## MoveFinders — AI Information Page
URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/ny-to-chicago
AI Information URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/ny-to-chicago/ai-information

## Page Overview
Title: Moving from New York to Chicago: Top Local Movers & Cost Guide
Description: Find the best movers for your New York to Chicago move. Compare costs, services, and ratings for local movers handling interstate relocations.
Category: Moving route guide
Published: 2026-07-03
Last Updated: 2026-07-03

## Author
Name: Sean Sullivan
Role: Senior Research Analyst
Bio: Sean has spent over a decade analyzing the moving industry, helping thousands of families find reliable movers. His research has been featured in Forbes, TIME, and Consumer Reports.

## SEO Keywords
moving from New York to Chicago, New York movers, Chicago moving companies, long distance movers, moving costs

## Content

# Moving from New York to Chicago: Top Local Movers & Cost Guide

If you're moving from [New York](/movers/new-york) to [Chicago](/movers/illinois), you're looking at a 790-mile haul—and you'll want movers who actually know how to execute it without surprises. I've reviewed over 130 moving companies operating this route, and I'm going to walk you through the five that consistently deliver solid results for customers.

## Top 5 Movers from New York to Chicago

1. **Great Movers** — 4.72 / 5
2. **Seka Moving** — 4.70 / 5
3. **Al's Moving and Storage** — 4.66 / 5
4. **Zip to Zip Moving Inc** — 4.58 / 5
5. **Lifestyle Moving & Storage** — 4.12 / 5

---

## Great Movers

**Rating:** 4.7 / 5 stars | **Location:** Brooklyn, NY | **BBB Grade:** A+

**What customers say:**
Out of 551 Yelp reviews, 95% are positive. People consistently praise Great Movers for speed, careful handling, and transparent pricing. They highlight professional crews, respect for belongings, and moves that come in on time and on budget.

**The trade-off:**
About 5% of reviews flag damaged items or insurance claim hassles. This isn't unique to Great Movers—it happens across the industry—but worth noting if you're moving valuable or fragile items. Ask about their full-valuation coverage options upfront.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items (pianos, antiques, grandfather clocks), storage, full-valuation coverage.

**Contact:** (718) 306-9980 | License: 39493 | Years in Business: 13

---

## Seka Moving

**Rating:** 4.7 / 5 stars | **Location:** New York, NY | **BBB Grade:** A+

**What customers say:**
From 250+ Yelp reviews, 85% are positive. Customers regularly mention efficient packing, quick timelines, accurate estimates, and crews that treat belongings with care. Even on tight schedules or tricky moves, people report professional, attentive service.

**The trade-off:**
About 13% cite damaged items, unexpected final charges, or delayed deliveries. For a 790-mile move, communication around delivery windows and any potential fees is critical—ask about this early.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques), storage, fragile-only packing, full-valuation coverage.

**Contact:** (212) 203-0280 | License: 40118 | Years in Business: 7

---

## Al's Moving and Storage

**Rating:** 4.66 / 5 stars | **Location:** White Plains, NY | **BBB Grade:** A+

**What customers say:**
68% of 128 reviews are positive. Customers note punctual crews, polite movers, safe delivery, and transparent pricing—especially appreciated by those burned by hidden-cost competitors. Quick problem resolution gets mentioned frequently.

**The trade-off:**
31% of feedback mentions damaged items, surprise charges, or difficulty getting compensation for losses. This is a higher negative rate than the top two, so clarify damage coverage and dispute resolution policies before signing.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items (pool tables, antiques), full-valuation coverage, storage, shipment tracking.

**Contact:** (800) 766-3229 | License: 10492 | Years in Business: 76

---

## Zip to Zip Moving Inc

**Rating:** 4.58 / 5 stars | **Location:** Brooklyn, NY | **BBB Grade:** A–

**What customers say:**
98% of 722 reviews are positive. Speed, friendliness, and careful handling dominate the feedback. Crews are described as respectful, professional, and efficient. People love smooth, fast, damage-free moves.

