The Best Long-Distance Movers in Lincoln, IL
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The best long-distance mover in Lincoln is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Illinois, per moveBuddha's analysis of 99 Illinois movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Lincoln?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Lincoln residents moving out of Illinois are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Lincoln for in-state moves?
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Lincoln-based mover for long-distance moves within Illinois, followed by PODS Moving & Storage (4.42/5) and Mordue Moving and Storage (4.48/5). Of the 10 intrastate-capable movers serving Lincoln, 10 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Lincoln are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Lincoln but stay within Illinois:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- PODS Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Mordue Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Bloomington Relocation Systems: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 246 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.4.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Our move was flawless. Nate and Quincy were polite, careful, and efficient. Marissa coordinated perfectly—thank you for addressing all my concerns and making it easy!"
"Super impressed by Davion and Paul. Polite, efficient, worked through 90° heat, and finished ahead of schedule. Highly recommend Two Men and a Truck!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Good communication
Skilled drivers
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. PODS Moving & Storage has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.3
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. PODS Moving & Storage has about 81% positive reviews across roughly 175 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from PODS Moving & Storage.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. PODS Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"We had a fantastic experience using pods... The delivery was very quick and efficient... We didn't have anything damaged. Jim also picked up the empty pod in the same quick and efficient manner. He was very friendly and knowledgeable..."
"The Pods arrived on time. My driver, Jim, did a great job. He called before he got here as I had requested... Jim was friendly and professional. He explained everything clearly... Pods worked with me on the timing of the payments..."
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Mordue Moving and Storage has been in business for 91 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Mordue Moving and Storage has about 76% positive reviews across roughly 98 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.2.
Quote accuracy 4.4
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Mordue Moving and Storage. Discounts may be available for groups like military, seniors, AAA members.
Customer service 3.8
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Mordue Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Movers were very professional and nice. I noticed that they were not rough with any of my boxes. It was a fast and easy process."
"Leo & Jarvis were exceptional movers: careful, friendly, and efficient. They explained everything in clear terms and documented all of my items precisely. This is the second time our family has used Mordue Moving & Storage."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc has been in business for 75 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc has about 44% positive reviews across roughly 68 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.0.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc.
Customer service 3.5
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Our experience with Moscardelli was great! They got the job done in just a few hours. They were quick, efficient, and careful with our belongings; nothing was damaged. The movers were polite, funny, and easy to work with."
"The office staff was very helpful, and Jim, the owner, returned calls promptly and coordinated the process. Seth and Tommy got the job done quickly. Pleasant and efficient!"
Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Careful handling
Efficient service
Highly recommended
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Bloomington Relocation Systems has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Bloomington Relocation Systems has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 34 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 5.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Bloomington Relocation Systems.
Customer service 3.5
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Bloomington Relocation Systems emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Their communication was great. They called ahead as promised and showed up on time. All the staff were courteous and took care with padding my furniture and taking care not to damage my walls/doors during the move process.
This was our first time using a moving company. The driver (Annie) and the crews at both origin and destination were fabulous! I would highly recommend this company!
What add-on services do Lincoln movers offer?
Not every mover in Lincoln offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 10 Lincoln movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Junk removal: offered by 50.0% of Lincoln movers, compared to 40.4% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 30.0% of Lincoln movers, compared to 31.31% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 70.0% of Lincoln movers, compared to 89.9% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 20.0% of Lincoln movers, compared to 19.19% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 50.0% of Lincoln movers, compared to 70.71% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Lincoln's cost of living.
Does Lincoln have movers that offer art handling?
No Lincoln movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer art handling. Statewide, 50 of 99 Illinois movers offer this service (50.51%), compared to 45.83% nationally. Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top-rated Illinois mover for art handling in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Lincoln residents needing this service. Per-piece handling runs $37 to $365, with custom crates adding $110 to $146 per item.
| Art handling in Lincoln | Details |
|---|---|
| Lincoln movers offering this | 0 of 10 — no Lincoln providers currently listed |
| Illinois statewide | 50 of 99 (50.51%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Illinois statewide provider | Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) |
| Per-piece handling fee | $37 to $365 |
| Custom crating per item | $110 to $146 |
Archival materials and custom crates prevent UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard moving blankets cannot guard against for framed artwork and sculpture. Confirm the mover has direct experience with similar media before booking.
Does Lincoln have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 5 of 10 Lincoln movers (50.0%), compared to 40.4% statewide and 36.39% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5) and Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc (4.16/5) rate highest for junk removal in Lincoln. Standalone junk removal typically runs $110 to $365 per load.
| Junk removal in Lincoln | Details |
|---|---|
| Lincoln movers offering this | 5 of 10 (50.0%) |
| Illinois statewide | 40 of 99 (40.4%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Lincoln junk removal movers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc |
| Typical cost per load | $110 to $365 |
| Single large item | $55 to $110 |
Scheduling junk removal before your move date reduces the total weight of your shipment, which directly lowers costs on weight-based long-distance quotes. Movers that offer junk removal as an add-on can often coordinate pickup on the same day as loading, eliminating the need to schedule a separate crew.
