Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 17 2026
The most populated city in Illinois and the third most populous city overall is Chicago. A terrific place to live and one of the best places to live in Illinois is the Chicago metropolitan area, one of the biggest urban areas in the world. This article offers advice on how to move from Memphis to Chicago without experiencing any stress.
Average Cost of Moving from Memphis to Chicago
Moving from a Memphis studio apartment, which normally costs $980, to a five-bedroom apartment in Chicago will cost you approximately $3,490.
Finding the Best Company for My Move from Memphis to Chicago
If you heed the following guidelines, picking and working with the best moving company will be straightforward:
Ask for Referrals
Another technique to find a trustworthy moving company is to inquire among relatives and friends about any companies they may have previously dealt with and were satisfied with. They can offer you recommendations and business referrals so you can choose the one that best satisfies your needs.
Confirm Licenses
Moving businesses need to get the necessary licenses in order to move people's possessions. If these licenses are absent, the relocation authorities may seize your belongings.
Read Online Reviews
Reading online evaluations made by a company's former clients might help you decide if they are a suitable fit for you and if they are reliable. Reviews can be found on Google Reviews as well as other online communities.
Other Services for Moving from Memphis to Chicago
Additional services are available for those going from Memphis to Chicago, including:
- Apartment moving
- Commercial moving
- Military moving
- Furniture moving
- Same day moving
- Full Service moving
- and more
Get a Free Moving Quote
Whenever you need a free moving estimate for your relocation, get in touch with Three Movers.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Memphis to Chicago move typically costs $1,800–$4,200 for a standard household. Pricing is driven by move size (studio–4BR), total weight, distance of about 530 miles, number of movers (2–4 movers), packing needs, stairs or elevators, and long-carry distances. Fuel costs, seasonal demand, and Chicago delivery access rules also matter. This is an interstate move, regulated by FMCSA pricing standards under federal guidelines. For route-specific pricing structures, see our interstate moving service.
Transit time for Memphis to Chicago movers is usually 2–4 days door to door. Most loads complete pickup in one day, followed by 1–3 days of linehaul transit depending on weight, routing, and weather along I-55 and I-57 corridors. Delivery timing can shift due to Chicago traffic windows, high-rise scheduling, or shared truck routes. Expedited options shorten timelines but increase cost. Learn how delivery windows work with long hauls on our long distance moving service.
The move is classified as interstate, since it crosses from Tennessee to Illinois. Interstate moves follow FMCSA and DOT regulations, including written estimates, valuation coverage, and delivery spread disclosures. Distance-wise, this is also a long-distance move, exceeding 500 miles. These classifications affect pricing, liability, and timelines, which differ from local or intrastate relocations. Understanding the regulatory side helps avoid surprises on moving day and during delivery planning.
Pricing is most influenced by home size, shipment weight, packing and unpacking needs, specialty items like pianos or safes, and access challenges such as stairs or tight city parking. Seasonal timing matters, with summer rates often 10–25% higher. Chicago building rules, loading dock reservations, and parking permits can add labor time. Traffic patterns near downtown Chicago also affect delivery labor hours and final cost.
Yes, full-service Memphis to Chicago movers can provide professional packing, furniture disassembly, protective wrapping, and reassembly at delivery. Packing adds cost but reduces damage risk on long interstate routes. Crews typically use inventory-based loading, which is standard for interstate moves. Fragile items and electronics are packed separately, and labeled inventories help ensure accurate delivery in multi-day transport situations.
Chicago deliveries often require advance planning due to HOA rules, freight elevator reservations, and parking permits, especially in downtown and North Side neighborhoods. Some buildings limit delivery hours or require certificates of insurance. Narrow streets and congestion can increase labor time. Movers usually recommend weekday deliveries and early arrival windows. Storage-in-transit is an option if your unit is not immediately available; see how storage works on long moves via our moving storage options.
