Local moving companies in Kentucky
When relocating from Kentucky to Chicago, IL, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 25 Kentucky movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Chicago, IL.
- Wildcat Moving LLC: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Vincent Fister Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3952
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2207083
Alternate Names: Wildcat Furniture Repair , Wildcat Pressure Washing , The Wildcat Group
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3847
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Allied
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3885
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Beautiful World, LLC. , Two Men And A Truck – Lexington
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3561
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 1834511
Alternate Names: N & R Properties, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0065
Years in Business: 71
Alternate Names: Fister, Inc. , Vincent Fister Company, Inc. , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Kentucky to Chicago, IL
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Kentucky to Chicago, IL with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,009 – $2,976 | $616 – $1,431 | $356 – $623 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,810 – $4,579 | $1,081 – $2,111 | $384 – $753 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,872 – $6,602 | $1,389 – $2,639 | $441 – $903 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 392-mile move from Kentucky to Chicago, IL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Kentucky to Chicago, IL
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Kentucky to Chicago, IL, you can expect to spend between $1,009 and $2,976. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,810 to $4,579 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $2,872 and $6,602.
Cost of moving containers from Kentucky to Chicago, IL
When moving from Kentucky to Chicago, IL, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $616 and $1,431. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,081 to $2,111. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,389 up to $2,639. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Kentucky.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kentucky to Chicago, IL
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from Kentucky to Chicago, IL, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $356 and $623. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $384 and $753. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $441 and $903.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Kentucky to Chicago, IL
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildcat Moving LLC | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Berger Allied Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Vincent Fister Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Out of the 3,180 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Kentucky movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Kentucky | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 96% | 96% |
| Antiques | 48% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 3% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Kentucky to Chicago, IL
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Chicago, IL is really like compared to Kentucky. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Kentucky vs. Chicago, IL
| Kentucky | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $902 | $2,045 |
| Average home cost | $212,088 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,183 | $71,566 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 9.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.0% | 4.95% |
Chicago sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Chicago is roughly 127% higher than in Kentucky. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices in Chicago are approximately 39% higher than in Kentucky. Be sure to budget for a larger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall homeownership costs.
- You’ll typically earn about 19% more in Chicago than in Kentucky, which means extra breathing room in your budget, whether you want to spend more or save more.
- With unemployment 80% higher in Chicago than Kentucky, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- Expect income taxes in Illinois to run about 24% higher than in Kentucky, which could cut into your paycheck.
How life is different in Chicago from Kentucky
| Chicago | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 4,526,154 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Republican 64.6-33.9 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 24ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 11″ |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 16.63 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Chicago voted Democrat, while Kentucky was Republican.
- Summer in Chicago usually hits around 84ºF, pretty similar to the 87ºF you’re used to in Kentucky. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Chicago gets down to 19ºF while Kentucky is similar at 24ºF. When winter temperatures are about the same, you can expect an easier seasonal transition with predictable expenses and a routine that feels familiar.
- In Chicago, you’ll see just 38 inches of rain annually, much less than the 48 inches you’re used to in Kentucky. With fewer rainy days, you’ll have more opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoors. This sunnier climate can really lift your mood and energy as you settle into your new home.
- Every year, Chicago gets around 35 inches of snow, much more than the 11 inches that Kentucky typically sees. With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
- Chicago has a higher crime rate than Kentucky with a crime index of 35.19 vs 16.63. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Chicago
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Chicago has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Chicago
- The Field Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago History Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
Parks in Chicago
- Millennium Park
- Grant Park
- The 606
- Lincoln Park
- Garfield Park
Sports teams in Chicago
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
Universities in Chicago
- Chicago State University
- Governors State University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
Other considerations when moving to Chicago, IL
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Illinois, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to Illinois without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Kentucky to Chicago take?
The time frame for a move from Kentucky to Chicago, IL, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in Kentucky, the longer it’ll take to reach Chicago. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from Kentucky to Chicago can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Kentucky to Chicago?
If you’re gearing up for a 392-mile move from Kentucky to Chicago, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?
Summer in Chicago can reach highs of 84°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 19°F. That’s why most people moving from Kentucky to Chicago opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Kentucky moving services
Popular Kentucky routes
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