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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.
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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 Sterling, IL movers

Hiring a moving company in Sterling is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You'll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you'd rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Sterling:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $593 $169 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $748 $169 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,141 $235 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,436 $343 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,801 $343 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,222 $465 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Sterling to move a studio apartment is $169 per hour. A move this size will typically take three hours to complete using a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom house or apartment, expect to pay around $169 per hour for local Sterling movers. You'll need two movers for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: On average, it will cost an hourly rate of $235 to move a two-bedroom Sterling home. Moving a two-bedroom house or apartment will take about five hours using a three-person crew.
  • Three bedrooms: You can expect to pay $343 an hour to have local Sterling movers relocate your three-bedroom home. A home this size will require four movers and take eight hours to complete.
  • Four bedrooms: If you're moving a four-bedroom Sterling home, you'll pay $343 per hour for nine hours, on average, and need a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: It will cost an hourly rate of $465 for ten hours (using a five-person crew) to move a Sterling home with five or more bedrooms.

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

Best local movers in Sterling, IL

If you're moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in Sterling:

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/Bellhops-Moving-106135414112443/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (26%)
  • Professional and polite staff (24%)
  • Good communication (21%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
  • Lack of communication (21%)
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Bellhop Moving’s speed, efficiency, and friendly approach. Out of 115 reviews, nearly 70% share positive input, highlighting fast-moving crews, affordable prices, clear communication, and respectful service. Many describe the process as easy and stress-free. On the downside, about a quarter of feedback points to problems like late arrivals, damaged belongings, and a lack of follow-through from customer service. Complaints focus on delayed service, unwrapped or mishandled items, and poor responsiveness when issues arise. Compared to traditional movers, Bellhop often wins on price and flexibility but loses ground on reliability during peak times. Most customers praise the courteous staff and quick booking, yet a minority experienced significant disruptions or property damage. While Bellhop is often a cost-effective and efficient choice, those with high-value or complex moves may want to weigh the risk of potential delays or mishandling before booking.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/teamplanes/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Good communication (27%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Unexpected charges (16%)
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.
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.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/tmtnorthaurora/, https://twitter.com/TMTNorthAurora
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Customer Complaints
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
  • Unexpected charges (15%)
Review Analysis
Customers say Two Men and a Truck stands out for its efficient moves, professional and courteous teams, helpful attitude, quick process, and careful handling of belongings. Most input highlights friendly crews who make moving easy, often coming in under time and budget estimates. Many repeat clients appreciate accurate quotes and communicative staff. Some drawbacks include a handful of cases where staff acted unprofessionally, furniture was damaged, or arrival was delayed—concerns that rarely appeared compared to the high satisfaction rate. With 287 reviews analyzed and 92% reporting positive experiences, this location ranks among the top choices for dependable, stress-free moves.
Get a Quote (224) 358-3453

Company Info

State license #: 52649

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Apex of Michigan, LLC, Two Men and A Truck


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (26%)
  • Good communication (23%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (35%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (29%)
  • Lack of communication (25%)
Review Analysis
Feedback for Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc. shows the company stands out for its professional and courteous staff, efficient moving process, careful handling of belongings, and strong communication. Of 118 reviews, 66% highlighted positive experiences, especially regarding how staff goes above and beyond and treats property with respect. Many noted timely arrivals, a smooth booking process, and recommended Advantage for both local and cross-country moves. On the downside, about 31% reported dissatisfaction, primarily involving damaged items, late deliveries, and missing possessions. While positive feedback far outweighs negative, issues with mishandling and lost items appear more often here than with other high-rated movers. Customers seeking efficient, caring service can expect a smooth move, but those moving valuable or irreplaceable items should take extra precautions and review insurance options carefully. The wide range of customer input suggests Advantage Moving & Storage performs considerably better than many competitors, yet resolving damages and improving delivery reliability would further boost client satisfaction.
Get a Quote (847) 558-7108

Company Info

State license #: 80163

Years in Business: 38

DOT #: 70851


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHunksHaulingJunkandMoving/, https://x.com/CollegeHunks
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (31%)
  • Professional and polite staff (28%)
  • Good communication (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
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.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

State license #: 217057

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2378173

Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby Illinois citiestoggle

Average cost to move out of state with Sterling movers

Since the cost of moving out of Illinois depends largely on where you're moving, we've provided some example costs below. To get the most accurate pricing based on your specific destination, find your moving route to Illinois or use our moving cost calculator.

