($521+) Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Wilmington, DE, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $521 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,279 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 752 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 $1,514, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,279 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,065 - $3,257, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $521 - $1,512.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Wilmington, DE, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,040 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 Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Wilmington to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,040 - $5,426 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 72% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 752 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 752-mile route from Wilmington to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,514 - $4,061 | $1,065 - $1,860 | $521 - $960 | $977 - $1,641 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,040 - $5,426 | $1,273 - $2,580 | $568 - $1,188 | $1,072 - $2,148 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,471 - $7,279 | $1,725 - $3,257 | $726 - $1,512 | $1,438 - $2,687 |
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 Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 752-mile relocation from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,514 and $7,279. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $314 - $2,096, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Wilmington typically charge a base rate around $334 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Wilmington to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,514 - $4,061
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,040 - $5,426
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,471 - $7,279
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 Wilmington to Chicago.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Wilmington 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 packing72% of local movers | $524 - $5,240 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $210 - $1,258/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,515 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,048 - $3,144 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,620 - $10,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $785 - $1,491 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System | $1,048 - $2,620 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $838 - $3,668 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $314 - $1,572 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $681 - $2,096 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,720+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,668+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Wilmington to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Wilmington, DE. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,065 and $3,257. 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 Wilmington costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Wilmington to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,065 - $1,860
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,273 - $2,580
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,257
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Wilmington, DE 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 $734 in Wilmington, DE, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $79 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $157 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 Delaware 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 $1,065. 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 $1,273 - $2,580.
What are the best moving containers Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- All Around Moverz (4.6/5), 16 years in business
- Forward Moving LLC (4.9/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 752-mile move from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $521 and $1,512, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $251 - $287
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Wilmington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Wilmington to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $521 - $960
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $568 - $1,188
- 4+ bedrooms: $726 - $1,512
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $521 - $1,512 when pricing out a rental truck from Wilmington to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $251 - $287, and overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 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 Wilmington, Delaware, usually costs about $734 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 752-mile drive falls between $251 and $287, 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 $52 and $314 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Wilmington 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 Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Wilmington, Delaware, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,072 and $2,148.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Wilmington to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $977 - $1,641
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,148
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,438 - $2,687
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 $79 and $157.
- 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 Wilmington, Delaware, for roughly five hours typically average $734.
What are the best freight companies from Wilmington to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Wilmington, DE vs Chicago, IL
Wilmington and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Wilmington and 106 in Chicago, and average rent is $1,812/mo vs. $2,045/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 74 vs 77 and safety scores are 32.68 vs 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Delaware 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 17 movers in Delaware, so you have real options to compare for this 752-mile move.
Our take
The 752-mile move from Wilmington, DE, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,514 and $7,279 with full-service movers, $1,065 - $3,257 with a moving container, and $521 - $1,512 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,040 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 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 Wilmington, DE, to Chicago, IL
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($251 - $287), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $157/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Wilmington, DE 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 is the best time of year to move from Wilmington, DE 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Wilmington, DE 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.
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 32.68 and 67.32 in Wilmington. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Wilmington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Wilmington handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.