Real cost estimates, top-rated Aurora movers, and a straight comparison of Aurora vs. Illinois living—everything you need before you book.
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If you're moving from Aurora, CO to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 950 miles and a lifestyle shift worth understanding before you commit to anything. Below I'll break down what this move actually costs, which local Aurora movers hold up on a route this long, and what's genuinely different about life on the other side.
Out of 53 Aurora-area movers capable of handling interstate work, these five ranked highest for the Aurora-to-Illinois run:
Here's what the reviews actually say about each one.
7700 E Iliff Ave B, Denver, CO 80231 | (303) 653-1486
A 90% positive rate across 400+ reviews is not easy to sustain. Moving U earns it through crews that reliably show up on time, communicate throughout the move, and treat furniture like it matters. Pricing transparency comes up repeatedly as a positive — customers mention clear, upfront estimates. The complaints that do surface cluster around final bills coming in above quote, occasional late arrivals, and crew-to-crew inconsistency. On a long-haul move, crew consistency matters more than it does locally. Get your estimate in writing and ask who's specifically assigned to your job.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing.
2323 S Troy St Building 2 Suite 105, Aurora, CO 80015 | (303) 368-0700
A Simple Move is the only Aurora-based company on this list, which gives them a familiarity advantage in the local leg of your move. The 92% positive rate across 316 reviews is the kind of consistency that indicates an actual system, not just a lucky streak. Customers flag efficient scheduling, organized crews, and better communication than most national brands. The weak spot is damage resolution — when something goes wrong, getting compensated can be a slog, particularly if you packed anything yourself. Confirm their claims process before you sign.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes.
7301 Montview Blvd, Denver, CO 80220 | (720) 222-9596
Highest positive rate on this list at 95% across 358 reviews, and the negative feedback is largely minor — the occasional slow day or small damage. What I find most telling is their repeat-customer rate; reviewers consistently mention coming back or recommending them. That's a harder metric to game than star ratings. They also handle international moves, which signals real operational depth.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage.
5455 Dahlia St Unit B, Commerce City, CO 80022 | (970) 685-3942
At 91.8% positive across 318 reviews, Skyline holds up well at a meaningful sample size. Customers highlight efficient crews, good communication, and careful packing. The recurring complaint is insurance — specifically, that coverage was harder to use after damage than customers expected. If you have high-value items, ask explicitly about their full-valuation coverage cost and claims process before you commit. Don't assume protection is automatic.
Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, offices, crating, storage.
7925 East Harvard Avenue, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 572-1600
You Move Me sits last here because 27% negative is hard to overlook, especially with 1,226 Google reviews giving us a large and honest sample. On good days, the crew is professional, fast, and genuinely friendly. On bad ones, reviewers report damaged items, underestimated costs, and last-minute changes without much accountability. The gap between best-case and worst-case service is wider here than with the others on this list. If you book them, lock in your estimate in writing and document your belongings before the truck loads.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating.
Of the 53 Aurora movers capable of interstate work, here's how specialty services break down:
These figures are based on a ~948-mile haul from Aurora. They're realistic ranges, not guarantees — your final number moves based on volume, timing, access, and what add-ons you need. Use the moving cost calculator to build a more specific estimate once you know your home size and move date.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,105 – $4,593 | $749 – $1,935 | $601 – $1,081 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,476 – $5,538 | $1,400 – $2,693 | $649 – $1,326 |
| 4+ BR | $4,114 – $7,468 | $1,792 – $3,713 | $774 – $1,611 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Fuel is factored into truck rental figures. Get at least three mover quotes before booking — the spread on a 950-mile move can be significant.
A studio or one-bedroom typically runs $1,105 to $4,593 with a full-service mover. Two or three bedrooms: $2,476 to $5,538. Larger households — four bedrooms or more — land between $4,114 and $7,468. That upper end reflects peak-season timing, complex logistics, or a lot of specialty items.
Moving containers are the middle path — you load on your schedule, the company drives. Studio or one-bedroom runs $749 to $1,935. Two to three bedrooms: $1,400 to $2,693. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,792 to $3,713. It's a good fit if you need flexibility on when things get loaded or delivered.
Rental trucks are the cheapest option by a wide margin — but you're trading dollars for effort, and 950 miles of driving a loaded box truck is real effort. Studio/one-bedroom: $601 to $1,081. Two to three bedrooms: $649 to $1,326. Four-plus bedrooms: $774 to $1,611. Fuel is included in these figures, but budget separately for tolls and any overnight stops.
Three things move the needle most:
The cost-of-living gap between Aurora and Illinois is significant enough that it should factor into your planning — not just your moving budget, but your financial picture on the other side.
| Aurora, CO | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,850 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $476,793 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $72,052 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 124 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.95% |
Aurora sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
Here's what those numbers actually mean:
| Aurora, CO | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 386,261 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 88°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 18°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 17" | 40" |
| Annual snowfall | 62" | 22" |
| Crime index | 59.05 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia.
A few things worth calling out:
Getting your logistics right before move day saves real headaches. Don't skip these:
Illinois is anchored by Chicago, which is its own world. But outside the city there's plenty — good parks, serious universities, and a sports scene that runs year-round.
Museums
Parks
Sports Teams
Universities
Two to seven days, depending on your mover's schedule, how much you're shipping, and the time of year. Summer moves trend toward the longer end of that range. Get a delivery window estimate from your mover before you book — vague answers here are a yellow flag.
Yes — 37 movers in Aurora list custom crating as a service. It's worth asking about if you're shipping anything fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped. Ask about crate dimensions and how much lead time they need before your move date.
Use a dedicated auto transport company rather than bundling it with your household move. Look for carriers with documented experience on this route, clear damage liability, and enclosed transport options if you have a high-value vehicle.
The main pull is Chicago — the job market, economic opportunity, and cultural infrastructure of the metro area are significant draws. The lower cost of living compared to Aurora is a secondary factor, especially for anyone thinking about buying a home.
Ten movers in Aurora currently accept cash. It's the exception, not the standard — most carriers prefer traceable payment for both parties' protection. Typical process is a deposit to hold your crew and date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the exact timing and acceptable payment methods before you sign.
More planning resources: moving tips | how to choose a mover | moving cost guide
