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Long-Distance Moving From Chicago
Chicago, IL Long-Distance Movers
- Full-service long-distance moving. AVL handles your move directly, from pickup through delivery.
- A dedicated move coordinator. One contact stays with you from quote to final delivery.
- Binding flat-rate pricing. Your quote is set upfront so you can plan with confidence.
America's Trusted Moving Company Since 1995
What Our Customers Have to Say
Ellen Greenblatt
"My first interstate move in about 30 years. Phone contact with sales person and customer service..."Read More
Marlena Fineberg
"Francisco Montero was the best I Higley recommend him n his crew from American vanlines"Read More
Felecia Amos
"The guys were quick, amazing and did a very good job"Read More
Michelle Kelly
"Manny B showed up with a smile, and a positive attitude. What a pleasure working with. Thank you ..."Read More
Norbie Schickel
"Jeffrey and team did amazing. Very fast, clean and professional. Thank you so much."Read More
Long-Distance Moving Services From Chicago, IL
Long-Distance Moving Specialists
Wherever you're moving from Chicago, American Van Lines keeps the entire move under one plan and one point of contact. From your first quote through final delivery, you'll know who is managing the details and what comes next.
Learn MoreFull-Service Packing and Unpacking
Some customers want us to pack the whole house. Others only need help with fragile items. Fragile-only packing is available from about 28% of Chicago movers. American Van Lines offers both options, plus packing materials if you'd rather handle the rest yourself.
Learn MoreMoving and Storage
American Van Lines owns storage warehouses in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. For moves out of Chicago, we can also arrange storage through our national partner network and coordinate it with your moving schedule. Climate-controlled storage is available from about 38% of Chicago movers, so ask early if you need it.
Learn MorePianos and Antiques
Pianos, antiques, and fragile heirlooms leave very little room for improvisation. Our crews have the training and equipment to move them properly, including specialty padding, dollies, and custom crating when needed.
Learn MoreDisassembly, Reassembly, and Crating
Sectionals, bed frames, mirrored furniture, and other oversized pieces often travel more safely in sections. Our crews can disassemble them, crate anything that needs extra protection, and reassemble them after delivery.
Learn MoreCorporate and Employee Relocation
For companies relocating employees to or from Chicago, consistency matters across every move. American Van Lines gives HR teams binding pricing, coordinated scheduling, and one relocation contact to manage the process, whether you are moving a single hire or transferring employees at scale.
Learn MoreWhy Choose American Van Lines
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A trusted carrier with a proven track record. We’re a licensed interstate carrier, not a broker, and have been family-owned since 1995. Take a look at our credentials.
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Upfront pricing you can plan around. Our flat-rate pricing and binding estimates protect your budget from unexpected charges on moving day.
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One dedicated team from start to finish. Work directly with American Van Lines from planning through delivery, and let your coordinator and experienced moving crew handle every detail.
American Van Lines is a 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice Best National Moving Company and a 2024 Customer Service Champion, with five consecutive years of America's Best Customer Service recognition from 2019–2023.
Comparing Chicago, IL Moving Costs
Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments
| Origin City | Destination | Distance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | Nashville, TN | 397 miles | $1,445 - $2,987 |
| Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | 979 miles | $2,415 - $4,792 |
| Chicago, IL | Sacramento, CA | 1,793 miles | $2,406 - $5,126 |
2 - 3 Bedrooms
| Origin City | Destination | Distance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | Milwaukee, WI | 81 miles | $997 - $2,744 |
| Chicago, IL | Washington DC, MD | 595 miles | $2,175 - $4,611 |
| Chicago, IL | Fresno, CA | 1,749 miles | $3,083 - $6,106 |
4+ Bedrooms
| Origin City | Destination | Distance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | Des Moines, IA | 311 miles | $2,507 - $5,512 |
| Chicago, IL | Charlotte, NC | 587 miles | $3,962 - $6,792 |
| Chicago, IL | San Antonio, TX | 1,052 miles | $4,232 - $6,786 |
American Van Lines uses flat-rate pricing, which means you'll get a straightforward, upfront quote with no hidden fees. You can budget for your long-distance move from Chicago, Illinois with confidence, knowing exactly what your move will cost.
