Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 03 2025
Houston to Chicago Moving Companies
When the need comes to move from Houston to the windy city of Chicago, you'll always find the best Houston to Chicago movers to help. However, there are a few things you should note regarding your move. Being a major city in the state of Illinois, the standard of living is said to be 25% higher in Chicago than in Houston, although people earn only 3.5% more on the average in Chicago. In terms of size, Houston follows Chicago as the fourth largest city in the United State.
Once you've made the decision to move, Three Movers have everything you need to make the most of your journey. Regardless of the purpose of hauling or the type of moving required, these age-long practices will save you what would otherwise be a chaotic relocation.
Cost of Hauling
The 1,082.8 mile distance from Houston to Chicago will cost you anywhere from $2500-$8000 (average cost of a moving company) depending on the weight of properties you are hauling. If you are moving office equipment with heavy machinery, you might have to pay considerably more to Houston movers. For an average weight of 7400 pounds and a distance of 1225 miles, a professional hauling company will charge between $4300-$5000. The actual cost will vary based on the volume or weight of the items you are moving. You can save cost when you look for professional movers with moving discounts.
Types of Movers
Local Haulers
Houston local movers are moving companies that specialize in intrastate movement. A movement that revolves within the same state or a distance within 100 miles. This type of haulers cannot handle your move from Houston to Chicago.
Commercial Move
Commercial movers are moving companies that specialize in relocating office spaces. They offer hauling services for office equipment that requires delicate care in moving. If you are opening a new office in a new state or within the same state or hauling your old one - these are the type of shifting companies you call.
Household Shifting
Moving companies are separated by the distance they cover and the type of properties they move. However, some tend to offer more than one type. Household movers are hauling companies that specialize in shifting household properties either within a state or to a different state. They can also be called long-distance moving companies.
Interstate Hauls
Interstate movers are moving companies that focus on long-distance trips. These are the type of relocating companies you call when you are hauling from Houston to Chicago. These types of haulers can cover household and commercial shifting as long as it is a state-to-state trip. Click here to learn about the cheapest moving service cross country.
International Moves
International movers are moving companies that focus on cargo and sea shipments. You call them for international car shipping, shipping containers, and machinery that you have to fly out of the country. These haulers have licenses that enable them to make global trips. Checking if an international mover is licensed and insured is the best way to avoid missing shipments.
The cheapest way to Haul
A move from Houston to Chicago falls under long-distance movers. For a 1000+ mile distance, the moving fees will cost you anything from $2500-$8000 to move. The more properties you have, the more you will have to pay for moving labor. However, if you are looking for a more affordable hauling experience, here are a few things to consider.
Hire a Relocating truck
Hiring a moving truck is the cheapest way to move across a country, but not a convenient method. Hauling a 1000+ mile distance like Houston to Boston with a rented truck, you have to be ready for the 17-hour drive, not counting stops. Renting a hauling truck will cost you between $1500-2500 depending on truck size. Not to forget, you still have to deal with packing and loading your properties which you can do yourself or employ moving labor.
Rent a Shifting container
This is perhaps one of the cheapest ways to move long distances. Moving containers are metal or wood containers where you can store your properties until they are ready to be moved. Due to their portability, they can be loaded into a truck to be transported just about anywhere in the country. You can get one for $2000 to $3000 per month. All you have to do is rent one, load in your stuff, and call the container company to do the rest.
Sell your stuff
Selling your stuff may not be ideal for local movement but is a common practice for long-distance movers. Since long-distance moving companies charge per pound per distance, selling off items you can easily replace will help lower weight as well as moving costs. Simply do an ideal evaluation of your properties and put some out on Craigslist or eBay for quick sales.
Houston to Chicago Last-minute Transportation
From time to time you might have to make a last-minute movement. You won’t get the chance to properly plan or think about the most economical route to take. Calling a full-service moving company is how you get out of such a jam. These movers handle everything from boxing, loading, and even unpacking. For choosing a Houston to Chicago last-minute mover, simply check for certification and license on their website before choosing a ride. This will take you only a few minutes to confirm before opting for a moving company.
