($617+) Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Hartford, CT, runs anywhere from $617 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,371 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 892 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 $1,754, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,371 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,042 - $3,651, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $617 - $1,553.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Hartford, CT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,168 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 Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT
Moving options from Chicago to Hartford fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,168 - $5,288 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 38% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 70% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 892 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 892-mile route from Chicago to Hartford, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,754 - $4,136, container $1,042 - $1,928, rental truck $617 - $1,132, freight trailer $1,027 - $1,825.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,168 - $5,288, container $1,340 - $2,872, rental truck $659 - $1,305, freight trailer $1,083 - $2,209.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,636 - $7,371, container $1,840 - $3,651, rental truck $771 - $1,553, freight trailer $1,441 - $3,068.
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 Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Hartford, Connecticut, costs between $1,754 and $7,371. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 892-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $317 - $2,112, 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 Chicago and Hartford. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chicago tend to start around $220 plus $100/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 Chicago to Hartford:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,754 - $4,136
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,168 - $5,288
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,636 - $7,371
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 Chicago to Hartford.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Connecticut. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Hartford, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $528 - $5,280 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $211 - $1,267/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $317 - $2,534 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,056 - $3,168 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,640 - $10,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $791 - $1,503 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,056 - $2,640 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $845 - $3,696 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $317 - $1,584 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $686 - $2,112 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $317 - $15,840+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $317 - $3,696+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Hartford?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Movers & Warehousemen’s Association of Connecticut is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chicago, IL, 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 Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Hartford, Connecticut, cost between $1,042 and $3,651. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Hartford:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,042 - $1,928
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,340 - $2,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,840 - $3,651
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $739, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $79 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $158 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL, and Hartford, CT, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Connecticut 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 $1,042. 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 $1,340 - $2,872.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Hartford?
- 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT
A rental truck for this 892-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Hartford, Connecticut, costs between $617 and $1,553. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $300 - $343
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Chicago to Hartford based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $617 - $1,132
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $659 - $1,305
- 4+ bedrooms: $771 - $1,553
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $617 - $1,553 when pricing out a rental truck from Chicago to Hartford. Fuel alone runs $300 - $343, and overnight lodging ($158/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $300 - $343 for the 892-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 Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours typically costs around $739.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 892-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $158 per night, adding $317 - $475 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $53 and $317.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Hartford?
- 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 Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT
If you're moving a larger household from Chicago, Illinois, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Hartford, Connecticut.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,083 and $2,209.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Hartford:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,027 - $1,825
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,083 - $2,209
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,441 - $3,068
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 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 $158.
- 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 Chicago, Illinois, for roughly five hours typically average $739.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Hartford?
- 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: 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: Chicago, IL vs Hartford, CT
Day-to-day costs in Hartford are close to what you're used to in Chicago: cost of living index of 105 versus 106, with average rent of $1,330/mo compared to $2,045/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago versus 67/100 and 36.25/100 in Hartford.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Hartford, CT to Chicago, IL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Connecticut 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 314 movers based in Illinois, handy for sizing up options on this 892-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 892-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Hartford, CT, run $1,754 - $7,371 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,042 - $3,651, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $617 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,168, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aetna and Prudential Retirement Insurance And Annuity Co.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Hartford, CT
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT?
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 do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Hartford run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT 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 are the best neighborhoods in Hartford?
For families, Weatogue, Avon, and Simsbury are worth a look in Hartford. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Asylum Hill, and Rocky Hill tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Hartford, CT?
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 $659 - $1,305. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.