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Chicago to California Movers

A Chicago to California move covers more than 2,000 road miles and at least five driving days. Tight streets at delivery, border inspection and what you ship all affect the plan.

  • Los Angeles, San Diego and the Bay Area
  • Shuttle needs checked before moving day
  • Price range for your exact city

Check your long-distance price

Your route

Moves that cross a state line only. No obligation.

Road distance
2,015 to 2,130 miles
Usual corridor
I-55, I-44 and I-40 to Southern California; I-80 to the Bay Area
Driving alone
at least 5 days for a loaded truck
Chicago loading
Parking, elevator and building rules settled before the truck arrives
ChicagoLos AngelesSan DiegoSan Francisco

What it costs to move from Chicago to California

Planning ranges, Chicago to California. Your written estimate replaces these numbers.
HomeTypical weightLinehaul planning range
Few itemsabout 1,200 lb$1,100 to $1,750
Studioabout 2,000 lb$1,400 to $2,250
1 bedroomabout 3,000 lb$2,150 to $3,400
2 bedroomabout 5,500 lb$3,900 to $6,250
3 bedroomabout 8,500 lb$6,050 to $9,650
4 bedroomabout 12,000 lb$8,550 to $13,650

At this distance, each 1,000 pounds you leave behind saves real money. Compare the cost of shipping heavy, older furniture with buying replacements at the other end. Cost to move across the country covers more ways to cut the bill.

Delivery details by region

Los Angeles and Orange County

Streets in many LA neighborhoods are narrow, and hillside homes can be unreachable by a full-size truck. A shuttle truck may be needed. Our Chicago to Los Angeles page has more on this.

San Diego

San Diego adds about 65 miles on the same southern corridor. Military and coastal neighborhoods can both have tight access. See Chicago to San Diego.

San Francisco and San Jose

Bay Area moves usually run closer to I-80 and top out near 2,130 miles. San Francisco's hills and limited curb space make parking a common challenge, so it's worth checking early whether your block needs a temporary sign or permit.

What to know before you ship

California runs agricultural inspection stations at its borders, and plants can be stopped or inspected. Most people give houseplants away in Chicago rather than ship them.

Think also about what your new home needs. California homes are often smaller and older than Chicago-area houses, with less storage and no basement. Measure before you pay to move a large sectional 2,000 miles.

Read moving to California for the licensing and tax changes after you arrive.

Questions

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to California?

Weight and exact city set the price. The table above shows planning ranges at about 2,060 miles.

How long does it take to move from Chicago to California?

At least five driving days for a loaded truck, plus loading time. A shared truck can add days, and your paperwork should state your delivery window.

Is it worth shipping my furniture to California?

Good pieces and hard-to-replace items usually are. Cheap, heavy furniture often isn't. Compare replacement cost with its share of the shipping bill.

Can I ship plants to California?

Plants can be inspected or refused at the border, and movers generally won't take them on long hauls. Plan on rehoming them.

See my price range