Learn more about our Advertising Disclosure

Advertising Disclosure moveBuddha

How much do Sterling, IL Movers Cost?

Quick answer: In Sterling, Illinois, local movers usually charge between $536 and $6,172, or around $192 per hour. If you’re heading out of Illinois, the cost of long-distance movers in Sterling depends on the move size, mileage, and any extra services you request.

ryan carrigan moving expert
Hi, I’m Ryan.
Let’s get moving.
I’ve helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that’s right for you.
I’ve helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that’s right for you.
Need more help? Build your move plan.
Get Quote

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local movers in Sterling, IL

When you choose to hire a moving company in Sterling , the ease and efficiency of the process cannot be overlooked. However, this convenience typically requires a bigger budget compared to handling the move on your own. It’s important to weigh whether you’d prefer the ease of professionals managing your move or if you’d rather cut costs by tackling some tasks yourself.

Here’s how much professional movers cost in Sterling based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $536 $269 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $805 $269 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $1,397 $377 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $3,431 $527 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $3,958 $527 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $6,172 $738 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: The typical studio apartment move involves two skilled movers, taking approximately three hours. The time needed is influenced by how many possessions you have and their type, and the cost is set at $269 per hour.
  • One bedroom: Expect to spend around $269 per hour when moving from a one-bedroom home. This includes a two-person team working for approximately four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: Relocating a two-bedroom home in Illinois generally costs around $377 an hour. Expect to need three movers for a duration of about 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: Relocating a four-bedroom home in Illinois requires four movers and will take around nine hours, with a pricing of $527 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: When you hire Illinois movers for a home with five or more bedrooms, the rate is $738 per hour. Generally, a move of this magnitude demands five movers and takes approximately ten hours.

It’s important to consider that the hourly charges for movers in Sterling do not vary with home size and start at $269 per hour for two movers, reaching up to for five movers. A larger home means more movers and time, thereby increasing the total amount you’ll spend.

Engaging local moving services in Sterling offers a stress-free moving experience. Knowing the estimated moving costs for your home size helps you prepare a realistic budget and make confident decisions.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Sterling move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Just a heads-up: Hiring movers in Sterling, IL, might cost a bit more — the hourly rate of $192 outpaces the national average of $139.

Best local moving companies in Sterling, IL

Our expert team has thoroughly analyzed licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to identify the top local moving companies in Sterling.

  1. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. O’Mara Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  3. Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  5. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Careful handling
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Fast service, careful crews, and polite staff shine in College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving’s customer feedback. Out of 240 reviews, 87% were positive, making them stand out compared to many moving companies in the area. Customers often highlight efficiency, professionalism, and helpfulness, praising movers for quick and careful work even under demanding conditions.
Many cite stress-free scheduling and friendly communication as reasons they’d use the service again. On the negative side, the most common complaints involve damaged items, missed arrival times, and surprise charges. Some customers describe property damage or mishandling of items, while others encountered disappointing rescheduling or unexpected costs. Despite these negatives, most experiences reflect a reliable, well-organized operation with personable staff that makes moving or junk removal easier than with most competitors.
Show more
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

State license #: 217057

DOT #: 2378173


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Affordable rates
  • Highly recommended
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unprofessional behavior
Review Analysis
Moving with O’Mara means many customers get prompt, courteous service from professional and communicative staff who handle belongings with care. Out of 31 pieces of feedback studied, nearly three-quarters praised polite crews, careful handling, smooth coordination, affordable rates, and clear recommendations. Those with positive experiences frequently note how staff minimized costs, managed timing efficiently, and made the transition stress-free.
On the other hand, some users reported problems such as damaged furniture, unreturned calls, unreliable arrival times, and disrespectful behavior. While most clients enjoyed dependable communication and respect for property, a small group experienced major setbacks with broken items and disappointing customer service. Compared to other movers, O’Mara stands out for reasonable pricing and professionalism but has received a few consistent complaints around accountability and handling in rare cases.
Show more
Get a Quote (815) 232-2512

Company Info

State license #: 5095

DOT #: 144182


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
Moving reliability makes all the difference, and Planes Moving & Storage stands out in customer feedback. 232 reviews were analyzed, with nearly nine out of ten customers satisfied. Customers rave about Planes’ professional and polite teams, efficient moving processes, careful handling of items, fast service, and consistent communication. Many moves finished ahead of schedule without hidden costs.
On the downside, a few reported item damage, inaccurate cost estimates, and occasional lost belongings, which affected their trust in the process. Some also flagged issues when delivery or claims didn’t match their expectations. Compared to similar companies, Planes earns stronger praise for staff professionalism and handling but loses ground with damage and claim resolution concerns. This feedback points to a moving company that gets high marks for speed, courtesy, and organization, though some clients face setbacks with damage and missed estimates.
Show more
Get a Quote (630) 381-6952

