($1,091+) Gilbert, AZ to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Gilbert, AZ, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $1,027 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,129 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,741 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,489, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,129 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,485 - $5,754, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,027 - $2,875.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Gilbert, AZ, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,342 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Gilbert, AZ to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Gilbert to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,342 - $7,508 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,741 miles, this route usually takes 4 to 15 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,741-mile route from Gilbert to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,489 - $5,647 | $1,485 - $3,064 | $1,027 - $2,016 | $1,336 - $2,495 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,342 - $7,508 | $1,919 - $4,287 | $1,099 - $2,448 | $1,567 - $3,430 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,211 - $10,129 | $2,674 - $5,754 | $1,532 - $2,875 | $2,292 - $4,253 |
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 Gilbert, AZ to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Gilbert, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $2,489 and $10,129. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,741-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $331 - $2,204, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Gilbert and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Gilbert tend to start around $140 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Gilbert to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,489 - $5,647
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,342 - $7,508
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,211 - $10,129
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 Gilbert to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona 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 Gilbert, AZ to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Gilbert 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 packing98% of local movers | $551 - $5,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $220 - $1,322/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $331 - $2,645 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,102 - $3,306 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,755 - $11,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $825 - $1,568 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $1,102 - $2,755 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Just-In Time Moving & Storage | $882 - $3,857 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $331 - $1,653 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Just-In Time Moving & Storage | $716 - $2,204 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $331 - $16,530+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $331 - $3,857+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Gilbert to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Gilbert, AZ, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Gilbert, AZ to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Gilbert, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,485 and $5,754. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chicago. If you go over that window, storage in Gilbert adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Gilbert to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,485 - $3,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,919 - $4,287
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,674 - $5,754
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Gilbert, AZ and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $771 in Gilbert, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $83 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $165 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $1,485. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,919 - $4,287, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Gilbert 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 Gilbert 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 Gilbert:
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Gilbert, AZ to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 1,741-mile move from Gilbert, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,027 and $2,875, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $610 - $698
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Gilbert daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Gilbert to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,027 - $2,016
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,099 - $2,448
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,532 - $2,875
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,027 - $2,875 when pricing out a rental truck from Gilbert to Chicago. Fuel alone runs ($610 - $698) , and overnight lodging ($165/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $610 - $698 for the 1,741-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Gilbert, Arizona, for about 5 hours typically costs around $771.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,741-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $165 per night, adding $331 - $496 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $55 and $331.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Gilbert 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 Gilbert, AZ 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 Gilbert, Arizona, 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 $1,567 and $3,430.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Gilbert to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,336 - $2,495
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,567 - $3,430
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,292 - $4,253
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $83 and $165.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Gilbert, Arizona, for roughly five hours typically average $771.
What are the best freight companies from Gilbert to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Gilbert, AZ vs Chicago, IL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Gilbert and Chicago to plan around. Cost of living index: 113 vs. 106. Average rent: $2,250/mo vs. $2,045/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 29 vs. 77. Safety index: 85.23 vs. 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Gilbert, AZ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 97 movers in our Arizona network to compare for this 1,741-mile move.
Our take
A move from Gilbert, AZ, 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 $2,489 - $10,129 on the 1,741-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,485 - $5,754, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,027 - $2,875. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,342 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 Gilbert, AZ, 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 85.23 and 14.77 in Gilbert. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Gilbert, AZ 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 is the best time of year to move from Gilbert, AZ to Chicago, IL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Gilbert, AZ 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($610 - $698), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $165/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Gilbert movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Gilbert handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.