($1,152+) Reno, NV to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Reno, NV, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $1,152 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,498 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,914 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 $2,350, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,498 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,599 - $5,658, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,152 - $2,985.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Reno, NV, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,178 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 Reno, NV to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Reno to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,178 - $7,404 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 34% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 62% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,914 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,914-mile route from Reno to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,350 - $5,528 with full-service movers, $1,599 - $3,087 with a container, $1,152 - $2,113 with a rental truck, or $1,368 - $2,646 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,178 - $7,404 full-service, $2,087 - $4,119 by container, $1,199 - $2,489 by rental truck, or $1,621 - $3,460 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,959 - $10,498 full-service, $2,636 - $5,658 by container, $1,467 - $2,985 by rental truck, or $2,131 - $4,572 by freight.
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 Reno, NV to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,914-mile move from Reno, Nevada, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $2,350 - $10,498. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $341 - $2,276 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Reno and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Reno movers tend to run around $404 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Reno to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,350 - $5,528
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,178 - $7,404
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,959 - $10,498
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 Reno to Chicago.
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 Reno, NV to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Reno 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 packing88% of local movers | $569 - $5,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Move 4 Less, LLC | $228 - $1,366/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $341 - $2,731 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,138 - $3,414 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,845 - $11,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $852 - $1,619 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Move 4 Less, LLC | $1,138 - $2,845 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Carneys Full Service Movers | $910 - $3,983 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $341 - $1,707 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect24% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Carneys Full Service Movers | $740 - $2,276 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $341 - $17,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $341 - $3,983+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Reno to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Reno, NV. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Reno, NV to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Reno, Nevada, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,599 and $5,658. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Reno typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Reno to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,599 - $3,087
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,087 - $4,119
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,636 - $5,658
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 $797 in Reno, NV. 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 $85 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $171 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 Nevada 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 $1,599. 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 $2,087 - $4,119.
What are the best moving containers Reno 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 Reno 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 Reno:
- O'Briens Moving and Storage Inc. (4.2/5), 87 years in business
- Carneys Full Service Movers (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Reno, NV to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 1,914-mile move from Reno, Nevada, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,152 and $2,985. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $693 - $792
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Reno daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Reno to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,152 - $2,113
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,199 - $2,489
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,467 - $2,985
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,152 - $2,985 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Reno to Chicago. Fuel ($693 - $792), lodging at around $171/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $85 and $398.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $171.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $693 and $792 for the 1,914-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $797 for 2 movers in Reno, Nevada, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Reno 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 Reno, NV 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 Reno, Nevada, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,621 and $3,460.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Reno to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,368 - $2,646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,621 - $3,460
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,131 - $4,572
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Reno, Nevada, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $797.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $85 and $171 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Reno to Chicago?
- 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: If speed matters on your move from Reno to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Reno, NV vs Chicago, IL
Reno and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 119 in Reno and 106 in Chicago, and average rent is $1,700/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 40 vs 77 and safety scores are 53.74 vs 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Reno, NV guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Nevada 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. Nevada alone has 87 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,914-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Reno, NV, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,350 - $10,498 on the 1,914-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,599 - $5,658, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,152 - $2,985. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,178 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 Reno, NV, to Chicago, IL
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 53.74 and 46.26 in Reno. 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 Reno, NV 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 $1,199 - $2,489. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 long does a move from Reno, NV to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 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 do local movers charge in Reno?
Local movers based in Reno typically start around $404 as a base rate, plus $120/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.
What percentage of Reno movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Reno handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.