Moving from Memphis to Illinois: Best Movers & Relocation Guide
If you're moving from Memphis to Illinois, you've got solid options. The route is straightforward—roughly 446 miles—and there's a decent pool of moving companies licensed to handle the job. Here's what you actually need to know before you book.
Top Moving Companies from Memphis to Illinois
Out of seven Memphis-based movers capable of handling interstate moves, I've narrowed it down to the five with the strongest track records for this route.
- The Armstrong Company — 4.5 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.44 / 5
- Cord Moving and Storage — 4.42 / 5
- All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.44 / 5
- Guardian Moving Systems — 4.48 / 5
The Armstrong Company
4.5 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
4690 Hungerford Road, Memphis, TN 38118
Armstrong Relocation runs a tight ship. Out of 213 reviews analyzed, 91% were favorable. Customers consistently highlight skilled, respectful crews who communicate clearly and handle belongings with real care. You'll see mentions of prompt, efficient moves—even for tricky long-distance relocations.
The flip side: a small slice of feedback flags damaged or missing items and drawn-out claim processing. These issues happen less often than with most competitors, but they do happen. Armstrong's strength is reliability and courtesy. Just know that occasional handling or claim issues are on the table.
Company Info:
- Years in business: 68
- DOT #: 1170867
- Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, pianos, art, antiques, storage, fragile-only packing, credit card accepted
Get a Quote: (901) 367-3000
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
4.4 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
3560 Sky Harbor Cove, Memphis, TN 38118
Two Men and a Truck earns marks for efficiency and professionalism. Of 259 reviews, 78% were positive. Customers praise quick moves, clear communication, careful handling, and hard-working crews. Many report final costs that matched or came in below the quote—a rarity worth noting.
Complaints center on damaged items, unexpected fees that weren't clarified upfront, and occasional missed or late arrivals. Some customers mention poor follow-up from management. They're solid for speed and care, but reliability on damage and communication could be tighter.
Company Info:
- Years in business: 35
- DOT #: 2527384
- Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card accepted
Get a Quote: (901) 231-1149
Cord Moving and Storage
4.42 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
3264 Democrat Road, Memphis, TN 38118
Cord has been in business 104 years, and that longevity shows. Out of 220 reviews, 90% were positive. Customers rave about professional, efficient service and polite staff who arrive on time and communicate clearly. The experience reads as consistently stress-free.
Negatives are few but notable: poor communication when delays happen, occasional damage, and rare reports of rude interactions. The service gaps are minor—unclear haul-off policies, missing tools on delivery—nothing deal-breaking. With 90% positive feedback and strong marks for courtesy and speed, Cord stands above many competitors in its class.
Company Info:
- Years in business: 104
- DOT #: 181102
- Alternate names: Cord Moving – Memphis, North American Van Lines
- Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, pianos, crating, storage, credit card accepted
Get a Quote: (866) 742-1558
All My Sons Moving & Storage
4.4 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
5454 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38134
All My Sons excels at careful handling and efficiency. Of 341 reviews, 63% were positive—solid for a regional operator. Customers highlight professional staff, quick pacing, genuine helpfulness, and real attention to protecting belongings and homes.
Here's where they stumble: substantial negative feedback centers on surprise fees not explained upfront, frequent damage reports, and crews arriving late or missing scheduled moves. Disappointment with hidden costs and poor communication drove more negative input than any other issue. They deliver standout efficiency and care but fall short on transparency and reliability compared to top-tier competitors.
Company Info:
- Years in business: 26
- DOT #: 902281
- Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, pianos, antiques, crating, storage, safes, credit card accepted, deposit required
Get a Quote: (901) 472-8875
Guardian Moving Systems
4.48 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
4226 Clarke Road, Memphis, TN 38141
Guardian consistently delivers. Out of 202 reviews, 88.6% were positive—a higher ratio than most movers. Customers frequently praise polite attitudes, careful handling, fast service, strong communication, and prompt arrivals.
Downsides are rare but real: a small slice of feedback raises concerns about property damage, late deliveries, or impolite staff. Neutral comments typically mention pricing. Guardian stands out for reliable, praised customer service, though occasional damage and follow-up issues still pop up in the less frequent critical feedback.
Company Info:
- Years in business: 39
- Alternate names: Alexander Mayflower, Alexander Moving Express, Mayflower Transit
- Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage, credit card accepted
Get a Quote: (615) 287-0700
Memphis Moving Services at a Glance
Here's what specialty services are available among licensed Memphis movers:
| Service | Available | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 7 | 100% |
| Small moves | 4 | 57% |
| Antiques | 5 | 71% |
| Art | 4 | 57% |
| Pianos | 7 | 100% |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 | 29% |
Cost to Move from Memphis to Illinois
Here's what you can expect to pay for a 446-mile move from Memphis to Illinois, broken down by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,103 – $2,917 | $593 – $1,512 | $352 – $675 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,854 – $4,878 | $1,161 – $2,081 | $372 – $761 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,099 – $6,911 | $1,482 – $2,608 | $482 – $953 |
These are approximate estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Your actual cost will vary based on load size, extra services, access or parking challenges, fuel prices, and your specific move date. Get quotes from multiple movers to validate pricing.
