($460+) Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $447 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,163 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,317, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,163 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,015 - $3,049, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $447 - $1,211.
- 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 $2,300 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Memphis to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,300 - $5,681 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 533 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
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: $1,317 for a studio up to $8,163 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,015 - $3,049 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $447 - $1,211, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $868 - $2,695, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,317 and $8,163. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 533-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $282 - $1,880, 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 Memphis and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Memphis tend to start around $334 plus $125/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 Memphis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,317 - $4,326
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,300 - $5,681
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,078 - $8,163
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Memphis 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 packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $470 - $4,700 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $188 - $1,128/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $282 - $2,256 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% 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 items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $940 - $2,350 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $752 - $3,290 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $282 - $1,410 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage | $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?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Memphis, TN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,015 and $3,049. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Memphis typically runs around $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,015 - $1,894
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,617
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,732 - $3,049
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Memphis, TN and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $658 in Memphis, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $141 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,015. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,313 - $2,617, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- Cord Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 106 years in business
- Spyder Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 533 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, running $447 - $1,211. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $447 - $872
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $506 - $955
- 4+ bedrooms: $619 - $1,211
Pro tip: A rental truck from Memphis to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $447 - $1,211. But once you factor in fuel ($159 - $182) , overnight lodging ($141/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $71 and $329.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $141.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $159 and $182 for the 533-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $658 for 2 movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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. Most moves on this route fall between $979 and $2,094.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $868 - $1,608
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $979 - $2,094
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,413 - $2,695
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $658.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $71 and $141 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Chicago?
- 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.
- 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.
- Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, 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: 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 70 movers based in Tennessee, handy for sizing up options on this 533-mile route.
Our take
The 533-mile move from Memphis, TN, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,317 and $8,163 with full-service movers, $1,015 - $3,049 with a moving container, and $447 - $1,211 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 $2,300 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 Memphis, TN, to Chicago, IL
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,317 to $8,163, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,317 and $8,163, 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 Memphis, TN 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 $506 - $955. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