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

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Sterling and across Illinois state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.

To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of Illinois:

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

Out-of-state moving costs from Sterling for two- or three-bedroom homes vary based on the actual total volume and weight of your belongings. Move costs for a three-bedroom that is sparsely furnished and relatively small, for example, could be less than a two-bedroom home with a lot of square footage and decor.

In general, though, you can expect to pay within these ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distances from Sterling:

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

Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from Sterling. Remember, your exact price will ultimately be based on the amount of belongings you have, what time of year you are moving, and how far you're moving.

Sample ranges for interstate moves from Sterling of four or more bedrooms:

Best interstate moving companies in Sterling

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 Overall Value
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
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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
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Sterling, IL

The average cost of moving containers in Sterling is approximately $500 for local relocations and as much as $3,000 for long-distance moves. Cross-country moves can reach as high as $7,000 or more. Costs are largely based on distance and the container size you choose.

Our top recommendation for moving containers in Beverly Hills is PODS, thanks to its multiple container sizes (eight, 12 and 16 feet), competitive pricing, and solid customer reviews. However, you should get quotes from PODS and two other moving container companies before making a decision.

To help you get started, take a look at these other top-notch moving containers.

Best moving container companies in Sterling

If you want to handle the packing and loading but leave the driving to a professional, consider a moving container company. There are lots of options to choose from in Sterling, but here are some of our favorites:

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

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Sterling, IL

The average cost to rent a moving truck in Sterling is $60 per day, but prices can be anywhere from $19–$39 daily, with an additional per-mile fee of $1–$1, depending on how far you're moving and the truck size you need. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you'll also need to drive the truck to your new home.

Best moving truck rentals in Sterling

The cheapest way to move is to just pack and drive it yourself with a moving truck. There are no shortages to finding moving truck rental companies in Sterling. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Sterling, IL

It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in Sterling. That hourly rate is per moving crew member, so you can expect total costs to be $60–$80 per hour, depending on the size of your moving crew.

Studio and one-bedroom apartments usually require two movers, while two- and three-bedroom homes will need crews of three and four movers, respectively. Homes that are four or more bedrooms will need between four and five movers.

Best labor-only moving companies in Sterling

If you're looking for labor assistance in Sterling, you'll want to find a company that offers fair and transparent pricing and a good reputation for quality service. A labor-only moving company that can handle packing or supply boxes and moving supplies may also be a plus.

Here are our favorite labor-only movers.

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

Factors that affect the cost of your Sterling move

Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your Sterling move:

  • Distance: How far you're moving has a big impact on your total moving costs. Moving within a city or even to a nearby town will usually cost far less than relocating out of state or across the country. That's because longer distances involve mileage and fuel expenses, as well as more labor hours.
  • The size of your move: Naturally, the more stuff you have, the more it will cost to move it. Larger moves are more expensive because they typically require a bigger truck and moving crew.
  • The type of mover you choose: In most cases, hiring a full-service mover to assist with loading, unloading, and transport of your belongings will cost more than DIY options like moving container companies, where you handle all the heavy lifting yourself.
  • The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.
  • 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.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Buy additional insurance. Full-service movers are required by federal law to provide basic insurance, known as released value protection, at no cost. While you can't beat free, released value protection provides very minimal coverage — $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of the item's value. So, your reimbursement on a damaged 25-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Most moving companies — and some home insurance providers — offer optional comprehensive insurance plans. While these come at an added cost, they will protect your items based on estimated value instead of weight.
  • Get your move approved. Many neighborhoods — particularly those with HOAs — have restrictions around moving. Typically, these restrictions outline which days and times moving is allowable. It's best to double-check the rules ahead of time and to proactively inform a property management group of your moving 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.
  • Reserve parking. You can learn more about the rules and regulations on the Sterling website.

Helpful Sterling Resources

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