By far the best moving crew we’ve ever used. I hope we never move again, but if we do, Well Known will be our first call.
I cannot recommend WellKnown enough. The team arrived early, packed quickly, and graciously moved all of my things into my new 5th floor walkup without a single complaint.
Jillian Langford
Our customer · Chicago
VERIFIEDreal review
Moving from Chicago to NYC is a long distance multi-day move and we plan it as such from the first phone conversation. We frequently work in Chicago neighborhoods such as the Loop, River North, Streeterville, South Loop, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park and Hyde Park (see our Chicago movers page) and serve all of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens including Midtown, the Financial District, Tribeca, Harlem, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, DUMBO, Astoria and Long Island City. We also service surrounding suburbs like Westchester County, and Nassau County on Long Island, and parts of North Jersey.
In Chicago, downtown pickups are about timing around the Kennedy and Dan Ryan (I-90/I-94), I-290, and the narrow one-way grid downtown — and securing legal curb space. In New York City, trucks are not permitted to leave the truck-route network, are banned from most parkways and have much more limited curb access in Manhattan and crowded portions of the boroughs. That’s why a transfer from Chicago to NYC has to be calculated based on the precise address, not just the city.
Moving Tip: If you’re doing a pickup on a busy street in Chicago, only the City can post enforceable curb space – under city ordinance, commercial movers get CDOT Temporary No Parking / Tow Zone signs through the Chicago Department of Transportation permit portal, posted at least 48 hours in advance (ward “courtesy” signs are not enforceable). There is no blanket citywide home moving permit for a typical move in New York City; your truck will obey the commercial loading and parking laws, and in the end, your building — not the city — will generally define the terms, via a necessary Certificate of Insurance and a reserved elevator window.
We tailor each relocation to your goods, access conditions and timetable, then provide you with a binding flat-rate estimate with no hidden fees. We do residential and commercial relocation – walk-up apartments, elevator buildings, brownstones and small offices – and we take care of fragile and big objects that need special handling. Please let us know in advance of any specific building requirements at either end so we may make provisions in advance.
You can depend on a crew that knows this route and the building access issues. Our skilled packers and loaders have experience with long distance moves and know how to carefully pack, load and transport your belongings whether they are fragile or bulky objects such as beds, pianos, mirrors and artwork. Our movers are firm employees, not day labor or gig contractors and they are background verified. WellKnown organizes its moving teams so that the main mover always has more than three years of moving expertise. Learn more about us.
🌟 Reviews: We have five star rating. See what people are saying about us.
The Specifics of Our Chicago to NYC Moving Services
We make the logistics of moving from Chicago to New York City easy as we run this route routinely. We know the realities on the origin side (CDOT curb permits, downtown rush-hour parking limits, high-rise loading docks) and the realities on the arrival side of NYC regulated buildings. So your move has less surprises at either end. We ship from our hub in Chicago, Illinois.
The drive from Chicago to New York City is around 790 miles traveling east on I-90, then I-80, with about 13-15 hours of driving for a loaded truck. That surpasses the federal 11 hour daily driving restriction for commercial drivers, and makes this corridor an obligatory multi-day route, the driver takes a compulsory rest before completing the leg. A Chicago to New York transfer will take an estimated 2 to 4 business days if you include loading, transit, unloading, and the scheduling of your NY building’s elevator and COI. Your flat rate quote assures that your move coordinator will confirm the particular delivery window in writing.
🔒 Protection: Move comes with Basic Released Value Protection at no additional charge, with upgrade options for Full Value Protection. Check out how coverage works and how to file claims on our Claims page.
❄️ Winter routing: Lake-effect snow belt along I-90 corridor (Cleveland, Erie and Buffalo area) can shut down the freeway and trigger commercial-truck prohibitions from December to March. We track state traveler systems like 511PA and 511NY and time our dispatch so your load keeps moving securely.
