($616+) Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $616 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,594 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 984 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,975, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,594 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,151 - $3,945, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $616 - $1,724.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Collins, CO, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,392 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 Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Fort Collins to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,392 - $6,306 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 70% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 984-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 984-mile route from Fort Collins to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,975 - $4,733, container $1,151 - $2,033, rental truck $616 - $1,265, freight trailer $1,066 - $1,962.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,392 - $6,306, container $1,393 - $3,059, rental truck $715 - $1,374, freight trailer $1,196 - $2,447.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,187 - $7,594, container $1,976 - $3,945, rental truck $852 - $1,724, freight trailer $1,644 - $3,186.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL
For the 984-mile move from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,975 and $7,594. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $336 - $2,240 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Fort Collins generally start around $301 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Collins to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,975 - $4,733
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,392 - $6,306
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,187 - $7,594
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 Fort Collins to Chicago.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Fort Collins 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 packing74% of local movers | $560 - $5,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $224 - $1,344/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $336 - $2,688 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage16% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $1,120 - $3,360 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,800 - $11,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $839 - $1,594 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,120 - $2,800 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $896 - $3,920 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $336 - $1,680 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationally | $728 - $2,240 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $336 - $16,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $336 - $3,920+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fort Collins 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Fort Collins, CO. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,151 and $3,945. 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 Fort Collins typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Collins to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,033
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,393 - $3,059
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,976 - $3,945
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 $784 in Fort Collins, CO. 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 $84 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $168 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 Colorado 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 $1,151. 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 $1,393 - $3,059.
What are the best moving containers Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins:
- Little Guys Movers (4.9/5), 34 years in business
- Choice Moving Company (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Two College Movers (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 984-mile move from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $616 and $1,724, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $351 - $401
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Fort Collins daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Fort Collins to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $616 - $1,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $715 - $1,374
- 4+ bedrooms: $852 - $1,724
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Fort Collins to Chicago starts at $616 - $1,724, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($351 - $401), overnight lodging ($168/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $168 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 Fort Collins, Colorado, usually costs about $784 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 984-mile drive falls between $351 and $401, 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 $56 and $336 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,008 and $2,447.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Collins to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,066 - $1,962
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,196 - $2,447
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,644 - $3,186
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $84 - $168 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 Fort Collins, Colorado, typically costs $784.
What are the best freight companies from Fort Collins to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
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: Fort Collins, CO vs Chicago, IL
Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Fort Collins. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 116 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 37/100 and 72.86/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to Illinois 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 278 movers based in Colorado, handy for sizing up options on this 984-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Fort Collins, CO, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,975 for a studio to $7,594 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 984-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,151 - $3,945. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $616 - $1,724, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,392 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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 Fort Collins, CO, to Chicago, IL
What is the cheapest way to move from Fort Collins, CO 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 $715 - $1,374. 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 Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 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 Fort Collins?
Local movers based in Fort Collins typically start around $301 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Fort Collins, CO 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 percentage of Fort Collins movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Fort Collins handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.