($422+) Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $422 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,260 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 533 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 $1,344, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,260 or more.
- Moving containers run $995 - $3,088, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $422 - $1,142.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,106 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Memphis to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,106 - $5,683. Moving containers run about 44% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 78% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 533-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 533-mile route from Memphis to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,344 for a studio up to $8,260 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $995 - $3,088 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $422 - $1,142, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $836 - $2,542, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 533-mile relocation from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,344 and $8,260. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $282 - $1,880, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Memphis typically charge a base rate around $334 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,344 - $3,727
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,106 - $5,683
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,999 - $8,260
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 Memphis to Chicago.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis 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 packing74% of local movers | $470 - $4,700 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $188 - $1,128/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $282 - $2,256 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $940 - $2,820 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,350 - $9,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $704 - $1,338 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $940 - $2,350 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $752 - $3,290 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $282 - $1,410 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $611 - $1,880 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $282 - $14,100+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $282 - $3,290+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Memphis, TN. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $995 and $3,088. 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 Memphis typically costs about $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $995 - $1,667
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,178 - $2,304
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,537 - $3,088
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $141 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $658 in Memphis, TN, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee 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 $995. 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 $1,178 - $2,304.
What are the best moving containers Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $422 - $1,142 for the 533-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $159 - $182
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Memphis to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $422 - $791
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $468 - $966
- 4+ bedrooms: $561 - $1,142
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $422 - $1,142 when pricing out a rental truck from Memphis to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $159 - $182, and overnight lodging ($141/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $141 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 $61 and $306 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $159 - $182 in fuel for the 533-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $658 in Memphis, Tennessee, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Memphis, Tennessee, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,001 and $1,787.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $836 - $1,563
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,001 - $1,787
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,255 - $2,542
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $71 - $141 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about five hours typically runs $658.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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: Memphis, TN 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 Memphis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,299/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $154,209 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $51,211/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 22.51/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Memphis, TN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee 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 213 movers based in Tennessee, handy for sizing up options on this 533-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Memphis, TN, 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 $1,344 - $8,260 on the 533-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $995 - $3,088 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $422 - $1,142 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,106 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 Memphis, TN, to Chicago, IL
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 35 and 41 in Memphis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
What do local movers charge in Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.