Planning a move from Atlanta to Illinois? Get real cost estimates, top Atlanta mover picks, and a full breakdown of this 687-mile route.
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If you're moving from Atlanta to Illinois, you're covering roughly 687 miles — far enough that your choice between a full-service mover, a container company, or a rental truck will determine both your cost and how much of the physical work falls on you. This page breaks down actual cost ranges for each option, gives you an honest read on the top Atlanta movers for this route, and walks through what you're gaining — and trading away — when you swap Atlanta for Illinois.
Of the 49 Atlanta-area movers that handle out-of-state moves, these five have the strongest track records for the Atlanta-to-Illinois route.
If you want to include a national carrier in your comparison, SafeShip Moving is one operator I've found worth getting a quote from on long-distance routes like this one.
4.6 / 5 | 368 Yelp reviews | 64 Google reviews | BBB: A+
65% positive / 32% negative
Atlanta Peach Movers has 26 years in the business, and you can see it in how their crews operate — professional, communicative, careful with belongings. Most customers mention that movers showed up ready to work and handled furniture without being asked twice. Those are the fundamentals, and this company generally delivers them.
The 32% negative rate is the thing I'd want you to know going in. The recurring issues are damaged items, charges that weren't discussed upfront, and a claims process that customers describe as slow and frustrating. If your move goes without a hitch — and most do — you'll probably be satisfied. If something breaks, getting it resolved takes patience.
State license: 8292 | DOT: 797586 | (770) 849-9602
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
4.7 / 5 | 209 Yelp reviews | 707 Google reviews | BBB: A+
86% positive / 14% negative
Zip has the best positive-review ratio on this list — 86% favorable across more than 900 reviews is genuinely hard to sustain at that volume. Customers consistently praise fast, damage-free moves, crews that arrive on time, and pricing that actually matches the quote. That last part matters more than people realize until they've been hit with a surprise charge.
The 14% who had problems describe some serious ones: damaged belongings, unexpected fees, and difficulty getting anyone to engage on claims. Read the contract before signing and document your valuables before the truck shows up.
State license: 8948 | DOT: 3306591 | Rate: $125/hr | (770) 799-2596
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing
4.5 / 5 | 105 Yelp reviews | BBB: A+
95% positive / 4% negative
A 95% positive rate across 337 reviews is about as clean as it gets in this industry. The feedback is remarkably consistent: professional crews, careful handling, smooth communication, moves that finish on time. Very few billing surprises or damage complaints in the review pool.
One thing to confirm before booking: 24/7 Moving's listed services are oriented toward local moves. Before you put them on this Atlanta-to-Illinois run, verify they handle the interstate leg — not every company that's excellent locally is set up for long-distance delivery logistics.
State license: 500181 | (404) 668-0677
Services: Local, packing, offices, art, antiques, crating, storage, fragile-only packing
4.6 / 5 | 51 Yelp reviews | 198 Google reviews | BBB: A+
77% positive / 21% negative
Armstrong has 39 years in the business and explicitly handles interstate and international relocations — the infrastructure for a move to Illinois is there. Customers rate the coordinators highly for keeping them informed and appreciate how crews handle schedule changes without making things difficult.
The 21% negative rate is elevated compared to the others on this list. Recurring complaints involve damaged items, missed delivery windows, and slow claims resolution. On a 687-mile move, the delivery window matters — get that commitment in writing before you sign anything.
State license: 206366 | DOT: 1170867 | (770) 368-0368
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, storage, fragile-only packing
4.5 / 5 | 34 Yelp reviews | 1,206 Google reviews | BBB: B-
88% positive / 12% negative
More than 1,200 Google reviews is a meaningful sample — you're seeing a real cross-section of customer experiences, not a curated handful. At 88% positive, the majority of customers get professional, organized service with pricing that holds to the quote. Crews get consistent praise for their attitude and efficiency.
The BBB grade of B- is worth flagging. The complaints that do exist center on furniture damage and billing disputes. For a long-haul move, document everything before loading and make sure you understand how the company handles damage claims before you commit.
State license: 8782 | DOT: 3154107 | (678) 276-6044
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
Here's a quick look at specialty service availability across Atlanta's 49 interstate-capable movers:
| Service | Movers offering | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 40 | 81.6% |
| Small moves | 32 | 65.3% |
| Pianos | 31 | 63.3% |
| Antiques | 28 | 57.1% |
| Art | 25 | 51.0% |
| Fragile-only packing | 12 | 24.5% |
Fragile-only packing is offered by fewer than a quarter of Atlanta's movers — if you need it, make it an explicit question when you're getting quotes rather than assuming it's included.