Company Info

State license #: 7545

DOT #:  1458935


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Friendly and approachable staff
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck stands out for consistently delivering friendly, efficient moves, as seen in 203 reviews out of 240 that praised their professionalism and careful handling. Customers frequently highlight quick moving, respectful teams, and stress-free experiences, often contrasting their reliability with typical frustrations found with other movers. Many note the movers were attentive, treated property with care, and stayed under quoted estimates, which is rare in the moving industry.
Some feedback points to issues such as property damage, extra surprise charges, and lack of communication during complaints or claims. While most users found pricing transparent and crews skillful, a small group experienced challenges resolving concerns. This strong focus on efficiency, courteous service, and careful handling makes Two Men and a Truck a leading choice among local moving services, though addressing critical feedback could elevate satisfaction even further.
Show more
Get a Quote (563) 387-8263

Company Info

State license #:

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Unprofessional behavior
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Movers making moving easy—feedback for Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage stands out among local moving companies. 232 reviews were analyzed, with 98% reporting positive experiences. Customers often highlight their careful handling of belongings, professional and polite teams, efficiency, fast process, and clear communication. Many mention respectful treatment of property and stress-free relocations, including for long-distance and complicated moves.
A few reports note unprofessional scheduling behavior, some items being damaged, or poor communication, though these are rare. Compared to other movers, Horizon receives more praise for reliability, attention to detail, and courteous service, cementing its reputation as a top choice for hassle-free and trustworthy moving and storage services.
Show more
Get a Quote (563) 381-9866

Company Info

State license #:

DOT #: 763103


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

Check out our top movers in Sterling page to discover moving companies featuring detailed service offerings, hourly rates, and customer feedback. If your move takes you out of Sterling, consider utilizing the expertise of Sterling’s premier long-distance moving companies.

Moving costs in other nearby Illinois citiestoggle

Average cost to hire interstate movers in Sterling, IL

The cost of moving out of Illinois depends heavily on where you’re headed. To give you a clearer picture, we’ve included a few sample price points below. For the most accurate numbers, be sure to check your specific moving route from Illinois or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Sterling

When moving a one-bedroom home from Sterling and out of Illinois, the overall cost will mostly come down to distance, move size, and how you decide to move.

Still, to give you a rough idea, here are some sample cost ranges for long-distance moves from Illinois:

Take a look at some example costs to move a one-bedroom cross-country:

  • Sterling to Memphis $1,640 – $3,287
  • Sterling to Washington DC $1,952 – $3,910
  • Sterling to Albuquerque $2,508 – $5,319

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Sterling

Costs for moving a two- or three-bedroom home out of Sterling are mostly influenced by the total load. A modest three-bedroom move can sometimes come in cheaper than a larger, well-furnished two-bedroom home with heavier belongings.

Here’s a general overview of what you might pay for two- to three-bedroom moves covering comparable distances:

Here is a look at some two- and three-bedroom move costs out of Sterling:

  • Sterling to Columbus $1,830 – $4,657
  • Sterling to San Antonio $2,743 – $5,996
  • Sterling to Los Angeles $3,303 – $6,104

Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Sterling

Moving a four-bedroom or larger home from Sterling is a complex task with many factors to consider. The expenses can fluctuate greatly based on the distance, the amount of belongings, and the time of year.

Below is an estimate of what long-distance moves originating from Sterling for homes with four or more bedrooms might entail:

While moving costs can vary, take a look at these cost ranges for moving four or more bedrooms out of Sterling:

  • Sterling to Detroit $2,838 – $5,781
  • Sterling to Philadelphia $4,141 – $7,371
  • Sterling to Sacramento $5,826 – $9,646

Best interstate moving companies in Sterling, IL

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

Best Interstate Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years’ experience
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best Customer Service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004

Average cost of moving containers in Sterling, IL

In Sterling, moving container prices usually start around $530 for local moves and can run as high as $2,950 for longer hauls. Cross-country relocations tend to be more expensive, with some topping out near $6,950 or more. The final price depends heavily on the distance and size of the container you go with.

We often recommend PODS in Sterling. They have eight-, 12-, and 16-foot containers, keep pricing competitive, and have earned a solid reputation among customers. But don’t stop there. Get quotes from at least two other providers to see how everything compares.

For more trusted providers, browse this list of top moving container companies.

  • Storage fee: $149-$359 (first 30 days is free)
  • Damage coverage: 10-$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
  • Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)

Looking for an economical DIY move with minimal hassle? Consider moving containers like PODS. You’ll load and unload at your convenience, while they take care of logistics: delivering the empty container, picking it up once it’s full, and transporting it to your new address, letting you skip the stress of driving.

PODS is our overall top pick for moving containers in Sterling based on their stellar reputation, nationwide availability, and multiple container sizes and insurance plans. But you should take a look at least two other highly rated moving container companies on our list to see which one offers the right combination of services and pricing for your move.

