If you're moving from Greensboro to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 762 miles — most likely bound for the Chicago metro or somewhere downstate. It's a legitimate long-distance move, and the pricing reflects that. Before you start calling around, here's what I'd tell a friend planning this exact route.
Top Greensboro Movers for Your Move to Illinois
Out of 19 Greensboro-based movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, these five rose to the top for this route:
- Excel Moving and Storage — 4.56 / 5
- Steele & Vaughn Moving and Storage — 4.52 / 5
- Little Guys Movers — 4.56 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.58 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5
Excel Moving and Storage
306 Concord St, Greensboro, NC 27406 | (336) 939-6450
- 90% positive reviews | 8% negative
- Yelp reviews (15 reviews)
- Google reviews (109 reviews)
- BBB Grade A+
- State license #: 731 | DOT #: 076235 | 55 years in business
- Also operates as: Allied Van Lines
Of 171 total reviews, 154 were positive — a strong signal. Customers consistently mention professional crews, careful handling, and solid pre-move communication. The complaints that surface involve property damage on out-of-state moves, misplaced items, and slow response when things go sideways. For a standard move, Excel delivers. If you have irreplaceable pieces, put your expectations in writing before signing anything.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing and unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, safes; crating; storage; shipment tracking; full-valuation coverage; fragile-only packing.
Steele & Vaughn Moving and Storage
1401 Yanceyville St, Greensboro, NC 27405 | (336) 273-0546
- 83% positive reviews | 17% negative
- Yelp: 12 reviews
- Google reviews (46 reviews)
- BBB Grade A+
- State license #: 2331 | DOT #: 3002076 | 58 years in business
- Also operates as: J Five Investments, Inc.; Steele & Vaughn Moving
Fifty-eight years in business is worth something. With over 80% positive feedback across 76 reviews, Steele & Vaughn earns consistent praise for professional staff and careful item handling. The 17% negative rate tends to cluster around damage and packing quality on longer or more complex jobs. Not disqualifying — but ask pointed questions during your quote call about how they handle interstate claims.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; full packing and unpacking; pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage. DOD certified.
Little Guys Movers
3501 Burlington Rd, Greensboro, NC 27405 | (336) 288-1099
- 91% positive reviews | 9% negative
- Yelp reviews (35 reviews)
- Google reviews (297 reviews)
- BBB Grade A+
- State license #: 2548 | DOT #: 1931566 | 33 years in business
Little Guys has the strongest positive rate of the five — 91% across 253 reviews. Customers specifically call out upfront pricing and careful handling, which are exactly the two things that matter most on a long interstate move. Complaints, when they appear, typically involve damage claims and final bills running higher than expected. Get an itemized quote in writing and you'll be in good shape.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing and unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables; crating; storage. Credit card accepted.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
7345 West Friendly Ave, Suite E, Greensboro, NC 27410 | (336) 810-1801
- 43% positive reviews | 54% negative
- Yelp reviews (42 reviews)
- Google reviews (533 reviews)
- BBB Grade A+
- State license #: 2525 | DOT #: 2378173 | 13 years in business
- Also operates as: Triad Expeditors Inc; Moving Hunks; College Hunks Moving
I'll be straight with you: a 54% negative review rate is a genuine red flag. Plenty of customers praise the crew's speed and energy, but recurring complaints about damaged items, surprise charges, and a slow claims process are hard to discount. This franchise location may handle a local haul fine, but for a 762-mile move to Illinois, I'd want a stronger track record before handing over my furniture.
Services: Local moves; packing and unpacking; offices; storage. Credit card accepted.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
2704 Patterson St, Greensboro, NC 27407 | (336) 612-3359
- 78% positive reviews | 19% negative
- Yelp reviews (25 reviews)
- Google reviews (192 reviews)
- BBB Grade A+
- State license #: 126 | DOT #: 2527384 | 30 years in business
- Also operates as: Kline, LLC; Greensboro Movers, LLC
Nearly 8 out of 10 reviewers across 241 total responses were satisfied — that's a solid number for a national franchise operation. Crews get consistent credit for efficiency and professionalism. The negatives follow a familiar franchise pattern: final bills that outrun the initial quote, and damage resolution that drags. Get everything confirmed in writing and ask specifically about their claims process before signing.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing and unpacking; pianos; storage; safes. Credit card accepted.
