Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Illinois: Top Movers & Costs

Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Illinois: Top Movers & Costs

If you're moving from Chesapeake to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 942 miles—a solid long-distance haul that'll take most moving companies two to seven days to complete. I've pulled together the top five movers operating in Chesapeake that handle interstate moves, along with real cost breakdowns and what you should expect for the move itself.

Best Moving Companies in Chesapeake for Moves to Illinois

Out of the 19 Chesapeake movers capable of handling state-to-state relocations, here are the five that stand out for the Illinois route:

1. A Friendly & Affordable Mover — 4.52 / 5
2. Coleman Worldwide Moving — 4.56 / 5
3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5
4. Apple Moving — 4.48 / 5
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.48 / 5

Coleman Worldwide Moving

Rating: 4.56 / 5 Address: 3325 Croft St, Norfolk, VA 23513 Phone: (757) 857-0101

Coleman has been in business for 110 years, which tells you something about longevity—but that doesn't automatically translate to flawless execution. Out of 59 reviews analyzed, 37% were positive. Customers who had good experiences praised their careful handling and professional staff. The flip side: 61% of feedback flagged late arrivals, communication gaps, and damage to belongings. That's a significant red flag if you're moving valuables. Coleman does offer a full service menu—local, interstate, and international moves, plus packing, crating, and storage—but you'll want to get clear guarantees in writing before booking.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, crating, storage, pianos, safes. License: #076235 | DOT: 2897746

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Rating: 4.5 / 5 Address: 4007 Seaboard Ct #7, Portsmouth, VA 23701 Phone: (757) 250-7167

With 258 reviews on file, 80% came back positive. That's the kind of ratio you want to see. Customers consistently mentioned efficient crews, professional handling, and great communication. The main complaints centered on unexpected charges, damage to items, and occasionally soft estimates that ballooned on move day. If you go with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, nail down your quote in writing and ask about damage claims upfront.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage, pianos, safes. License: #3064442 | DOT: 2527384

Apple Moving

Rating: 4.48 / 5 Address: 1010 Cavalier Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23323 Phone: (757) 397-1248

Apple's been moving people for 69 years. From 275 reviews, 56% were positive, which puts them ahead of plenty of competitors. Customers highlight professional staff, attention to detail, and efficient packing. The downside: 43% of feedback complained about damage, missing items, and slow claims resolution. That gap between crew quality and customer service follow-up is real—something to monitor if damage occurs on your move.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, crating, storage. License: #163678 | DOT: 1934458

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

Rating: 4.48 / 5 Address: 2618 Arkansas Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513 Phone: (336) 810-1801

More than 8 out of 10 of their 325 reviews were positive—that's 81% favorable feedback. Customers loved the speed, professionalism, and friendly crews. Complaints cluster around damage to high-value items, surprise charges, and occasional late arrivals. Like most movers, they're strong on day-of execution but less consistent on the backend (claims, follow-up).

Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage. License: #5223 | DOT: 2378173

A Friendly & Affordable Mover

Rating: 4.52 / 5 Address: 516 Central Dr Suite 104, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Phone: (757) 689-0935

This is the standout: 87% of 259 reviews were positive. Customers cite fair pricing, efficient crews, careful handling, and strong communication. Negatives exist (damage claims, time estimates), but they're the minority here. A Friendly & Affordable Mover also offers full-service moving insurance, which matters for valuable items.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage. License: #3239170 | DOT: 3239170

---

Moving Services Available in Chesapeake

Quick snapshot of what's available locally:

• Interstate moves: 17 of 19 companies (89%)
• Small moves: 11 of 19 companies (57%)
• Piano moving: 16 of 19 companies (84%)
• Antiques/art: 9 of 19 companies each (47%)
• Fragile-only packing: 8 of 19 companies (42%)

---

Cost to Move from Chesapeake, VA to Illinois

Here's the honest breakdown. These are estimates based on current market data for a 942-mile move:

A note on these figures: They're estimates. Your actual cost depends on load weight, extra services (packing, storage), parking access, fuel surcharges, and your move date. Use our calculator to get quotes from actual movers—you'll see real numbers, not averages.

Full-Service Moving Companies

A professional mover handles everything: packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking (if you add that service). You pay more, but you're not lifting boxes or driving a truck yourself. For a one-bedroom, expect $1,083–$3,993. For four-plus bedrooms, $3,615–$6,964. The range is wide because pricing factors in distance, time of year (summer costs more), and add-ons.

Moving Containers

Companies like PODS drop a container at your place, you pack at your own pace, and they handle transport. This works well if you need flexibility. Costs run $757–$1,822 for a studio, and $1,885–$3,641 for a larger home. Check out our best moving container companies for options in your area.

Rental Trucks

The budget option. You rent the truck, pack, load, drive, and unload yourself. Fuel is usually included in quotes. Expect $601–$1,093 for a studio, up to $782–$1,611 for four-plus bedrooms. The savings are real, but the labor is entirely on you.

