($625+) Fort Worth, TX to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Fort Worth, TX, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $625 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,328 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 950 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 $2,121, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,328 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,200 - $3,640, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $625 - $1,692.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Worth, TX, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,352 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Fort Worth, TX to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Fort Worth 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 $2,352 - $5,799. Moving containers run about 41% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 72% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 950-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 950-mile route from Fort Worth to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,121 - $4,504 | $1,200 - $2,204 | $625 - $1,183 | $1,069 - $1,907 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,352 - $5,799 | $1,396 - $3,063 | $668 - $1,392 | $1,222 - $2,427 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,971 - $8,328 | $1,960 - $3,640 | $881 - $1,692 | $1,521 - $2,972 |
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 Fort Worth, TX to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 950-mile move from Fort Worth, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $2,121 - $8,328. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $311 - $2,072 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Fort Worth and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Fort Worth movers tend to run around $216 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Worth to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,121 - $4,504
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,352 - $5,799
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,971 - $8,328
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 Fort Worth to Chicago.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Fort Worth, TX to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Fort Worth 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 packing74% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationally | $673 - $2,072 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,626+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fort Worth to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Fort Worth, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Fort Worth, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Fort Worth, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,200 and $3,640. 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 Fort Worth typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Worth to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,200 - $2,204
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,396 - $3,063
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,960 - $3,640
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 Fort Worth, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $725, 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 $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $155 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Fort Worth, TX, and Chicago, IL, 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 Texas 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 $1,200. 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 $1,396 - $3,063.
What are the best moving containers Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth:
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 24 years in business
- Olde World Movers (4.9/5), 38 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fort Worth, TX to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Fort Worth, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $625 - $1,692 for the 950-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $313 - $358
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Fort Worth daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Fort Worth to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $625 - $1,183
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $668 - $1,392
- 4+ bedrooms: $881 - $1,692
Pro tip: The base rate of $625 - $1,692 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Fort Worth to Chicago. Fuel ($313 - $358), lodging at around $155/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Fort Worth, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $725.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $313 - $358 for the 950-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $62 and $337, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 per night for hotel stops on the 950-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $311 - $466.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth, TX to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Fort Worth, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,222 and $2,427.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Worth to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,069 - $1,907
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,222 - $2,427
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,521 - $2,972
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 $78 and $155.
- 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 Fort Worth, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $725.
What are the best freight companies from Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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: Fort Worth, TX vs Chicago, IL
Fort Worth and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 102 in Fort Worth and 106 in Chicago, and average rent is $1,773/mo vs. $2,045/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 35 vs 77 and safety scores are 56.81 vs 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Fort Worth, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 803 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 950-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Fort Worth, TX, 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 $2,121 - $8,328 on the 950-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,200 - $3,640 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $625 - $1,692 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,352 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 Fort Worth, TX, to Chicago, IL
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 do local movers charge in Fort Worth?
Local movers based in Fort Worth typically start around $216 as a base rate, plus $80/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 Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 35 and 39 in Fort Worth. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Fort Worth movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Fort Worth handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.