One of the most common searches before a local move is “2 movers and a truck Chicago.” It sounds simple—but is a two-person crew actually the best option for your move?
The answer depends on how much you’re moving, the layout of your home, and how easy it is to access your furniture. Booking too few movers can make your move take much longer, while booking more movers than necessary may increase your costs.
Here’s how to know what works best.
When Are 2 Movers Enough?
A crew of 2 professional movers and one truck is usually the best choice for:
- Studio apartments
- 1-bedroom apartments
- Small condos
- College moves
- Storage unit moves
- Labor-only loading or unloading
- Small office moves
- A few large furniture items
If your furniture is already packed and both locations have easy access, two movers can often complete the move quickly and efficiently.
When Should You Book 3 Movers Instead?
Many customers think fewer movers always means a lower bill—but that’s not always true.
A 3-person crew is often a better value if you have:
- A 2-3 bedroom apartment
- A townhouse
- Heavy furniture
- Multiple flights of stairs
- Long walking distances
- Large sectionals
- Home gym equipment
- More than 40–50 boxes
Three movers can carry multiple items at once, reducing the total moving time.
What Affects the Moving Time?
The size of your home isn’t the only factor.
Moving time also depends on:
- Stairs
- Elevator reservations
- Long hallways
- Parking distance
- Furniture disassembly
- Heavy appliances
- Narrow doorways
- Packing quality
- Number of fragile items
A small apartment on the fourth floor without an elevator can sometimes take longer than a larger first-floor home.
Average Time for a 2-Mover Crew
While every move is different, here’s a general guideline:
Move Size | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
Studio | 2–4 hours |
1 Bedroom
| 3–5 hours |
Small 2 Bedroom
| 5–7 hours |
These estimates assume normal access and that everything is packed before the movers arrive.
How to Save Time (and Money)
Because most local moves are billed by the hour, being prepared before moving day can help reduce your total cost.
Before your movers arrive:
- Label every box
- Finish packing
- Disassemble simple furniture if possible
- Reserve the elevator
- Keep walkways clear
- Reserve parking near the entrance
- Separate valuables and important documents
Good preparation can save an hour or more on moving day.
Is a Larger Crew More Expensive?
Not always.
Many people assume hiring more movers automatically costs more. In reality, a larger crew often finishes significantly faster.
For example:
- 2 movers may complete a move in 6 hours.
- 3 movers might finish the same move in 4 hours.
Depending on the size and complexity of your move, the total price may be very similar—while saving you valuable time and reducing physical strain.
That’s why ACM Movers recommends the crew size based on your inventory, not just your budget.
Why Chicago Moves Are Different
Moving in Chicago often includes challenges such as:
- Walk-up apartments
- Freight elevator reservations
- Loading dock schedules
- Downtown parking restrictions
- Long apartment hallways
- High-rise building rules
- Certificates of Insurance (COI)
An experienced moving crew knows how to plan around these issues, helping your move stay on schedule.
Why Choose ACM Movers?
Whether you need 2 movers and a truck, a larger moving crew, or labor-only moving services, ACM Movers helps customers throughout:
- Chicago
- Naperville
- Oak Park
- Evanston
- Glenview
- Schaumburg
- Arlington Heights
- Northbrook
- Wilmette
- Winnetka
We provide:
✔ Local moving
✔ Apartment moving
✔ House moving
✔ Office moving
✔ Packing services
✔ Labor-only moving
✔ Storage solutions
✔ Licensed & insured professionals
Get Your Free Moving Quote
Not sure if 2 movers and a truck are enough for your move?
Send us a few photos or a short video of your home, and we’ll recommend the right crew size based on your furniture, access, and moving date.
Request your free estimate from ACM Movers today and move with confidence.
FAQ:
Yes. In most cases, two movers are ideal for a studio or one-bedroom apartment with standard furniture and easy access.
Yes. For larger apartments, heavy furniture, or homes with stairs, a three-person crew can often complete the move faster, which may reduce the total labor time.
The cost depends on the size of your move, moving time, stairs, distance, parking, and any additional services such as packing or furniture disassembly.
Yes. ACM Movers specializes in apartment, condo, townhouse, and house moves throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Absolutely. ACM Movers also offers labor-only moving services for loading and unloading U-Haul trucks, PODS®, storage units, and rental trucks.