About New York City
New York City runs on managed buildings. The service entrance or freight elevator is typically off-limits to movers unless the building and its managing agent are named on a Certificate of Insurance (COI) which many co-ops, condos, doorman and professionally managed rentals require; they also assign elevator windows, usually 2-4 hour slots on weekdays booked days or weeks in advance, especially around the first and last of the month. Paperwork gives way to stairs and long carry in walk-ups and brownstones. There is less curb space and it is more expensive than in Chicago. Households moving just outside the city generally end up in Westchester, Nassau County on Long Island or North Jersey, where access is easier. Your coordinator will give you the COI for your individual building and will verify the elevator reservation prior to move day.
🌆 Learn more about the city: Learn more about NYC on the city’s official website. Learn more about moving and parking restrictions through NYC DOT.
4 daysTypical transit
Flat rateNo hidden fees
LicensedInsured & bonded
PHOTO 01 / 05
on the job
Chicago → New York City
01
Services for your move to New York City
Chicago
4-day transit
New York City
HOW YOUR MOVE WORKS
/ 05 STAGES
Chicago to New York City Moving Process
Same five stages on every job.
Get a free estimate
01
Pre-move consultation
Same-day callback, priced from your real inventory.
− 3 weeks · 20 min
02
Plan & packing
Every material included, labeled room by room.
− 2 weeks · 1–2 days
03
Loading & transport
Signed inventory, then GPS the whole way down.
Day 1 · 6–8 hrs
04
Delivery & unpacking
Placed and reassembled; boxes hauled on request.
Day 2–4 · half day
05
Post-move support
Follow-up call, and claims handled in-house.
+ 48 hrs · same numberHow much does it cost to move from Chicago to New York City?
Our rates for relocating from Chicago to New York City are a fixed flat charge that is binding — stated in writing at the time you book and will not change if the task takes longer or is shorter. The fee is based on our crew-and-truck time starting at $120 an hour including travel, and scaled to the approximately 790-mile interstate distance, and the access conditions at both ends (stairs, elevators, long carries). Studios can start about $2,200 and most one-bedroom moves average about $3,400. Your exact price depends on number of products, building needs and any additional services.
A move into a doorman condo in Midtown is not the same as a fourth floor walkup in Brooklyn with a tight COI and elevator window. We price the particulars of your relocation, not just the distance. The final count can also be affected by packing, storage, lengthy hauls and heavy or fragile objects. That’s why we price your relocation for what your move actually is.
Your fixed charge covers the in-house staff, vehicle, fuel, tolls, mileage, loading, transport, unloading, room placement, basic furniture disassembly and reassembly, quilt-pad wrapping and floor protection and Basic Released Value Protection. You can add packing and unpacking or storage and personalize it to your needs, for example you can pack only your kitchen or only fragile stuff. Learn more about long distance moving and price.
Pick your move size
Starting flat rate
Route Chicago → New York City
$2,200
Studio / 1 bedroom
starting rate — not a quote
$0
$4.5k
$9k
$13.5k
$18k
Starting prices, not a quote.
These are the lowest rates we have booked on this route — best case: flexible dates, shared truck space, easy access at both ends. Your price is set by your own inventory, access, stairs and dates, so most quotes come in above these numbers. Only the written quote we send you is binding.
What’s included in the rate
All of it inside your rate — no add-ons
Included
Loading & unloading
dollies, straps, ramps
Included
Protection for furniture
blankets, wrap, corners
Included
Transportation
truck, driver, mileage
Included
Furniture assembly & disassembly
beds always, more on request
Included
Liability coverage
no paperwork to chase
Included
Gas & tolls
even the turnpike
Quoted separately — only if you ask
Get your itemized estimate
Packing materials & labor
Storage
Specialty crating
You approve each one in writing before anything starts, and every estimate lists the six lines above as included beside your flat rate.
