The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Charleston, IL

Quick answer: Our top pick for the best long-distance moving company in Charleston, IL, is Safeway Moving. We like Safeway Moving for its overall value. The company provides high-quality service without the high price tag.

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We know that every move is different. Jump to a mover that fits your unique needs:
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Our track record

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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

Best long-distance movers in Charleston for those moving out of state

If you’re leaving Charleston and crossing state lines for a new home outside of Illinois, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers:

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
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
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) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
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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

Best long-distance movers in Charleston for those staying in state

Are you moving from Charleston but staying in Illinois? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within Illinois is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top Charleston, IL, movers:

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.


Bellhop Moving, founded in 2012, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Indianapolis, IN. While their Yelp and Google My Business profiles boast impressive average ratings of 4.0 and 4.4 respectively, their BBB rating of F may give potential clients pause. In comparison to other nearby moving companies, Bellhop stands out by providing versatile services including packing, unpacking, and labor only options, but a deposit is unfortunately required. For those seeking reliable and well-reviewed local movers, Bellhop Moving presents a worthy choice.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/cordmovingandstorage, https://twitter.com/cordmoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
  • Good communication (23%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (31%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
  • Lack of communication (21%)
Review Analysis
Customer input for Cord Moving and Storage is packed with high marks for professionalism and efficiency. Out of 238 reviews assessed, 84.5% are positive, highlighting polite staff, great care with belongings, fast and organized moves, and strong communication. Many mention courteous crews who arrived on time and kept customers informed, which sets Cord apart from many moving companies. Competitive pricing and helpful follow-up also stand out in feedback. On the downside, about 15% of users report significant frustrations—mainly around damaged items, difficulties with insurance claims, late or missing communication, and a few delayed deliveries. These complaints often reference a lack of response or unsatisfactory handling when issues arise. While most customers walk away pleased and stress-free, those who face problems with claims or lost property note long wait times for resolutions. Cord Moving and Storage consistently earns praise for careful, efficient movers and friendly assistance, but some reviews describe occasional breakdowns in care and communication, especially when problems occur. Compared with typical movers, Cord's high rate of glowing reviews and low price reports put them at the industry’s front line for reliability, although resolving issues after a move can sometimes fall short.
Get a Quote (866) 742-1558

Company Info

State license #: 181102

Years in Business: 103

DOT #: 181102

Alternate Names: North American Moving Services, Cord Moving & Storage Company Inc.


Cord Moving and Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Earth City, MO, since 1921. With nearly a century of experience, they stand out among nearby moving companies for their longevity and comprehensive service offerings, including packing, unpacking, and even piano moving. Their consumer reviews are impressive, boasting an average rating of 4.6 on Google from 348 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. For those seeking a reliable and experienced mover without the need for out-of-state services, Cord Moving and Storage is a strong contender.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064119878421,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Good communication (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (40%)
  • Unexpected charges (30%)
  • Lack of communication (25%)
Review Analysis
Moving with Two Guys And A Truck means enjoying a prompt, efficient process guided by polite professionals. Out of 151 customer feedback comments, nearly 79% praised the company’s slick coordination, reliable workers, careful handling, and honest pricing. Many customers cite speedy moves, no hidden costs, and a reassuring attention to fragile items. Staff politeness and work ethic stand out, with many reviewers saying teams were friendly and quick to respond. On the other hand, about 18% of the input highlights issues: broken or mishandled items, surprise charges, and difficulty securing updates after damage or claims. Only a handful found fault with communication or costs, while neutral feedback points to inconsistent office coordination or minor mistakes. Reviews confirm that Two Guys And A Truck meets or often surpasses industry standards for professionalism and efficiency, though those with large or complex moves should double-check details and communicate expectations clearly to avoid dissatisfaction.
Get a Quote (317) 776-1447

Company Info

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 1055325

Alternate Names: John Mitchell Moving - Two Guys and a Truck, Inc.


