Best Long-Distance Movers in Illinois (2026 Guide)

Our top picks for long-distance movers in Illinois are Safeway Moving and Mighty Moving & Storage. moveBuddha reviewed 78 interstate movers in the state and narrowed the list to 3 nationwide movers and 5 Illinois movers. Each company here earned its place on the list based on its overall value and dependability.

Most full service long-distance moves out of Illinois cost between $1,377 and $6,153 depending on home size and destination.

Key takeaways

Who are the best long-distance movers in Illinois?

Here are the best long-distance movers in Illinois we identified through our research process:

These national long-distance movers are the stronger option for moves exceeding 500 miles from the Land of Lincoln. Their carrier networks cover all 48 contiguous states, with tracking, dispatch, and scheduling systems designed for the demands of multi-state routes. They are the best fit for larger households, cross-country relocations, and moves that include packing services or specialty-item handling.

Safeway Moving

Safeway Moving (USDOT#: 3166589) is our best overall value pick for full-service interstate moves in Illinois because it delivers a strong mix of affordability and premium features for shoppers who want more than a bare-bones moving experience.

• Best overall value: Between its barcode tracking system and 24/7 customer support, Safeway offers more visibility and communication than many of the movers we evaluated.
• Competitive advantage: Beyond price, Safeway brings added value through 30 days of free climate-controlled storage and optional full-value protection, which can make a meaningful difference on long-distance moves with valuable items.
• Average cost: In one Better Moves experience, Safeway quoted $4,300 to move roughly 2,500 pounds about 1,300 miles.

Best overall value

Licensed

Insured

Price

rating 4.9 / 5

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(855) 650-0657

At A Glance

• Best overall value
• Veteran owned
• Portion to charity

read our full review

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(855) 650-0657

American Van Lines

American Van Lines (USDOT#: 614506) is our top pick for the most experienced full-service interstate mover for Illinois because it has the operational depth and specialized handling expertise needed for long-distance moves involving antiques, pianos, bulky furniture, and other high-value items.

• Most experienced handling: American Van Lines operates as a carrier with in-house crews trained to manage fragile, oversized, and high-value shipments, which makes it especially reliable for moves where careful execution is critical.
• Competitive advantage: American Van Lines backs that up with custom crating, climate-controlled storage, antique services, and support for last-minute long-distance moves, making it a leading choice for complex and specialty-item relocations.
• Average cost: Our moveBuddha data shows American Van Lines pricing around $3,948 for a typical two-bedroom interstate move around 1,000 miles.

Most experienced mover

Licensed

Insured

Price

rating 4.9 / 5

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(866) 835-2392

At A Glance

• Certified crews
• Flat-rate pricing
• Family-owned

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(866) 835-2392

Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines (USDOT#: 076235) earns our top spot for contents coverage in Illinois because it gives customers stronger protection options alongside storage, crating, and shipment tracking for moves that need more dedicated care.

• Best for contents coverage: Allied stands out by letting customers tailor protection levels, which adds peace of mind for interstate moves involving higher-value or fragile belongings.
• Competitive advantage: Its service lineup includes flexible storage options, vehicle shipping, Allied Express container moves, and 24/7 shipment tracking, which gives Allied more adaptability than many competitors we analyzed.
• Average cost: Allied's pricing generally lands in the mid-to-premium tier, with moveBuddha estimates around $4,300 for a 1,000-mile move and a Better Moves reader's sample quote of $9,081.

Best for contents coverage

Licensed

Insured

Price

rating 4.2 / 5

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(866) 825-0554

At A Glance

• Specialty packing services
• White-glove reputation
• 80+ years' experience

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(866) 825-0554

Which Illinois-based movers are best for long-distance moves?

Each of the companies below is headquartered in Illinois and holds active FMCSA interstate operating authority. They are the definitive choice for interstate moves under 500 miles and one-bedroom or two-bedroom households that want direct contact with a locally accountable team. Local headquarters means a single point of contact, faster dispute resolution, and scheduling flexibility that national carrier networks cannot match on shorter corridors.

The companies below are the best Illinois-based long-distance movers from our analysis of 78 movers serving interstate customers:

What are the cheapest alternatives to full-service movers in Illinois?