Local Moving Services Available in Greensboro, NC
Here's a breakdown of what the broader Greensboro mover pool offers for specialty services:
| Service | Greensboro movers offering it | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 14 | 73.7% |
| Small moves | 10 | 52.6% |
| Antiques | 10 | 52.6% |
| Art | 9 | 47.4% |
| Pianos | 15 | 78.9% |
| Fragile-only packing | 5 | 26.3% |
Cost to Move from Greensboro, NC to Illinois
The table below gives you expected price ranges for a roughly 762-mile move, broken out by home size and how you want to move. Use the moving cost calculator to get a more tailored number based on your actual inventory.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,061 – $3,658 | $682 – $1,704 | $518 – $993 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,966 – $4,828 | $1,292 – $2,563 | $542 – $1,133 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,698 – $6,806 | $1,801 – $3,139 | $693 – $1,457 |
Estimates based on a 762-mile move from Greensboro, NC to Illinois using verified rate data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on move size, added services, access issues, fuel prices, and timing. Get quotes from at least three movers before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Greensboro to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect to pay $1,061 to $3,658. A two- or three-bedroom move typically runs $1,966 to $4,828. Large four- or five-bedroom homes land in the $3,698 to $6,806 range. That's a wide spread, which is exactly why getting multiple quotes before you book matters.
Cost of Moving Containers from Greensboro to Illinois
Moving containers sit between full-service movers and a DIY rental — you load, they handle the transit. For a small move, expect $682 to $1,704. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,292 to $2,563. Larger households (four bedrooms and up) land in the $1,801 to $3,139 range.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Greensboro to Illinois
Renting a truck gives you the lowest sticker price, but you're trading money for effort — and a 762-mile solo drive in a loaded moving truck is not a small commitment. Studio and one-bedroom moves run $518 to $993. Two- to three-bedroom moves come in at $542 to $1,133. For larger homes, budget $693 to $1,457. Fuel costs are factored into these estimates.
What Drives Moving Costs from Greensboro to Illinois
Three factors will move your number more than anything else:
- Move size: Volume of belongings is the biggest single variable. More rooms, higher cost.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. If your schedule allows for a fall or winter move, you'll likely save and get more flexibility on dates.
- DIY vs. professional: Full-service movers cost more upfront but protect your time and belongings. A rental truck is cheaper — just be honest with yourself about the physical toll of loading, driving 762 miles, and unloading.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Greensboro to Illinois
North Carolina and Illinois are more different than people expect when they first look at the map. Not dramatically so, but enough to matter financially and day-to-day.
Cost of Living: Greensboro vs. Illinois
| Greensboro, NC | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,395 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $253,202 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $62,613 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 84 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
A few things stand out:
- Rent is about 15% lower in Illinois statewide. If you're moving to Chicago proper, that average will skew higher in the city, but the overall state number is genuinely cheaper than Greensboro.
- Home prices are nearly identical. Your buying power doesn't shift much on this route.
- Illinois per-capita income runs about 25% higher than Greensboro's. If you're relocating for work, that's meaningful.
- Overall cost of living is roughly 7% higher in Illinois. The income advantage often offsets it, but run the numbers for your specific situation.
- State income tax is slightly higher — 4.95% in Illinois versus 4.5% in North Carolina. Not a dealbreaker, but worth accounting for in your budget.
How Life Changes Moving from Greensboro, NC to Illinois
| Greensboro, NC | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 299,035 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51–48 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 30°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 45" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 22" |
| Crime index | 45.91 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, AirNow
A few things worth calling out specifically:
- Summers are comparable. Illinois runs a few degrees cooler at peak, but don't expect a dramatic climate shift in July.