Our pricing is based on factors like the distance and size of your move and any extra services you choose, such as packing, specialty item handling, or storage. For example, we recently quoted a 1-bedroom, 397-mile move from Chicago to Nashville, Tennessee at $1,445. A similarly sized move from Chicago to Austin, Texas, was estimated at $2,415 due to the 979-mile distance.
Popular Moving Routes from Chicago, IL
How American Van Lines Is Unique
Experienced Crews
The people who show up matter more than the truck they arrive in. Our full-time movers handle everything from everyday boxes to pianos and antiques, with the right equipment for each.
Transparent Pricing
Your quote is binding. The number you plan around is the number you pay, with no recalculation once the truck is loaded.
Comprehensive Services
From packing and loading to furniture reassembly and storage, we're ready to handle every aspect of your long-distance move.
One Point of Contact
From booking to final delivery, your dedicated move coordinator handles the details, answers questions, and keeps you informed every step of the way.
Commitment to Quality
Our crews carry certifications in moving-related specialties and refresh them regularly, ensuring your most valuable belongings are handled with expertise.
National Reach
From Chicago to either coast, we plan the route, assign the crew, and execute your move from start to finish.
A long-distance move should be predictable.
Binding pricing, a set delivery window, trained crews, and one point of contact. Those four things remove most of what people dread about moving across the country, and they're standard on every move.
Are You Moving to Chicago, Illinois?
- The Chicago River is the only river in the world that permanently flows backwards. It flows away from Lake Michigan, which supplies the city's drinking water. This was done around the turn of the 20th century to provide potential contamination from the river into the lake.
- From the top of Willis Tower (still known to locals as the Sears Tower), you can see four states on a clear day: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
- The Ferris wheel was invented in Chicago 1893 for presentation at the World's Columbia Exposition.
- In 1885, Chicago became the home of the world's first skyscraper—the Home Insurance Building.
- Chicago, IL, has a rich history that has helped shape the city that 2,746,388 people call home today.
Job Market
You'll find a variety of career opportunities in Chicago through major employers like U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago. The average income in Chicago is $75,134, with an unemployment rate of 9.0%.
Quality of Life
Chicago offers parks, like Millennium Park, Grant Park, and The 606, and museums, including The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Art Institute of Chicago, for recreation and cultural enrichment. Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate, Navy Pier, and Art Institute of Chicago are among the city's top attractions.
Safety
Chicago has a crime index of 35.19, meaning the city is safer than 33.87% of all U.S. cities.
Top Neighborhoods
If you're moving with kids, these neighborhoods are among the best in Chicago for families:
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
If you're moving solo, these neighborhoods are some of the best in Chicago for singles:
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Cost of Living
Rent in Chicago can range from around $2,368 for a compact apartment to $4,581 for a larger home. For buyers, the average home value sits at $317,509, with square footage typically priced between $2,709 and $3,359 depending on the location.
To live well in Chicago, a single adult will spend roughly $3,648 monthly. For a family keeping up with basics like food, internet, and utilities, expect that number to reach around $9,266.
Here's a quick breakdown of living costs across Chicago:
| Living Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Utilities | $191 |
| Internet | $64 |
| Meal (Fast Casual) | $25 |
| 3-Course Meal for 2 | $100 |
| Gallon of Milk | $1 |
| Dozen Eggs | $5 |
| Loaf of Bread | $4 |
| Gym Membership | $78 |
| Private Preschool | $2,181 |
Long-distance moving from Chicago, done right
Long-distance moving takes a different kind of experience than a move across town. Our crews regularly handle interstate relocations from Chicago, including the added coordination that comes with longer distances and multi-day moves.
A smoother move starts with fewer loose ends.
Before your Chicago move begins, we work through the details that can cause delays later, so loading, transit, and delivery are easier.
Why AVL Instead of DIY?
The Hidden Costs of DIY Moves
Renting a truck or using a container company can look budget-friendly upfront, but fuel, tolls, and unexpected repairs add up fast. The true cost of DIY is often higher than people expect.
Clear Pricing From Day One
We tell you what the move costs before we start. Flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees means you'll know exactly what to expect long before moving day.