Two ZIPs and a date — that’s the whole quote
Written flat rate for your Chicago to New York City move. Takes about 30 seconds.
- No deposit to hold your date
- A real dispatcher calls back, same day
- No obligation — we never sell your details
From real moves. Pinned to the wall.
5.0
1,381 reviews
I had an easy time submitting my information to obtain a quote. I received a quote and decided to move forward by SIGNING the estimate. The next morning, I was told my estimate had been calculated incorrectly. I given a new estimate, but Nataly couldn’t guarantee the date. Frustrated, I was willing to accept the new estimate and offered a second date. Then, I waited about an hour before I finally called to get clarity. I was told that I would receive a call back. I waited and waited. Then I saw that the webpage with my estimate had updated to a significantly higher number—a 3RD estimate. I called back. I was told I needed to speak to Nataly and that she would call me back immediately. She did, but she could only apologize at how she had completely messed up my estimate and her supervisor said this and that—a completely feckless response. Needless to say, we will not be booking this company for our move.
Moved our daughter from NJ to Philadelphia. picked them based on reviews and they did not disappoint. Communication was great several reminders sent prior to move. Adam & Alex arrived on time they handled my daughter’s belongings with great care as they loaded items on the truck. The transition went very smoothly. The price was just right for the amount of time to move items. They were very friendly and polite. I would highly recommend!
Regret using them
Alexandr and his crew did an amazing job! They wrapped all the furniture, they were extremely quick and very organized. They disassembled and reassembled big pieces (sofa and dining room table) and assembled a brand new bed frame as well as new barstools. I am thrilled with how easy they made the moving process for me. I highly recommend them!
Ismail and his partner were amazing Ismail and his partner were amazing. They worked very hard, communicated very well and went above and beyond to make moving as care free as possible. I would strongly recommend.
Ismail and his partner were amazing Ismail and his partner were amazing. They worked very hard, communicated very well and went above and beyond to make moving as care free as possible. I would strongly recommend.
Ismail was great Ismail was great! Very quick with moving things and took great care of my things. He was communicative and very helpful.
Ismail was great Ismail was great! Very quick with moving things and took great care of my things. He was communicative and very helpful.
Why people pick WellKnown for this route
A local company, not a broker
Years out of Chicago, running the New York City corridor every week — dispatched by people who know both ends.
A fixed price, agreed up front
Quoted flat-rate with no hidden fees — full service, or just the heavy lifting, shaped to your budget.
Homes, offices, and the awkward stuff
Apartments, houses, storefronts, and specialty equipment all move on the same contract.
Short-notice moves
Closing moved, lease fell through, job starts Monday — if we have a truck on the corridor, we’ll take it.
Request an estimate
usually answered the same day
- Experience that is centered on the route. This move is conducted out of our Chicago hub and scheduled around both Chicago curb permissions and New York City building access, so pickup and delivery is handled by a crew that runs this route.
- Flat-rate pricing pledge. Your price is in written before the move and it doesn’t change if the task takes longer or shorter, no last-minute add-ons, no bait-and-switch.
- House crews with background checks. Trained, uniformed and employed movers, supervised by a dedicated lead mover who takes complete ownership of the job from start to finish, working out of our own fully equipped fleet.
- NYC COI and elevator coordination. We provide you with the Certificate of Insurance that your co-op, condo or doorman building demands and we will check the freight-elevator window before we get there so that the team is not sent away at the door.
- Verified by federal authority. We have Two FMCSA Interstate Authorities. USDOT# 4224986, MC-1633615 and USDOT #4270220, MC-1658288. Check any mover with FMCSA’s Protect Your Move, and check out our BBB profile.
- No supercharge on evening, weekend and holiday scheduling. If your Chicago lease finishes on the 31st and it’s a Sunday, or you’re closing on a Manhattan co-op in the middle of the week, we load and deliver on your schedule, not just Monday to Friday.
