Best Long-Distance Movers in Illinois for 2025
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Safeway Moving is our top choice for long-distance movers in Illinois. Based on our in-depth research and analysis, Safeway Moving offers the best overall value by providing quality service at an affordable price.
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Safeway Moving
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STI Moving & Storage Inc.
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MiniMoves
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PODS
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HireAHelper
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Budget Truck Rental
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Our track record
Best long-distance movers in Illinois when moving out of state
Check out our favorite choices for long-distance moving companies in Illinois:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- 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
Best long-distance movers in Illinois when staying in state
While it’s not as common, if you’re staying in Illinois but still moving a couple hundred miles, these are the best intrastate movers for you:
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
STI Moving & Storage Inc., serving Skokie, IL since 2004, 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 $150 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 cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
New City Moving, a reputable moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been providing local residential moving services since 2010. With an impressive 4.7 average rating from 1,096 Yelp reviews and a 4.8 average rating from 2,393 Google reviews, they stand out among nearby movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. Beyond local moves, New City Moving offers office moving, packing, and unpacking services, along with full valuation insurance coverage. They accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring a flexible payment process.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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
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
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
The Professionals Moving Specialists, serving Chicago, IL, since 2005, are a highly reputable local moving company specializing in residential relocations. With an impressive 4.6 average rating from 1013 Yelp reviews and a perfect 5.0 from 3993 Google My Business reviews, they stand out as a top choice compared to other area movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company offers a variety of services, including packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing, as well as the ability to move specialized items such as pianos, pool tables, and antiques. Known for their customer satisfaction and comprehensive services, The Professionals Moving Specialists are well-equipped to handle all local moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Long-distance movers in nearby cities
Best long-distance movers in Illinois for small moves
Most professional movers won’t handle moves under a certain minimum total weight, usually 2,000 pounds. If your Illinois move is from a college dorm or studio apartment, for example, a traditional full-service moving company might not work for you.
The good news is there are companies that specialize in small moves. Take a look at the options below if you are planning a small long-distance relocation.
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Moving containers for long-distance moves in IL
If you don’t mind packing and loading yourself but want to avoid a long drive from Illinois, a moving container is an affordable, easy alternative to hiring full-service movers.
In Illinois, you’ll typically pay between $709 and $7,043 to rent a moving container. Prices can vary based on a few different factors, so be sure to compare several moving quotes before deciding.
Kick off your move with these leading moving container companies.
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Labor-only moving companies in Illinois
If you’re up for driving from Illinois to your new home but could use a hand with packing, loading, or unloading, check out some great labor-only moving companies.
In Illinois, labor-only movers usually charge between $24 and $41 per hour for each worker.
Take a look at our favorite picks below.
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Rental trucks in IL for a total DIY long-distance move
If you’re looking to save the most money on an out-of-state move from Illinois, going the full DIY route is your best bet. You’ll take care of driving, loading, and unloading everything yourself.
Renting your own moving truck means you'll have to handle all the heavy lifting yourself, but it’s by far the most budget-friendly option.
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How we chose the best long-distance movers in Illinois
Average cost of a long-distance move out of Illinois
If you’re gearing up for a long-distance move, prices to relocate from Illinois typically start around $701 and can go up to $11,695 or more, depending on your needs.
What affects the price
- Size: If you’re moving from Illinois, the cost can go up with every extra item you bring. To save money, pack light. Every added belonging increases your total price.
- Distance: The distance you’re moving from Illinois plays a huge role in what you’ll pay. Whether you’re staying local or relocating cross-country, how far you go makes a big difference in your final moving cost.
- Type of move: Figuring out the best way to move out of Illinois is no small task. You’ve got options, from full-service movers and rental trucks to moving containers and freight trailers. Each option has different costs, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
- Services: You can either handle the packing and unpacking yourself or let the pros do it for you. While letting movers take over saves you time, stress, and back pain, it does come with an extra fee.
- Seasonal timing: When you move can seriously affect how much you pay. Since moving costs often spike in the summer, you’ll save money by planning your move between October and April, when rates are typically lower.
How to save money on your long-distance move from IL
Follow these steps to save money when moving long-distance from Illinois:
- Declutter. Reducing the volume of items you need to move can significantly decrease your moving costs.
- Book in advance. Planning your move well in advance can help you secure better rates, since last-minute bookings are often pricier.
- Consider moving containers. If you're looking to save money and are willing to do some of the work yourself, renting a moving container can be a cost-effective option.
- Research and compare. Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Take the time to compare different companies and negotiate the best rate.
- Ask about discounts. Moving discounts aren't as common as you might think. But many of the best long-distance movers regularly offer deals for special groups and professions like military members, senior citizens, and students. And others offer special promotions throughout the year. Always check with a moving company representative to see what discounts you may qualify for.
Keeping a moving checklist will also help you stay on budget and on schedule throughout the long-distance moving process.
Choosing the right IL long-distance moving option
Deciding whether to go with full-service movers, portable containers, or a DIY truck rental really depends on your budget, how involved you want to be, and how much you value convenience. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the best moving option for your move from Illinois.
Full-service IL movers
For a move that’s completely hassle-free, go with a full-service moving company. In Illinois, these experts can handle it all — packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings at your new home.
- Pros: Fast and effortless
- Cons: Costs more than simply renting a moving truck or storage container
- Consider if: If you’re gearing up for a cross-country move, need to haul loads of belongings, or just want to avoid all the stress, full-service movers are the way to go.
Moving containers in IL
Moving containers offer a great middle ground between do-it-yourself and full-service moving. You get to pack and load your belongings in Illinois at your own pace, while the company handles all the driving. Once your stuff arrives at your new place, all that’s left is unloading.
- Pros: Affordable rates and flexible moving solutions
- Cons: You will have to take care of all the heavy lifting
- Consider if: If you’re looking to save money but don’t want the stress of driving a moving truck, especially across long distances, this is the way to go.
Renting a moving truck in IL
If you like being in charge, renting a moving truck lets you handle every part of your move from start to finish. You’re behind the wheel, packing, loading, and unloading your belongings your way.
- Pros: Save money and take charge of your move
- Cons: Requires significant time and effort
- Consider if: If you’re on a tight budget or like to take charge of your own move, this is a perfect choice.
Things to consider before hiring a long-distance mover in Illinois
Whether you’re staying for the home of Chicago, ample economic opportunity, and bountiful recreational opportunities or leaving because of the harsh winter weather, bad traffic, and high crime rate, here’s what you need to know before your Illinois move.
Company licensing
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
Insurance options
Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Moving date
Weather plays a big role in how busy moving companies get, which can mean higher prices and fewer available time slots for you.
- Low winter temperature: 17°F
- High summer temperature: 86°F
- Rain per year: 40”
- Snow per year: 22”
Taking your car
Want to get your car to your new home without making the long haul yourself? A Illinois car shipping company makes it simple and stress-free to have your vehicle delivered safely across the country.
Every state and city has its own vehicle inspection rules, so make sure you look up the exact requirements before your move. Take Illinois’s requirements, as an example. In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
FAQ
What is considered a long-distance move?
How far in advance should I book a long-distance move?
What happens if my belongings are delayed during a long-distance move?
Do I need to buy moving insurance for a long-distance move from IL?
Helpful Illinois resources
Illinois moving services
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