- Winters are a real adjustment. A 17°F average winter low versus Greensboro's 30°F — combined with 22 inches of annual snowfall versus 5 — means a meaningfully different lifestyle from November through March. Factor in winter tires, gear, and higher heating bills before you fall in love with that Illinois rent number.
- Crime index is lower statewide in Illinois (19.7 vs. Greensboro's 45.91), though crime varies heavily by Chicago neighborhood versus downstate areas. Do your neighborhood-level homework.
- If Chicago is your destination, you're going from a metro of around 300,000 people to one of the biggest urban centers in the country. The scale change is real.
Pros: Greensboro, NC vs. Illinois
| Pros of living in Greensboro, NC | Pros of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Strong arts and recreation scene | Home to Chicago |
| Great food | Ample economic opportunity |
| Low traffic | Abundant outdoor recreation |
| Relaxed, quieter pace | Diverse food culture |
Cons: Greensboro, NC vs. Illinois
| Cons of living in Greensboro, NC | Cons of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Weather can be rough | Harsh winter weather |
| Overshadowed by larger nearby cities | Heavy traffic, especially around Chicago |
| Urban sprawl | Higher crime in parts of the state |
| Economic poverty in parts of the city | Flat, monotonous landscape in many areas |
| — | Strict regulations |
Other Logistics to Handle Before You Move to Illinois
Beyond hiring movers, here's the practical stuff that's easy to miss:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a managed community, review their move-in policies and restrictions before your move date.
- Elevator reservations: If your building has elevators, book yours for move-in day well in advance — buildings in Illinois often require this.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for moving trucks in certain zones. Call your destination city or municipality ahead of time.
- State licensing: Illinois regulates in-state household goods movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Companies need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to legally operate. Verify any mover you hire holds a current certificate before signing.
- State regulator: You can look up Illinois moving company licenses directly through the Illinois Commerce Commission's official site.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a state-level moving permit, but local parking rules vary by city. Check with your destination municipality before move day.
- Change of address: File your USPS change-of-address form at least a week before your move. You can set your start date online and have mail forwarded to your new Illinois address.
- Moving insurance: Illinois movers are required to offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge — that's 60 cents per pound per article, which won't go far for high-value items. If you have anything worth protecting properly, ask about full-value coverage or explore a third-party moving insurance policy.
- Moving checklist: Before you pack anything, work through our moving checklist to make sure you haven't missed a step.
Things to Do in Illinois
If you want a feel for what life looks like after the boxes are unpacked:
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports Teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Greensboro to Illinois take?
Most moves on this route take two to seven days, depending on the service type and time of year. Summer moves run the most scheduling risk — peak season means tighter windows across the industry. Before you book, ask your mover directly about the specific delivery window for your dates. Get the answer in writing.
How many Greensboro movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Eleven movers in Greensboro offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or unusually shaped items — including artwork, antiques, and electronics. If you have specialty pieces that need it, confirm crating availability during your quote process rather than assuming it's included.
What's the best way to get a car from Greensboro to Illinois?
If you're not driving it yourself, use a reputable auto transport company that has experience on this route. Use our car shipping calculator to get a quick estimate before you start calling carriers.
Why are people moving from Greensboro to Illinois?
Most people heading to Illinois are drawn by Chicago and the economic opportunities that come with it. On the flip side, the most common reasons people leave Greensboro tend to be weather and the desire for a larger metropolitan environment. Both are fair reasons.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies in Greensboro?
The five companies profiled above are a solid starting point. For a broader set of vetted options, see our full guide to long-distance movers.
Can I pay for my move from Greensboro to Illinois with cash?
Five movers in Greensboro accept cash. That said, it's not the industry norm — most moving companies prefer traceable payment methods. Expect to put down a deposit to lock in your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment terms with your specific mover before you sign anything.
Ready to see what your Greensboro to Illinois move will actually cost? Compare moving quotes from multiple companies before you commit to any one of them.