Most people ask for a price before they describe the job, which is exactly backwards. A local move is billed by the hour, so what you are really asking is: how many hours will this take, and what makes it take longer?
How local moves are priced
Within the Chicago area, moves are almost always hourly. The rate depends on crew size and truck, and there is usually a travel-time charge covering the trip from the depot to you and back. A reputable mover states that travel time up front rather than adding it at the end.
Long-distance moves work differently: they are quoted as a firm price based on an inventory of what you own, not by the hour.
What actually drives the hours
Distance between the two addresses is rarely the main factor. These are:
- The carry. How far from the door to where the truck can legally park. This is the single biggest variable in the city, and the reason a moving permit pays for itself.
- Stairs versus elevator. A third-floor walk-up is materially slower than a building with a reserved freight elevator. An elevator that is not reserved, and is being shared with other residents, is slower than both.
- Whether you are actually packed. Crews arriving to half-filled boxes is the most common cause of an estimate being exceeded.
- Furniture that must be dismantled. Beds, wardrobes and sectionals take time at both ends.
- Heavy or awkward single items. Pianos, safes, treadmills and oversized artwork need different equipment.
Why quotes differ so much
If one quote is dramatically lower than the others, look at what it excludes. Common omissions are travel time, stair or long-carry fees, materials, and the cost of a larger crew when the job turns out to be bigger than described. An estimate given over the phone without anyone seeing your home is a guess, and guesses get revised on the day.
Ask for the estimate in writing, ask whether travel time is included, and ask what happens if the job runs over.
How to spend less
- Be genuinely packed before the crew arrives. Nothing else saves as much.
- Declutter first. You pay to move things by the hour, including things you will throw out in six months.
- Get the permit and reserve the elevator. Both directly shorten the carry.
- Move midweek and mid-month if you can. Demand pricing is real.
- Disassemble simple furniture yourself the night before.
Getting an accurate number
The only way to a price that holds is a walkthrough, in person or over video, covering every room including the basement, garage and closets. It takes fifteen minutes and it is the difference between a quote and a guess.
Sunshine Movers gives written, itemized estimates for moves across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Call (847) 812-5848 or email sunshinemovers2@gmail.com.