Best movers for Bakersfield-to-Illinois moves. Compare costs, reviews, and what to expect for this 1,974-mile interstate relocation.
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If you're moving from Bakersfield to Illinois, you're looking at a 1,974-mile haul. That's far enough that you'll want experienced hands on the truck—not a fly-by-night outfit. Here are the five best-reviewed local operators in Bakersfield who handle that route regularly.
1. Meathead Movers — 4.64 / 5 stars
2. Mentors Moving & Storage — 4.38 / 5 stars
3. Express Moving & Storage — 4.38 / 5 stars
4. Hansen's Moving and Storage — 4.36 / 5 stars
5. Fit Movers LLC — 4.34 / 5 stars
Address: 2334 Perseus Ct, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Phone: (661) 335-6191
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Yelp reviews (54) | Google reviews (73) | BBB Grade A+
What customers say:
Out of 274 reviews, 88% were positive. People consistently praise polite, professional crews who move fast without cutting corners on care. You'll hear words like "efficient," "respectful," and "clear communication." The main complaints center on occasional damage claims and estimates that shift mid-move—rare issues, but worth noting.
Company details:
Services:
Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage. Credit card and cash accepted.
Address: 3101 Gilmore Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Phone: (661) 220-5155
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Yelp reviews (25) | Google reviews (261) | BBB Grade A+
What customers say:
91% positive feedback across 239 reviews. Customers highlight rapid service, careful handling of valuables, and quick coordination. The crew shows up, works efficiently, and respects your belongings. Negatives (about 7.5%) focus on damaged items and slow management responses to claims. A handful mention missing possessions.
Company details:
Services:
Local, interstate, and international moves. Handles specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, art, grandfather clocks). Full-valuation coverage, crating, and shipment tracking available.
Address: 3818 Buck Owens Boulevard, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Phone: (661) 325-0162
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Yelp reviews (29) | Google reviews (92) | BBB Grade NR
What customers say:
Nearly 90% positive across 114 reviews. Customers love the professional, courteous staff and fast turnaround. Many mention careful handling and transparent, affordable pricing—a standout in an industry that often surprises with hidden fees. A small group reported rude interactions or property damage, and a few flagged unexpected charges or job cancellations.
Company details:
Services:
Local, interstate, and international moves. Packing, unpacking, and storage available.
Address: 3501 Sillect Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Phone: (661) 834-2411
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Yelp reviews (74) | Google reviews (172) | BBB Grade A+
What customers say:
92% positive out of 306 reviews—well above industry average. Crews earn consistent praise for professionalism, politeness, and meticulous care with belongings. Moves often finish on time, without damage, and as promised. A small percentage reported damaged items, surprise fees, or weak follow-up on claims.
Company details:
Services:
Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage. Credit card payments accepted.
Address: 2020 Eye St PMB 116, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 525-3414
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Yelp reviews (121) | BBB Grade A+
What customers say:
An impressive 94.6% positive across 315 reviews. Customers consistently mention efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and affordable rates. Many note fast turnarounds and respectful treatment of belongings. A small group (4.4%) reported damage, unexpected charges, or missing items. About 1% noted rapid work but less thorough protection.
Company details:
Services:
Local, interstate, and international moves. Packing, unpacking, specialty items (pianos), crating.
Here's a quick snapshot of specialty services available among the top five:
| Service | % Offering |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 100% |
| Pianos | 40% |
| Art & antiques | 20% |
| Fragile-only packing | 20% |
| Custom crating | 40% |
Here's what you'll pay depending on your load size and method:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,261 – $4,722 | $1,099 – $2,720 | $1,046 – $2,058 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,037 – $6,768 | $1,977 – $4,023 | $1,180 – $2,450 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,900 – $10,562 | $2,627 – $5,370 | $1,488 – $3,000 |
These estimates are based on a 1,974-mile move. Your actual quote will vary based on load size, add-on services, parking challenges, fuel, and timing. Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized quotes.
If you hire professionals to load, drive, and unload, expect to pay between $1,261 and $4,722 for a small place. A 2–3 bedroom runs $3,037 to $6,768. Large homes (4+ bedrooms) land in the $5,900–$10,562 range. You're paying for labor, equipment, and expertise—which matters on a route this long.
With a container service, you pack and load (or pay them to do it), they store and haul it across the country, and you unload at your destination. Costs run $1,099–$2,720 for small moves, $1,977–$4,023 for mid-size, and $2,627–$5,370 for large loads. This option works well if you need flexible timing.
The cheapest way out—you rent, load, drive, and unload yourself. Prices range from $1,046–$2,058 for a studio/1-bed, $1,180–$2,450 for 2–3 bedrooms, and $1,488–$3,000 for larger homes. These quotes include estimated fuel. The trade-off: you handle all the physical work and driving fatigue on a 1,974-mile journey.
Several factors shape your final price:
Moving to Illinois opens the door to lower living costs. Here's how they stack up:
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,695 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $389,732 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $73,827 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
Key takeaways:
Moving here means more breathing room in your budget—and that's before you factor in utility costs and other variables.
You're trading desert heat for real seasons. Be ready.
| Factor | Bakersfield, CA | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 97°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 38°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 7" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 22" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 19.7 |
| Population | 909,235 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Republican 51–46 | Democratic 55–45 |
What changes:
Illinois moving companies must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission for intrastate and local moves. Verify this with any mover you hire. You can check licenses on the state's official regulatory website.
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before moving day. Visit USPS.com to set an official move date and ensure your mail gets forwarded properly.
Standard moving companies offer Released Value Protection at 60 cents per pound—basic, free coverage. If you need full-value protection matching your items' actual worth, ask your mover about additional options or third-party moving insurance.
Plan for 5–16 days door-to-door, depending on the mover's schedule and route. Summer moves typically take longer due to higher demand. Confirm exact delivery windows with your mover before signing anything.
Once you land, there's plenty to explore.
Museums:
Parks:
Sports: Chicago has five major teams: the Cubs and White Sox (MLB), Bulls (NBA), Sky (WNBA), and Bears (NFL).
Universities: University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern, UIC, and Northern Illinois all call the state home.
Plan for 5–16 days, depending on your mover and season. Summer moves often take longer because demand is high. Always confirm delivery windows with your moving company before booking.
Yes. Two of the top five movers—Mentors Moving & Storage and Fit Movers LLC—offer custom crating for delicate or unusual items. If you have fine art, antiques, or electronics that need special handling, confirm they can accommodate your specific pieces.
You'll want a professional auto transport service. Look for carriers with solid reviews, transparent pricing, and insurance coverage. This route is popular enough that you'll have plenty of options—compare a few before committing.
Lower cost of living, cooler climate, better job markets (especially in Chicago), and access to urban amenities drive most moves. Illinois offers a lifestyle shift for folks priced out of California.
Check out our guides on long-distance movers and full-service movers for more options beyond these top five.
One of the top local movers accepts cash, but it's uncommon in the moving industry. Most require a deposit upfront (usually by card) to secure your booking, with the balance due on pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods and timing with your chosen mover.
You've got solid operators to choose from and a clear picture of costs. Get personalized quotes from at least three movers to compare pricing and service terms. Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your move, or visit our guides on choosing a mover and moving tips for more detail.
Ready to move? Compare quotes from the movers listed above and make your decision with confidence.
