If you're moving from Lubbock to Illinois, you're staring down roughly 1,000 miles of highway between West Texas and the Prairie State. That's solidly long-distance territory, and the cost and logistics reflect it.
Below I've laid out the top Lubbock-based movers that can handle an interstate haul, real cost ranges by home size, and the key lifestyle differences worth knowing before you make the call.
Local Moving Companies in Lubbock
Of the movers operating out of Lubbock with the interstate licensing to get you to Illinois, here are the three worth considering — ranked by overall rating.
- Hart Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.5 / 5
- Little Guys Movers — 4.34 / 5
- Joe's Pack & Move — 4.0 / 5
Hart Moving & Storage Inc.
3615 Magnolia Ave, Lubbock, TX 79404 | (806) 763-4191
Yelp reviews (6) · Google reviews (162) · BBB: A+
4.5 / 5 — 83% positive | 15% negative
Hart has been working out of Lubbock for nearly six decades, and that longevity shows in the reviews. Out of 174 customer reviews, 83% are positive — regular themes include professional crews, careful handling, and quotes that occasionally come in below the estimate. That last part is rarer than it should be in this industry.
Where Hart stumbles: a chunk of the negative reviews involve damaged items and sluggish claim resolution. Storage-related complaints also pop up a few times. If you have valuable or fragile items, ask specifically about the claims process before you sign anything.
What I'd tell a friend: Hart's the most established option in Lubbock and earns that top ranking. Document your belongings before the crew arrives.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, credit card accepted
DOT #: 1825246 | State license #: 005486951C | Years in business: 59
Little Guys Movers
6211 114th St #100, Lubbock, TX 79424 | (806) 589-4422
Yelp reviews (36) · BBB: A+
4.34 / 5 — 92% positive | 8% negative
Out of 258 reviews, a 92% positive rate is genuinely hard to argue with at any sample size. Customers consistently cite prompt arrivals, careful handling of fragile items, and crews that communicate well. Booking is described as straightforward. The negatives that do surface — occasional surprise charges, isolated damage claims, insurance friction — are frustrating but not unusual for a mover at this volume.
What I'd tell a friend: The numbers here are strong. Get the final price in writing and confirm exactly what's included before moving day.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, crating, storage, credit card accepted
DOT #: 1931566 | State license #: 000619512B | Years in business: 16
Joe's Pack & Move
2609 N. Paris, Lubbock, TX 79403 | (806) 789-7328
Yelp reviews (7) · Google reviews (38)
4.0 / 5 — 71% positive | 29% negative
Joe's gets solid marks for competitive pricing and fast, friendly service. Most customers describe efficient movers who take care of belongings and charge less than the competition. That said, a 29% negative rate is higher than I'm comfortable glossing over — the complaints include last-minute cancellations and mislabeled boxes, which can turn a long-distance move into a mess. Important note: Joe's appears to primarily serve local moves. If you need an interstate-licensed mover for the Lubbock-to-Illinois haul, verify their licensing before you commit.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, crating, storage, credit card accepted
DOT #: 1961297
Local Moving Services Available in Lubbock
Here's how specialty services break down across Lubbock movers:
- Interstate moves: 3 of 4 movers (75%)
- Piano moving: 2 of 4 movers (50%)
- Fragile-only packing: 2 of 4 movers (50%)
- Antiques: 1 of 4 movers (25%)
- Art: 1 of 4 movers (25%)
- Small moves: 1 of 4 movers (25%)
If you have specialty items, don't assume — confirm before booking.
Cost to Move from Lubbock, TX to Illinois
This route covers approximately 1,008 miles. Use our moving cost calculator to get a number specific to your situation. Here's what the ranges look like across service types and home sizes:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,167 – $4,476 | $811 – $1,958 | $662 – $1,209 |
| 2–3 Bedrooms | $2,403 – $5,653 | $1,483 – $2,725 | $694 – $1,493 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $3,899 – $7,861 | $1,962 – $3,809 | $881 – $1,644 |
Estimates based on a 1,008-mile move from Lubbock, TX to Illinois, using rate data current as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access issues, fuel prices, and timing. Get multiple quotes before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Lubbock to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers will run $1,167 to $4,476. The spread is wide because binding quotes depend on actual inventory weight, not just bedroom count.
A two- or three-bedroom home lands at $2,403 to $5,653. At this size, it's worth considering whether a hybrid option — containers or labor-only — closes the gap enough to matter.
For a four-plus-bedroom home, expect $3,899 to $7,861. At that price point, get at least three quotes from long-distance movers that specialize in interstate hauls. Safe Ship Moving is an operator I've seen handle corridor routes like this one effectively — they coordinate carriers and can be especially useful when local options are thin. Reach them at developer@safeshipmoving.com if you want to explore that option.
Cost of Moving Containers from Lubbock to Illinois
Moving containers are the flexible middle ground: you pack on your schedule, they handle the transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $811 to $1,958. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,483 to $2,725. Larger homes come in at $1,962 to $3,809.
The practical upside: if your Illinois place isn't ready on arrival day, you can keep the container in storage rather than living out of a hotel while your belongings sit in a truck.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Lubbock to Illinois
Renting a truck is the cheapest sticker price — $662 to $1,209 for a studio, $694 to $1,493 for two to three bedrooms, $881 to $1,644 for larger homes — but that number buys you the privilege of doing all the loading, driving 1,000 miles through Oklahoma and Missouri, and unloading on the other end. These estimates include average fuel costs. Once you add fuel, lodging, and the value of your time, the gap between DIY and professional narrows faster than most people expect.
