Cost estimates, top movers, and cost of living data for the 389-mile Overland Park to Illinois move. Real numbers to plan your relocation.
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If you're moving from Overland Park to Illinois, you're covering roughly 389 miles — far enough that this is a genuine long-distance move with the planning and costs that come with it. Whether you're heading to Chicago for work, downstate for family, or just making the switch for a lower cost of living, the decisions you make in the next few weeks will determine whether this goes smoothly or sideways.
Below: cost ranges by move type, the top-rated local movers for this route, and an honest look at what life in Illinois actually compares to Overland Park.
Out of 24 Overland Park movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the five I'd put at the top for an Illinois relocation:
200 W 5th Street #607, Kansas City, MO 64196 DOT #: 2275038 | State License: 893937 | 10 years in business Reviews: 69 on Yelp | 2,249 on Google Positive: 88% | Negative: 11% | Grade: B+
Moving Proz earns its top spot through consistency. Across roughly 290 reviews analyzed, 87.6% are positive — customers repeatedly mention fast, organized crews, careful handling, and communication that doesn't fall apart mid-move. They get particular credit for handling large and complex moves without losing track of the details.
The flip side: 11.4% of reviews flag damaged items, surprise charges appearing on final bills, and difficulty resolving claims after the fact. Not unusual at this volume, but worth knowing. Get every fee and timeline commitment in writing before they show up.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, safes, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing. Cash and credit accepted; deposit required.
12620 W 92nd St, Lenexa, KS 66215 DOT #: 2929832 | 38 years in business Reviews: 38 on Yelp | 798 on Google | BBB: Grade A- Positive: 94% | Negative: 4%
Thirty-eight years in business doesn't happen by accident. Mike Hammer Moving's 94% positive rate across 278 reviews sits well above what I typically see in the Kansas City market. What stands out most is pricing transparency — customers consistently say estimates match or beat final bills, which is the exception in this industry, not the rule.
Complaints are rare but center on damage claims that weren't handled well and post-move communication that dropped off. If claims handling is a top concern, ask about their process before booking.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, safes, fragile-only packing. Credit card accepted; deposit required.
9301 E 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64133 DOT #: 2527384 | State License: M-14107 | 3 years in business Reviews: 48 on Yelp | 520 on Google | BBB: Grade A+ Positive: 73% | Negative: 24%
The star rating looks better than the underlying review split warrants. A 73% positive rate out of 307 reviews is serviceable — but 24% negative is notably higher than the other movers on this list. The recurring complaints: property damage, billing surprises, and claims that go nowhere.
When things go right, crews get strong marks for efficiency and professionalism. When they don't, follow-up is apparently where things fall apart. Worth considering if you can nail down their claims process and get a locked-in written quote before committing.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Credit card only.
2615 N Bell St, Kansas City, MO 64117 DOT #: 2074911 | 15 years in business Reviews: 158 on Yelp | 636 on Google | BBB: Grade A+ Positive: 83% | Negative: 14%
A solid value-oriented option. Out of 393 reviews, 83% are positive — customers regularly note that moves finished faster than expected and that prices stayed competitive against other companies. Fifteen years in business gives them a meaningful track record in the Kansas City area.
The 14% negative feedback mostly centers on damage disputes and claims that weren't resolved after the fact. Some customers also reported late arrivals and unexpected costs on final bills. Nail down their damage policy before you sign anything.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, safes, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing. Cash and credit accepted.
9875 Widmer Road, Lenexa, KS 66215 DOT #: 2518689 | 14 years in business Reviews: 124 on Yelp | 8,357 on Google | BBB: Grade A+ Positive: 96% | Negative: 3%
The volume here is what makes this impressive — 8,416 reviews with a 96% positive rate. That's hard to sustain at scale. Customers praise efficient crews who finish ahead of schedule, communicate throughout the process, and handle furniture with genuine care. When things do go wrong, the complaints cluster around estimate-to-final-bill gaps and the occasional claims resolution hiccup — real concerns, but proportionally small given the review base.