Hiring Full-Service Movers
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,103 to $2,917. Two to three bedrooms run $1,854 to $4,878. A large home—four or five bedrooms—typically costs $3,099 to $6,911.
Moving Container Costs
Portable storage containers from PODS or similar providers typically cost $593 to $1,512 for a small move, $1,161 to $2,081 for a mid-size move, and $1,482 to $2,608 for a larger home. You load and unload; the company handles transit and storage. For more details, check out moving container pricing.
Rental Truck Costs
Truck rentals are usually the cheapest upfront option—$352 to $675 for a studio, $372 to $761 for 2–3 bedrooms, $482 to $953 for 4+ bedrooms. The catch: you're doing all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself. Fuel is included in these estimates.
Factors That Influence Your Moving Cost
Several variables shape what you'll pay:
- Move size: The volume of items and your home's layout directly impact the total.
- Time of year: Peak summer months in Memphis command higher rates. Moving off-season can save 20–30%.
- DIY vs. professional: Handling it yourself cuts costs but adds serious stress. Hiring pros costs more but saves time and labor.
What to Know Before Moving from Memphis to Illinois
Living costs between Memphis and Illinois are relatively similar, so your budget won't need a complete overhaul. That said, a few key differences are worth understanding.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,299 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $143,715 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0% | 4.95% |
Key takeaways:
- Rent is about 9% lower in Illinois, giving you a small monthly cushion.
- Housing costs roughly 73% more in Illinois—expect a much higher mortgage or rent for comparable space.
- Average income is 63% higher in Illinois, so you'll likely have more flexibility to save or invest.
- Cost of living is nearly identical, so financial shocks should be minimal.
- Unemployment in Illinois runs about 34% lower—a real advantage if you're job-hunting.
- State income tax in Illinois is 4.95%, while Tennessee has none. That's real money leaving your paycheck.
How Life Differs Between Memphis and Illinois
| Factor | Memphis, TN | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Democratic (51–46) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 91°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 30°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 54″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 3″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 19.7 |
What this means for you:
- Politics: Both cities lean Democratic, so political culture won't be a shock.
- Summer: Illinois summers are about 5°F cooler. Factor in humidity patterns and energy costs to get the full picture.
- Winter: Illinois winters are significantly colder—lows around 17°F versus Memphis at 30°F. Expect higher heating bills and more snow management.
- Rain and snow: Illinois gets less rain (40″ vs. 54″) but far more snow (22″ vs. 3″). Beautiful winters come with shoveling and road treatment costs.
- Safety: Illinois has a crime index of 19.7 versus Memphis at 77.49—a meaningful difference pointing to safer neighborhoods overall.
Important Logistics Before You Move to Illinois
Don't overlook the operational side of your move:
- HOA rules: Check any neighborhood covenants or community rules early.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, book it for moving day well in advance.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require permits for moving trucks. Verify local requirements before your move date.
- State licensing: Illinois requires moving companies to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission for household goods and intrastate moves. Verify your mover's current license before hiring.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but check local parking restrictions in your destination neighborhood.
- USPS change of address: Submit your form at least a week before your move to ensure mail forwarding starts on schedule. Submit online here.
- Moving insurance: Standard Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound) is free but minimal. For full-value coverage, negotiate with your mover or hire a third-party provider.
- Moving checklist: Stay organized with our moving checklist to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Things to Do in Illinois
Illinois has museums, parks, sports, and college towns worth exploring.
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
Professional Sports
- 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 Memphis to Illinois take?
Transit time depends on your chosen moving method, but expect one to four days on average. Summer peak season often means longer delivery windows. Ask your mover for an estimated delivery window before you commit.
Do Memphis movers offer custom crating services?
Four Memphis movers list custom crating—useful for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items like pianos or artwork. Ask about crate specifications and whether they can tailor the build to your needs before booking.
What's the best way to ship a car from Memphis to Illinois?
If you need to move your vehicle, work with a team that prioritizes professionalism and proven experience. See our guide to auto transport services.
Why are people moving from Memphis to Illinois?
Economic opportunity and Chicago's draw are the main pulls. Illinois offers higher average incomes and stronger job markets, particularly in tech and finance.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Memphis?
Use our long-distance movers guide for a comprehensive list. Then cross-reference with the top five companies listed at the top of this article.
Can I pay in cash for my move?
Only two Memphis movers currently accept cash. Most carriers prefer digital, traceable payments for security and record-keeping. You'll typically pay a deposit to lock in your date and crew, then settle the balance at pickup or delivery. Confirm acceptable payment methods when you book.
Compare Quotes for Your Memphis to Illinois Move
The cost estimates above are just starting points. Every move is different—load weight, timing, access issues, and service add-ons all shift the final bill. Use our calculator to get personalized quotes from multiple movers, then compare side by side. You'll get a clearer sense of what your specific move will actually cost.