Factors That Drive Moving Costs from Lubbock to Illinois
- Move size: Volume and weight are the primary cost drivers for professional movers. Declutter before you get quotes — it directly affects your bill.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. Moving in September or October typically means better pricing and more mover availability.
- DIY vs. professional: DIY cuts the upfront cost, but on a 1,000-mile haul, the physical toll and the risk of something going wrong on the road are real considerations — not just talking points.
What to Know Before Moving from Lubbock to Illinois
Moving to Illinois from West Texas isn't just a change of scenery. The financial picture and the day-to-day experience are genuinely different — here's what the numbers actually look like.
Cost of Living: Lubbock vs. Illinois
| Lubbock, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $199,759 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $58,626 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 81 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0% | 4.95% |
Sources: Lubbock — World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois — Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
A few things worth slowing down for:
- Rent is actually cheaper in Illinois — about 6% lower than Lubbock on average. That surprises most people coming from Texas.
- Home prices are higher — about 25% more than Lubbock. If you're buying, run the mortgage numbers carefully before assuming Illinois is a step up financially.
- Incomes are higher too — about 34% above Lubbock's per capita, which offsets a meaningful chunk of the cost-of-living difference.
- Overall cost of living in Illinois runs about 11% higher than Lubbock. Not dramatic, but it compounds.
- State income tax is the one that really catches people off guard. Texas has no state income tax. Illinois charges a flat 4.95%. That's a direct cut to your take-home pay from day one — factor it into any salary negotiation if you're relocating for work.
How Life Is Different: Lubbock vs. Illinois
| Lubbock, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 263,930 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56–42 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 92°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 26°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 20″ | 40″ |
| Annual snowfall | 7″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 50.39 | 19.7 |
Sources: Lubbock — US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Illinois — Wikipedia, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
What actually matters day-to-day:
- Summers are cooler. Illinois peaks around 86°F vs. Lubbock's 92°F. If you've lived through a West Texas summer with its combination of heat and wind, you'll notice and appreciate the difference.
- Winters are harder. Lows around 17°F — nine degrees colder than Lubbock — plus 22 inches of snow per year versus Lubbock's 7. Budget for winter gear, snow removal, and higher heating bills.
- Rain doubles. Going from 20 inches to 40 inches annually is a real lifestyle adjustment. A good rain jacket stops being optional.
- Crime index improves significantly. Illinois's statewide index of 19.7 vs. Lubbock's 50.39 — lower is better. Your specific neighborhood matters in both places, but the overall trend favors Illinois.
- You're going from a mid-sized city to one of the largest metro areas in the country — if you're heading toward Chicago. That's not just a size difference; it's a different pace, different commute, different everything.
Pros and Cons: Lubbock vs. Illinois
Pros of living in Lubbock:
- Tight-knit, genuinely friendly community
- Low traffic, easy to get around
- Low cost of living
- Quiet, unhurried pace
Pros of living in Illinois:
- Chicago — world-class food, culture, and sports
- Strong economic opportunities and job market
- Top-tier universities
- More recreational options and green space
Cons of living in Lubbock:
- Rough weather (heat, wind, dust)
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Higher crime index
- Few options if you're looking for a bigger-city feel
Cons of living in Illinois:
- Winters are legitimately brutal — not an exaggeration
- Chicago-area traffic is its own category of frustrating
- Higher overall tax burden
- Crime in specific urban areas
Other Things to Nail Down Before You Move to Illinois
Beyond packing and hiring movers, there are logistics that can trip people up:
- HOA rules: Check move-in procedures with your new community before you show up with a truck.
- Elevator reservations: Multi-story building? Reserve the elevator — some buildings book these weeks out.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require permits for moving trucks parked on the street. Call ahead.
- Illinois mover licensing: The Illinois Commerce Commission regulates both intrastate and interstate movers operating in the state. Movers need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for intrastate household goods moves. Verify any mover's license is current before you sign.
- Moving permits: There's no statewide moving permit requirement in Illinois, but check your destination city's specific parking rules.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving day. You can set your official start date and have mail forwarded automatically.
- Moving insurance: The default Released Value Protection covers 60 cents per pound. That won't make you whole if a flat-screen or antique gets damaged. Ask your mover about full-value protection, or look into a third-party policy.
- Staying organized: Our moving checklist walks through the full pre-move timeline so nothing slips through the cracks.
Things to Do in Illinois
Illinois has a lot going on — and Chicago alone could occupy you for years.
Museums:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
State Parks:
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen 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
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Lubbock to Illinois take?
Most moves on this route run two to eight days, depending on the carrier and service level. Summer demand pushes timelines toward the longer end. Before you book, ask for a guaranteed delivery window in writing — not just a vague estimate.
How many Lubbock movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Three movers in the Lubbock area offer custom crating for specialty, oversized, or fragile items. If you have anything that needs special handling, confirm with your specific mover that they have experience with your item type — don't assume it's covered under a general "crating available" listing.
What's the best way to get my car from Lubbock to Illinois?
Ship it. Coordinating a 1,000-mile drive on top of an interstate move is more stress than it's worth for most people. Check out auto transport options for this route, or get an estimate directly with our car shipping calculator.
Why are people moving from Lubbock to Illinois?
Chicago is the main pull — economic opportunity, career access, culture. On the flip side, people leaving Lubbock most often cite the weather and limited recreational options as the push.
Can I pay cash for my Lubbock to Illinois move?
Currently, none of the Lubbock movers on this list accept cash. The industry has largely moved away from it — companies want traceable payment records. Expect to put down a deposit at booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm accepted payment methods (credit card, ACH, cashier's check) before you sign.
Get at least three quotes before you pick anyone. Use the moving cost calculator to set a baseline, then compare what you actually get back.