($1,207+) Chicago, IL to Reno, NV Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Reno, NV, runs anywhere from $1,172 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,464 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,912 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,319, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,464 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,659 - $5,870, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,172 - $3,421.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Reno, NV. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,234 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 Reno, NV
Moving options from Chicago to Reno fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,234 - $7,599 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,912-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,912-mile route from Chicago to Reno, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,319 - $5,298 | $1,659 - $3,172 | $1,172 - $2,214 | $1,536 - $2,661 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,234 - $7,599 | $2,039 - $4,316 | $1,231 - $2,713 | $1,732 - $3,487 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,372 - $10,464 | $2,733 - $5,870 | $1,521 - $3,421 | $2,186 - $4,603 |
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 Chicago, IL to Reno, NV
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,912-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Reno, Nevada, with prices running from $2,319 - $10,464. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $334 - $2,224 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chicago and Reno are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chicago movers tend to run around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,319 - $5,298
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,234 - $7,599
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,372 - $10,464
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 Reno.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Nevada. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Reno, NV
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Reno, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $556 - $5,560 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $222 - $1,334/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $334 - $2,669 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,112 - $3,336 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,780 - $11,120 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $833 - $1,582 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,112 - $2,780 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $890 - $3,892 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $334 - $1,668 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $723 - $2,224 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $334 - $16,680+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $334 - $3,892+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Reno?
- 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Reno, NV
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Reno, Nevada, cost between $1,659 and $5,870. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,659 - $3,172
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,039 - $4,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,733 - $5,870
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 $778 in Chicago, IL. 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 $83 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $167 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 Reno, NV, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Nevada 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 $1,659. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,039 - $4,316, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Reno?
- 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
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Reno, NV
Renting a moving truck for the 1,912-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Reno, Nevada, costs between $1,172 and $3,421, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $677 - $773
- 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 Reno based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,172 - $2,214
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,231 - $2,713
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,521 - $3,421
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,172 - $3,421 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Reno. Fuel ($677 - $773) , lodging at around $167/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 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 $167 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 $361 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $677 - $773 in fuel for the 1,912-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $778 in Chicago, Illinois, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Reno?
- 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 Reno, NV
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 Chicago, Illinois, to Reno, Nevada. 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 $1,732 and $3,487.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,536 - $2,661
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,732 - $3,487
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,186 - $4,603
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $83 - $167 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about five hours typically runs $778.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Reno?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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 Reno, NV
Good news for your budget: Reno isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Chicago. Cost of living index runs 119 there against 106 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 - 77/100 and 33.87/100 here versus 40/100 and 53.74/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Reno, NV to Chicago, IL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Nevada 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 103 movers based in Illinois, handy for sizing up options on this 1,912-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,912-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Reno, NV, run $2,319 - $10,464 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,659 - $5,870, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,172 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,234, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amerco and Trane.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Reno, NV
Is Reno a safe place to live?
Reno has a safety index of 53.74 out of 100 and a crime index of 46.26, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Reno, NV?
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 $1,231 - $2,713. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Reno?
For families, South Reno, Northwest, and North Valleys are worth a look in Reno. If you're moving solo or without kids, South Reno, East Reno, and Old Northwest-west University tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Reno, NV 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 do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Reno run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