Full-service movers aren't the only option for a move from the Land of Lincoln. These alternatives can lower costs and provide a more hands-on long-distance moving experience.

• Moving container companies: With this option, a mover drops off a portable container, gives you time to load it yourself, and then transports it to your destination. Long-distance container pricing from Illinois starts around $2,036. Our top choice is PODS.
• Rental trucks: Rental truck companies provide the truck and put you in charge of loading, driving, and unloading. Long-distance rental truck pricing from Illinois ranges from $20 to $99 per day. Our top choice is Budget Truck Rental.
• Labor-only movers: This service model provides professional loading and unloading help without supplying the truck or transportation. Labor-only pricing in Illinois ranges from $61 to $79 per hour. Our top choice is Alliance Moving & Storage.

Illinois moving guide

Moving to or from Illinois gets easier when you compare facts instead of marketing. With 78 movers to choose from for your interstate move, you need to pay attention to pricing, scheduling, insurance, and delivery expectations. That is especially important on long-distance moves, where the cheapest offer can sometimes fall short.

Begin with a clear plan. Our moving checklist helps you sort out dates, inventory, and priorities before you begin collecting quotes.

Compare quotes

Use the checklist below to line up moving quotes evenly and catch any extra charges before you finalize your choice.

• Ask what could raise the price: That includes access issues, conditions, or service changes that can affect the final total.
• Ask what's included in writing: Every mover should clearly explain which charges, services, and assumptions are built into the quote.
• Confirm key cost drivers: Check whether the estimate reflects bulky items, long carries, specialty services, stairs, and storage.
• Read low prices carefully: The difference between strong value and incomplete estimates is in the details.
• Start with at least three written estimates: Each quote should cover the same shipment and services so the comparison is meaningful.

Get binding estimates

Learn below how binding or non-binding estimates determine how firm a mover's pricing really is.

• Binding estimates: Binding pricing gives you a defined cost for the quoted shipment and services, which makes budgeting easier. Ask how the mover built the quote and what documented changes can raise the price beyond that agreement.
• Non-binding estimates: Non-binding pricing gives the mover more flexibility to adjust the final charge. If the shipment size, service level, or access conditions change, the total can rise after the estimate is issued.

Verify licensing, valuation, and coverage

A legitimate interstate mover should be easy to verify. Before you book, use the checklist below to confirm you're dealing with a properly authorized company.

• Start with Illinois's licensing authority. Check that the company is properly registered, confirm the business name matches the quote and paperwork, and make sure the mover is actually authorized to operate where your move begins.
• The Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association can be a useful secondary checkpoint when you are screening movers in Illinois. Use it to research whether a company appears active in the local industry, but don't treat trade-group involvement as a substitute for licensing or operating authority.
• Before you sign, review what level of valuation protection is included and ask what additional moving insurance or upgraded coverage options are available for higher-value items. For interstate moves, it's also smart to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA's) Protect Your Move resources so you understand your rights and the records you should verify before booking.

Plan for Illinois logistics before moving day

There are some important considerations when you're dealing with the weather and climate on a Illinois move:

• With summer highs above the national average, moving in Illinois can be tougher on both crews and belongings, especially once heat builds inside a moving trailer. Ask about early-morning loading, heat-sensitive packing strategies, and whether climate-controlled storage is worth considering for vulnerable items.
• When winter lows fall below the national average, freezing conditions can slow loading, create slip hazards, and make delays more likely. Build buffer time into your schedule and confirm how the mover handles cold-weather protection and rescheduling.
• Above-average rainfall can create flash-flooding risks, slow loading, and raise the odds of moisture damage during the move. Confirm what protective wrapping the crew uses and how weather delays could affect your pickup or delivery window.

Weather should not decide your mover, but it should shape your planning. Before you book, confirm the company's delay policy, delivery-window flexibility, storage backup options, and how it protects items during these challenges. Check out our handy list of questions to ask your movers to help get clear on all of this.

Take red flags seriously

Pay close attention to unusually low quotes, vague documents, pressure to book immediately, and large upfront deposits, no matter where you're moving. Competitive pricing can be legitimate, but a low quote isn't necessarily a good one. For more information, see our guide to common moving scams.

