($532+) Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Winston-Salem, NC, runs anywhere from $548 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,034 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 707 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,535, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,034 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,051 - $3,611, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $548 - $1,408.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Winston-Salem, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,184 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 Winston-Salem, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Winston-Salem: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,184 - $5,854. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 707 miles, expect 1 to 6 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 707-mile route from Chicago to Winston-Salem, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,535 - $4,461, container $1,051 - $2,045, rental truck $548 - $1,009, freight trailer $1,005 - $1,681.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,184 - $5,854, container $1,377 - $2,862, rental truck $586 - $1,235, freight trailer $1,080 - $2,158.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,953 - $8,034, container $1,788 - $3,611, rental truck $755 - $1,408, freight trailer $1,431 - $2,973.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, costs between $1,535 and $8,034. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 707-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $292 - $1,944, 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,535 - $4,461
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,184 - $5,854
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,953 - $8,034
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 Winston-Salem.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Winston-Salem, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $486 - $4,860 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $194 - $1,166/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,333 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $972 - $2,916 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,430 - $9,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $728 - $1,383 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $972 - $2,430 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $778 - $3,402 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $292 - $1,458 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $632 - $1,944 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,580+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,402+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Winston-Salem?
All three below meet the standards set by the North Carolina Movers Association, the group most North Carolina 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 Chicago, IL. 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 Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, cost between $1,051 and $3,611. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Chicago typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Winston-Salem:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,051 - $2,045
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,377 - $2,862
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,788 - $3,611
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chicago, IL and Winston-Salem, NC. 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 $680 in Chicago, IL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $146 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 Illinois to North Carolina 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 $1,051. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,377 - $2,862, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Winston-Salem?
- 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
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC
Plan on $548 - $1,408 for a rental moving truck on the 707-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $219 - $250
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Winston-Salem based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $548 - $1,009
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $586 - $1,235
- 4+ bedrooms: $755 - $1,408
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $548 - $1,408 does not include fuel ($219 - $250) , lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chicago to Winston-Salem typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $680.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $219 - $250 for the 707-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $316, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 707-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $292 - $437.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Winston-Salem?
- 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 Winston-Salem, NC
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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,080 and $2,158.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Winston-Salem:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,005 - $1,681
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,080 - $2,158
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,431 - $2,973
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $73 - $146 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 Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $680.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Winston-Salem?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Winston-Salem. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Winston-Salem, NC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Winston-Salem, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 84 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,300/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $208,184 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $57,673/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 4.5% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 22/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 67.33/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to North Carolina, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Illinois alone has 103 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 707-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to Winston-Salem, NC, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,535 - $8,034 on the 707-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,051 - $3,611, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $548 - $1,408. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,184 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Winston-Salem tend to point to no traffic and friendly people, though summertime humidity and allergy-inducing pollen come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Winston-Salem, NC
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC?
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. North Carolina also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. 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 Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC?
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 Winston-Salem a safe place to live?
Winston-Salem has a safety index of 67.33 out of 100 and a crime index of 32.67, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem has a walkability score of 22 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 29, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Winston-Salem?
For families, Sherwood Forest, Ardmore, and Buena Vista are worth a look in Winston-Salem. If you're moving solo or without kids, West End, Ardmore, and Buena Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
