($591+) New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from New Haven, CT, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $622 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,496 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 868 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 $1,832, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,496 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,117 - $3,939, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $622 - $1,711.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Haven, CT, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,369 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 New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL
Moving options from New Haven to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,369 - $5,399 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 868 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 868-mile route from New Haven to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,832 - $4,379 | $1,117 - $2,065 | $622 - $1,128 | $1,068 - $1,896 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,369 - $5,399 | $1,465 - $2,777 | $632 - $1,423 | $1,125 - $2,222 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,953 - $7,496 | $1,970 - $3,939 | $858 - $1,711 | $1,512 - $3,090 |
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 New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 868-mile move from New Haven, Connecticut, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $1,832 - $7,496. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $323 - $2,156. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between New Haven and Chicago. Local movers in New Haven typically start around $324 as a base rate plus $180/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Haven to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,832 - $4,379
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,369 - $5,399
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,953 - $7,496
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 New Haven to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Connecticut to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 95% of New Haven movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $539 - $5,390 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready95% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Hands On Moving | $216 - $1,294/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $323 - $2,587 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage40% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $1,078 - $3,234 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,695 - $10,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $807 - $1,534 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items54% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: RT Relocation | $1,078 - $2,695 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Hands On Moving | $862 - $3,773 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling26% of local movers | $323 - $1,617 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect16% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Collegian Movers | $701 - $2,156 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $323 - $16,170+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $323 - $3,773+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Haven to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in New Haven, CT. 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 New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from New Haven, Connecticut, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,117 and $3,939. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in New Haven typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Haven to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,117 - $2,065
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,465 - $2,777
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,970 - $3,939
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 $755 in New Haven, CT. 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 $81 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $162 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 Connecticut 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 $1,117. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,465 - $2,777, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers New Haven 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 New Haven 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 New Haven:
- RT Relocation (4.8/5), 15 years in business
- A Plus Moving, LLC (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- Collegian Movers (5.0/5), 37 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 868-mile move from New Haven, Connecticut, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $622 and $1,711. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $298 - $340
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- New Haven daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.99
| 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 New Haven to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $622 - $1,128
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $632 - $1,423
- 4+ bedrooms: $858 - $1,711
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $622 - $1,711 when pricing out a rental truck from New Haven to Chicago. Fuel alone runs ($298 - $340) , and overnight lodging ($162/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $162 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in New Haven, Connecticut, usually costs about $755 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 868-mile drive falls between $298 and $340, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $54 and $323 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Haven 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 New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL
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 New Haven, Connecticut, to Chicago, Illinois. 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 $1,125 and $2,222.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Haven to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,068 - $1,896
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,222
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,512 - $3,090
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $81 and $162.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in New Haven, Connecticut, for roughly five hours typically average $755.
What are the best freight companies from New Haven to Chicago?
- 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.
- William B Meyer, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): William B Meyer, 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: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: New Haven, CT vs Chicago, IL
Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than New Haven. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 109 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 68/100 and 41.8/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to New Haven, CT guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Connecticut to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Connecticut alone has 55 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 868-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 868-mile move from New Haven, CT, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,832 and $7,496 with full-service movers, $1,117 - $3,939 with a moving container, and $622 - $1,711 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 $2,369 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 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 New Haven, CT, to Chicago, IL
How long does a move from New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL 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 ($298 - $340), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $162/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from New Haven, CT 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 $632 - $1,423. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,832 to $7,496, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,832 and $7,496, 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 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.
What percentage of New Haven movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in New Haven handle piano moves, and 54% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