More Time, Less Stress
With American Van Lines managing the heavy lifting, loading, and logistics, you get your time back to focus on what really matters, like your family, your job, or getting settled into your new home.
Your Custom Chicago Moving Quote Is a Few Clicks Away
American Van Lines keeps the quote process simple. Answer a few questions about your move from Chicago and get a flat-rate estimate with no hidden costs and no obligation to book.
Here's how it works: Start with a free quote over the phone or online. We'll gather a few details about your move, then provide a flat-rate estimate with no hidden fees. Your dedicated move coordinator takes it from there and keeps you informed through delivery.
Every move is customized to fit your needs. You choose the services, we handle the rest.
What to Expect When Moving From Chicago
Here's what our moving process looks like from start to finish:
Get a Flat-Rate Quote
Start with a free quote and a quick inventory review. We'll ask about your move size, timing, and destination, then provide a flat-rate estimate so you can plan with confidence.
Meet Your Move Coordinator
After you book, you'll work with a dedicated move coordinator who keeps everything organized, from scheduling and paperwork to any last-minute questions that come up.
Choose the Services You Need
From packing and unpacking to storage and specialty items, you can customize your move to fit your needs. We'll help you build the right plan and keep your budget in check.
Final Prep Before Move Day
In the days leading up to your move, we'll share checklists and reminders so nothing gets missed. You'll understand what to prep and what our team will take care of.
Loading, Transport, and Updates
On moving day, our team arrives ready to load and secure your items with care. From there, your shipment heads to its destination and you'll receive tracking updates along the way.
Unload, Settle In, and Wrap Up
When we arrive, we'll unload and place your belongings where you want them. Once everything is delivered, your move coordinator follows up to confirm you're all set.
Tips for Your Long-Distance Move From Chicago
- Measure before moving day. Check doorways, stairwells, and tight corners at your new place. Measure large furniture to confirm it fits before the truck arrives.
- Separate what's not going on the truck. Set aside donation piles, trash, and anything you're keeping with you so nothing ends up loaded by mistake.
- Label every box. Write the destination room and a brief description on each box. It makes delivery day faster and unpacking less chaotic.
- Transfer medical records in advance. If you're switching doctors or pharmacies, request records early so you're not scrambling to get care in a new city.
- Build in a weather buffer. Chicago winters average lows around 19°F. Ice and snow can delay pickup or delivery, so if your dates are flexible in winter, book earlier in the week and leave room in your schedule on both ends.
- Watch the weather window. Chicago averages 35" of snow a year. Clear walkways and driveways before the crew arrives, and confirm your delivery window if a storm is forecast.
- Sort out the truck’s parking spot early. Chicago has permit and parking requirements that apply to moving trucks. Handling that in advance beats improvising while a loaded truck sits idling.
- Confirm truck access. Chicago has walkable, densely built neighborhoods where a full-size moving truck may not fit down the street or park close to your door. Tell your coordinator about narrow streets, alleys, or a long carry so the right equipment is assigned.
- Account for city logistics. Moving out of a large city like Chicago means planning around traffic, building access, and loading restrictions. Confirm elevator reservations and dock times early.
- File your change of address. Update your address with USPS before you go so mail follows you without a gap.
FAQs
How long does a long-distance move usually take?
A long-distance move can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the distance, your schedule, and other logistics. We'll work with you to set a realistic timeline and keep you informed every step of the way.
What's the best time of year to move?
If flexibility allows, spring and fall offer the best balance of availability and pricing. Summer is peak season, which means higher demand and tighter schedules. Moving between October and April can often save you money and time.
What is an inventory?
An inventory is a full list of what's being moved. We'll help you put one together before your move. It's used to build your flat-rate estimate and to confirm your belongings are loaded and delivered correctly.
What payment methods do you accept, and when are payments due?
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and certified checks. Long-distance move payments are typically due upon delivery. We'll go over the full payment schedule with you when you finalize your booking.
Do you provide or sell packing materials?
Yes. High-quality packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap are included with our packing services. If you're packing yourself, you can purchase materials and we'll deliver them to your door.