Top-rated movers to make your Columbus to Chicago move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbus that offers long-distance services to Chicago can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed nine top local movers in Columbus who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Columbus to Chicago.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- American International Movers Inc.: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 500159
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Trad Holdings, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9128
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1934458
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3754018
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 270715
Alternate Names: IHS Technologies, Inc. , Trading Post Moving & Storage , American International Movers, Inc. , Covenant Storage, Inc. , Southern Choice Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Chicago?
In Georgia, moving services typically cost around $139 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,172 – $4,159 | $761 – $1,809 | $534 – $996 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,350 – $6,079 | $1,328 – $2,695 | $582 – $1,184 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,920 – $7,894 | $1,929 – $3,588 | $714 – $1,541 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Chicago
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Chicago from Columbus, you can expect prices to land between $1,172 and $4,159. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,350 to $6,079 for the trip from Columbus to Chicago. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,920 and $7,894.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Chicago
Moving containers from Columbus to Chicago will cost you $761 to $1,809 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,328 to $2,695. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,929 to $3,588. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Georgia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Chicago
Renting a moving truck from Columbus to Chicago typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $534 and $996 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $582 to $1,184. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $714 to $1,541.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbus to Chicago move
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,996 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,116 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Columbus.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $534 to $1,316, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 79% higher for singles and 142% higher for families than Columbus.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Columbus versus $2,041 in Columbus; families pay $9,266 compared with $3,834.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbus | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,250 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,400 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $157,861 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,542 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,041 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,834 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.95% |
- Planning a move to Chicago? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 86% higher than in Columbus, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Chicago are about 87% higher than those in Columbus.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 42% higher in Chicago compared to Columbus, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Chicago, as living costs for a single person are 79% higher than in Columbus. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 142% higher than in Columbus.
- Chicago shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Columbus by around 70%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Chicago are 14% more than in Columbus, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Illinois are 10% below those in Georgia. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbus and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.40 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $40.33 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.24 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.52 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $10.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbus than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbus than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbus than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Chicago.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Chicago
| Columbus | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 72 |
| Crime index | 72.18 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 27.82 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 1227% greater than Columbus.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 2.
- Chicago is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 25 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 35.19 compared to Columbus’s 72.18. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18%.
- Chicago is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 33.87 vs Columbus’s 27.82.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Illinois’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Chicago
Planning your move to Chi-Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After settling into your new Illinois home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Chicago?
Planning your move from Columbus to Chicago? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Columbus to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Columbus to Chicago take?
The 820-mile journey from Columbus, GA to Chicago, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Columbus offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chicago.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Columbus?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Columbus, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 3 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Georgia has 54 piano movers and 39 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Columbus moving services
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