How Much Do Illinois Movers Cost?

Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in Illinois is $192 per hour, with an average total move cost between $499 and $6,135. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.

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  • Unlimited storage
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  • 10% discount

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Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Illinois

The cost of an interstate — also known as “out-of-state” — move from Illinois is naturally more complex. Because of the added logistics, interstate relocations are calculated differently than a simpler move within the same city or from one Illinois town to another.

Interstate move costs are determined based on the total volume and weight of your belongings, instead of hourly rates like with local moves. Moving out-of-state typically means longer drive times than in-state relocations, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices.

Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and fluctuations in seasonal demand can all drive up your overall interstate moving expenses.

Below are sample price ranges for some popular moving routes.

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Illinois

Now that you have an idea of what your move from Illinois should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Illinois.

Best interstate moving companies in Illinois

Affordability and pricing accuracy are two key factors we use to rate interstate movers. But it’s important to balance cost with customer satisfaction and service options, so that you’re getting the best moving package for your budget — and not just a budget-rate relocation.

Compare pricing and standout features for each of the companies on our list of top interstate movers in Illinois:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Illinois move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Average cost to hire a local moving company in IL

The cost to hire a local Illinois moving company for an in-state relocation depends primarily on home size and distance.

For moves of 50 miles or less in Illinois, local movers will charge you an hourly rate determined by the truck and moving crew sizes needed.

In-state long-distance moves in Illinois are priced like interstate moves — according to the total volume and weight of belongings, rather than by the hour. Like interstate moves, in-state — or “intrastate” — moves from one city to another are considered long-distance if they are more than 400 miles (although some movers set the minimum at over 100 miles).

Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional mover in Illinois.

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $499 $269 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $768 $269 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $1,360 $377 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $3,392 $527 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $3,919 $527 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $6,135 $738 5 movers 10 hours
  • Studio: A studio apartment move typically requires two movers and can take up to three hours, depending on the amount and types of belongings, at an hourly rate of $269.
  • One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $269 per hour for four hours using a two-person moving crew.
  • Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom home in Illinois will cost about $377 an hour. You'll likely need three movers for five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay an hourly rate of $527 for Illinois movers. A three-bedroom home typically takes eight hours to complete using a four-person crew.
  • Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in Illinois will take four movers approximately nine hours, at a rate of $527 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Illinois movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $738 an hour. Homes this size usually require five movers and take about ten hours.

City moving costs in Illinois

Best local moving companies in Illinois

Staying in Illinois and moving just a short distance? You’ll want to find a local moving company that provides services you need without breaking the bank.

Check out our picks for the best Illinois movers to compare cost and services:

Pros
  • Professional Team
  • Excellent Communication
  • Quick And Efficient Service
Cons
  • Customers Expressed Satisfaction Overall
Review Analysis
Overall sentiment is highly positive, highlighting a professional, hardworking, and friendly team. No significant negative issues reported, with compliments on team professionalism and efficiency.
Get a Quote (773) 715-3227

Company Info

State license #: 158678

Years in Business: 16


Move-tastic, a reputable local moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been delivering exceptional residential moving services since 2009. Comparing favorably to other nearby movers, Move-tastic stands out with over 2,000 positive reviews, boasting an impressive 4.6 Yelp rating and a stellar 4.9 on Google, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their comprehensive service offerings include packing, unpacking, and office moving services, and they also provide labor-only services. Move-tastic secures customer trust by accepting both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a reliable and convenient choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Hot Tubs
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (38%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
  • Unexpected charges (28%)
Review Analysis
STI Moving & Storage Inc. has 517 online customer reviews, with 66% being positive. Customers praise the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and competitive pricing. Many found the movers to be professional and careful with their belongings. However, negative feedback highlights issues with communication, unexpected charges, and damage to items during the move. Some customers reported delays in delivery and difficulties in resolving claims for damaged goods. Overall, while many appreciated the low costs and quick moves, others felt let down by the company's handling of their possessions and customer service.
Get a Quote (847) 675-1223

Company Info

State license #: 139020

Pricing: $139/hr

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1308599

Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.


STI Moving & Storage Inc., serving Skokie, IL since 2006, has established itself as a reputable choice for local residential moving. Standing out from competitors, STI boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.7 from over 1000 reviews and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized handling for fragile items and antiques. With a competitive rate of $139 per hour and options for full valuation insurance coverage, they cater to a variety of moving needs, ensuring peace of mind for their clients.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Pros
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Friendly and professional staff (26%)
  • Careful handling of belongings (25%)
Cons
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Damage to items (17%)
  • Lack of communication (16%)
Review Analysis
H2H Movers has 611 online customer reviews, 84% of which are positive. Customers praised the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many noted the competitive pricing and transparency throughout the moving process. However, some feedback highlighted issues with communication and unexpected charges. Several customers experienced delays, with a few mentioning damage to their items during the move. Despite these concerns, the overall impression of H2H Movers remains strong, making it a preferred choice among moving companies in Chicago.
Get a Quote (773) 236-8797

Company Info

State license #: 184599

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2428328

Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc


H2H Movers Inc, established in 2015, is a highly reputable local moving company serving the Chicago, IL area. Specializing in residential moves, H2H Movers also offers a range of services including office moving, packing and unpacking, as well as specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. With an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 1556 reviews and a solid 4.3 from 371 reviews on Yelp, they outshine many other local competitors. Their A- rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores their reliability. Customers can pay via cash or credit card, and although a deposit is required, full valuation insurance coverage is provided for added peace of mind.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Pros
  • Efficient service (32%)
  • Professional and polite staff (29%)
  • Careful handling (27%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (35%)
  • Lack of communication (30%)
  • Unexpected charges (28%)
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck has 228 customer reviews, with 76% of them being positive. Customers praise the company for its efficient service, friendly and professional staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many report that the movers worked quickly and treated their items with respect. However, some customers expressed dissatisfaction with damage to their belongings, poor communication, and unexpected charges. These issues highlight the need for clearer policies and better customer service to match the high standards set by the moving teams.
Get a Quote (309) 455-4036

