($687+) Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Manchester, NH, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $687 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,665 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,017 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,444, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,665 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,115 - $3,836, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $687 - $1,759.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Manchester, NH, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,839 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 Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Manchester to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,839 - $6,882 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 47% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 76% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,017 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,017-mile route from Manchester to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,444 - $5,128 | $1,115 - $2,033 | $687 - $1,217 | $1,035 - $2,001 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,839 - $6,882 | $1,495 - $2,856 | $671 - $1,431 | $1,231 - $2,238 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,652 - $8,665 | $1,916 - $3,836 | $887 - $1,759 | $1,565 - $3,130 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL
For the 1,017-mile move from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $2,444 and $8,665. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $327 - $2,180 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Manchester generally start around $682 plus $210 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Manchester to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,444 - $5,128
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,839 - $6,882
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,652 - $8,665
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 Manchester to Chicago.
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 Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 72% of Manchester movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $545 - $5,450 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready72% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Trend Moving & Storage | $218 - $1,308/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $327 - $2,616 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $1,090 - $3,270 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,725 - $10,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $816 - $1,551 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Bound Movers | $1,090 - $2,725 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Trend Moving & Storage | $872 - $3,815 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $327 - $1,635 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc | $709 - $2,180 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $327 - $16,350+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $327 - $3,815+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Manchester to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Manchester, NH. 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 Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,115 and $3,836. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chicago. If you go over that window, storage in Manchester adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Manchester to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,115 - $2,033
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,856
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,916 - $3,836
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $763 in Manchester, NH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $82 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $164 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chicago, IL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Hampshire 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 $1,115. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,495 - $2,856.
What are the best moving containers Manchester to Chicago?
- 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 Manchester 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 Manchester:
- College Bound Movers (4.7/5), 34 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 16 years in business
- Boston Best Rate Movers (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 1,017-mile move from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $687 and $1,759. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $353 - $403
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Manchester daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Manchester to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $687 - $1,217
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $671 - $1,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $887 - $1,759
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $687 - $1,759 when pricing out a rental truck from Manchester to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $353 - $403, and overnight lodging ($164/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $353 - $403 for the 1,017-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Manchester, New Hampshire, for about 5 hours typically costs around $763.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,017-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $164 per night, adding $327 - $491 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $55 and $327.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Manchester to Chicago?
- 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 Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,231 and $2,238.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Manchester to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,035 - $2,001
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,231 - $2,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,565 - $3,130
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Manchester, New Hampshire, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $763.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $82 - $164 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Manchester to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Manchester, NH vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in Manchester: cost of living index of 106 versus 111, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $2,004/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 51/100 and 43.91/100 in Manchester versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Manchester, NH guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Hampshire to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 60 movers based in New Hampshire, handy for sizing up options on this 1,017-mile route.
Our take
The 1,017-mile move from Manchester, NH, to Chicago, IL, costs between $2,444 and $8,665 with full-service movers, $1,115 - $3,836 with a moving container, and $687 - $1,759 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,839 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 Manchester, NH, to Chicago, IL
What is the cheapest way to move from Manchester, NH 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 $671 - $1,431. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 do local movers charge in Manchester?
Local movers based in Manchester typically start around $682 as a base rate, plus $210/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL?
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.
What percentage of Manchester movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Manchester handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.