Local moving companies in Illinois
When relocating from Illinois to San Jose, CA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 76 Illinois movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to San Jose, CA.
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Mid-West Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Alliance Moving & Storage has been providing dependable local residential moving services in and around Rolling Meadows, IL, since 2016. With an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 3.8 on Google, they have earned a solid reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, Alliance Moving & Storage stands out with their comprehensive offerings, including packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities to move pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. They accept both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a convenient and flexible choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 75043
Years in Business: 41
DOT #: 294025
Mid-West Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in the Elk Grove Village, IL area since 1984, specializing in local residential moves. While their Yelp reviews average at 2.8 from 77 reviews, their stellar Google My Business rating of 4.7 from 385 reviews and an A+ BBB rating speak volumes about their overall customer satisfaction. Unlike many nearby movers, Mid-West Moving & Storage distinguishes itself with a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moves like pianos and antiques. They also offer full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking for added peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 93712
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 504435
Alternate Names: Golan’s Moving and Storage, Inc.
Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc., based in Skokie, IL, has been a staple in the local moving industry since 1992, specializing in residential moves within the area. With a strong reputation backed by 553 Yelp reviews averaging 3.5 stars, and an impressive 4.5-star rating from 556 Google reviews, they stand out among nearby moving companies. They boast an A+ rating from the BBB, underscoring their commitment to customer satisfaction. Offering a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques, Golan’s Moving & Storage ensures a smooth and efficient moving experience with full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- 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
Cost to move from Illinois to San Jose, CA
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Illinois to San Jose, CA with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,273 – $4,809 | $1,178 – $2,858 | $1,145 – $2,256 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,410 – $6,993 | $2,073 – $4,105 | $1,278 – $2,767 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,026 – $11,011 | $3,016 – $6,014 | $1,613 – $3,524 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,103-mile move from Illinois to San Jose, CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 04, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to San Jose, CA
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to San Jose, CA, you can expect to spend between $1,273 and $4,809. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,410 to $6,993 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $6,026 and $11,011.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to San Jose, CA
When moving from Illinois to San Jose, CA, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,178 and $2,858. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,073 to $4,105. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,016 up to $6,014. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to San Jose, CA
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from Illinois to San Jose, CA, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,145 and $2,256. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,278 and $2,767. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,613 and $3,524.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Illinois to San Jose, CA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Professionals Moving Specialists | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Mid-West Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| New City Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
Out of the 2,976 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Illinois movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Illinois | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 96% | 96% |
| Antiques | 47% | 47% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 2% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Illinois to San Jose, CA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in San Jose, CA is really like compared to Illinois. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. San Jose, CA
| Illinois | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,179 | $3,095 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $83,421 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 231 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 6.6% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
San Jose sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in San Jose is roughly 163% higher than in Illinois. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices in San Jose are approximately 483% higher than in Illinois. Be sure to budget for a larger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall homeownership costs.
- You’ll typically earn about 6% more in San Jose than in Illinois, which means extra breathing room in your budget, whether you want to spend more or save more.
- With unemployment 25% higher in San Jose than Illinois, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- Expect income taxes in California to run about 169% higher than in Illinois, which could cut into your paycheck.
How life is different in San Jose from Illinois
| San Jose | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 73-25 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 17″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 19.7 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- During the last presidential election, both Illinois and San Jose supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer in San Jose usually hits around 82ºF, pretty similar to the 86ºF you’re used to in Illinois. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, San Jose reaches a temperature of 42ºF while Illinois gets down to 17ºF. Relocating to San Jose means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- In San Jose, you’ll see just 17 inches of rain annually, much less than the 40 inches you’re used to in Illinois. With fewer rainy days, you’ll have more opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoors. This sunnier climate can really lift your mood and energy as you settle into your new home.
- San Jose doesn’t get snow, while Illinois sees around 22 inches annually. Relocating to San Jose means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- San Jose has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 47.73 vs 19.7. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in San Jose
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, San Jose has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in San Jose
Parks in San Jose
Sports teams in San Jose
Universities in San Jose
Other considerations when moving to San Jose, CA
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to California without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Illinois to San Jose take?
The time frame for a move from Illinois to San Jose, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in Illinois, the longer it’ll take to reach San Jose. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from Illinois to San Jose can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to San Jose?
If you’re gearing up for a 2,103-mile move from Illinois to San Jose, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Jose, CA?
Summer in San Jose can reach highs of 82°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 42°F. That’s why most people moving from Illinois to San Jose opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
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