If you're moving from Montgomery, AL to Illinois, you're looking at a 719-mile relocation — far enough that who you hire and when you book matters more than it would for a local job. I've looked at the five Montgomery companies that actually handle interstate moves to Illinois, reviewed their track records, and pulled realistic cost ranges for different home sizes. Use our moving cost calculator to get a quick baseline for your specific inventory and timeline before diving in.
Top Montgomery Movers for Illinois Relocations
Out of five local companies that handle state-to-state moves from Montgomery, here's how they stack up:
- Coleman Worldwide Moving — 4.52 / 5
- Motivated Movers, Inc. — 4.42 / 5
- McCorquodale Transfer — 4.38 / 5
- Admiral Movers — 4.36 / 5
- C & R Movers, LLC — 4.34 / 5
Coleman Worldwide Moving
1285 Parker St, Montgomery, AL 36108 | (877) 693-7060 DOT #: 2897746 | State License #: 457 | 111 years in business
Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
63% positive | 25% negative
Coleman is a substantial regional name — 111 years in business is a real credential. Most customers highlight professional crews, consistent communication, and careful handling. The concern is a 25% negative review rate, with complaints centering on damaged goods and delivery delays. That rate stands out more sharply than it would for a smaller operator with fewer reviews. If you're moving fragile or high-value items on this route, have a direct conversation about handling procedures and claims responsiveness before you sign anything.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, crating, storage, safes, credit card accepted
McCorquodale Transfer
520 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108 | (334) 202-9059 DOT #: 713589 | State License #: 3783 | 27 years in business
Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
91% positive | 9% negative
A 91% positive rate is genuinely strong for this industry. McCorquodale gets consistent marks for professionalism, on-time delivery, and damage-free transport of high-value goods — antiques show up often in the praise. Pricing comes up favorably in multiple reviews. The downside: a small number of customers reported slow claims resolution and disputes over insurance payouts after damage. For an interstate move of this distance, ask specifically about their claims process before you hand anything over.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, credit card/money order accepted
Motivated Movers, Inc.
2450 Wall St, Millbrook, AL 36054 | (334) 221-1222 18 years in business
89% positive | 10% negative
Nearly 90% positive across 406 reviews — that's a meaningful sample, not just a handful of fans. Speed and professionalism come up constantly, and reviewers frequently note that crews handle large or complex moves without drama. The 10% negative feedback clusters around damaged items and inconsistent communication, which suggests quality varies somewhat by crew rather than pointing to a systemic problem. Worth a quote if you want a local operator with real volume experience on interstate jobs.
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, crating, storage, safes, credit card accepted
Admiral Movers
1200 Newell Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110 | (334) 262-6666 DOT #: 1254788 | 35 years in business | DOD certified
Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
95% positive | 4% negative
Admiral is the standout on this list. A 95% positive rate across 225 feedback entries is hard to argue with. Customers consistently describe fast, organized service with crews that protect both belongings and the homes they're working in. The DOD certification signals real accountability. Complaints are rare — occasional broken items, a few pricing surprises — but the volume of repeat customers and referrals mentioned in reviews is a reliable quality signal. If budget allows, Admiral is the first call I'd make.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, DOD certified, multiple payment options accepted
C & R Movers, LLC
2255 South Forbes Dr., Montgomery, AL 36110 | (334) 233-6766 DOT #: 2813027 | State License #: 4043 | 10 years in business
Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
71% positive | 25% negative
C & R is the youngest operator on this list, and some growing pains show up in the numbers. The positives are real — competitive pricing, fast service, polite crews. But a 25% negative rate from only 52 reviews means any single bad crew can skew the picture badly. Recurring complaints about communication breakdowns and last-minute cancellations are red flags for a 700-mile move where you can't easily pivot if something falls through. Worth considering if price is the priority, but vet them carefully and confirm everything in writing.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, credit card accepted
Specialty Moving Services Available in Montgomery, AL
Here's a snapshot of what these five carriers collectively offer for specialized needs:
| Service | # of Movers | % Available |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 5 | 100% |
| Pianos | 4 | 80% |
| Antiques | 3 | 60% |
| Art | 3 | 60% |
| Small moves | 2 | 40% |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 | 40% |
All five companies tracked here offer custom crating — useful if you're moving artwork, antiques, or sensitive electronics on this route. Confirm materials and box dimensions match your specific items when requesting a quote.
