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 225 interstate movers in the state and narrowed the list to 3 nationwide movers and 5 Illinois movers. We read 105,482 customer reviews to get there, 88% of them positive. The average cost of a full-service long-distance move from Illinois runs $1,382–$6,158. Use that range as a starting benchmark, not a guaranteed quote.

Most full-service long-distance moves out of Illinois cost between $1,382 and $6,158 depending on home size and destination.

Our analysis of 225 interstate movers in Illinois placed Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, and International Van Lines at the top. Here's why:

For moves exceeding 500 miles from the Land of Lincoln, these national long-distance movers are the definitive choice. Their carrier networks span all 48 contiguous states, and their tracking, dispatch, and scheduling systems are built for multi-state routes at a scale regional carriers cannot match. They are the best fit for larger households, cross-country relocations, and shipments that include packing services or specialty-item handling. For moves under 500 miles, the Illinois-based movers listed below are also an option.

Safeway Moving

Safeway Moving (USDOT#: 3166589) offers the best overall value among full-service interstate movers for Illinois because it combines solid pricing with premium features that make long-distance moving feel more manageable from start to finish.

• Best overall value: Safeway Moving stands out with a barcode-scanned inventory and 24/7 customer support, giving you more control and visibility than many competitors we reviewed.
• Competitive advantage: Safeway adds to that value with 30 days of free climate-controlled storage and optional full-value protection, which can be especially useful for expensive items or more complicated interstate moves.
• Better Moves Data: One Illinois Better Moves participant hired Safeway in November 2022 covering 2,000 miles, and paid $5,200 on a $4,300 quote. The final bill ran above the estimate, which usually means volume, weight, or services changed after the quote.

American Van Lines

American Van Lines (USDOT#: 614506) earns our top spot for the most experienced full-service interstate mover in Illinois for moves that demand expert coordination, particularly when your shipment includes antiques, pianos, oversized furniture, or other items that require skilled handling.

• Most experienced handling: As a carrier with its own trained crews, American Van Lines is well-equipped to handle delicate, oversized, and high-value belongings with greater consistency than many broker-led competitors.
• Competitive advantage: Its service profile includes custom crating, climate-controlled storage, antique moving support, and last-minute booking capability, which makes it a good match for complicated long-distance relocations.
• Average cost: Based on moveBuddha quote data, a 2-bedroom long-distance move of 1,000 miles with American Van Lines typically comes in near $3,948.
• Better Moves Data: American Van Lines quoted one Better Moves participant $3,332 to move a one-bedroom household about 831 miles, and the final bill came to $4,074 once packing and extra items were added.

International Van Lines

International Van Lines (USDOT#: 2247789) ranks as our top pick for customer service in Illinois, holding a 4.6 average customer rating with support available around the clock.

• Best customer service: Through 24/7 customer service, International Van Lines makes it easier for customers to get answers when they need them.
• Competitive advantage: The company is known for competitive rates and a 10% discount, making it a compelling option for customers who prioritize support without giving up value.
• Average cost: You can expect costs to fall roughly between $1,100–$5,900 for an interstate move, according to moveBuddha data.

Each company below is headquartered in Illinois and holds active FMCSA interstate operating authority. They are the strongest fit for interstate moves under 500 miles and 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom households. Local headquarters means a single point of contact, faster dispute resolution, and scheduling flexibility that national carrier networks cannot match on shorter corridors.

These are the top Illinois-based movers offering long-distance moves, from our review of 225 movers licensed for interstate service:

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 $2,039. 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 Move-tastic.

The best way to approach a move to or from Illinois is to tune out sales pitches and focus on what the quote actually covers. With 225 interstate movers to choose from, your choice should come down to price, timing, protection, and delivery details. That becomes even more important on long-distance moves, where a low quote isn't always the right one.

Build your plan first. Our moving checklist helps you organize your dates, inventory, and priorities before quotes start arriving.

