- Road distance
- 2,015 to 2,130 miles
- Usual corridor
- I-40, I-44 and I-55 from Southern California; I-80 from the Bay Area
- Driving alone
- at least 5 days for a loaded truck
- Chicago delivery
- Parking, elevator and building rules settled before the truck arrives
What it costs to move from California to Chicago
| Home | Typical weight | Linehaul planning range |
|---|---|---|
| Few items | about 1,200 lb | $1,100 to $1,750 |
| Studio | about 2,000 lb | $1,400 to $2,250 |
| 1 bedroom | about 3,000 lb | $2,150 to $3,400 |
| 2 bedroom | about 5,500 lb | $3,900 to $6,250 |
| 3 bedroom | about 8,500 lb | $6,050 to $9,650 |
| 4 bedroom | about 12,000 lb | $8,550 to $13,650 |
Many people gain space with this move. It's tempting to ship everything, but remember that you are paying by the pound over 2,000 miles. Often it makes more sense to buy a large sofa in Chicago than to ship an old one.
Pickup in California
Hillside homes in Los Angeles and steep streets in San Francisco often can't take a full-size truck, so a shuttle may carry goods to the larger truck. Ask your apartment building about elevator bookings and insurance certificates. Your local city may also require parking arrangements for a large truck.
Delivery in Chicago
Chicago's building and parking routine rewards early planning:
- Many high-rises require an elevator reservation and a certificate of insurance.
- Parking has to be arranged for a long truck, and winter overnight parking restrictions apply on main routes.
- Many homes unload from an alley, though larger trucks can't always fit.
Arriving in winter
Winter delivery in Chicago does happen, and it needs flexible days. Keep coats and boots in your own luggage, not on the truck. Also, wood furniture coming from a mild California climate can react to Chicago's dry indoor winter heat, so a humidifier helps.
Our moving to Chicago guide covers neighborhoods, taxes and parking. Illinois gives new residents time to transfer their license, and you can confirm the current deadlines with the Secretary of State.