If you’re moving to or from Illinois, we recommend American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines as the best moving companies in the state. American Van Lines features flat-rate pricing and a price match guarantee. Likewise, Allied Van Lines is one of the country’s largest and most experienced moving companies, handling both local and long-distance moves in Illinois.
When ranking the best moving companies in the Prairie State, we also looked at Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) regulations for local movers, parking permits requirements, and other important details that can help you plan your move. Read on to learn more about our top providers and see which ones best match your moving needs.
Key Takeaways
- American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines top our list of moving companies in Illinois, which were also the most popular choices among state residents in our 2025 survey of movers nationwide.
- The average cost of a move in Illinois is $2,908, which is slightly less than the national average of $3,020.
- Our 2025 moving survey showed that roughly 73% of Illinois residents move locally within state lines, which typically takes one day to complete.
Top Moving Companies in Illinois
From the streets of the Windy City to the fields of Southern Illinois, your moving plans could look different depending on where you live. To help you plan a stress-free move, we ranked and reviewed the best moving companies in Illinois.
- American Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
Compare the Top Moving Companies in Illinois
Shopping around and getting quotes from different moving companies can feel overwhelming, but it helps to see your options side-by-side before digging in deeper. Use the table below to get an overview of what our top moving providers can offer.
| Provider | Our Score | BBB Rating | Average Price | Deposit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A- | $3,218 | 10%–50% | |||
A+ | $3,520 | None | |||
A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | |||
A+ | $2,273 | $250 | |||
A+ | $3,601 | None |
Our Top Picks For Moving Companies in Illinois
American Van Lines
American Van Lines stands out as our top moving pick in Illinois because of its price-matching policy and wide range of services. It’s one of the few moving companies we’ve reviewed that offers price matching, so if you get a cheaper quote from another company, American Van Lines will offer you the same rate. American Van Lines also offers flat-rate pricing, which includes services like piano moving, antique services, assembly and disassembly, and fine art moving, with your move.
However, American Van Lines doesn’t offer local moves in Illinois, meaning the company can only accept long-distance moves to or from the state. Also, American Van Lines doesn’t offer any online shipment tracking tools—you have to do it over the phone. This isn’t a huge setback, but may seem like an inconvenience since most competitors offer tracking online. Still, American Van Lines’s price matching feature and lack of hidden fees can make it a good choice for Illinois movers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers price matching that can meet competing rates
- Provides military moves, commercial moving, corporate relocation, and employee moving services
- Uses a flat-rating pricing structure that automatically includes basic services
Cons
- Doesn’t provide local moves in Illinois
- Doesn’t offer junk removal, vehicle shipping, or appliance and electronics disconnection
Cost and Services
Moving with American Van Lines cost $3,218 on average, but the company also practices price-matching, which can result in more flexible rates than competitors. AVL offers the following services for customers moving in or out of Illinois:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines has been in business since 1928, giving customers almost 100 years of moving experience. It also has one of the largest networks of resources out of any moving company we’ve reviewed, with more than 3,500 vehicles, 4,200 drivers, and 300 agents in North America. Additionally, Allied Van Lines handles local and long-distance moves in all 50 U.S. states, meaning it’s one of the few national providers that can book local moves within Illinois state lines.
Allied Van Lines also stands out for its unique portable shipping container service, Allied Express. With this service, Allied will drop off a portable shipping container to your home and provide a moving team of up to four people to help you load your belongings and ship the container to your new home. Not many full-service movers also offer portable shipping container services, so this is a valuable feature. While Allied Van Lines doesn’t have many customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, its practical perks and deposit-free booking make it one of the best options for Illinois residents.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers local and long-distance moves in Illinois
- Provides portable moving containers through its Allied Express service
- Doesn’t require customers to make a deposit to book their move
Cons
- Doesn’t offer customer service on nights or weekends
- Has fewer online reviews than competitors
Cost and Services
Allied Van Lines costs $3,520 on average, making it one of the more expensive options on our list. The company offers the following services for customers moving to or from Illinois:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
International Van Lines
While International Van Lines (IVL) specializes in international moves to over 140 different countries, that’s hardly the only service it offers. IVL also handles long-distance moves in all 50 U.S. states—including Illinois—with a wide range of moving services like packing, unpacking, vehicle shipping, and more. Customers get a free month of storage with each move, making it a good choice for Illinois movers who need temporary storage between their move-out and move-in dates.
