Local moving companies in Illinois
When making the move from Illinois to Boston, MA, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier.
Out of 78 Illinois movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Boston, MA.
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Mighty Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 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 #: 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 #: 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
Years in Business: 3
DOT #: 3788656
Alternate Names: Heroic Moving & Storage Experts
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- 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
Cost to move from Illinois to Boston, MA
The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from Illinois to Boston, MA, by home size and moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,195 – $4,514 | $875 – $2,114 | $696 – $1,391 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,454 – $5,642 | $1,582 – $3,162 | $798 – $1,654 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,056 – $8,062 | $2,180 – $4,174 | $917 – $1,878 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,104-mile move from Illinois to Boston, MA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of authenticated price data points from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Your end price can vary by shipment size, added services, parking/access limitations, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing several mover quotes to confirm pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to Boston, MA
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to Boston, MA, you can expect prices to land between $1,195 and $4,514. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,454 to $5,642. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,056 and $8,062.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Boston, MA
Moving containers from Illinois to Boston, MA, will cost you $875 to $2,114 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,582 to $3,162. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,180 to $4,174. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Boston, MA
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $696 and $1,391 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Illinois to Boston, MA with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $798 to $1,654. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $917 to $1,878.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Compare local moving companies from Illinois to Boston, MA
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STI Moving & Storage Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| New City Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Mighty Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| The Professionals Moving Specialists | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Considering the 3,175 movers we’ve assessed, take a look at how Illinois movers compare against the national average for services and discounts provided:
| Illinois | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 97% | 96% |
| Antiques | 48% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 2% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Illinois to Boston, MA
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Boston, MA stacks up against Illinois. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Boston, MA
| Illinois | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,179 | $3,400 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $89,212 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 151 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 6.2% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 9.0% |
Boston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 188% more expensive in Boston than in Illinois, so be sure to plan ahead and allocate additional funds.
- In Boston, home prices run about 197% higher than in Illinois. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
- On average, incomes in Boston are about 14% higher than in Illinois. This could help you stay on top of living expenses or grow your savings over time.
- Unemployment in Boston runs 17% above Illinois, so be proactive with networking and applications.
- Income taxes in Massachusetts are 82% higher than in Illinois, leaving you with less take-home pay to cover expenses or save.
How life is different in Boston from Illinois
| Boston | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 48″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 19.7 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Boston voted Republican and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Summers in Boston typically reach highs of 82ºF, which is comparable to the average 86ºF in Illinois. The temps in your new home shouldn’t come as a shock. However, be sure to consider the area’s humidity, local weather patterns, and changes in energy expenses for a complete picture of what summer will feel like in your new home.
- During the coldest months, Boston sees lows of 19ºF, about the same as Illinois, which hits 17ºF. With similar winter temperatures, your move should go smoothly.
- 47 inches of rain each year in Boston, considerably more than the 40 inches you’re used to in Illinois. With all that extra rainfall, you’ll notice greener scenery and more frequent rainy days. Drive carefully, invest in some reliable rain gear, and get ready to enjoy life in a much rainier climate.
- In Boston, it snows about 48 inches annually while Illinois gets only about 22 inches. With the additional snow you’ll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
- Crime rates in Boston are higher than in Illinois, with a crime index of 39.88 versus 19.7. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Boston
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Boston can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Boston
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
- Museum of Science
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Parks in Boston
- Boston Public Garden
- Boston Common
- Arnold Arboretum
- Charles River Esplanade
- Rose Kennedy Greenway
Sports teams in Boston
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Boston
- Bay State College
- Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
- Berklee College of Music
- Boston Architectural College
- Boston University
Other considerations when moving to Boston, MA
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can check your Massachusetts moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to Massachusetts, but you should check local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Massachusetts. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is everything. With our moving checklist, you can be sure you’re on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Illinois to Boston take?
The time it takes to move from Illinois to Boston, MA varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re heading to Boston from northern Illinois, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Moving your belongings from Illinois to Boston typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Make sure to ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to Boston?
Because of the 1,104-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Illinois to Boston as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Boston, MA?
With summer temperatures reaching 82°F and winter nights dipping to 19°F, most people make the move from Illinois to Boston in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
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