($616+) Garland, TX to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Garland, TX, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $667 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,386 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 918 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,022, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,386 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,175 - $4,075, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $667 - $1,717.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Garland, TX, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,568 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Garland, TX to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Garland 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 $2,568 - $6,244. 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 918 miles, expect 2 to 7 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 918-mile route from Garland to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,022 - $5,004, container $1,175 - $2,045, rental truck $667 - $1,214, freight trailer $1,004 - $1,918.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,568 - $6,244, container $1,510 - $2,990, rental truck $707 - $1,471, freight trailer $1,184 - $2,392.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,118 - $8,386, container $2,052 - $4,075, rental truck $861 - $1,717, freight trailer $1,675 - $3,261.
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 Garland, TX to Chicago, IL
For the 918-mile move from Garland, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $2,022 and $8,386. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $307 - $2,048 (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 Garland generally start around $181 plus $92 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Garland to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,022 - $5,004
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,568 - $6,244
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,118 - $8,386
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 Garland to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Garland, TX to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Garland 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 packing98% of local movers | $512 - $5,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $205 - $1,229/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,458 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage24% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $1,024 - $3,072 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,560 - $10,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $767 - $1,457 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items48% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $1,024 - $2,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type63% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $819 - $3,584 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling35% of local movers | $307 - $1,536 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $666 - $2,048 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,584+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Garland 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Garland, TX. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Garland, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Garland, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,175 and $4,075. 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 Garland typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Garland to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,175 - $2,045
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,510 - $2,990
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,052 - $4,075
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $154 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 $717 in Garland, TX, 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 Texas 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 $1,175. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,510 - $2,990, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Garland 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 Garland 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 Garland:
- AB Moving (4.8/5), 26 years in business
- Fantastic Moves (4.6/5), 31 years in business
- AM Moving Company LLC (4.4/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Garland, TX to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 918 miles from Garland, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, running $667 - $1,717. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $299 - $342
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Garland 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 Garland to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $667 - $1,214
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $707 - $1,471
- 4+ bedrooms: $861 - $1,717
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Garland to Chicago starts at $667 - $1,717, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($299 - $342) , overnight lodging ($154/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $154 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Garland, Texas, usually costs about $717 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 918-mile drive falls between $299 and $342, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $51 and $307 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Garland 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 Garland, TX to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Garland, Texas, 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 $1,184 and $2,392.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Garland to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,004 - $1,918
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,392
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,675 - $3,261
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Garland, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $717.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $154 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 Garland to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.62/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Garland to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Garland, TX vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in Garland: cost of living index of 106 versus 100, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $1,624/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 40/100 and 62.87/100 in Garland versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Garland, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 289 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 918-mile move.
Our take
A move from Garland, TX, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,022 - $8,386 on the 918-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,175 - $4,075, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $667 - $1,717. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,568 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 Garland, TX, to Chicago, IL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Garland, TX 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 is the best time of year to move from Garland, TX 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.
How long does a move from Garland, TX 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($299 - $342), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $154/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Garland, TX 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 $707 - $1,471. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Garland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 63% of movers in Garland handle piano moves, and 48% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.