How much does a long-distance move from Illinois cost?

Most long-distance moves from Illinois land between $1,377 and $6,153. Treat that range as a budgeting guide, not a final quote. Your total moving cost will change based on shipment size, mileage, access conditions, timing, and the services included in the move.

Biggest impacts to long-distance moving costs

Long-distance moving costs are shaped by much more than mileage. Two households leaving Illinois for similar destinations can receive very different quotes once shipment size, access, timing, and services are factored in.

• Add-on services: Optional services such as packing, storage, shuttle transfers, and specialty-item handling can drive up your final price. Packing services alone often add $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
• Distance: More miles raise the price, but the increase is not always proportional from one route to the next.
• Move type: DIY approaches, including rental trucks and moving containers, tend to lower costs by about 30% versus full-service options.
• Shipment size: More belongings translate directly into a more expensive move.
• Timing: Busy moving dates and tighter scheduling windows tend to increase pricing.

Compare moving company pricing

The table below focuses on the estimated cost of using our top recommended long-distance movers in Illinois and whether a deposit may be required at booking.

*Estimated costs are based on a 3-bedroom move of about 1,500 miles. Final pricing depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and whether a deposit is required for your move.

Key cost facts to know before you book

Review these cost facts before you commit to any moving company:

• Deposit policies matter. Upfront payments aren't uncommon, but they should be clearly outlined so you know exactly what you're agreeing to.
• Fuel surcharges are common. These charges can increase transportation costs by 8%–15% or add $100–$400 to many full-service moves.
• The lowest quote does not always equate to the lowest final bill. Missing services and unclear pricing often separate a low quote from a realistic one.
• Written estimates matter. Take time to compare estimate types so you know what's locked in.

Estimated moving costs by home size

Your home size is one of the clearest early indicators of price. Use the table below to turn statewide averages into a more practical budgeting benchmark for your move.

*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.

Common long-distance moving fees

Look out for these common moving fees that your moving company should clearly disclose.

• Bulky-item handling: Safes, appliances, and oversized furniture can require extra labor or equipment, adding roughly $150–$400 per item.
• Access fees: When movers deal with stairs, elevators, or long distances from truck to door, charges typically range from $75 to $500+.
• Shuttle service: Using a smaller truck for tight access areas adds about $0.08–$0.12 per pound, often with a base fee.
• Storage-in-transit (SIT): SIT storage costs about $0.50 per cubic foot and involves holding your shipment in a warehouse without access during transit.
• Other add-ons: Additional services like packing, storage, and specialty-item transport can quickly raise the overall cost.

For a deeper breakdown, review our guide to additional moving costs.

Final verdict: Best long-distance movers in Illinois

moveBuddha reviewed 78 movers licensed for interstate service in Illinois and ranked the top companies on quotes, reputation, services, support, and pricing transparency. Here are the top picks:

• Safeway Moving (4.9/5) — Best overall value: Safeway is moveBuddha's top national pick for long-distance moves from Illinois. It includes barcode inventory tracking, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free climate-controlled storage — features most competitors charge extra for or don't offer at this price point.
• American Van Lines (4.9/5) — Most experienced: American Van Lines uses company-employed crews with specialty training for antiques, pianos, and high-value items. It's the strongest fit for shipments where careful handling is the priority.
• Allied Van Lines (4.2/5) — Best for contents coverage: Allied Van Lines rounds out the national picks for Illinois moves. Its customizable protection plans and 24/7 shipment tracking make it the right call when contents coverage is the deciding factor.
• Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) — Best Illinois-based option: Mighty Moving & Storage is moveBuddha's top in-state pick for interstate moves under 500 miles. A Illinois headquarters means a single local point of contact, faster dispute resolution, and scheduling flexibility national carriers can't match on shorter corridors.
• Estimated cost range: Most full-service long-distance moves from Illinois cost between $1,377 and $6,153, based on moveBuddha's Illinois pricing data. Shipment size and mileage are the 2 biggest drivers of where your quote lands in that range. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to get a route-specific estimate. moveBuddha users pay 30% less on average than someone who books the first mover they contact.

FAQs about long-distance movers in Illinois