Local moving companies in Milwaukee
Out of 11 Milwaukee movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Hernia Movers Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Brothers Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 689374
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 78
DOT #: 514341
Alternate Names: Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 49
DOT #: 246074
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2301274
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 877973
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Milwaukee, WI
At a glance, the number of Milwaukee movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Milwaukee, WI to Illinois
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Milwaukee to Illinois with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $779 – $2,924 | $539 – $1,305 | $242 – $446 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,376 – $4,334 | $1,009 – $1,875 | $258 – $527 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,041 – $5,774 | $1,285 – $2,330 | $324 – $611 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 226-mile move from Milwaukee, WI, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Milwaukee to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Milwaukee to Illinois typically costs between $779 and $2,924. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,376 and $4,334. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,041 up to $5,774.
Cost of moving containers from Milwaukee to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Milwaukee to Illinois, you’ll typically spend between $539 and $1,305 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,009 up to $1,875. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,285 and $2,330. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Milwaukee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Milwaukee to Illinois, expect to pay between $242 and $446. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $258 to $527. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $324 and $611.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Milwaukee to IL
The cost of a move in Milwaukee can change based on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have, as well as your home size and layout, will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Peak summer months in Milwaukee often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from Milwaukee to IL
When you move to Illinois from Milwaukee, WI, expect living costs to be largely equivalent. Your financial planning may not require significant changes, yet it’s advisable to analyze the expenses to pinpoint any minor discrepancies.
Compare cost of living: Milwaukee vs. Illinois
| Milwaukee, WI | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $200,685 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 88 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 6% lower in Illinois than in Milwaukee, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
- You’ll spend roughly 24% more on housing in Illinois compared to Milwaukee, so plan for a larger mortgage.
- Exciting news: the average income is about 58% higher in Illinois than in Milwaukee, so you’ll likely have more room to save or invest.
- Since cost of living levels are so similar in Illinois and Milwaukee, you won’t see much financial change after relocating.
- The unemployment rate in Illinois is around 28% lower than in Milwaukee, pointing to a more favorable employment outlook.
- Illinois’s income tax rates are about 35% lower than Wisconsin’s, so you’ll keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Milwaukee, WI from Illinois
When planning a move from Milwaukee to Illinois, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the Milwaukee behind for life in Illinois.
| Milwaukee, WI | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,222 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 45″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 66.76 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Milwaukee and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Summer highs typically reach about 86ºF in Illinois and 83ºF in Milwaukee. With similar temperatures, you shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- In the coldest months, Illinois averages 17ºF and Milwaukee sees about 14ºF. With such similar winter lows, your lifestyle and expenses should remain steady between the two.
- In Illinois, expect around 40 inches of rainfall yearly, much like the 35 inches you’ve seen in Milwaukee. Your overall experience shouldn’t change much, though the seasonal rhythm of rain may differ.
- In Illinois, it only snows about 22 inches annually while Milwaukee gets 45 inches. Moving to Illinois, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
- Illinois has a lower crime index of 19.7 versus Milwaukee at 66.76, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Milwaukee to Illinois, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time 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. Double-check that your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Illinois moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Illinois without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the 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: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Illinois has plenty for you to discover 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 Milwaukee to Illinois take?
The time it takes to move from Milwaukee, WI, to Illinois ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take one to two days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in Milwaukee offer custom-built crate services?
Three movers in Milwaukee list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a Milwaukee mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Milwaukee to Illinois?
Need to ship your car from Milwaukee to Illinois? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from Wisconsin to Illinois.
Why are people moving from Milwaukee to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Milwaukee?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Milwaukee.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from Milwaukee, WI?
THere are currently, one movers in Milwaukee that allow customers to pay with cash. Keep in mind that cash remains the exception; most carriers want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard process is to pay a deposit to secure the date and crew. You’ll pay the remainder at pickup or after delivery—verify the exact timing and acceptable methods before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Wisconsin moving services
Popular Wisconsin routes
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