Local moving companies in Alabama
When making the move from Alabama to Chicago, IL, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier.
Out of 43 Alabama movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Chicago, IL.
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Changing Spaces Moving Inc: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- McCorquodale Transfer: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 614
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3822
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1164434
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 457
Years in Business: 111
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World-Wide Moving, Inc. , Coleman American Moving Services , Coleman World Group, LLC , Coleman Worldwide Moving , Covan Worldwide Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3783
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 713589
Alternate Names: McCorquodale Transfer Warehouse Division
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Alabama to Chicago, IL
The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from Alabama to Chicago, IL, by home size and moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,198 – $4,010 | $741 – $1,673 | $545 – $957 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,336 – $5,454 | $1,321 – $2,646 | $577 – $1,136 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,898 – $8,005 | $1,736 – $3,245 | $730 – $1,335 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 757-mile move from Alabama to Chicago, IL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of authenticated price data points from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Your end price can vary by shipment size, added services, parking/access limitations, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing several mover quotes to confirm pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Alabama to Chicago, IL
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Alabama to Chicago, IL, you can expect prices to land between $1,198 and $4,010. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,336 to $5,454. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,898 and $8,005.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Alabama to Chicago, IL, will cost you $741 to $1,673 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,321 to $2,646. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,736 to $3,245. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $545 and $957 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Alabama to Chicago, IL with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $577 to $1,136. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $730 to $1,335.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Compare local moving companies from Alabama to Chicago, IL
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motivated Movers, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Changing Spaces Moving Inc | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Coleman Worldwide Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| McCorquodale Transfer | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Considering the 3,180 movers we’ve assessed, take a look at how Alabama movers compare against the national average for services and discounts provided:
| Alabama | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 95% | 96% |
| Antiques | 34% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 4% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 2% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Alabama to Chicago, IL
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Chicago, IL stacks up against Alabama. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. Chicago, IL
| Alabama | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $2,045 |
| Average home cost | $227,508 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,609 | $71,566 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 9.0% |
| State Income Tax | 5.0% | 4.95% |
Chicago sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 121% more expensive in Chicago than in Alabama, so be sure to plan ahead and allocate additional funds.
- In Chicago, home prices run about 30% higher than in Alabama. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
- On average, incomes in Chicago are about 20% higher than in Alabama. This could help you stay on top of living expenses or grow your savings over time.
- Unemployment in Chicago runs 210% above Alabama, so be proactive with networking and applications.
- With income taxes roughly equal in Illinois and Alabama, your monthly budget should remain stable.
How life is different in Chicago from Alabama
| Chicago | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 56″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 21.48 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat and Alabama voted Republican.
- Summers in Chicago average 84ºF, while Alabama typically sees highs of 91ºF. Choosing to move somewhere cooler can mean less extreme heat, reduced energy costs, and more time to enjoy being outside in the summer.
- Winter in Chicago can be significantly colder, with lows reaching 19ºF, much chillier than the 33ºF winters of Alabama. You’ll want to get ready for those extra-cold months, which may bring higher heating bills and warrant some changes to your day-to-day habits. Still, the crisp air, beautiful winter landscapes, and seasonal activities in Chicago have their own special appeal.
- In Chicago, you’ll get just 38 inches of rain annually, less than the 56 inches you typically see in Alabama. With all the extra sunshine, you’ll have more opportunities to explore your new surroundings. This sunnier forecast is the perfect way to start your next chapter.
- In Chicago, it snows about 35 inches annually while Alabama gets only about 1 inch. With the additional snow you’ll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
- Crime rates in Chicago are higher than in Alabama, with a crime index of 35.19 versus 21.48. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Chicago
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Chicago can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Chicago
- The Field Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago History Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
Parks in Chicago
- Millennium Park
- Grant Park
- The 606
- Lincoln Park
- Garfield Park
Sports teams in Chicago
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
Universities in Chicago
- Chicago State University
- Governors State University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
Other considerations when moving to Chicago, IL
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can check your Illinois moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to Illinois, but you should check local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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: Peace of mind is everything. With our moving checklist, you can be sure you’re on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Alabama to Chicago take?
The time it takes to move from Alabama to Chicago, IL varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re heading to Chicago from northern Alabama, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Moving your belongings from Alabama to Chicago typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Make sure to ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Alabama to Chicago?
Because of the 757-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Alabama to Chicago as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?
With summer temperatures reaching 84°F and winter nights dipping to 19°F, most people make the move from Alabama to Chicago in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
Helpful moving resources
Alabama moving services
Popular Alabama routes
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