Two Guys And A Truck has been a trusted name in local residential moving in and around Anderson, IN, since 1994. They stand out from other local movers by offering comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as the expertise to move delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. Consumer reviews reflect their solid reputation, with an admirable 4.2 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Known for their reliability, they accept both cash and credit cards without requiring a deposit, making them a convenient and reputable choice for anyone planning a local move.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/federalcos, https://twitter.com/federalcos
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Efficient service (27%)
  • Good communication (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (29%)
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
  • Lack of communication (21%)
Review Analysis
Customers say Federal Companies stands out for its professional, efficient, and communicative staff, often making stressful moves feel manageable. Employees like Kyle and Julie receive frequent praise for their professionalism, kindness, and expertise. Many customers mention careful handling of belongings, fair and binding estimates, and timely, organized moves—qualities that many other moving firms struggle to deliver as reliably. Some mention affordability, especially with discounts for university affiliates. On the downside, a minority report significant problems like broken or missing items, inaccurate weight or cost estimates, and poor packing quality. Several negative reviews highlight difficulty resolving claims and receiving compensation for damages. Federal Companies earns consistently high marks compared to competitors, particularly for professionalism and seamless coordination, but recurring issues with item damage and pricing disputes suggest room for improvement.
Get a Quote (217) 393-8224

Company Info

State license #: 4588

Years in Business: 111

DOT #: 642945

Alternate Names: Federal O'Byrne Moving & Storage, Federal/O'Byrne Moving & Storage, LLC, Allied Van Lines, Federal, Federal Brokerage, LLC


Federal Companies has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Champaign, IL since 1914. Known for their extensive service offerings, they specialize in packing, unpacking, and crating services, and are adept at handling fragile items, antiques, and art pieces. While their Yelp profile shows a 2.1-star average from 11 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts a more favorable 4.3-star average from 69 reviews, and they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other local movers, Federal Companies stands out for their century-long experience and comprehensive service options.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/TwoMenChampaign/, https://twitter.com/TwoMenAndATruck
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (29%)
  • Efficient service (26%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (20%)
  • Higher-than-expected costs (18%)
  • Lack of communication (17%)
Review Analysis
Service that keeps the stress low and the pace high—TWO MEN AND A TRUCK impresses most customers, with 263 feedback entries analyzed and 78% of customers praising efficient and careful moves. Customers frequently highlight hardworking, polite staff who communicate clearly and handle items with care, often completing moves quicker than estimated. Many point to seamless moves, accurate timelines, and easy interactions with both the movers and office staff. Despite these highlights, about one in five report issues. Main frustrations include estimates that fall far short of final bills, damages to belongings, and difficulty reaching management. Some customers mention that items were left behind, claims for repairs dragged on, or promised communication failed to materialize. While the majority enjoy a well-run operation that stands out among local moving companies for reliability and professionalism, select customers encounter inconsistency in estimating and follow-up. For those looking to book, prepare by detailing inventory upfront to prevent miscommunication and ask how travel and additional charges are calculated.
Get a Quote (217) 583-4036

Company Info

State license #: 113793

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Shunk Corporation


Two Men and a Truck has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Champaign, IL since 2010. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they can handle specialty items like pianos and safes without requiring a deposit. The company enjoys a strong reputation with a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and a high Google rating of 4.5 from 246 reviewers, although its Yelp average is lower at 2.6 from 38 reviews. For those seeking trusted and versatile local movers, Two Men and a Truck stands out in the Champaign area.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Charleston, IL, for small moves

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Charleston, check out these suggestions:

Best for Small Moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for small moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Check prices 800-626-1257
At A Glance
  • Specializes in small moves
  • Guaranteed delivery date
  • Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
  • Car shipping services
  • Gives back with charitable donations
read our full review
Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Charleston, IL

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Charleston at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Charleston include:

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
Check prices Check prices

Rental trucks in Charleston, IL for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Charleston, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

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
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Charleston, IL

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from Charleston, IL:

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

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Charleston, IL

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Charleston, IL

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
  • Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Charleston, IL

The average cost for professional movers in Illinois is $97 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Here’s the average long-distance move cost from Charleston, IL to popular cities:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
Des Moines, IA 405 miles 3 bedroom $3,191 - $5,536
New Orleans, LA 753 miles 2 bedroom $2,693 - $5,995
Omaha, NE 521 miles 1 bedroom $1,724 - $4,572

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Charleston, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in Illinois.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

A moving company helping you move out of Illinois must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the Charleston movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Charleston?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Charleston is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of Illinois, using a national moving company like Safeway Moving comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Charleston?

Moving companies in Charleston are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Charleston?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Charleston. The cheapest options for moving out of Charleston are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.

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