Local moving companies in Birmingham
Out of 11 Birmingham movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Changing Spaces Moving Inc: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Move Daddy: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- New Latitude Movers : 4.34 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3822
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1164434
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4029
Years in Business: 10
Alternate Names: Move daddy
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2179652
Alternate Names: Move & Store, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3915
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage Of Birmingham, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Local moving services in Birmingham, AL
At a glance, the number of Birmingham movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Illinois
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Birmingham to Illinois with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,158 – $3,602 | $712 – $1,633 | $447 – $924 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,135 – $5,454 | $1,334 – $2,501 | $532 – $992 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,811 – $8,026 | $1,663 – $3,141 | $640 – $1,237 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 631-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Birmingham to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Birmingham to Illinois typically costs between $1,158 and $3,602. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,135 and $5,454. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,811 up to $8,026.
Cost of moving containers from Birmingham to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Birmingham to Illinois, you’ll typically spend between $712 and $1,633 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,334 up to $2,501. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,663 and $3,141. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Birmingham.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Birmingham to Illinois, expect to pay between $447 and $924. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $532 to $992. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $640 and $1,237.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Birmingham to IL
The cost of a move in Birmingham can change based on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have, as well as your home size and layout, will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Peak summer months in Birmingham often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from Birmingham to IL
When you move to Illinois from Birmingham, AL, expect living costs to be largely equivalent. Your financial planning may not require significant changes, yet it’s advisable to analyze the expenses to pinpoint any minor discrepancies.
Compare cost of living: Birmingham vs. Illinois
| Birmingham, AL | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $125,988 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $39,403 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 6% lower in Illinois than in Birmingham, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
- You’ll spend roughly 98% more on housing in Illinois compared to Birmingham, so plan for a larger mortgage.
- Exciting news: the average income is about 99% higher in Illinois than in Birmingham, so you’ll likely have more room to save or invest.
- Since cost of living levels are so similar in Illinois and Birmingham, you won’t see much financial change after relocating.
- Illinois and Birmingham have about the same unemployment rate, so you likely won’t notice much of a change in job availability or competition.
- Income taxes are comparable in Illinois and Alabama, so you can count on consistent deductions when you move.
How life is different in Birmingham, AL from Illinois
When planning a move from Birmingham to Illinois, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the Birmingham behind for life in Illinois.
| Birmingham, AL | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,644 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 32ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 56″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 61.64 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Birmingham and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Summer highs typically reach about 86ºF in Illinois and 90ºF in Birmingham. With similar temperatures, you shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- Colder winters await in Illinois, where lows average 17ºF, compared to Birmingham at 32ºF. This shift means more heating costs and brisker weather, but also unique seasonal charm and activities.
- In Illinois, rainfall totals about 40 inches a year, less than the 56 inches you’re used to in Birmingham. More sunshine and fewer rainy days make it easier to get outside and enjoy your new home.
- Each year, Illinois gets about 22 inches of snow, far more than the 1 inch you might be accustomed to in Birmingham. That means breathtaking winter landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also calls for a little extra preparation and regular upkeep.
- Illinois has a lower crime index of 19.7 versus Birmingham at 61.64, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Birmingham to Illinois, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Illinois moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Illinois without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Illinois has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Birmingham to Illinois take?
The time it takes to move from Birmingham, AL, to Illinois ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take one to six days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in Birmingham offer custom-built crate services?
Seven movers in Birmingham list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a Birmingham mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Birmingham to Illinois?
Need to ship your car from Birmingham to Illinois? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from Alabama to Illinois.
Why are people moving from Birmingham to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Birmingham?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Birmingham.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from Birmingham, AL?
THere are currently, two movers in Birmingham that allow customers to pay with cash. Keep in mind that cash remains the exception; most carriers want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard process is to pay a deposit to secure the date and crew. You’ll pay the remainder at pickup or after delivery—verify the exact timing and acceptable methods before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Alabama moving services
Popular Alabama routes
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