Best moving containers in Sterling, IL

Choosing a moving container company is a smart option if you’re comfortable packing and loading on your own but would rather leave the driving to a pro. We recommend these dependable container companies In Sterling:

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 5.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount

Average cost to rent a moving truck in Sterling, IL

In Sterling, daily rental costs for a moving truck usually start at $60, with most people paying between $19 and $38, plus mileage fees of $1 to $1. It’s a solid choice for those looking to cut costs, but keep in mind it’s a fully DIY approach. You’ll be doing the heavy lifting and the driving.

Here are the typical costs of Sterling rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19 – $38 per day
  • Mileage fee: $1 – $1 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20-$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • Mileage on the rental truck
  • Number of days you rent it
  • Tolls along your route
  • Hotel and restaurant expenses
  • Added coverage or insurance plans
  • Fuel usage
  • Renting gear like hand trucks or straps
  • Urban parking costs

Best moving truck rentals in Sterling, IL

Opting for a DIY move using a rental truck often turns out to be the most budget-friendly choice. In Sterling, there’s a wide selection of moving truck rental companies eager to assist you in starting your journey. If you’re prepared to handle the physical work yourself, here are some leading options worth considering:

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Best labor-only moving companies in Sterling

Finding reliable moving help in Sterling means looking for labor-only companies with upfront pricing and solid service reviews. It’s even better if they offer extras like packing assistance or moving supplies.

These are our top picks for labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of movers in Sterling, IL

Since no two moves are exactly the same, neither are the costs. The amount you’ll pay will be based on the exact details of your move. There are some common cost factors to consider with your Sterling move, including:

  • The distance of your move: The further you travel, the more the expenses increase. Generally, local moves are less costly compared to interstate or nationwide relocations, which demand greater time, fuel, and manpower.
  • The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
  • When you move: The time of year and month, as well as the day of the week, you move can all impact costs. The reason centers around demand. You’ll pay more to relocate during the summer months, since that is the peak moving season. Mid-month moves are normally a little cheaper than those at the start or end of the month, when most rental leases begin or end. Moving mid-week instead of weekends can also save you some money, since most people choose a Saturday or Sunday for their moving day.
  • Your moving method: Full-service movers handle everything for you, but that convenience comes at a price. Choosing a DIY option, like a moving container company, can be more affordable if you’re willing to do the heavy lifting yourself.
  • Optional services: Add-ons like packing, unpacking, or high-value insurance will raise your total. Even if you DIY, hiring labor to help load or unload will increase your costs.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Purchase extra insurance, if needed. By law, full-service movers include basic released value protection at no cost, but it only covers $0.60 per pound per item. That means an original sculpture worth $750 and weighing 12 pounds would only be covered for $7.20 ($0.60 x 12). For peace of mind, ask your mover or home insurer about full-value protection based on your belongings’ actual worth.
  • Verify your moving approval. Some communities, particularly those governed by HOAs, might have specific restrictions on moving days or times. Ensure you review these guidelines in advance and inform your property manager of your scheduled move-in or move-out date.
  • Have your paperwork handy. If you are moving to or from an apartment complex, you may need to show proof on moving day of your mover’s insurance coverage and, if applicable, an elevator reservation. Go ahead and gather this information — which is usually available in your moving contract — so you aren’t scrambling for it when your moving date arrives.

What discounts do Sterling movers offer?

Some movers in Sterling advertise discounts for specific groups. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available locally compared to state and national averages:

Type of discount Sterling Illinois National average
AAA members 0.0% 1.23% 1.21%
Seniors 0.0% 2.47% 4.47%
Students 0.0% 0.0% 1.21%
Teachers 0.0% 0.0% 0.38%
Law enforcement 0.0% 0.0% 0.8%
Military 0.0% 1.23% 3.91%

Discount availability varies by company, so it’s smart to bring it up when comparing movers in Sterling.

What is the cheapest way to move to Sterling?

To cut costs, consider hiring a container service that allows you to pack and load your items while they manage the transportation in Sterling. Alternatively, you can opt to rent a moving truck and take care of everything independently.

Here are the average moving costs from Sterling to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Salt Lake City $2,921 – $6,208 $1,802 – $3,487 $923 – $1,862
Cheyenne $2,466 – $6,057 $1,480 – $2,833 $664 – $1,378
Sioux Falls $2,068 – $5,492 $1,308 – $2,499 $472 – $924

How to pay for your Sterling move

Credit cards are common, but many Sterling movers also accept cash or money orders. Below, see how payment options stack up across city, state, and national movers.

Payment method Sterling Illinois U.S.
Credit card 1 76 2649
Cash 1 29 752
Money order 0 12 267

Payment options vary, so be sure to ask what’s accepted when contacting Sterling movers.

Helpful Sterling resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All
triangle triangle