Does Lincoln have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of 10 Lincoln movers (30.0%), compared to 31.31% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Mordue Moving and Storage (4.48/5) and Federal Companies (4.44/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Lincoln. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Lincoln | Details |
|---|---|
| Lincoln movers offering this | 3 of 10 (30.0%) |
| Illinois statewide | 31 of 99 (31.31%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Lincoln providers | Mordue Moving and Storage, Federal Companies |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Not every item needs professional packing. Dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps are the items most likely to break in transit and the items most worth paying a crew to pack. Fragile-only packing covers exactly those categories without a full-service packing contract, keeping the per-pound packing cost contained to the portion of the shipment that actually needs it.
Does Lincoln have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 7 of 10 Lincoln movers (70.0%), compared to 89.9% statewide and 84.85% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5) and PODS Moving & Storage (4.42/5) rate highest for storage in Lincoln. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $188/month.
| Storage in Lincoln | Details |
|---|---|
| Lincoln movers offering this | 7 of 10 (70.0%) |
| Illinois statewide | 89 of 99 (89.9%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Lincoln storage movers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, PODS Moving & Storage |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $188 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $365 |
At $0.50 per cubic foot per month, storage-in-transit for a 1-bedroom load of about 514 cubic feet costs approximately $188 per month in Lincoln. A 2 to 3 bedroom load near 1,000 cubic feet runs roughly $365 per month. The key question to ask any mover: does your valuation coverage extend to items held in storage?
Does Lincoln have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 2 of 10 Lincoln movers (20.0%), compared to 19.19% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc (4.16/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Lincoln. Hot tub moves typically run $110 to $292 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Lincoln | Details |
|---|---|
| Lincoln movers offering this | 2 of 10 (20.0%) |
| Illinois statewide | 19 of 99 (19.19%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Lincoln hot tub movers | Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc |
| Bundled with full-service move | $110 to $292 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $219 to $584 |
Hot tub moves require full drainage, a crew of at least 3, and specialized equipment including a flatbed dolly rated for the unit's weight. Empty hot tubs range from 500 to 1,000 lbs, and access conditions such as stairs, narrow gates, or sunken decks can add crane or shuttle fees that significantly raise the total cost. Confirm access logistics with the mover before the quote is finalized to avoid day-of surcharges.
Does Lincoln have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 5 of 10 Lincoln movers (50.0%), compared to 70.71% statewide and 72.52% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5) and Mordue Moving and Storage (4.48/5) rate highest for piano moving in Lincoln. A standalone piano move typically costs $584 to $2,555, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Lincoln | Details |
|---|---|
| Lincoln movers offering this | 5 of 10 (50.0%) |
| Illinois statewide | 70 of 99 (70.71%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Lincoln piano movers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Mordue Moving and Storage |
| Upright piano | $584 to $1,095 |
| Baby grand piano | $876 to $1,825 |
| Grand piano | $1,314 to $2,555 |
Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.
Who are the best movers in Lincoln for small long-distance moves?
PODS Moving & Storage leads Lincoln's small-move providers with a 4.42/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Federal Companies at 4.44/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Lincoln?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Lincoln. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Lincoln residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Lincoln?
5 of 10 Lincoln movers (50.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 58.59% statewide and 54.55% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Lincoln, followed by Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc (4.16/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Lincoln residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Lincoln moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Lincoln. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Lincoln?
Moving costs across Illinois range from $517 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $269/hour) to $6,153 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Illinois mover quotes. The table below shows Illinois statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Lincoln will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Illinois* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $517 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $786 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,377 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,411 |
| 4-bedroom home | $3,938 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $6,153 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Illinois. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Illinois statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Lincoln?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Lincoln move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Lincoln, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Lincoln
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Lincoln need?
9 of the 10 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Lincoln hold a valid FMCSA registration and USDOT number — the 2 federal credentials required before any company can transport household goods across state lines. All movers recommended on this page carry both. Confirm any company's status independently in the FMCSA's carrier database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move covers what to expect during an interstate move and what protections apply at every stage.
Should I hire locally or go national when moving from Lincoln?
Local Lincoln movers offer the best value for moves within Illinois, across the 10 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 9 of those hold FMCSA interstate authorization for cross-state routes. The top-rated options on this page cover both.
For moves that cross into another state, national carriers bring purpose-built long-distance logistics, a meaningful advantage when coordinating a move over a long distance.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Lincoln?
Movers in Lincoln run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 17°F and moving demand falls well below its summer peak. Reduced competition for mover calendars creates a genuine window to push back on the initial estimate. Off-peak moves in Lincoln typically come with better availability and shorter booking lead times than any other time of year.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Lincoln?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of Lincoln, especially within 50 miles. moveBuddha's research shows that rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% versus full-service movers. The cheapest options are renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For longer moves, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