Company Info

State license #: 1566

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 2527384


Two Men and a Truck has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Peoria, IL, since 2004. Standing out among other nearby moving companies, they offer extensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Consumer reviews reflect a positive reputation, with a commendable 4.5 average rating on Google from 305 reviews, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This company also accommodates specialized moves such as pianos and safes, making them a versatile choice for local relocations.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Good communication (27%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Unexpected charges (16%)
Review Analysis
Planes Moving & Storage Company has 232 online customer reviews, 76% of which are positive. Customers praised the company's professional and efficient staff, highlighting their careful handling of belongings and excellent communication throughout the moving process. Many appreciated the timely service and friendly attitude of the movers. However, some negative feedback pointed to issues such as damaged items, unexpected charges, and a lack of clear communication during the delivery process. Overall, while many customers had a positive experience, some faced challenges that impacted their satisfaction with the service.
Get a Quote (630) 381-6952

Company Info

State license #: 7545

Years in Business: 104

DOT #:  1458935

Alternate Names: Planes Moving & Storage of Chicago, L.L.C.


Planes Moving & Storage Company, established in 1921, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Aurora, IL. With a strong reputation built over a century, the company also provides packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring valuable items like pianos and antiques are handled with care. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a 4.7 average rating from 320 Google reviews, and a solid consumer satisfaction. While their Yelp reviews show mixed feedback with a 3.1 average rating, their long-standing presence and comprehensive service offerings make them a trustworthy choice compared to other local movers.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Average PODS Costs in IL

The average cost of PODS is anywhere from $220–$7,448, depending on the container size and move distance. For example, a local move in Illinois using an eight-foot PODS container runs from $220 to $426, while the same move with a 16-foot container would be approximately $323–$813.

In general, you can expect to pay $220–$813 with PODS for a local move. Long-distance moves, which require longer transport times and mileage, are naturally pricier. Renting a PODS container for a long-distance move of 100–250 miles will typically cost between $250 and $2,107, and cross-country moves start at around $2,068 and can be as much as $7,448.

We like PODS for its widespread availability, multiple container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), and ongoing discounts but we know that everyone’s move is unique. While PODS is our overall pick, we always recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to get a clear comparison of pricing and services.

Best moving containers or PODS in Illinois

Moving container companies combine the cost-savings of a DIY move with the convenience of full-service movers. You’ll cut moving costs by loading up all your items into your PODS or moving container yourself, but you’ll still have a professional driver handling the transport of your belongings to your new home within Illinois or across state lines.

You’ll want to look for companies offering a variety of container sizes or types and quick and easy container delivery and pick-up scheduling. If you need long-term storage as part of your move, the top moving container companies provide facilities with 24/7 monitoring and climate-controlled options.

Here are our recommendations for top moving container companies in Illinois.

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in IL

The average cost to rent a moving truck ranges from $57–$136 for a local move and $355–$5,700+ for long-distance moves.

Best moving truck rentals in Illinois

Renting a truck from companies like U-Haul is your most affordable option — but it will also require you to do the most work. you’ll have to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place yourself or with the help of friends and family or third-party labor.

Check out our top picks for moving truck rentals in Illinois:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Best Value Rental
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in IL

The average cost of hiring a labor-only mover in Illinois is $96 per hour for each moving crew member. Since even smaller moves like studio apartments typically require a minimum crew size of two people, you can expect to pay an hourly rate of approximately $192 for moving labor.

Best labor-only moving companies in Illinois

Don’t want to deal with the heavy lifting? A labor-only company will handle that for you. Labor-only companies in Illinois are kind of like professional movers without the truck.

They provide packing and loading support, as well as optional services like disassembly and reassembly of furniture, but you’ll still have to rent a moving truck and drive.

Take a look at these top-rated labor-only movers in Illinois:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Factors that affect the cost of your Illinois move

The following common factors will affect the cost of your Illinois move:

  • The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor mean you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in Illinois.
  • The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long-distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from Illinois to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
  • The type of move: There are several ways to handle your Illinois move. You take a more hands-off approach and hire a full-service moving company. While this is certainly the most convenient choice, you’ll also pay more for a full-service move than you would with DIY options like renting a moving truck. You can save a lot with a truck rental, but you’ll have to drive and do all the loading and unloading yourself (unless you want to hire labor-only movers). You may also want to consider getting a moving container, which saves some money but also provides professional drivers.
  • Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
  • Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your Illinois move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
  • The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of Illinois between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.

Consider car shipping costs for long-distance IL moves

Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in Illinois:

Company Our take Rating Price
Sherpa Auto Transport
Best for accurate pricing
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Montway Auto Transport
Best cross-country shipper
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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AmeriFreight Car Transport
Best for discounts
starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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SGT Auto Transport
Best for overall value
starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Easy Auto Ship
Best for quick pickup
starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Tips to save money on your Illinois move

Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your Illinois move:

  • Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
  • Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
  • Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
  • Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
  • Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Illinois move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.

What is the cheapest way to move in Illinois?

The cheapest way to move within Illinois is by using a DIY option. For some people in Illinois, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.

While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Illinois, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.

To help you decide, use our free moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.

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