However, IVL doesn’t handle local moves in Illinois, meaning it won’t accept your booking unless you’re going out of state. Additionally, IVL charges extra fees of $75 if movers have to navigate multiple flights of stairs or elevators, so if you live in a large apartment building in Chicago, you may have a slightly higher bill. This is common in the moving industry, so we still recommend IVL as one of the best moving companies in Illinois.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides moving services in all 50 U.S. states and more than 140 countries
- Offers online GPS shipment tracking, 24/7 customer service, and an online chat tool
- Gives customers a month of storage free with each move
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moves in Illinois
- Charges extra fees for having multiple flights of stairs or an elevator
Cost and Services
Moving with International Van Lines costs $3,112 on average, based on quotes we averaged for local and long-distance moves. IVL offers the following services for Illinois customers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Office moves
- Vehicle shipping
JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services stands out for its affordable financing options through Enhancify and reputation for white-glove service. JK Moving is one of the few moving companies we’ve reviewed that offers financing, so customers can pay for their move over time without hurting their credit score. JK Moving also does background checks on its employees and trains movers in-house using a model home at its company headquarters.
JK Moving Services also offers customers several tech-savvy perks, like a 24/7 online chat, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered virtual home surveys, and JK MoveHub, an online portal where customers can make payments and view moving details. While JK Moving only handles local moves in the greater Washington, D.C. area, its convenient features and high-quality service can benefit customers moving long-distance to or from Illinois.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers financing options to help customers afford moving services
- Charges cheaper rates than competitors, based on our quotes
- Commits to background checking, drug testing, and training employees in-house
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moves in Illinois
- Quote process may take longer than with some other companies
Cost and Services
JK Moving Services costs $2,273 on average, making it the cheapest moving company on our list. The company offers the following services for long-distance moves in Illinois and nationwide:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois lost 208 businesses to other states in 2021, the third biggest loss in the country behind New York (487) and California (456). If you’re thinking about moving your company out of Illinois, JK Moving offers more commercial moving services than competitors:
- Archive services
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment services
- Laboratories and medical services
- Technology services
- Warehousing and storage
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is one of the few national long-distance movers we’ve reviewed to offer local moving services in Illinois, partially because the company acts as both a carrier and a broker. Carriers use their own trucks and moving teams to complete moves, while brokers act as agents, connecting customers with local movers in their area. Although being a broker gives NAVL more availability for booking local moves in Illinois, the company may outsource services to a third party, which could cause communication issues and complicate the process. If this worries you, ask a representative if the company will use its own trucks and employees to complete your move during the booking process.
On the flip side, NAVL stands out for its convenient customer service and estimate process, including 24/7 customer support and online shipment tracking. It also gives customers a choice between bottom-line pricing, guaranteed-not-to-exceed pricing, and customizable pricing during the quote process, which is more comprehensive than competitors that only offer binding and non-binding estimates. While NAVL may not have as many online customer reviews as some competitors, the company has more than 90 years of experience and gives Illinois residents more billing options for local and interstate moves.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers local and long-distance services in all 50 U.S. states
- Doesn’t charge a deposit to book moving services
- Has 24/7 customer service and shipment tracking
Cons
- Customer complaints mention some issues with third-party movers
- Doesn’t offer a price-matching feature
Cost and Services
North American Van Lines is the most expensive provider on our list, with an average price of $3,6002. Here’s a list of services Illinois movers can use if they choose NAVL:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
NAVL also provides some unique commercial moving services, like the reallocation, donation, disposal, refurbishment, or recycling of any office items. The company also handles modular installation and relocation, making it easy to move cubicles and other office supplies cross-country.
How Much Does an Illinois Move Cost?