1. Estimate your interstate move cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized long-distance estimate for your Illinois move. Most interstate moves from Illinois cost $1,382 for a 2-bedroom up to $6,158 for a 5+ bedroom home.
2. Compare national vs in-state carriers. Compare national carriers (Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, International Van Lines) against Illinois-based interstate movers for routes under 500 miles. National movers suit longer routes and larger households; in-state carriers offer closer local contact on shorter corridors.
3. Verify USDOT registration and valuation coverage. Verify every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Confirm the mover offers full-value protection in addition to the free released-value coverage ($0.60/lb), which is rarely sufficient for a full household.
4. Get 3+ written binding estimates. Request written binding or not-to-exceed estimates from at least 3 licensed interstate movers. Each quote should cover the same inventory, route, and services so you can compare real value, not just headline price.
5. Review the quote checklist. Review every line item before booking: access fees, packing, storage-in-transit, shuttle service, stair carries, and long carries. Ask what conditions can change the final price and whether the mover is a carrier or a broker.
6. Book early and prepare for the delivery window. Book as early as your dates allow — especially for summer moves. Confirm the full delivery window (not just the earliest date) and ask how the mover handles weather delays and rescheduling before move day.

How to compare long-distance moving quotes

The checklist below helps you compare moving quotes consistently and uncover potential hidden costs before booking.

• Ask what may change the cost: Movers should identify the factors that can increase the final bill before the move begins.
• Be skeptical of the cheapest-looking quote: Lower pricing can be legitimate, but it can also mean important charges were left out.
• Have each mover explain what is included: Clear breakdowns make it easier to judge whether the quote is thorough and complete.
• Request at least 3 written estimates: Every mover should be pricing the same inventory and service level before you compare quotes.
• Verify common charge points: Ask whether the estimate covers large furniture, long carries, specialty items, stairs, and storage.

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.

PCS moves from Illinois: what military families should know

3 long-distance movers in Illinois hold DOD certification, meaning they are approved to handle Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves for military families. If you are relocating on military orders, a DOD-certified mover is required for government-funded moves and is strongly recommended for privately funded PCS moves to ensure proper liability coverage and scheduling priority. Use your pre-booking checklist to confirm the mover's DOD certification status and ask about peak-season booking lead times, which can be tight at major installations. See our full guide to the best military movers for a deeper breakdown of PCS-specific options and what to look for in a DOD-certified carrier.

When you move matters almost as much as who you hire. Timing affects both price and availability — peak demand in Illinois runs from late May through early September, when rates are highest and booking windows are tightest. Moving outside that window can save 10%–20% on your quote and give you more scheduling flexibility.

Regardless of when you move, book as early as your dates allow. The most in-demand movers fill their peak-season calendars 4–8 weeks out, and mid-month weekday moves tend to offer better pricing and crew availability than weekend moves at the end of the month.

Long-distance moving costs from Illinois usually fall between $1,382 and $6,158. That range is a planning benchmark, not a guaranteed rate — final pricing depends on how much you're moving, how far, and what services are included.

What drives long-distance moving costs from Illinois

Shipment size and mileage are the 2 biggest cost drivers — but packing services ($0.15–$0.21/lb), storage-in-transit ($0.50/cu ft), access fees ($75–$500+), and shuttle service can all add significantly to your final bill. DIY options like moving containers or rental trucks typically cost 30% less than full-service movers. For a full cost breakdown by home size, route, and service type, see our Illinois moving cost guide. Understanding binding vs. non-binding estimates before you book will also help you avoid surprises on delivery day.

See all moving routes from Illinois

How we chose the best long-distance moving companies in Illinois

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed 225 interstate movers in Illinois and ranked the top companies using a methodology focused on services, customer feedback, online reputation, support, pricing practices, and state availability. Our national picks are Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, and International Van Lines.

• Quotes/Payment options (30%): We give the most weight to estimate quality, deposit and cancellation disclosures, payment methods, discounts, and pricing protections like binding or not-to-exceed estimates.
• HQ online reputation (21%): We assess a mover's reputation across sources like Google, Trustpilot, the BBB, and other review platforms to identify consistent strengths and complaints.
• Services (20%): We evaluate the range and quality of services offered, including packing, loading, storage, custom crating, car shipping, and specialty-item handling.
• Customer support (15%): We look for clear support channels, published hours, dedicated coordinators, delivery-time communication, and proactive customer updates.
• Review percentages feedback (10%): We use verified customer feedback to measure communication, pricing transparency, punctuality, overall satisfaction, and service quality.
• State availability (4%): We verify how broadly a company operates and whether it actually serves the states it claims to cover.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.