If you're moving from Connecticut to Chicago, you already know this isn't a local job. At 866 miles, you need a mover that handles long-distance contracts competently — not just someone who's good at crosstown work. Pick the wrong company and you're looking at late deliveries, surprise charges, or belongings that arrive in worse shape than they left.
I've worked through 46 Connecticut movers that run interstate routes and put together the five that consistently stand out for this trip. Below you'll also find real cost ranges by home size, a side-by-side look at what life costs in Chicago versus Connecticut, and the practical logistics you need to nail before moving day.
Local moving companies in Connecticut
Out of 46 Connecticut movers equipped for state-to-state moves, these five rise to the top for a Connecticut to Chicago relocation:
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc — 4.56 / 5
- Collegian Movers — 4.56 / 5
- JB Moving Services Inc. — 4.66 / 5
- Hands On Moving — 4.66 / 5
- RT Relocation — 4.66 / 5
Zip to Zip Moving Inc
55 Post Road West, Suite 200, Westport, CT 06880 (203) 309-0607
- 85% positive reviews | 10% negative
- Yelp (14 reviews) | Google (281 reviews) | BBB: Grade A−
- State license #1820 | DOT #2969363 | 7 years in business
Most customers highlight efficient crews, professional handling, and clear communication — the basics you need covered on a long-distance move. The trouble spots: unexpected charges on final invoices and a handful of reports of broken items tied to sloppy packing. An 85% positive rate across a meaningful review volume is respectable. Those billing complaints are worth watching if you have fragile or high-value items.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, safes, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Collegian Movers
482 Naugatuck Ave, Milford, CT 06460 (203) 283-5050
- 88% positive reviews | 11% negative
- Yelp (48 reviews) | Google (3 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
- State license #589 | DOT #482141 | 35 years in business
Thirty-five years in business signals they're doing something right. Across 236 reviews, 88% land positive — customers routinely mention crews arriving on time, working quickly, and handling belongings carefully. The complaints that do surface involve final charges running above estimates and the occasional piece of furniture arriving with damage. For a bigger household or high-value items, push for a detailed written estimate before you commit.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.
JB Moving Services Inc.
222A Selleck St, Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 602-7979
- 85% positive reviews | 16% negative
- Yelp (24 reviews) | Google (61 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
- State license #1740 | DOT #196878 | 38 years in business
JB has a 38-year track record and earns solid marks across 103 reviews — roughly 84.5% positive. Customers single out professionalism and attentive handling throughout the move. What gives me pause is the 16% negative rate, which is higher than the other companies on this list. Critical reviews flag damaged items and cost discrepancies more than you'd like to see. For a complex or high-value move, ask directly about their claims process before you sign anything.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Hands On Moving
157 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510 (203) 937-2156
- 83% positive reviews | 15% negative
- Yelp (90 reviews) | Google (168 reviews) | BBB: Grade A
- State license #1785 | DOT #76628 | 10 years in business
Out of 288 reviews, 83% are positive — customers consistently mention hard-working crews, on-time arrivals, and careful handling. The concerns I'd flag: a subset of customers reported missing or damaged items, and some had difficulty getting compensation resolved after filing claims. One area I'd be extra careful about: if you use their storage, document your inventory thoroughly before anything goes in.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, crating, storage.
RT Relocation
10 Diana Court, Cheshire, CT 06410 (833) 668-3978
- 94% positive reviews | 6% negative
- Yelp (18 reviews) | Google (565 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
- State license #1802 | DOT #3285714 | 13 years in business | DOD certified
RT Relocation is the standout performer on this list. A 93.6% positive rate across 282 reviews — with 565 on Google alone — is a genuine indicator of consistency, not a statistical blip. Customers call out fast service, respectful crews, and reliable follow-through. The 6% of negatives covers the usual: damage, billing disputes, and occasional slow claims resolution. The DOD certification adds another layer of credibility. If I were booking this Connecticut-to-Chicago move today, RT would be my first call.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, unpacking, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes.
Cost to move from Connecticut to Chicago, IL
Before you call anyone, use the moving cost calculator to get a baseline figure based on your home size and inventory. The table below shows average ranges across three service types for this 866-mile move.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,015 – $3,964 | $764 – $1,728 | $566 – $1,099 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,006 – $5,063 | $1,292 – $2,578 | $605 – $1,243 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,629 – $6,955 | $1,863 – $3,407 | $735 – $1,449 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Your final cost will vary based on shipment weight, added services, access limitations, fuel, and timing. Get multiple quotes before committing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Connecticut to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers give you the most hands-off experience — and carry the highest price tag. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,015 to $3,964. A two- or three-bedroom home typically runs $2,006 to $5,063. Larger homes with four or more bedrooms land between $3,629 and $6,955.
The wide ranges reflect real variability: weight, timing, and add-ons like packing services can each move the needle significantly. Book in summer and you'll likely land toward the top of those ranges.
