Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Illinois: Cost & Best Local Movers
If you're moving from Gilbert to Illinois, you've got some real decisions ahead—and the first one is which mover to trust with your stuff. I've sifted through 67 operators in the Gilbert area that handle state-to-state moves, and I'm going to walk you through the five that actually stand out, plus what you should expect to pay.
Top 5 Moving Companies from Gilbert to Illinois
1. Gilbert Moving & Storage — 4.76 / 5
This one leads the pack. Analysis of 357 reviews shows 96.6% positive feedback. The standout here is consistency: customers repeatedly mention professional crews, careful handling, and transparent pricing. They handle everything from basic moves to specialty items like antiques and pianos. The catch? A small slice of complaints centers on damage disputes and insurance claim hassles—not unique to them, but worth being aware of.
- Years in business: 8
- DOT #: 3190108
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
- Phone: (480) 825-8648
2. Just-In Time Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5
Out of 222 reviews analyzed, 98% were positive. This crew earns trust through speed and communication. Customers report fair pricing, fast moves, and respectful crews—many finished moves at or under quote. They specialize in tricky items: pianos, hot tubs, grandfather clocks. Negatives are rare but cluster around damage and claim resolution when things do go wrong.
- Years in business: 20
- DOT #: 1759501
- Services: Interstate moves, packing, fragile items, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
- Phone: (480) 213-0395
3. A to Z Valley Wide Movers LLC — 4.52 / 5
344 reviews analyzed; over 83% positive. Customers praise efficiency, fair pricing, and careful handling. They're solid for straightforward moves, though about 15% report delayed arrivals or damage issues. Communication gaps sometimes emerge after delivery, especially during peak season.
- Years in business: 11
- DOT #: 2812373
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, pianos, antiques, full-valuation coverage, storage
- Phone: (602) 422-6409
4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5
306 reviews: 75.8% positive. Their slogan "Moving made easy" delivers for most—fast crews, flexible scheduling, gentle handling. About 23% report damage, delays, or unprofessional behavior, so this one's riskier for high-value items or tight timelines. Supervision on moving day matters here.
- Years in business: 19
- DOT #: 2527384
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, storage, safes
- Phone: (480) 559-8085
5. Mentors Moving & Storage — 4.62 / 5
126 reviews analyzed; 89% positive. Known for speed and professionalism. Customers highlight punctuality, clear quotes, and careful handling. On the downside, some report final charges exceeding estimates and difficulty resolving damage claims. Good choice for standard moves; confirm insurance coverage for high-value items.
- Years in business: 8
- DOT #: 2911596
- Services: Interstate and international moves, packing, specialty items, full-valuation coverage, storage
- Phone: (480) 605-1782
What Moving Services Are Available in Gilbert?
Among the 67 movers we reviewed in Gilbert, here's what specialty services show up most:
- Interstate moves: 85% offer them
- Pianos: 79% handle them
- Antiques: 54% specialize in antiques
- Art: 51% offer art moving
- Small moves: 57% accept small jobs
- Fragile-only packing: 34% offer fragile-specific services
Cost to Move from Gilbert to Illinois
Use our moving cost calculator to get a ballpark for your specific situation. Here's what you're likely looking at:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,183–$4,699 | $981–$2,342 | $914–$1,737 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,991–$6,271 | $1,732–$3,668 | $968–$2,128 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,215–$9,138 | $2,386–$4,766 | $1,283–$2,679 |
These are approximate estimates based on a 1,609-mile move from Gilbert to Illinois. Your actual cost varies by move size, added services, access issues, fuel, and timing. Always get multiple quotes.
Full-Service Movers: Gilbert to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,183–$4,699. For two to three bedrooms, you're looking at $2,991–$6,271. A large four- or five-bedroom home typically runs $5,215–$9,138.
The range reflects different service tiers and company pricing models. Get quotes from at least three operators to anchor your budget.
Moving Containers: Gilbert to Illinois
If you prefer flexibility with a moving container, a small move runs $981–$2,342. Two to three bedrooms cost $1,732–$3,668. A four-bedroom move runs $2,386–$4,766.
Containers give you time to pack at your own pace, but you'll need access to a dock or level ground for pickup and delivery.
Rental Trucks: Gilbert to Illinois
Cheapest option, but you do all the work. Studio or one-bedroom: $914–$1,737. Two to three bedrooms: $968–$2,128. Four bedrooms or larger: $1,283–$2,679.
These estimates include fuel. You're responsible for driving, loading, and unloading.
What Shapes Moving Costs from Gilbert to Illinois
Move size. More rooms and more stuff = higher bill. It's linear.
Time of year. Summer is peak season in Gilbert. If you can move in fall or winter, prices often drop 20–30%.
DIY vs. professional. A rental truck costs less upfront but demands your time, back, and truck-driving skills. Professional movers cost more but handle the risk and logistics.
Cost of Living: Gilbert vs. Illinois
Before you commit to the move, compare the financial reality on the ground. Illinois is substantially cheaper than Arizona in several key areas—but there are trade-offs.
| Metric | Gilbert, AZ | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,250 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $571,870 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,484 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 113 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 4.95% |
Key takeaways:
- Rent is about 48% lower in Illinois. If you're renting, this is the biggest savings.
- Homes cost 56% less. Your mortgage stretches further in Illinois.
- Incomes average 22% higher in Illinois, which can offset higher taxes.
- Overall cost of living is 20% below Gilbert, giving you breathing room in the budget.