Here are the typical cost ranges for this 687-mile route. Use the moving cost calculator to get a sharper number for your specific home size, date, and zip codes.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,087 – $3,531 | $681 – $1,730 | $487 – $929 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,171 – $5,500 | $1,301 – $2,398 | $541 – $1,072 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,831 – $7,749 | $1,708 – $3,270 | $662 – $1,260 |
Based on a 687-mile Atlanta, GA to Illinois move as of January 2026. Actual costs vary with load size, access conditions, fuel prices, add-on services, and move date. Get multiple quotes before committing.
A studio or one-bedroom move runs $1,087–$3,531 with a full-service mover. Two- or three-bedroom homes land in the $2,171–$5,500 range. Large homes — four bedrooms or more — can push up to $7,749 at the high end.
The spread within each range is mostly driven by add-ons: packing services, specialty item handling, long-carry fees, and storage if your delivery windows don't line up. Get a binding estimate whenever possible — it eliminates the billing surprise on delivery day.
Moving containers are a practical middle ground: you pack on your own timeline, they handle the drive. For a small move, expect $681–$1,730. Two to three bedrooms lands at $1,301–$2,398, and larger homes run $1,708–$3,270.
PODS is the most recognizable option, but compare pricing from at least two container companies before booking — rates on a route this long vary more than you'd expect.
A rental truck will give you the lowest price on paper, with studio and one-bedroom moves running $487–$929, two to three bedrooms at $541–$1,072, and four-bedroom or larger at $662–$1,260. Fuel is factored into those estimates.
The trade-off is real: you're loading, driving nearly 700 miles, and unloading all yourself. Know what you're agreeing to before the savings start looking attractive.
Three variables will move your final number more than anything else:
The financial case for this move is generally solid. Moving to Illinois from Atlanta means lower housing costs, a lower overall cost of living, and — perhaps surprisingly — higher average income. Here's how the numbers compare.
| Atlanta, GA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,900 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $388,167 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,107 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 113 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.95% |
Sources: Atlanta — World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois — Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
| Atlanta, GA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 498,715 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51–49 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 88°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 33°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 52″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 64.23 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia.
| Pros of Atlanta, GA | Pros of Illinois |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Home of Chicago |
| Mild winters | Ample economic opportunity |
| Strong arts and recreation scene | Extensive recreational opportunities |
| Abundant entertainment options | World-class food scene |
| Quality education options | World-class sports culture |
| Cons of Atlanta, GA | Cons of Illinois |
|---|---|
| Notorious traffic | Harsh winters |
| Urban sprawl | Heavy traffic (especially Chicago) |
| Hot, humid summers | High crime in some urban areas |
| High crime rate | Flat, monotonous landscape |
| Significant poverty | Strict local regulations |
Hiring movers is only part of what needs to happen. A few other logistics worth handling before your move date:
Illinois has more going for it than Chicago alone — though Chicago alone is substantial.
Typically one to six days, depending on which moving method you choose and the time of year. Full-service movers generally deliver within one to three days on a route this length under normal conditions. Summer moves run slower due to demand. Ask for a specific delivery window in writing — not a verbal estimate — before you book.
Twenty-nine Atlanta movers list custom crating. It's particularly worth asking about for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces that won't survive a standard box. Confirm crate specs and cost upfront — this service varies significantly in quality and price between companies.
Auto transport is the most practical option for most people. If you need to ship your car from Atlanta to Illinois, look for carriers with verifiable interstate experience and solid insurance coverage. Get at least two or three quotes — pricing on this route varies more than it reasonably should.
Chicago is the primary draw — it's one of the few cities outside the coasts with a genuinely world-class economy, food culture, and infrastructure. Lower home prices and higher average incomes in Illinois are real financial incentives on top of that. People leaving Atlanta most often cite traffic and urban sprawl as the push factors.
If you're considering the reverse trip, check out our Chicago to Atlanta moving guide for that route's specifics.
The movefinders.org best long-distance movers page has vetted options that handle interstate routes from Atlanta. You can also run your details through the cost calculator to see actual bids from companies available on your specific move date.
Fifteen Atlanta movers currently accept cash. Most interstate carriers prefer traceable payments — credit card or money order — particularly on long-distance moves where multiple parties are involved. The standard process is a deposit to lock your date and crew, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the exact payment schedule and accepted methods before signing anything.
See what your Atlanta to Illinois move actually costs for your home size and date — compare quotes from Atlanta movers and get real numbers fast.