The average cost of a move in Illinois is $2,908, which reflects an average of quotes we gathered for both local and long-distance moves. However, the cost of your individual move will depend on two important factors: the distance you’re traveling and the size of your home. Browse the table below to get a better idea of how much your move may cost based on the size of your home:
| House Size | Average Moving Cost in Illinois |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $2,141 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,872 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,151 |
| 4 bedrooms | $6,018 |
The further you travel to your new home, the higher your rate to compensate for added fuel and labor. Likewise, the bigger your home and the more items you have, the more your shipment will weigh, increasing your overall costs. Even if you’re moving locally and paying by the hour instead of by weight, the more items you have, the longer it will take to load and unload, resulting in a higher bill.
How We Collected Moving Cost Data
To determine average moving costs in Illinois, we requested roughly 4,000 quotes from 15 moving companies in all 50 U.S. states. This included more than 100 quotes within Illinois for sample moves in Chicago, Springfield, Bloomington, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Carpentersville, and more. We requested quotes for local and long-distance moves for different home types and sizes, including studio apartments and single-family dwellings with up to four bedrooms. Then, we averaged prices by provider, home size, distance, and state to give readers a better idea of how these factors affect moving costs.
How Do Illinois Moving Costs Compare to Nearby States?
The average moving cost in Illinois for local and long-distance moves combined is $2,908, which is 4% cheaper than the national average cost of $3,020. This cost is 11% more expensive than the closest five states’ average cost of $2,624.
| State | Average Moving Cost | % Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $2,898 | +0% |
| Indiana | $2,548 | -12% |
| Iowa | $2,811 | -3% |
| Missouri | $2,744 | -6% |
| Kentucky | $2,117 | -27% |
Note: Data based on a 2025 survey of people who have moved within the past 3 years
Additional Factors Affecting Move Costs
Home size and moving distance largely determine your rate with any moving provider, but they’re not the only factors at play. Here’s a list of a few other things to consider that could increase your moving costs:
- Time of year: Summer is the busiest season for moving, especially during weekends, leading to increased demand and higher prices. If you have some date flexibility and want to lower your rates, try booking your move during a weekday in the fall or winter.
- Services: Adding services like packing, unpacking, and vehicle shipping can increase your overall moving costs. While these services seem convenient, you can cut down on costs by packing and unpacking yourself, even if you still let movers handle the loading and unloading.
- Home layout: Many movers charge extra fees for stairs, elevators, or long walks to get to your front door. Prices vary by company, but if you live on the ninth floor of an apartment building in the city, prepare to spend extra cash so movers can access your home.
- Tipping: If you’ve never hired professional movers before, you may not know that tipping is an expectation. We recommend budgeting for $5–$10 per mover per hour to give your crew a decent reward for a successful move.
Moving Factors To Consider in Illinois
If you’re moving to the Prairie State for the first time, you may not know some important details that could impact your move. Here’s a quick list of a few things to keep in mind:
- Out-of-state moves: According to the United Van Lines 2024 National Movers Study, Illinois is second only to New Jersey in terms of outbound moves, with nearly 60% of all movers going out-of-state. If you’re thinking about leaving Illinois for another state, you’ll need to hire interstate movers registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that can cross state lines.
- Local weather: Illinois receives an average of 36 inches of snow a year in the northern parts of the state, which could make booking a move in the winter challenging. Consider your local climate before booking, both for the safety of the crew and for your moving budget. Moving in the rain or snow could make the process take longer, increasing the price of the move if you have an hourly rate.
- City parking: If you plan on moving to or from Chicago, it’s a good idea to get a parking permit for your movers. While it’s not a legal requirement, street parking in the city can quickly become a hassle, so if you want to guarantee there’s room outside your home for a moving truck, contact Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) to reserve parking ahead of time.
- Address changes: Once you move, you have 10 days to notify the Illinois Secretary of State’s (ILSOS) office and legally change your address. This process is free online but requires different forms to change your driver’s license and car registration.
How Does Illinois Regulate Moving Companies?
The federal government regulates interstate moves through the USDOT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), but the regulation of local movers varies by state. Illinois regulates local movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). All local moving companies must obtain a Household Goods License from the ICC before operating within state lines. Before you hire local movers in Illinois, check if the company has the proper licensing.
Once you book your move, keep the following in mind:
- If you experience an issue with a moving company, you can file a complaint with the ICC online. If you hire interstate movers, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA instead.
