, costs between $1,787 and $8,362 with full-service movers, $1,084 - $3,719 with a moving container, and $599 - $1,579 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 $2,254 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 Brink's and CarMax.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Richmond, VA
What are the best neighborhoods in Richmond?
For families, Bellevue, Byrd Park, and Museum District are worth a look in Richmond. If you're moving solo or without kids, Monroe Ward, The Fan District, and The Museum District tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Richmond run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,787 to $8,362, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,787 and $8,362, 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 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.