---

What Drives Your Moving Cost

Several factors shift the final price:

• Move size: More stuff = higher cost. A studio move costs less than a four-bedroom estate move.
• Time of year: Summer (June–August) is peak season. Prices are 20–30% higher than winter or spring. Off-season moves save money.
• DIY vs. professional: Renting a truck is cheaper upfront but you do all the work. Hiring movers costs more but saves you days of physical labor and stress.
• Additional services: Packing, crating, storage, and specialty item handling (pianos, art) add to the bill.
• Parking and access: If your Chesapeake home is in a tight neighborhood or your Illinois destination requires elevator reservations, expect surcharges.

---

Cost of Living: Chesapeake vs. Illinois

If you're considering this move for financial reasons, here's how the two locations compare:

The takeaway:

• Rent is 35% lower in Illinois. You'll pocket real savings on housing.
• Home prices are 34% cheaper. If you're buying, Illinois is the better value.
• Average income is 24% higher in Illinois. More earning potential.
• Cost of living is 13% lower overall. Your dollar stretches further.
• Income tax is 14% lower in Illinois. You keep more of what you earn.
• Job market is slightly tighter (5.3% vs. 5.0% unemployment). Competition for work is a touch fiercer.

If you're relocating for work or looking to reduce expenses, Illinois generally offers better bang for your buck.

---

What Life Is Like: Chesapeake vs. Illinois

Moving isn't just about dollars. Here's what to expect culturally and climate-wise:

What changes:

• Winters get brutal. Illinois averages 17°F lows vs. Chesapeake's 31°F. That's a 14-degree swing. Budget for higher heating costs and invest in snow removal.
• Much more snow. Illinois gets about 22 inches a year; Chesapeake gets 5. Winter activities are more abundant, but so are your snow-removal expenses.
• Less rain overall. Illinois receives about 40 inches annually vs. Chesapeake's 47. You'll see more sunshine and fewer soggy days.
• Safer neighborhoods. Illinois's crime index (19.7) is lower than Chesapeake's (25.0), suggesting fewer safety concerns.
• Political climate is similar. Both lean Democratic, so you won't experience a dramatic cultural shift.
• Summer temperatures are nearly identical. No real adjustment needed for warm months.

---

Important Logistics Before You Move to Illinois

Don't overlook these state-specific rules and requirements:

Licensing & Permits: Illinois regulates intrastate and local moving companies through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Any mover handling household goods locally must hold a valid Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify your moving company's license before hiring—check the state's official regulatory site.

Parking & Building Access:

• If your building has an elevator, reserve it in advance for moving day.
• Some Illinois cities require parking permits for moving trucks. Check local parking restrictions before your move date.
• Ask your new building (or landlord) about any HOA rules that might affect the move.

Change of Address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before moving. You can select your official move date to ensure mail forwarding starts on schedule.

Moving Insurance: Insurance coverage varies by state. Most movers offer Released Value Protection for free—that's basic coverage at about 60 cents per pound. For full-value protection matching your items' actual worth, ask your mover about additional options or consider third-party moving insurance.

Moving Permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits statewide, but always verify local restrictions in your specific city or neighborhood.

---

Things to Do in Illinois

Once you're settled, Illinois has plenty to explore:

Museums:

• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
• Caterpillar Visitors Center
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site
• Museum of Hummels

Parks:

• Starved Rock State Park
• Matthiessen State Park
• Illinois Beach State Park
• Pere Marquette State Park
• Kankakee River State Park

Sports:

• Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox (MLB)
• Chicago Bulls (NBA)
• Chicago Sky (WNBA)
• Chicago Bears (NFL)

Universities:

• University of Chicago
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Northwestern University
• University of Illinois at Chicago
• Northern Illinois University

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a move from Chesapeake to Illinois take?

Most moves take two to seven days, depending on your moving method and which movers you hire. Summer months are slower due to high demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before you book.

Do Chesapeake movers offer custom crating?

Yes. Fifteen movers in Chesapeake offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Ask about crate specifications and turnaround time when you're comparing quotes.

What's the best way to ship a car from Chesapeake to Illinois?

You'll want a professional auto transport company with a solid track record. Look for operators with positive reviews and verifiable experience on the Virginia-to-Illinois route. Get multiple quotes and confirm insurance coverage before booking.

Why do people move from Chesapeake to Illinois?

Economic opportunity (especially around Chicago), lower cost of living, and better job market are the big draws. Some move for family or education.

What payment methods do Chesapeake movers accept?

Most movers require a deposit to secure your date and crew, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Currently, two movers in Chesapeake accept cash, but that's rare. Standard practice is credit card or bank transfer for traceability and receipts.

---

Next Steps

You've got the movers, the costs, and the logistics. Now it's time to get actual quotes from companies that match your needs. Compare quotes from Chesapeake movers using our moving cost calculator—you'll see real prices tailored to your move size and date, not just averages.

If you're shipping a vehicle as well, get car shipping quotes separately—most movers don't handle auto transport.

And if you want to learn more about planning a long-distance move, our moving checklist covers everything from utilities setup to packing timelines.