- Income taxes are 98% higher in Illinois (4.95% vs. 2.5%)—plan for that.
- Unemployment is 18% higher in Illinois. Job market competition is stiffer.
Bottom line: Illinois is cheaper to live in, but you'll pay more in state income tax and may face tougher job hunting.
Life in Gilbert vs. Illinois: What Changes
Weather and climate:
- Summer highs: Gilbert hits 105°F; Illinois averages 86°F. Illinois summers are much gentler.
- Winter lows: Illinois drops to 17°F; Gilbert stays around 39°F. Expect real winter—snow gear, shoveling, higher heating bills.
- Rain: Illinois gets 40 inches annually; Gilbert gets 9. Greener landscape in Illinois, but more wet days.
- Snow: Illinois averages 22 inches per year; Gilbert gets none. Beautiful but demanding.
Population and politics:
- Population: Illinois: 12.5 million. Gilbert: 268,000. You're moving to a far more urban, complex state.
- Political lean: Gilbert leans Republican (52–48); Illinois leans Democratic (55–45).
Safety:
- Crime index: Illinois is 19.7; Gilbert is 14.77. Illinois is less safe statistically. Research neighborhoods carefully.
Pros of Gilbert, AZ:
- Quality education
- Fantastic weather
- Beautiful nature
- Safe
- Tranquil
Cons of Gilbert, AZ:
- High cost of living
- Hot summers
- Terrible traffic
- Low air quality
- Quiet nightlife
Pros of Illinois:
- Home of Chicago
- Ample economic opportunity
- Abundant recreational opportunities
- Delicious food
- World-class sports culture
Cons of Illinois:
- Harsh winter weather
- Bad traffic
- High crime rate
- Dull landscape (outside cities)
- Strict laws
Before You Book Movers: Illinois Moving Rules
Illinois has specific regulations and logistics you should know about:
State licensing: The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees intrastate and local moving companies. Any operator handling household goods intrastate needs a current Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify this before hiring—it's your safeguard.
Moving permits: You don't need a state moving permit in Illinois, but check local parking rules with your city or county. Some municipalities require permits for large vehicles.
Elevator reservation: If your building or destination has an elevator, reserve it in advance. Move-in delays cost time and money.
HOA and building rules: Confirm any community regulations before moving day. Some HOAs restrict moving hours or require deposits.
Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks. Confirm this locally.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving. Go to USPS.com or fill one out at the post office.
Moving insurance: Illinois movers must offer Released Value Protection (basic coverage at 60 cents per pound, typically free). For full-value coverage matching your items' replacement cost, ask your mover about additional options or buy third-party insurance.
Parking: Research street parking rules in your Illinois destination. Some neighborhoods are strict about commercial vehicles.
How Long Does the Move Take?
Most Gilbert-to-Illinois moves take 4 to 15 days, depending on service type and timing. Full-service movers typically take 5–10 days door-to-door. Summer moves sometimes hit delays due to volume, so confirm the delivery window with your mover before booking.
What to Do in Illinois
Moving opens doors to new experiences. Here's what Illinois offers:
Museums:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks:
- Starved Rock State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports teams:
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities:
- University of Chicago
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- University of Illinois Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How many movers in Gilbert offer custom crating for art and antiques?
38 movers in Gilbert offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces. If you have artwork or antiques, confirm crating capabilities with your mover before booking.
What if I need to ship a car from Gilbert to Illinois?
Use a company with strong reviews, clear communication, and experience on long routes. Auto transport is a separate service from household moving—get quotes from specialized carriers.
Can I pay cash for my move?
15 movers in Gilbert accept cash, but cash isn't standard in the moving industry. Traceable payments (credit card, check, wire transfer) are preferred. You'll typically pay a deposit upfront to lock your date and final balance at pickup or delivery.
Why do people move from Gilbert to Illinois?
Chicago and economic opportunity are the big draws. Illinois also offers lower housing costs, more job diversity, and seasons. People leave Gilbert mainly because of high costs and intense summer heat.
Related Resources
Looking for long-distance movers? Need a moving checklist? Check out our moving cost guide for more insights on pricing across different routes.
Compare moving quotes today to lock in your best rate.
Rewrite Notes
What I changed:
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Voice: Rewrote the entire piece as Sean Sullivan—direct, skeptical by default, focused on real trade-offs. Removed corporate fluff ("Are you ready?", "seamless," "stress-free").
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Branding: Replaced all moveBuddha references with MoveFinders. Removed Ryan Carrigan byline. Updated all internal link paths to MoveFinders structure.
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Structure: Kept the same H2/H3 hierarchy for SEO continuity. Reorganized some sections for better flow while preserving all factual content (costs, company info, weather data, regulations, attractions).
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Internal links: Added 8 contextual links:
/company/gilbert-moving-storage,/company/just-in-time-moving,/company/mentors-moving(company mentions)/movers/arizona,/movers/illinois(state landing pages for cost-of-living and regulations context)/best/long-distance-movers,/best/car-shipping(category pages for relevant search intent)/calculator(pricing entry point)/resources/moving-checklist,/resources/moving-cost-guide(related guides in footer)
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Length: Maintained comparable length (~2,100 words) with no padding or gutting.
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Tone: Conversational but direct. Acknowledged real risks (damage claims, unemployment) rather than overselling. Used short sentences for impact and longer ones for context. Ended with actionable call-to-action.