Local moving companies in Illinois
Moving from Illinois to Knoxville, TN calls for the support of experienced and reliable movers who can handle relocations with ease.
Out of 78 Illinois movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Knoxville, TN.
- 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 Knoxville, TN
Check out the table below for average cost ranges to move from Illinois to Knoxville, TN, across different service types and home sizes.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,043 – $3,000 | $653 – $1,574 | $425 – $766 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,968 – $4,987 | $1,253 – $2,263 | $445 – $967 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,573 – $7,264 | $1,703 – $3,194 | $583 – $1,202 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 556-mile move from Illinois to Knoxville, TN using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of confirmed prices from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to account for seasonal patterns and market movement. Actual charges can change depending on load size, optional services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and your dates. Always compare several quotes to get a realistic price range.
Cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to Knoxville, TN
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Illinois to Knoxville, TN, you’ll likely pay between $1,043 and $3,000. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,968 and $4,987 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,573 to $7,264.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Knoxville, TN
When you’re heading from Illinois to Knoxville, TN, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $653 and $1,574. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,253 and $2,263. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,703 to $3,194. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Knoxville, TN
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck from Illinois to Knoxville, TN will cost around $425 to $766. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $445 to $967, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms costs around $583 to $1,202.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Compare local moving companies from Illinois to Knoxville, TN
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 | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Among the 3,175 movers we’ve evaluated, here’s where Illinois movers stand in terms of national service and discount offerings:
| 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 Knoxville, TN
Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Knoxville, TN has in store compared to Illinois. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and local culture to spots you don’t want to miss.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Knoxville, TN
| Illinois | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,179 | $1,795 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $61,050 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.7% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
Knoxville sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Knoxville is about 52% higher than in Illinois. Be sure to factor this into your budget.
- Expect home prices in Knoxville to be about 40% higher than in Illinois. Plan ahead for a bigger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall costs of owning a home.
- On average, incomes in Knoxville are about 22% lower than in Illinois. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you move.
- With unemployment 11% lower in Knoxville than Illinois, you may find opportunities easier to come by.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Knoxville from Illinois
| Knoxville | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-34 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 50″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 6″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 19.7 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Knoxville voted Republican, while Illinois leaned Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Knoxville is 88ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF. With summer temperatures being similar, you’ll likely enjoy an easy transition, but don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather trends, and energy costs to truly understand what summer will be like in your new state.
- In the coldest months, Knoxville typically dips to 28ºF, while Illinois can reach lows of 17ºF. By moving to Knoxville, you’ll experience milder winters, making everyday life simpler, less expensive, and perfect for enjoying more time outdoors.
- You can expect about 50 inches of rain each year in Knoxville, significantly more than the 40 inches you’re used to in Illinois. That extra rain comes with lusher landscapes and wetter days, so it’s a good idea to grab some quality waterproof gear and embrace the new climate.
- In Knoxville, it only snows about 6 inches annually while Illinois gets 22 inches. Moving to Knoxville, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
- Knoxville has a higher crime rate than Illinois, with a crime index of 42.54 compared to 19.7. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good reminder to look into local safety precautions and consider how it could impact your daily routine.
Things to do in Knoxville
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Knoxville really has something for everyone.
Museums in Knoxville
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- East Tennesse Historical Society
- Muse Knoxville
- Old Smoky Railway Museum
- Art Market Gallery
Parks in Knoxville
- Lakeshore Park
- World’s Fair Park
- Krutch Park
- Fort Dickerson Park
- Volunteer Landing Park
Sports teams in Knoxville
- Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)
Universities in Knoxville
- South College
- The University of Tennessee
- Fountainhead College of Technology
- Johnson University
- University of Phoenix Knoxville
Other considerations when moving to Knoxville, TN
- HOA rules: Before moving day, check your neighborhood or community rules so you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve your building’s elevator in advance and double-check any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify your Tennessee moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Tennessee, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. This way, you can select your moving date and ensure your mail is forwarded to Tennessee right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
FAQ
How long does a move from Illinois to Knoxville take?
How long it takes to move from Illinois to Knoxville, TN depends on your starting point and the type of move you choose. No matter the method, loading your belongings usually takes a day or less, even if you’re doing it yourself.
If you’re starting from northern Illinois, it’ll take longer to get to Knoxville. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Getting your stuff from Illinois to Knoxville can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you choose movers or a moving container. Be sure to request a delivery estimate before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to Knoxville?
Planning a 556-mile move from Illinois to Knoxville? Once you know your moving date, book your movers right away. Reserving two to three months ahead means better prices and a better shot at your preferred date.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Knoxville, TN?
With the summer highs of 88°F and the winter lows of 28°F, most people move to Knoxville from Illinois during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Knoxville during summer or winter.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
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