($1,219+) Reno, NV to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Reno, NV, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $1,103 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,452 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,487, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,452 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,561 - $5,521, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,103 - $3,290.
- 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 $3,434 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,434 - $7,526 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 1,914-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 1,914-mile route from Reno to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,487 - $5,512 | $1,561 - $3,172 | $1,103 - $2,281 | $1,419 - $2,717 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,434 - $7,526 | $1,997 - $4,402 | $1,281 - $2,767 | $1,698 - $3,590 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,568 - $11,452 | $2,877 - $5,521 | $1,569 - $3,290 | $2,347 - $4,650 |
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 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 $2,487 - $11,452. 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: $2,487 - $5,512
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,434 - $7,526
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,568 - $11,452
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Nevada 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 Reno, NV to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Reno 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 | $569 - $5,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% 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 coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% 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 items40% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Move 4 Less, LLC | $1,138 - $2,845 |
| Piano | Any piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Move 4 Less, LLC | $910 - $3,983 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $341 - $1,707 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: O'Briens Moving and Storage Inc. | $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?
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 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 $1,561 and $5,521. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Reno costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Reno to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,561 - $3,172
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,997 - $4,402
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,877 - $5,521
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $85 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $171 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $797 in Reno, NV, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,561. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,997 - $4,402, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- Colonial Van & Storage (4.0/5), 55 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Reno, NV to Chicago, IL
Plan on $1,103 - $3,290 for a rental moving truck on the 1,914-mile route from Reno, Nevada, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $1,103 - $2,281
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,281 - $2,767
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,569 - $3,290
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,103 - $3,290 does not include fuel ($693 - $792) , lodging ($171/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Reno to Chicago typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $171 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 Reno, Nevada, usually costs about $797 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,914-mile drive falls between $693 and $792, 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 $57 and $341 to your total.
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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,698 and $3,590.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Reno to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,419 - $2,717
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,698 - $3,590
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,347 - $4,650
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $85 - $171 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Reno, Nevada, typically costs $797.
What are the best freight companies from Reno to Chicago?
- 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.
- High Mountain Transport, LLC (4.76/5 stars): High Mountain Transport, LLC 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: Reno, NV vs Chicago, IL
Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Reno. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 119 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 - 40/100 and 53.74/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Reno, NV guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Nevada to Illinois, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 33 movers in Nevada, so you have real options to compare for this 1,914-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,914-mile route from Reno, NV, to Chicago, IL, run $2,487 - $11,452 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,561 - $5,521, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,103 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,434, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Reno, NV to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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.
How long does a move from Reno, NV 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 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.
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 $1,281 - $2,767. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Reno movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 80% of movers in Reno handle piano moves, and 40% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