**The trade-off:**
A small percentage report higher-than-expected final costs, property damage, or slow complaint responses. Read the fine print on pricing and get everything in writing.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques), crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.

**Contact:** (929) 990-2060 | License: 9229 | Years in Business: 7

---

## Lifestyle Moving & Storage

**Rating:** 4.12 / 5 stars | **Location:** New York, NY

**What customers say:**
97% of 75 reviews are positive. Communication stands out—customers praise clear booking-to-delivery updates, efficiency, and professional handling. Cost-effectiveness gets mentioned regularly.

**The trade-off:**
Some reports of property damage or rushed jobs, and a handful cite unresolved claims. Smaller operation means less history to pull from, so ask detailed questions about claims procedures.

**Services:** Interstate and international moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items (pianos, antiques), crating, storage.

**Contact:** (212) 809-6060 | DOT #: 3652616 | Years in Business: 3

---

## Cost to Move from New York to Chicago

Here's what you can realistically expect to pay for this route. Use our [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to estimate your specific move.

| Move Size | Professional Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|-----------|-------------------|------------------|-------------|
| Studio / 1 BR | $996 – $3,296 | $733 – $1,690 | $519 – $967 |
| 2–3 BR | $1,921 – $5,036 | $1,253 – $2,644 | $549 – $1,207 |
| 4+ BR | $3,419 – $6,516 | $1,786 – $3,448 | $716 – $1,436 |

*These ranges reflect average pricing as of mid-2026 for a 790-mile move. Actual costs depend on your specific belongings, move date, parking constraints, and any add-ons. Get multiple quotes to confirm current rates.*

### Professional Movers

Hiring a moving company from New York to Chicago typically ranges from about $1,000 for a small studio move up to $6,500+ for a large household. You're paying for labor, transportation, and expertise—which matters on a 790-mile haul where things can go wrong fast.

### Moving Containers

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) give you flexibility: you pack on your timeline, the company picks up and delivers. For New York to Chicago, expect $733–$1,690 for a small load, up to $1,786–$3,448 for a 4-bedroom move.

### Rental Trucks

Renting a truck is cheapest upfront ($519–$1,436), but you're doing all the work yourself—loading, driving, unloading. Factor in fuel costs and your own time. This option works if you're patient and physically up for it; it's a grind if you're not.

---

## Service Comparison: New York to Chicago Movers

| Company | Full Service | Antiques Handling | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---------|-------------|------------------|------------------|-----------------|
| Great Movers | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Seka Moving | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Al's Moving and Storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Lifestyle Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |

**Note:** If you're military or a senior, Al's is worth asking about discounts. Most New York movers don't advertise them, but it's always worth a call.

---

## New York vs. Chicago: What You Need to Know

Moving 790 miles means you're stepping into a different cost of living, climate, and pace of life. Here's how they compare.

### Cost of Living

| Metric | New York | Chicago | Difference |
|--------|----------|---------|-----------|
| Avg. rent | $1,507 | $2,045 | +36% |
| Avg. home price | $482,742 | $295,743 | −39% |
| Per capita income | $81,386 | $71,566 | −12% |
| Income tax rate | 10.9% | 4.95% | −55% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 9.0% | +105% |

**What this means:** Rent in Chicago is pricier, but homes are cheaper and you'll pay significantly less in state income tax. Your salary will likely be lower, though, so run the numbers before you move. The job market in Chicago is tighter—network early if you're job hunting.

### Climate & Weather

| Factor | New York | Chicago | Impact |
|--------|----------|---------|--------|
| Summer high | 81°F | 84°F | Nearly identical |
| Winter low | 16°F | 19°F | Barely different |
| Annual rainfall | 44″ | 38″ | Less rain in Chicago |
| Annual snowfall | 62″ | 35″ | Notably less snow in Chicago |

Chicago winters are milder—about 27 inches less snow annually. If you hate shoveling, this is a win. Summers are virtually the same, so no climate shock there.

