Local moving companies in Cleveland
Out of 28 Cleveland movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bright Eyed Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving And Storage Company , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 653905
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 157491
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 1657726
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136482
Years in Business: 116
DOT #: 2508132
Alternate Names: Weleski – Fridrich Moving & Storage Cleveland Ohio , Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Cleveland, OH
Quick breakdown of Cleveland movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from Cleveland, OH to Illinois
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from Cleveland to Illinois, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,151 – $3,014 | $643 – $1,636 | $404 – $682 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,036 – $4,939 | $1,220 – $2,166 | $435 – $843 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,278 – $7,523 | $1,620 – $2,777 | $490 – $1,004 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 472-mile move from Cleveland, OH, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from Cleveland to Illinois
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Cleveland to Illinois will cost between $1,151 and $3,014. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,036 to $4,939, and a large move will cost from $3,278 to $7,523.
Cost of moving containers from Cleveland to Illinois
If you’re moving from Cleveland to Illinois, expect to pay between $643 and $1,636 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,220 up to $2,166. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,620 and $2,777. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Cleveland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cleveland to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck from Cleveland to Illinois, expect to spend between $404 and $682. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $435 and $843. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $490 up to $1,004 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Cleveland to IL
When calculating the price of Cleveland movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Cleveland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from Cleveland to IL
Transitioning from Cleveland to Illinois offers fresh opportunities, but also a rise in expenses. Given that Illinois’s living costs are generally steeper than in Cleveland, creating a solid budget will help ease the adjustment.
Find out how Cleveland contrasts with Illinois so you can head into your move with confidence:
Compare cost of living: Cleveland vs. Illinois
| Cleveland, OH | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,295 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $108,509 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,965 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 83 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 9% less expensive in Illinois compared to Cleveland, leaving you more flexibility with your income.
- Homes in Illinois cost about 130% more than in Cleveland, so expect a higher mortgage payment.
- Expect incomes in Illinois to be about 21% higher than in Cleveland, offering more opportunities to save or spend.
- Moving to Illinois means the cost of living runs about 8% higher than in Cleveland, so you’ll want a clear financial plan.
- In Illinois, the unemployment rate is about 22% below Cleveland’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
- Income taxes run about 41% higher in Illinois than in Ohio, which means less spending money.
How life is different in Cleveland, OH from Illinois
When relocating from Cleveland to Illinois, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in Illinois stacks up against life in the Cleveland.
| Cleveland, OH | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-43 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 54″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Illinois leaned Democratic, while Cleveland supported Republican.
- Comparable summer highs of about 86ºF in Illinois match those of 82ºF in Cleveland. With similarly warm temperatures, adjusting to your new climate might prove easy. Consider examining humidity, climate patterns, and energy demands for a full representation of how summers will unfold in your new home.
- Winter lows in Illinois average about 17ºF, while Cleveland usually dips to 22ºF. Since the temperatures are similar, you can expect steady seasonal routines and costs without big surprises.
- In Illinois, you’ll see about 40 inches of rain each year, almost the same as the 38 inches you’re familiar with in Cleveland. Even with similar totals, don’t overlook differences in how and when that rain falls.
- In Illinois, you can expect about 22 inches of snow each year, much less than the 54 inches you’d deal with in Cleveland. So, if you’re moving to Illinois, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Illinois has a lower crime rate than Cleveland, with indexes at 19.7 vs 63.41. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Cleveland, OH versus Illinois:
Moving to a new place brings exciting possibilities. Here’s what makes living in Cleveland special compared to Illinois.
| Pros of living in Cleveland, OH | Pros of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Abundant food options | Home of Chicago |
| Beautiful nature | Ample economic opportunity |
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Friendly people | Delicious food |
| Diverse | World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of Cleveland, OH versus Illinois:
Making the move from Cleveland to Illinois isn’t always easy, and there are important factors to consider.
| Cons of living in Cleveland, OH | Cons of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Construction | Harsh winter weather |
| Brutal winters | Bad traffic |
| Limited economic opportunity | High crime rate |
| High crime rate | Dull landscape |
| High taxes | Strict laws |
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
If you’re moving from Cleveland to Illinois, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- State 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a Illinois moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. 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 checklist: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in Illinois
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—Illinois is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Cleveland to Illinois take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Cleveland, OH to Illinois? Typically, the process takes about one to four days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many Cleveland movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 13 movers in Cleveland that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a Cleveland moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from Cleveland to Illinois?
Looking to move your car from Cleveland to Illinois? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from Ohio to Illinois.
Why are people moving from Cleveland to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity. On the other hand, people are moving away from Cleveland because of the construction and brutal winters.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Cleveland?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Cleveland.
Do movers in Cleveland, OH, accept cash?
Yes, three movers in Cleveland accept cash. However, cash is uncommon in the moving space, where traceable payment types are standard. You’ll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking before moving day. The rest of the total is due at pickup or post-delivery—confirm the schedule and permitted payment methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
Ohio moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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