($561+) Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $561 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,521 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 798 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 $1,590, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,521 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,035 - $3,515, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $561 - $1,523.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,086 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 Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Richmond to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,086 - $5,265. Moving containers run about 38% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 73% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 798-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 798-mile route from Richmond to Chicago, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,590 - $3,914 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,035 - $1,983), rental truck ($561 - $1,088), or freight trailer ($922 - $1,750). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,086 - $5,265 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,521.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 798-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $1,590 - $7,521. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $298 - $1,988. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Richmond and Chicago. Local movers in Richmond typically start around $360 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,590 - $3,914
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,086 - $5,265
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,792 - $7,521
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 Richmond to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Illinois. 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 Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Richmond 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 packing | Full crew packing85% of local movers | $497 - $4,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $199 - $1,193/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $298 - $2,386 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $994 - $2,982 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,485 - $9,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $745 - $1,414 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Mr. Moving, LLC | $994 - $2,485 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $795 - $3,479 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $298 - $1,491 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $646 - $1,988 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $298 - $14,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $298 - $3,479+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Richmond to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Richmond, VA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,035 and $3,515. 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 Richmond costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,035 - $1,983
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,302 - $2,696
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,820 - $3,515
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Richmond, VA and Chicago, IL. 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 $696 in Richmond, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $149 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 Virginia 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 $1,035. 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 $1,302 - $2,696.
What are the best moving containers Richmond to Chicago?
- 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 Richmond 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 Richmond:
- Mr. Moving, LLC (4.6/5), 6 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 798-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $561 and $1,523. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $252 - $288
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Richmond daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Richmond to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $561 - $1,088
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $571 - $1,218
- 4+ bedrooms: $722 - $1,523
Pro tip: The base rate of $561 - $1,523 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Richmond to Chicago. Fuel ($252 - $288), lodging at around $149/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $149 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $65 and $323 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $252 - $288 in fuel for the 798-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $696 in Richmond, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Richmond to Chicago?
- 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 Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Richmond, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $895 and $2,178.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $922 - $1,750
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,053 - $2,178
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,500 - $2,952
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Richmond, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $696.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $149 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 Richmond to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Richmond 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: Richmond, VA vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in Richmond: cost of living index of 106 versus 95, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $1,595/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 51/100 and 51.55/100 in Richmond versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Illinois, 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 262 movers licensed in Virginia, useful context for sizing up this 798-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Richmond, VA, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,590 - $7,521 on the 798-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,035 - $3,515 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $561 - $1,523 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,086 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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 Richmond, VA, to Chicago, IL
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 51 and 51 in Richmond. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($252 - $288), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $149/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
What is the best time of year to move from Richmond, VA 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.