($654+) Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Fort Collins, CO, runs anywhere from $654 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,155 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 981 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 $1,901, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,155 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,117 - $3,945, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $654 - $1,848.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Fort Collins, CO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,491 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 Fort Collins, CO
Moving options from Chicago to Fort Collins fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,491 - $5,885 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 71% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 981-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 981-mile route from Chicago to Fort Collins, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,901 - $4,414 | $1,117 - $2,180 | $654 - $1,253 | $1,005 - $1,962 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,491 - $5,885 | $1,437 - $2,942 | $722 - $1,461 | $1,231 - $2,214 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,945 - $7,155 | $1,976 - $3,945 | $852 - $1,848 | $1,644 - $3,155 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Fort Collins, Colorado, costs between $1,901 and $7,155. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 981-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $330 - $2,200, 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 Fort Collins. 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 Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,901 - $4,414
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,491 - $5,885
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,945 - $7,155
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 Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fort Collins, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $550 - $5,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $220 - $1,320/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $330 - $2,640 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,100 - $3,300 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,750 - $11,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $824 - $1,565 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,100 - $2,750 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $880 - $3,850 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $330 - $1,650 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $715 - $2,200 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $330 - $16,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $330 - $3,850+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Fort Collins?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chicago, IL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Fort Collins, Colorado, cost between $1,117 and $3,945. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Fort Collins. If you go over that window, storage in Chicago adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,117 - $2,180
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,437 - $2,942
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,976 - $3,945
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $770, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $83 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $165 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL, and Fort Collins, CO, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Colorado 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 $1,117. 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 $1,437 - $2,942.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Fort Collins?
- 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
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO
Renting a moving truck for the 981-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Fort Collins, Colorado, costs between $654 and $1,848, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $343 - $392
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Fort Collins based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $654 - $1,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $722 - $1,461
- 4+ bedrooms: $852 - $1,848
Pro tip: The base rate of $654 - $1,848 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Fort Collins. Fuel ($343 - $392), lodging at around $165/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 $165 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 $72 and $358 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $343 - $392 in fuel for the 981-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $770 in Chicago, Illinois, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Fort Collins?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Fort Collins, Colorado, 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 $1,231 and $2,214.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,005 - $1,962
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,231 - $2,214
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,644 - $3,155
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 $83 - $165 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 $770.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Fort Collins?
- 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Fort Collins, CO
Chicago and Fort Collins land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Chicago and 116 in Fort Collins, and average rent is $2,045/mo vs. $1,750/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 77 vs 37 and safety scores are 33.87 vs 72.86.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Colorado over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 314 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 981-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Chicago, IL, to Fort Collins, CO, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,901 for a studio to $7,155 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 981-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,117 - $3,945. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $654 - $1,848, 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 $2,491 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Advanced Energy Industries and RIMROCK.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Fort Collins, CO
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 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 are the best neighborhoods in Fort Collins?
For families, Old Town, City Park, and Huntington Hills are worth a look in Fort Collins. If you're moving solo or without kids, Old Town, City Park, and Ram's Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO?
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 $722 - $1,461. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Fort Collins a safe place to live?
Fort Collins has a safety index of 72.86 out of 100 and a crime index of 17.0, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.