- If you have any lost or damaged items, you should file a claim with your moving company in writing within 90 of delivery. If you can’t resolve the claim with your mover, you can use the ICC’s dispute resolution service. Contact the ICC by email at ICC.Moving@illinois.gov or by phone at 217-782-6448.
For more information, read the ICC’s Consumer Moving Guide and browse its tips for hiring interstate household goods movers.
Insights from Movers in Illinois
We surveyed 1,000 moving customers nationwide in 2025 to learn more about their experiences and what they liked and disliked about their movers. We discovered that 73% of Illinois customers moved locally within state lines, and that their moves typically took only one day to complete. We also found that 63% of respondents paid based on an hourly rate, not based on the weight of their shipment, which aligns with how most local Illinois movers structure prices.
The most popular add-on service for Illinois customers was packing (32%). Roughly 91% of Illinois residents surveyed said their total cost aligned with their initial quote, while the customers whose costs didn’t align reported paying $100–$2,500 more.
About 91% of Illinois customers said they would hire professional movers again, while the 9% who said they wouldn’t hire movers again cited damaged furniture as the reason. Only 52% of respondents said they were “very satisfied” with their move, but 32% said they were “satisfied,” meaning 84% of all Illinois respondents were relatively happy with how their chosen company handled their move.
FAQs About Moving Companies in Illinois
How much do movers cost in Illinois?
The average cost of a move in Illinois is $2,908, but your exact rate will vary depending on the company you choose, how far you’re traveling, how many items you have, and when you book the move.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself (DIY)?
It’s almost always cheaper to do the move yourself instead of hiring a professional moving company. DIY options like U-Haul and PODS can benefit customers who value affordability and don’t mind doing all the heavy lifting. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by renting a moving truck or portable storage container and doing the rest of the work yourself.
What services do Illinois moving companies typically offer?
Traditional full-service movers—not DIY rental companies— typically offer loading and unloading services, but many also offer packing services, unpacking, vehicle shipping, moving supplies, storage services, and more.
What should I look for when comparing moving companies in Illinois?
We recommend looking for experienced companies offering service in your area, rates within your budget, a wide range of services, and necessary licensing. Make sure interstate moving companies have a USDOT number, and double-check that local Illinois moving companies have a Household Goods License from the ICC.
How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies in Illinois
When choosing the best moving companies in Illinois, we focused on providers offering interstate moving services across the country, not just short-distance movers. We also prioritized full-service movers instead of DIY rental companies or brokers to provide customers with a wider selection of services. In addition to reading customer reviews, we conducted a survey of 1,000 moving customers nationwide to learn more about their experiences with our top-rated providers.
To fairly and thoroughly evaluate moving companies, we developed a 100-point rating system grounded in real customer feedback, regulatory data, and hands-on testing. We gathered moving quotes, verified licensing and safety records, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and even conducted secret shopping to get a full picture of the customer experience. Each company was scored across six essential categories and then given a final rating out of 5 stars.
Here’s how we broke down our review:
- Customer service (18%): We looked at reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot, surveyed recent moving customers, and tested each company’s website and support team ourselves. Companies earned higher marks for having clear communication, responsiveness, and a helpful, user-friendly online experience.
- Reputation (14%): We verified that each mover has proper licensing through the USDOT and checked FMCSA safety records, specifically truck maintenance data. We also gave extra credit to companies that publicly commit to background-checking their crews, showing they prioritize customer safety.
- Value (18%): Using real quotes for three-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles, we compared average prices across providers. We also considered whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they have a clear and simple billing process.
- Service offerings (19%): We evaluated the range of services available, from packing and unpacking to piano moving and junk removal. Movers that offer more options, including DIY solutions like portable storage, scored higher for flexibility and convenience.
- Item protection (20%): We reviewed each company’s insurance offerings and how well they prevent damage during the move. Higher scores went to movers that offer full-value protection and use best practices like shrink wrap, padding, and floor guards.
- Scheduling (11%): We assessed how easy it is to request a quote, speak to a representative, and manage a move from start to finish. Companies with multiple contact options, digital tools like apps or customer portals, and streamlined booking processes stood out from the rest.
