Local moving companies in Chicago
Out of 68 Chicago movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Tennessee.
- 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
Local moving services in Chicago, IL
Here’s how many movers in Chicago include specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Chicago, IL to Tennessee
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Chicago to Tennessee with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,073 – $3,088 | $677 – $1,663 | $413 – $744 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,924 – $5,065 | $1,237 – $2,297 | $432 – $892 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,429 – $7,108 | $1,678 – $2,952 | $560 – $1,063 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 524-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Tennessee using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes them monthly to account for seasonal shifts and market trends. Your actual cost can change based on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Tennessee
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Chicago to Tennessee, you can expect prices to land between $1,073 and $3,088. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,924 to $5,065 for the trip from Chicago to TN. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,429 and $7,108.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Tennessee
Moving containers from Chicago to Tennessee will cost you $677 to $1,663 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,237 to $2,297. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,678 to $2,952. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Chicago.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Tennessee
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $413 and $744 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Tennessee with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $432 to $892. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $560 to $1,063.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to TN
Here’s what shapes the moving costs in Chicago:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer moves in Chicago fall during peak season, which usually means higher prices.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What you should know before moving from Chicago to TN
Making the switch from Chicago to Tennessee might mean adjusting to a new lifestyle while possibly saving money. Since Chicago is known for its higher expenses, this switch could lead to a more affordable living situation.
Take a look at the cost of living breakdown below to see exactly how Chicago and Tennessee stack up so you’ll be ready for what’s ahead.
Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Tennessee
| Chicago, IL | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,045 | $1,047 |
| Average home cost | $295,743 | $319,208 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $64,035 |
| Cost of living index | 106 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
Tennessee sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- In Tennessee, rent is about 49% lower than in Chicago, making housing easier on your budget.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 8% higher in Tennessee than in Chicago.
- Expect average incomes to be roughly 11% lower in Tennessee than in Chicago, so financial planning will be important.
- Expect the cost of living in Tennessee to be about 15% below Chicago, giving you more financial flexibility.
- Tennessee has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 63%, suggesting a stronger job market.
- Tennessee has no income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Illinois.
How life is different in Chicago, IL from Tennessee
From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in Tennessee stacks up against what you’re used to in Chicago.
| Chicago, IL | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 7,126,489 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 53″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 5″ |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 29.24 |
Tennessee Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Tennessee leaned Republican, while Chicago supported Democrat.
- Summertime highs settle at approximately 88ºF in Tennessee as well as 84ºF in Chicago, ensuring the climate feels quite familiar. Apart from temperatures, it’s important to think about humidity, weather trends, and energy costs to grasp what summertime will be like in your new area.
- Winter lows in Tennessee stay around 27ºF, noticeably warmer than Chicago, where lows drop to 19ºF. This shift means easier winters, lighter routines, and smaller heating bills.
- Get ready for about 53 inches of rain annually in Tennessee, compared to just 38 inches in Chicago. More rainfall means greener scenery and wetter days, so plan ahead with good rain gear and a flexible routine.
- In Tennessee, you’ll get about 5 inches of snow each year, far less than Chicago. That means moving to Tennessee will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Tennessee records a lower crime rate (29.24) than Chicago (35.19), meaning you may enjoy more security and peace of mind after your move.
Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL versus Tennessee:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago versus Tennessee side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Chicago, IL | Pros of living in Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Delicious food | No income taxes |
| Abundant entertainment | Legendary music scene |
| Intense sports culture | Natural beauty and parks galore |
| Ample economic opportunity | Delicious southern comfort food |
Comparing the cons of Chicago, IL versus Tennessee:
Transitioning from Chicago to Tennessee can present challenges; here’s what you need to keep in mind.
| Cons of living in Chicago, IL | Cons of living in Tennessee |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | Tendency for severe weather |
| Temperamental weather | Oppressive summer heat and humidity |
| Terrible traffic | Abundant presence of nuclear power plants |
| High taxes | Traffic congestion |
| Pollution | High urban crime rates |
Other considerations when moving to Tennessee
When you’re moving from Chicago to Tennessee, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- HOA rules: Always check community regulations beforehand so your move-in goes smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve the elevator if your building requires it for move-ins.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in Tennessee, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to Tennessee. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Tennessee
Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, Tennessee has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Tennessee
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Graceland
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Lotz House Museum
- National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
Parks in Tennessee
- Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
- Bicentennial Greenbelt Park
- Chimneys Picnic Area
- Winged Deer Park
- Steele Creek Park
Sports teams in Tennessee
- Memphis Grizzlies Basketball (NBA)
- Nashville Predators Hockey (NHL)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
- Tennessee TItans (NFL)
Universities in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- The University of Tennessee at Martin
- The University of Memphis
- Middle Tennessee State University
FAQ
How long does a move from Chicago to Tennessee take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Chicago, IL, to Tennessee? Most moves on this route usually take one to six days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.
To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 46 movers in Chicago that offer customized crates for a variety of fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces, including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you will need special crating for any of your items, be sure to confirm with a Chicago moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to Tennessee?
Need to get your car from Chicago to Tennessee? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to Tennessee car shippers.
Why are people moving from Chicago to Tennessee?
Many people are moving to Tennessee because of its abundant recreational opportunities and no income taxes. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Tennessee.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.
Can I pay for my move from Chicago, IL, with cash?
There are 29 movers in Chicago that accept cash payments. Even so, cash is not the norm in the moving industry, where traceable payment types are preferred. Plan to pay a deposit to lock in your booking and move date. The rest of the balance is usually due at pickup or after delivery—verify timing and accepted methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!