Cost of moving containers from Connecticut to Chicago, IL
Moving containers are worth a serious look for this trip — you pack on your own schedule, and the company handles transit. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $764 to $1,728. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,292 to $2,578. Four bedrooms or larger lands between $1,863 and $3,407.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Connecticut to Chicago, IL
Renting a truck gets costs down the most, but you're trading money for time and physical effort. Eight hundred and sixty-six miles means at least one overnight stop and two full days of driving. For a studio or one-bedroom, the rental runs $566 to $1,099. Two to three bedrooms costs $605 to $1,243. Four bedrooms and up falls between $735 and $1,449. These ranges include average fuel costs for the route.
Compare local moving companies from Connecticut to Chicago, IL
Here's how the five movers stack up on key services and discounts:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Collegian Movers | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| JB Moving Services Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Hands On Moving | ✓ | — | — | — |
| RT Relocation | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
Connecticut movers outperform the national average on full-service capabilities (100% vs. 96% nationally) and antiques handling (62% vs. 46%). Where they underperform: military and senior discounts, which none of these five advertise — compared to a 4% national average for each. If either applies to you, ask when you call for quotes. It doesn't always get listed on a website.
Things to know before moving from Connecticut to Chicago, IL
Before you start wrapping dishes, it's worth understanding what actually changes when you trade Connecticut for Chicago. Some of it will surprise you.
Cost of living: Connecticut vs. Chicago, IL
| Connecticut | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,374/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Average home price | $405,595 | $295,743 |
| Per capita income | $90,213 | $71,566 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 3.0% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
Here's what those numbers actually mean for your budget:
- Rent is about 49% higher in Chicago. That's not a rounding error — budget for it before you sign a lease.
- Home prices are roughly 27% lower than in Connecticut. If you're buying, your dollar goes meaningfully further.
- Per capita income runs about 21% lower in Chicago. Adjust your salary expectations — and your negotiations — before you arrive.
- Unemployment in Chicago is triple Connecticut's rate (9% vs. 3%). Start building your network before moving day, not after.
- Illinois state income tax is 65% higher than Connecticut's. Your take-home pay looks different from the first paycheck.
How life is different in Chicago from Connecticut
| Chicago | Connecticut | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 3,617,176 |
| Political leaning | Democrat (74–24) | Democratic (56–44) |
| Summer high | 84°F | 83°F |
| Winter low | 19°F | 18°F |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 37″ |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 16.44 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
A few things worth unpacking:
- The weather is nearly identical to what you know. Same summer highs, same winter lows, slightly less rain and snow. The one variable the table doesn't capture: Chicago's wind is real. Factor it into your winter wardrobe.
- Chicago gets 12 fewer inches of rain annually than Connecticut — more sun to explore a new city.
- The crime index is more than double Connecticut's (35.19 vs. 16.44). That's a meaningful gap. But Chicago varies dramatically neighborhood by neighborhood — a city-level number doesn't tell the whole story. Research your specific destination before you sign a lease.
Things to do in Chicago
Chicago is a genuinely great city to land in. World-class museums, serious food culture, professional sports across every major league, and a lakefront that makes the city feel bigger and more open than you'd expect.
Museums in Chicago
- The Field Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago History Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
Parks in Chicago
- Millennium Park
- Grant Park
- The 606
- Lincoln Park
- Garfield Park
Sports teams in Chicago
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
Universities in Chicago
- Chicago State University
- Governors State University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
Other considerations when moving to Chicago, IL
These are the details that tend to catch people off guard — the stuff worth knowing before moving day, not during it:
- HOA rules: Read any building or community guidelines before you move in. Rules about move-in windows, freight entrances, and elevator usage vary widely in Chicago buildings.
- Elevator reservation: In most Chicago apartment buildings, the freight elevator has to be reserved in advance. Don't assume it's available the morning of your move — confirm with building management weeks ahead.
- Parking permits: Some Chicago streets require permits for moving trucks. Verify your block's rules with the city before moving day.
- State licensing: In Illinois, local and intrastate movers must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Confirm your mover's certificate is active before you sign a contract.
- State regulator: You can verify an Illinois mover's license directly on the Illinois Commerce Commission's official website.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but local parking ordinances still apply — check your specific street ahead of time.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. You can set the forward-start date to match your actual move day so mail reroutes correctly.
- Mover's insurance: Basic Released Value Protection comes free but only covers 60 cents per pound — not much if a crew drops a flatscreen. For anything of real value, ask about full-valuation coverage or look into a third-party policy before the truck rolls.
- Moving checklist: Use a moving checklist to stay on top of the small tasks that tend to pile up in the final weeks.
FAQ
How long does a move from Connecticut to Chicago take?
Loading day is typically a day or less regardless of move type. If you're driving a rental truck, budget one to two days for the drive depending on your starting point in Connecticut and how many stops you make. With professional long-distance movers or a container service, door-to-door delivery runs anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Get a firm delivery window estimate before you book — a vague range isn't good enough.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Connecticut to Chicago?
For an 866-mile interstate move, book at least two to three months out. The more lead time you have, the more options you have on dates — which matters when you're trying to avoid peak-season rates or align with a lease start.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?
Summer is peak moving season and the most expensive window — and spring isn't far behind. If you want lower rates and better mover availability, target late fall or winter. With winter lows of 19°F in Connecticut, you're not exactly unprepared for cold. The savings can be real, and the process tends to be less rushed.