The best local movers for Wilmington to Chicago moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Wilmington that also handles long-distance moves to Chicago. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 62 local movers in Wilmington who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Wilmington to Chicago.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Bayshore Transportation System, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Move Crew LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Forward Moving LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #:
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: Northern Volunteer Enterprises, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 52
DOT #: 540129
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2899919
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TEN CITIES III LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8920700
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3078473
Alternate Names: Forward Moving, LLC.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Wilmington to Chicago?
The average hourly rate for movers in Delaware is $120. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,111 – $3,866 | $774 – $1,768 | $516 – $980 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,082 – $5,165 | $1,340 – $2,764 | $585 – $1,235 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,652 – $7,424 | $1,743 – $3,428 | $683 – $1,368 |
Cost to hire movers from Wilmington to Chicago
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Wilmington to Chicago will cost between $1,111 and $3,866. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Wilmington to Wilmington will range from $2,082 to $5,165, and a large move from Wilmington to Chicago will cost from $3,652 to $7,424.
Cost of moving containers from Wilmington to Chicago
If you’re moving from Wilmington to Chicago, expect to pay between $774 and $1,768 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,340 up to $2,764. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,743 and $3,428. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Delaware.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Wilmington to Chicago
Renting a moving truck from Wilmington to Chicago is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $516 and $980. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $585 and $1,235. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $683 up to $1,368 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Wilmington to Chicago
The cost of Wilmington movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,881, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,490.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Wilmington, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($516–$1,307) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Wilmington to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 3% higher for singles and 113% higher for families than Wilmington.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Wilmington versus $3,533 in Wilmington; families pay $9,266 compared with $4,350.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Wilmington | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,933 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $307,799 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,354 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,533 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,350 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 6.6% | 4.95% |
- Rent is estimated to be 13% higher in Chicago compared to Wilmington; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Chicago and Wilmington, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 45% higher in Chicago than in Wilmington, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Chicago and Wilmington, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- When relocating to Chicago, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 113% greater than in Wilmington.
- Chicago enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 13% lower compared to Wilmington, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Chicago has a sales tax, while Wilmington does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 25% less in Illinois than in Delaware. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Wilmington and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Wilmington | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $126.92 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $44.10 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.05 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.56 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.50 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Wilmington than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Wilmington than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Wilmington than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Wilmington than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Wilmington than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Wilmington than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Wilmington than in Chicago.
How life is different in Wilmington vs. Chicago
| Wilmington | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 70,898 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 72 |
| Crime index | 67.32 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 32.68 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 3774% greater than Wilmington.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Wilmington’s score of 6.
- Chicago and Wilmington are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Wilmington, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Wilmington with a score of 35.19 compared to Wilmington’s 67.32. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32%.
- Chicago and Wilmington have a similar safety level, with scores of 33.87 and 32.68.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Wilmington it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Wilmington to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Chi-Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
Once you’re settled into your new home in Illinois, it’s time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Wilmington to Chicago?
The best time to move from Wilmington to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Wilmington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Wilmington to Chicago?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Wilmington to Chicago, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Wilmington to Chicago take?
Moving from Wilmington, DE to Chicago, covers 752 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Wilmington movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chicago.
Which movers in Wilmington give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Wilmington?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 49 movers in Wilmington advertise piano moving expertise. 39 movers in Wilmington provide antique moving services. State totals show 8 piano movers and 4 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Wilmington moving services
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