Houston, TX Includes The Following Zip Codes:
77001, 77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77008, 77009, 77010, 77011, 77012, 77013, 77014, 77015, 77016, 77017, 77018, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77022, 77023, 77024, 77025, 77026, 77027, 77028, 77029, 77030, 77031, 77032, 77033, 77034, 77035, 77036, 77037, 77038, 77039, 77040, 77041, 77042, 77043, 77044, 77045, 77046, 77047, 77048, 77049, 77050, 77051, 77052, 77053, 77054, 77055, 77056, 77057, 77058, 77059, 77060, 77061, 77062, 77063, 77064, 77065, 77066, 77067, 77068, 77069, 77070, 77071, 77072, 77073, 77074, 77075, 77076, 77077, 77078, 77079, 77080, 77081, 77082, 77083, 77084, 77085, 77086, 77087, 77088, 77089, 77090, 77091, 77092, 77093, 77094, 77095, 77096, 77098, 77099, 77201, 77202, 77203, 77204, 77205, 77206, 77207, 77208, 77209, 77210, 77212, 77213, 77215, 77216, 77217, 77218, 77219, 77220, 77221, 77222, 77223, 77224, 77225, 77226, 77227, 77228, 77229, 77230, 77231, 77233, 77234, 77235, 77236, 77237, 77238, 77240, 77241, 77242, 77243, 77244, 77245, 77248, 77249, 77251, 77252, 77253, 77254, 77255, 77256, 77257, 77258, 77259, 77261, 77262, 77263, 77265, 77266, 77267, 77268, 77269, 77270, 77271, 77272, 77273, 77274, 77275, 77277, 77279, 77280, 77282, 77284, 77287, 77288, 77289, 77290, 77291, 77292, 77293, 77297, 77299
Chicago, IL Includes The Following Zip Codes:
60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60606, 60607, 60608, 60609, 60610, 60611, 60612, 60613, 60614, 60615, 60616, 60617, 60618, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60622, 60623, 60624, 60625, 60626, 60628, 60629, 60630, 60631, 60632, 60633, 60634, 60636, 60637, 60638, 60639, 60640, 60641, 60642, 60643, 60644, 60645, 60646, 60647, 60649, 60651, 60652, 60653, 60654, 60655, 60656, 60657, 60659, 60660, 60661, 60664, 60666, 60668, 60669, 60670, 60673, 60674, 60675, 60677, 60678, 60680, 60681, 60682, 60684, 60685, 60686, 60687, 60688, 60689, 60690, 60691, 60693, 60694, 60695, 60696, 60697, 60699, 60701, 60706, 60707, 60803, 60804, 60805, 60827
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Houston to Chicago moves fall between $2,000–$5,000 for typical 1–3 bedroom homes, depending on shipment size, weight, packing needs, and delivery timing. Costs rise with bulky items, stair carries, long-carry distances in urban Chicago neighborhoods, and winter travel conditions along major Midwest routes. Movers also consider loading access in Houston apartment complexes and truck parking near Chicago’s residential zones. For broader long-distance planning, review this helpful tool moving cost calculator.
The route averages 1,080–1,100 miles, and most carriers deliver in 3–5 days. Transit time varies with weather across Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois, plus DOT-regulated driver hours. Congestion entering Chicago can add time, especially on weekends. Consolidated shipments may take slightly longer, while dedicated truck service shortens delivery windows. For cross-country planning, see the long distance moving service.
Movers price long-distance shipments using weight, mileage, packing labor, special-item handling, and delivery conditions at both homes. Elevators, narrow loading bays, and downtown Chicago access restrictions may require extra time or a smaller shuttle truck. Seasonal factors also matter; winter storms and peak summer demand influence scheduling and logistics. Accurate inventories and photo documentation help movers provide precise quotes.
Most 1–3 bedroom homes require 4–10 hours of professional packing, while larger homes or heavily furnished properties may need a full day with 3–4 movers. Fragile items, large kitchens, and specialty electronics increase packing time. Houston apartment complexes often have loading-window restrictions that shape the packing schedule. For professional assistance, explore this packing and unpacking service.
Many long-distance carriers provide narrowed delivery windows, especially for dedicated loads. Predictability depends on shipment size, travel lane availability, and route conditions through the Midwest. Multi-stop consolidated loads may require broader windows. Carriers follow FMCSA driving-hour rules, which influence arrival times and overnight stops. Clear communication with dispatch is key for time-sensitive deliveries.
Pianos, safes, large sectionals, high-value electronics, and fragile art typically require extra padding, crating, or multi-mover handling. Long-distance transport over 1,000 miles exposes items to vibration, elevation changes, and climate shifts between Texas and the Great Lakes region. Drivers plan load positioning to protect delicate goods, and tight stairwells in older Chicago buildings may require partial disassembly.
You can reduce expenses by moving mid-week, pre-boxing all items, minimizing long-carry paths, and downsizing heavy or low-value furniture. Avoid peak-season dates and ensure a reserved loading zone in both cities. Providing a precise inventory and photos helps prevent last-minute adjustments. To compare long-distance methods and pricing, review the moving prices guide.
Yes. Any Texas-to-Illinois relocation is an interstate move, regulated under FMCSA and DOT rules. Movers must provide written estimates, an inventory, bill of lading, and clear delivery terms. Regulations also govern insurance, claims procedures, and driver-hour limits. Customers should verify that carriers hold active federal authority before scheduling. Learn more at the interstate moving service.