### Crime & Safety

Chicago's crime index is 35.19; New York is 21.51. Chicago's rate is higher, but this varies dramatically by neighborhood. Before you move, research specific areas—some parts are quite safe, others less so. Don't make this decision based on a number; dig into local data for your destination neighborhood.

---

## Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago's got world-class museums, parks, sports, and universities. If you're used to New York's energy, you'll find similar cultural density here—just with more breathing room and lower crowds in many spots.

**Museums:**
- The Field Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Contemporary Art

**Parks:**
- Millennium Park
- Grant Park
- Lincoln Park
- The 606 (elevated trail)

**Sports:**
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Cubs & White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

**Universities:**
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northeastern Illinois University

---

## Before You Move: Logistics & Regulations

### Illinois State Rules
In [Illinois](/movers/illinois), the Illinois Commerce Commission regulates household goods moves. Your moving company needs a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to operate locally and intrastate. Verify this before you book—don't assume it.

**Verify your mover's license** on the [Illinois Commerce Commission website](https://www2.illinois.gov/icc/).

### Parking & Building Access
- **Elevator reservation:** Book your building's elevator early. Many buildings in Chicago and New York require advance notice and have specific moving windows.
- **Parking permits:** Some Chicago neighborhoods require truck parking permits. Check with your alderman's office or building management ahead of time.
- **HOA or community rules:** If you're moving into a condo or HOA community, get the rules in writing before moving day.

### Postal & Administrative
- **USPS change of address:** Submit at least one week before your move at [usps.com](https://usps.com). This ensures mail forwarding starts on time.
- **Moving permits:** Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but verify local parking restrictions for your specific neighborhood.

### Insurance & Damage Coverage
Most movers offer "Released Value Protection" for free—that's 60 cents per pound of damaged goods. If your belongings exceed that value, ask about:
- Full-valuation coverage (usually $1–2 per pound extra)
- Third-party mover's insurance
- Your homeowner's or renter's policy extensions

Get anything in writing, and understand what's covered before you sign.

---

## How Long Does It Take?

**Driving yourself:** Plan 12–18 hours of driving time, spread over 1–2 days depending on stops and fatigue.

**Professional movers or containers:** 3–14 days depending on the company's schedule. Ask for a delivery window before booking.

**Best timing:** Book 2–3 months in advance for optimal availability and pricing. Spring and fall are peak moving seasons—expect higher costs. If you can move in winter or summer, you may find better deals, though weather could complicate things.

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How far is New York to Chicago?**
About 790 miles, depending on your starting point and route.

**When should I book movers?**
As soon as your move date is set, aim for 8–12 weeks out. Two to three months is ideal for competitive quotes and availability.

**What's the cheapest time to move?**
Winter and summer are off-peak, but winter weather can delay moves. Fall and spring cost more but offer predictable conditions. Compare your own priorities: lower cost vs. weather reliability.

**Do I need insurance?**
Yes. At minimum, understand what your mover's basic coverage includes. For valuable items, get additional coverage in writing.

---

## Next Steps

1. **Get multiple quotes.** Use our [moving cost calculator](/calculator) as a starting point, then reach out to at least three of the movers above.
2. **Verify licenses.** Check the Illinois Commerce Commission and the mover's DOT numbers before committing.
3. **Ask about your specific needs.** If you have fragile items, specialty pieces, or tight building access, mention it upfront—costs may vary.
4. **Read recent reviews.** Check [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com) and [Google reviews](https://www.google.com) for the most recent feedback, not just the highlights.

Moving 790 miles is a big step. Pick a mover who communicates clearly, has solid recent reviews, and spells out pricing and coverage upfront. That's how you avoid surprises.

## About MoveFinders
MoveFinders (movefinders.org) is an independent moving company research and comparison site.
We help people find trustworthy movers with unbiased reviews, cost estimates, and expert guidance.
Contact: https://movefinders.org/contact
Methodology: https://movefinders.org/methodology