Top local movers for Chicago to Fort Collins moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Chicago that also provides long-distance services to Fort Collins can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 68 local movers in Chicago who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Chicago to Fort Collins.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Fort Collins?
Movers in Illinois generally charge an average of $113 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,139 – $4,656 | $841 – $1,891 | $654 – $1,217 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,278 – $5,428 | $1,540 – $2,797 | $708 – $1,432 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,828 – $7,833 | $1,956 – $3,677 | $852 – $1,777 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Fort Collins
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Fort Collins typically costs between $1,139 and $4,656. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,278 and $5,428 when moving from Chicago to Fort Collins. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Chicago to Fort Collins, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,828 up to $7,833.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Fort Collins
If you’re relocating from Chicago to Fort Collins, you’ll typically spend between $841 and $1,891 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,540 up to $2,797. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,956 and $3,677. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Fort Collins
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Chicago to Fort Collins move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $654 and $1,217. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $708 to $1,432. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $852 and $1,777.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Chicago to Fort Collins
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Chicago to Fort Collins might be as low as $2,169, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,740.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Chicago.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $654 to $1,659 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Fort Collins
Many movers find Fort Collins easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 41% less for singles and 48% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,140 for one person in Fort Collins versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $4,795 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,783 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,830 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $543,093 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $64,728 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,140 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $4,795 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.55% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.49% |
- Good news! When moving to Fort Collins from Chicago, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 14% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 84% higher in Fort Collins than in Chicago.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 10% lower in Fort Collins than in Chicago.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Fort Collins. The cost of living for a single person is 41% less compared to Chicago.
- Relocating to Fort Collins could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 48% lower than in Chicago.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 38% lower than Chicago, Fort Collins boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 26% lower in Fort Collins than Chicago, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 11% higher in Colorado than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Chicago and Fort Collins, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $167.02 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $72.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $60.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Fort Collins
| Chicago | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 169,810 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 78 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 17.0 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 72.86 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Collins’s population is about 94% less than Chicago.
- Fort Collins’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Fort Collins is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- With a score of 78 out of 100, Fort Collins is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Fort Collins’s crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 17.0 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Fort Collins is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 72.86 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Fort Collins is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Fort Collins move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Colorado moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Colorado, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Fort Collins without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-free advantage, provided by movers with minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable item, you would only receive compensation based on this limited valuation. If you seek comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with the moving company you’re hiring or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Fort Collins
Ready to relocate to Fort Collins? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fort Collins.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town
- City Park
- Ram’s Village
- Harmony Crossing
Best neighborhoods for families
- Old Town
- City Park
- Huntington Hills
- Harmony Crossing
Things to do in Fort Collins
Now that you’ve made the move to Colorado, it’s the perfect time to explore Fort Collins. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Fort Collins include museums and art centers like the Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, and Museum of Art Fort Collins.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Cache La Poudre River, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Annual Flower Trial Garden, and Spring Canyon Community Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Colorado State Rams (Mountain West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Fort Collins?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Fort Collins. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Fort Collins?
With many people choosing to move from Chicago to Fort Collins in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Chicago to Fort Collins take?
Covering 981 miles, the move from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, typically takes two to seven days. Some Chicago movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Fort Collins can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Chicago offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Chicago can handle specialty items for my move to Fort Collins?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Chicago, 54 movers can handle pianos. 40 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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