Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Mar, 11 2026
Columbus to Chicago Moving Companies
Columbus to Chicago Movers
Estimated Distance: 354 mi
Estimated Average Cost: $2624 - $7489
Have you found your dream home in the windy city of Chicago? Are you relocating because of a new office? Regardless of your reason to shift, it is best to consider the rate it will take to move. Most companies, as well as homebuyers, pay attention to the new property and they overlook certain expenses.
To begin with, you need to consider whether your dream home requires renovation or improvement? Are there any closing charges that are associated with the new home? These are the expenses that make it necessary to save as much as possible while moving. Luckily, Three Movers will guide you through cutting down your shifting costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Shift?
Moving from Columbus to Chicago is a total distance of 356 miles. The expenses depend on the number of transferring services that you are planning to avail. At us, we provide Columbus haulers with a truck that charges from $150/hr. to $300/hr. The more the shifters, the more the rate. Similarly, if you avail other services such as relocating and storage, packing and unpacking, hauling labors and so on, that will add up to your total cost.
How Do You Cut Down Charges While Shifting?
Do you need a cheap moving company? Follow these steps and you will be sure to cut down on your costs.
1. Get Rid of What You Don’t Need
Not every item you have in your current home should make the move. Make sure that you clean up your home and get rid of what you think you will no longer need in the future. Sort all the items based on how often you use them and when was the last time you used them. avoid packing what you do not want.
2. Pack What You Can Yourself
Although Three Movers can be there to pack all your stuff for you, if you are saving charges and looking for the best priced haul possible, then it is best that you do it yourself. You can cut down most costs by boxing the items yourself.
3. Gather Quotes from Professional Haulers
Contact several moving companies. You can choose from local and cheap carriers and many other commercial haulers. Let them know your shifting needs and what each of the transporting firms will be charging you. This way you can easily pick the relocating company with the best prices or expenses within the national average range. While searching for quotes from different transition corporations, make sure that you read all the terms and conditions clearly so you can understand what is not included in the estimate.
4. Consider Your Utility Shut-Off Dates
When people are busy with shifting, they tend to forget one most important aspect; the utilities. You want to schedule a shut-off date so that you do not end up paying for extras in the next month. There is nothing more frustrating than paying bills for two separate properties at the same time.
5. Think About Hauling Old and Heavy Appliances
Just like every home, you may have old and heavy appliances too. Moving these appliances is a tricky step especially if they are not in a very new condition. Appliances that are near their expiry date may not survive the move especially if it is long distance. Consider replacing your old equipment when relocating to the new property.
Moving to your new Chicago home can be a stressful. Hiring professional carriers can make it so much easier and they ensure that you are on the right track. At Three Movers, our team of professionals is ready to make your shift a smooth one. Request for your free quote today before making your relocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Columbus to Chicago moves cost $1,200 to $2,800 for a 2-bedroom home, though larger homes or full-service moves can reach $3,500 or more. This interstate route covers roughly 350 miles, so pricing depends on move size, crew size (2–4 movers), packing services, stairs or elevators, and long carry distances. Seasonal demand and Chicago traffic conditions can also affect pricing. FMCSA-regulated carriers must provide written estimates for interstate relocations. Learn more about typical pricing with a long distance moving service.
The distance from Columbus to Chicago is about 350–360 miles, typically requiring 5–6 hours of driving time via Interstate 70 and Interstate 65 or Interstate 90. Most household moves on this route deliver within 1–2 days, depending on shipment size and scheduling. Loading logistics, building elevator reservations, weather around Lake Michigan, and Chicago traffic congestion can affect timing. Professional crews usually schedule loading in Columbus and next-day delivery windows for efficiency.
Yes. A Columbus to Chicago relocation is classified as an interstate move because it crosses state lines from Ohio to Illinois. Interstate movers must follow regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including licensing, valuation coverage options, and written estimates. These moves typically involve 350+ miles of transport, professional inventory documentation, and regulated delivery windows. Many households choose a licensed interstate moving service for compliance and shipment tracking.
Most households require 2–4 movers and one moving truck for a Columbus to Chicago relocation. A studio or one-bedroom apartment usually needs two movers, while three- to four-bedroom homes often require four movers for efficient loading. Crew size depends on furniture volume, fragile items, stairs, elevators, and long carry distances from parking areas. Larger crews reduce loading time and help maintain delivery schedules for interstate shipments between Ohio and Illinois.
The largest pricing factors include home size (studio to 5-bedroom), total shipment weight, packing services, and access conditions at both locations. Extra charges may apply for stairs, freight elevators, narrow streets, long carry distances, or specialty items like pianos or safes. Seasonal demand between May and September, Chicago parking restrictions, and weather delays near Lake Michigan can also influence final costs. Accurate inventories help movers calculate transportation weight and labor time.
Same-day delivery is sometimes possible because the route is roughly 350 miles, but most movers schedule next-day delivery to allow safe driving, rest periods, and unloading windows. Delivery timing depends on truck availability, shipment size, building access hours, and Chicago parking permits. Smaller apartment shipments may arrive the same evening, while larger household loads typically unload the following day. Expedited scheduling may be available through providers offering full service movers.