- Gentle handling of fragile and large goods. Pianos, artwork, mirrors, safes and enormous furniture get the proper staff, padding and equipment. Just let us know in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about cost, timing, and what New York City is actually like once the truck is unloaded. No fine print games.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to New York City?
The price depends on the size of your relocation, access at both ends, building requirements in New York City and any additional services you might need such as packing or storage. Studio moves might start at roughly $2,200, with one-bedroom moves averaging around $3,400 on this corridor. Your quote is a binding flat rate, fixed in writing before the move, so it doesn’t change if the task takes longer or shorter. Get a free quote on the exact price of your move or visit our pricing page.
How long does a move from Chicago to New York City take?
The travel is around 790 miles on I-90 and I-80, or around 13 to 15 hours with a loaded truck. It’s a multi-day route because it’s more than 11 hours of driving in a day — the federal maximum for commercial drivers — which means the driver must stop and rest before completing the trip. From Chicago to NYC, a relocation usually takes 2 to 4 business days, considering loading, transit, unloading, and the elevator and COI scheduling of your New York building. Your move coordinator will confirm the exact stated delivery window in your flat-rate quote. If you are going in summer plan around 4 weeks ahead. Mid-week and off peak (winter and early spring) times are generally easier to book.
Do I need a Certificate of Insurance or an elevator reservation for my New York City building?
Probably yeah. Many NYC co-ops, condos, doorman buildings and professionally managed rentals will require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming the building and its managing agent before movers can use the service entrance or freight elevator, and will assign elevator windows that need to be booked in advance — often days or weeks ahead near the first and last of the month. We also confirm the elevator reservation before move day so your staff doesn’t get delayed or denied access. We provide the COI for your individual building at no additional cost. If you’re not sure what your building needs we will assist you find out. You can also see the city’s guidelines at NYC DOT.
What additional costs does WellKnown have?
None are cloaked. Your flat charge covers the truck, fuel, tolls, mileage, the in-house crew, loading and unloading, room arrangement, basic furniture disassembly and reassembly, quilt-pad wrapping, floor protection and Basic Released Value Protection. You don’t pay extra for regular heavy item handling or the COI your NYC building requires. There’s also flexibility: you can offer your own packaging materials or have us pack only particular goods. Full Value Protection is available to add. Check out the pricing page for more.
How do I get myself from Chicago to New York City?
We are a moving business thus we transport your stuff, not you. Here are the normal possibilities for getting yourself there: Fly: around 2.5 hours from O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) to the New York airports (LGA, JFK, or EWR) – usually the fastest option. Train (Amtrak Lake Shore Limited or Cardinal): ~19-22 hours; check current tickets and schedules at Amtrak. Bus (Greyhound, FlixBus): This is usually an overnight trip. Compare prices on Wanderu or Rome2Rio. Drive: ~790 miles, ~12-13 hours in a passenger car via I-90/I-80. Check for current conditions at 511PA and 511NY. Pick the one that fits your budget and schedule.
Field notes
05 guides
Moving tips from the crew
Checklist
Moving Checklist
Week-by-week, from eight weeks out to the morning of the load. Read the guide CompareDIY Moving vs Hiring Professionals
Real numbers on the run: truck rental, fuel, days off work. Read the guide DownsizingMoving into a Smaller Space
What to cut first, and how to measure before you haul it across the country. Read the guide VettingChoosing the Right Moving Company
The five questions that separate a licensed carrier from a broker. Read the guide PackingDIY Packing Guide
Box sizes, wrapping order, and the rooms worth paying us to do. Read the guideEvery guide is written by the crew who runs this route — not a content team. Questions they don’t cover go straight to dispatch.
Get a free estimatePlease contact us if anything is unclear
WellKnown Moving Company Licensed, insured & bonded
- Address 859 Trace Dr, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
- Phone (224) 521-4244
- Email [email protected]
- Hours Monday – Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WellKnown Moving Company
859 Trace Dr, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089