($559+) Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Moving from Winston-Salem, NC, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $511 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,637 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 $1,566, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,637 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,051 - $3,682, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $511 - $1,525.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,095 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

There are 3 main ways to move from Winston-Salem to Chicago: 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 $2,095 - $5,349. 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 Winston-Salem to Chicago, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,566 - $3,996 $1,051 - $2,026 $511 - $999 $995 - $1,787
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,095 - $5,349 $1,461 - $2,753 $551 - $1,258 $1,102 - $2,289
4+ bedrooms $3,795 - $7,637 $1,882 - $3,682 $719 - $1,525 $1,535 - $2,917

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Hiring full-service movers from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,566 and $7,637. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 707-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $278 - $1,856, 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 Winston-Salem and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Winston-Salem tend to start around $272 plus $85/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 Winston-Salem to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,566 - $3,996
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,095 - $5,349
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,795 - $7,637

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 Winston-Salem to Chicago.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Winston-Salem movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing95% of local movers$464 - $4,640
Storage in transitNew place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc.$186 - $1,114/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$278 - $2,227
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage45% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers$928 - $2,784
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,320 - $9,280
Car shippingSecond vehicle$695 - $1,321
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc.$928 - $2,320
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc.$742 - $3,248
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers$278 - $1,392
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc.$603 - $1,856
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$278 - $13,920+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$278 - $3,248+

What are the best full-service movers from Winston-Salem to Chicago?

All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Winston-Salem, NC. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Moving containers from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,051 and $3,682. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Winston-Salem typically costs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Winston-Salem to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,051 - $2,026
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,461 - $2,753
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,882 - $3,682

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $70 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $139 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $650 in Winston-Salem, NC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to Illinois 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 $1,461 - $2,753, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Winston-Salem to Chicago?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem:

  • American Moving & Hauling, Inc. (4.8/5), 20 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 31 years in business
  • Todd’s Easy Moves (4.5/5), 39 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 707 miles from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, running $511 - $1,525. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $209 - $239
  • Daily insurance: $28/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $19
  • Winston-Salem daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Winston-Salem to Chicago based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $511 - $999
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $551 - $1,258
  • 4+ bedrooms: $719 - $1,525

Pro tip: The base rate of $511 - $1,525 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Winston-Salem to Chicago. Fuel ($209 - $239) , lodging at around $139/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $139 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $60 and $302 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $209 - $239 in fuel for the 707-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $650 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Winston-Salem to Chicago?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,102 and $2,289.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Winston-Salem to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $995 - $1,787
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,102 - $2,289
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,535 - $2,917

Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $650.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $70 and $139 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Winston-Salem to Chicago?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Salem Carriers, Inc. (4.62/5 stars): Salem Carriers, 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 are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Chicago, IL

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Winston-Salem on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Winston-Salem, NC Chicago, IL
Cost of living index84106
Average rent$1,300/mo$2,045/mo
Median home value$208,184$317,509
Average income$57,673/yr$75,134/yr
Unemployment rate5.2%9.0%
State income taxUp to 4.5%Up to 4.95%
Walkability score22/10077/100
Safety index67.33/10033.87/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC guide.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,566 - $7,637 on the 707-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,051 - $3,682 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $511 - $1,525 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,095 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.

FAQs: Moving from Winston-Salem, NC, to Chicago, IL

How much does it cost to move from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL?

Costs on this route range from around $1,566 to $7,637, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,566 and $7,637, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What is the cheapest way to move from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL?

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 $551 - $1,258. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($209 - $239), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $139/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Winston-Salem, NC to Chicago, IL?

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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What percentage of Winston-Salem movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 75% of movers in Winston-Salem handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.