Top local movers for Chicago to Nashville moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Chicago that also provides long-distance services to Nashville 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 Nashville.
- 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 Nashville?
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 | $1,074 – $3,079 | $617 – $1,620 | $404 – $703 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,845 – $4,852 | $1,161 – $2,189 | $418 – $860 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,349 – $7,022 | $1,573 – $3,037 | $542 – $1,055 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Nashville
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Nashville typically costs between $1,074 and $3,079. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,845 and $4,852 when moving from Chicago to Nashville. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Chicago to Nashville, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,349 up to $7,022.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Nashville
If you’re relocating from Chicago to Nashville, you’ll typically spend between $617 and $1,620 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,161 up to $2,189. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,573 and $3,037. 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 Nashville
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Chicago to Nashville 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 $404 and $703. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $418 to $860. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $542 and $1,055.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Chicago to Nashville
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 Nashville might be as low as $1,390, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,069.
- 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 $404 to $969 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Nashville
Many movers find Nashville easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 15% less for singles and 9% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,108 for one person in Nashville versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $8,447 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,887 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $4,044 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $428,678 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $79,020 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $3,108 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $8,447 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Switching from Chicago to Nashville won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 45% higher in Nashville than in Chicago.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 10% higher in Nashville than in Chicago, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Nashville. The cost of living for a single person is 15% less compared to Chicago.
- Relocating to Nashville could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 9% lower than in Chicago.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 50% lower than Chicago, Nashville boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Nashville and Chicago (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Chicago and Nashville, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $202.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $70.35 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.08 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $17.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $40.82 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Nashville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Nashville.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Nashville.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Nashville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Nashville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Nashville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Nashville.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Nashville
| Chicago | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 689,447 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 96 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 72 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 49.1 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 50.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Nashville’s population is about 75% less than Chicago.
- Nashville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Nashville is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 96 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- Both Nashville and Chicago have similar bike-friendliness scores (72 vs 72), meaning Nashville is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Nashville’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 49.1 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Nashville neighborhoods are safer than 49.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Nashville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 50.9 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Nashville is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Nashville 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: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Tennessee, 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 Nashville 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. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Nashville
Ready to relocate to Athens of the South? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Nashville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Germantown
- The Gulch
- Midtown
- Music Row
Best neighborhoods for families
- Belmont-Hillsboro
- Buena Vista
- Green Hills
- Lockeland Springs
- Oak Hill
Things to do in Nashville
Now that you’ve made the move to Tennessee, it’s the perfect time to explore Nashville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Nashville include museums and art centers like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, and RCA Studio B.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront 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 Tennessee Titans (NFL)Nashville Predators (NHL)Nashville SC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Nashville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Nashville. 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 Nashville?
With many people choosing to move from Chicago to Nashville 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 Nashville take?
Covering 471 miles, the move from Chicago, IL to Nashville, typically takes one to four days. Some Chicago movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Nashville 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 Nashville?
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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