What I'd tell a friend: this is probably the safest bet on this list based on raw data. Still, confirm pricing in writing like you would with anyone.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating. Credit card only.
Here's a quick snapshot of what's available across the 24 Overland Park movers handling interstate work:
| Service | # of Companies | % Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 22 | 91.67% |
| Small moves | 13 | 54.17% |
| Antiques | 13 | 54.17% |
| Art | 13 | 54.17% |
| Pianos | 18 | 75.0% |
| Fragile-only packing | 10 | 41.67% |
These ranges cover a 389-mile move using three different methods. Use our moving cost calculator to plug in your specific home size and get a sharper estimate.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $977 – $2,854 | $608 – $1,442 | $352 – $603 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,754 – $4,716 | $1,090 – $2,022 | $375 – $715 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,699 – $6,858 | $1,415 – $2,633 | $444 – $857 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary by load size, move date, access conditions, and fuel prices. Get multiple quotes before committing.
A studio or one-bedroom move with a full-service mover runs $977–$2,854. Two to three bedrooms: $1,754–$4,716. For a four-bedroom home or larger, budget $2,699–$6,858 — the upper end reflects peak-season pricing and add-on services like full packing.
Timing flexibility is one of the easier ways to save money here. Moving in fall or winter can knock a meaningful amount off those ranges without sacrificing quality.
Moving containers make sense if you want to control your packing pace — you load on your schedule, they handle the transport. A studio or one-bedroom move runs $608–$1,442. Two to three bedrooms: $1,090–$2,022. Four bedrooms or more: $1,415–$2,633.
You're doing the physical labor, but you're not locked into someone else's schedule.
Renting a truck is the lowest sticker price, but you're driving 389 miles while also responsible for loading and unloading everything yourself. A studio or one-bedroom rental runs $352–$603. Two to three bedrooms: $375–$715. Four bedrooms and up: $444–$857. Estimated fuel costs are already factored into those figures.
Three things move the number most reliably:
Relocating from Overland Park to Illinois involves real trade-offs. Housing costs drop significantly, average income goes up, but the job market is notably tighter than what you're leaving. Here's how the numbers compare.
| Overland Park, KS | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,554 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $432,656 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $64,446 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 106 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 5.7% | 4.95% |
Overland Park sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
What those numbers actually mean:
The financial picture is genuinely compelling if you're moving with a job already lined up. If you're job-hunting after the fact, factor in that unemployment reality.
| Overland Park, KS | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,238 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Republican 57-45 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 20°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 42" | 40" |
| Annual snowfall | 14" | 22" |
| Crime index | 24.73 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth flagging:
A few logistics that are easy to overlook until they're a problem on moving day:
Once you're unpacked, there's plenty to explore across the state.
Plan on one to four days, depending on your moving method and how far into Illinois you're going. Full-service movers on this 389-mile route typically deliver within one to two days. Add buffer time if you're moving during summer — that's when delivery windows get stretched. Ask for a specific delivery window in writing before you book.
Fourteen movers in Overland Park list custom crating as an available service — useful for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before booking, confirm the crate specs and whether they can build to your specific item's dimensions.
Auto transport is the practical choice for a move this distance. See our car shipping guide for vetted providers handling the Kansas to Illinois corridor. Get at least two quotes — pricing on this route varies more than you'd expect.
Chicago is the main draw — it's a major economic hub with job opportunities across finance, tech, healthcare, and hospitality that don't exist in a mid-sized suburban market. Lower housing costs and higher average wages strengthen the financial case. Some people are also making the move for the university environment (University of Chicago, Northwestern) or simply want the scale and energy of a major metro.
The five companies profiled above are the top-rated options for interstate moves from Overland Park. For a broader look at vetted providers on cross-state moves, see our guide to long-distance movers.
Seven movers in Overland Park currently accept cash. That said, most carriers prefer traceable payments, so cash is the exception. Standard practice is a deposit upfront to hold your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the exact payment terms and timing before you book — and get the deposit amount in writing.
Ready to see what your specific move costs? Compare quotes for the Overland Park to Illinois route and lock in your date before the summer rush hits.