Cost to Move from Montgomery, AL to Illinois
Here's what a 719-mile move from Montgomery to Illinois realistically costs, broken out by home size and service type.
| Move size | Full-service movers | Moving containers | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,191 – $3,945 | $709 – $1,633 | $469 – $899 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,170 – $5,258 | $1,252 – $2,552 | $548 – $1,100 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,041 – $7,666 | $1,761 – $3,315 | $686 – $1,386 |
Estimates reflect market pricing as of January 2026 for a 719-mile route. Final costs vary based on volume, timing, access conditions, add-ons, and fuel. Always compare at least three quotes before committing.
Cost to hire full-service movers from Montgomery to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $1,191–$3,945. Two- to three-bedroom homes typically run $2,170–$5,258. A four-plus-bedroom household generally lands between $4,041 and $7,666. The wide ranges reflect real variation in how much packing help you need, what time of year you're moving, and how carriers structure their pricing.
Cost of moving containers from Montgomery to Illinois
Moving containers are a strong middle option — you pack on your own schedule, the company handles the transport. Small loads: $709–$1,633. Two- to three-bedroom: $1,252–$2,552. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,761–$3,315. Check out our full container comparison to see how PODS, SMARTBOX, and similar services stack up on this type of route.
If keeping costs down is the priority across all service types, our affordable movers guide is worth a look before you finalize anything.
Cost of rental trucks from Montgomery to Illinois
The truck rental is cheapest on paper — but account for fuel, your time, and the reality of driving a loaded 26-foot truck 700+ miles before you lock it in. Studio or one-bedroom: $469–$899. Two- to three-bedroom: $548–$1,100. Four-plus bedrooms: $686–$1,386. These ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
What Drives Your Montgomery to Illinois Moving Cost
Three variables account for most of the price spread:
- Move size: More volume equals more truck space and more labor hours. Declutter before you request quotes — it directly reduces your number.
- Time of year: Summer moves, roughly May through August, push rates up across the board. Fall or early spring moves will save you real money if your timeline is flexible.
- Service level: Hiring long-distance movers means convenience and reduced risk to your belongings, but it's the most expensive option. A container or truck rental cuts costs significantly if you're willing to do the physical work.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Montgomery to Illinois
Illinois costs more to live in than Montgomery overall, but the gap isn't dramatic on every line item. Here's where it matters.
Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs. Illinois
| Montgomery, AL | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,200 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $140,563 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $49,989 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 79 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zumper, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation
What those numbers actually mean for your budget:
- Rent is nearly identical — Illinois runs $1,179/month vs. $1,200 in Montgomery. No adjustment needed there.
- Home prices are where the gap is real. At $249,224 vs. $140,563, Illinois homes cost about 77% more. If you're planning to buy, build that into your financial timeline.
- Income averages about 57% higher in Illinois, which offsets much of the cost increase for most earners.
- Overall cost of living is roughly 14% higher in Illinois. Plan for it, but it's not a dramatic shift.
- Unemployment is slightly lower in Illinois (5.3% vs. 5.8%), making the job market a bit more accessible.
- State income tax is essentially the same — 4.95% in Illinois vs. 5.0% in Alabama. No material impact on your take-home.
How Life in Illinois Differs from Montgomery, AL
| Montgomery, AL | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8–48.3 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 91°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 35°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 51" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 22" |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
The details that actually matter:
- Politics: Both areas lean Democratic, so no sharp political culture shock.
- Summer: Illinois runs a few degrees cooler (86°F vs. 91°F) and noticeably drier — 40 inches of annual rain vs. 51 in Montgomery. If you've spent years in the Deep South humidity, a Midwest summer may feel like a genuine improvement.
- Winter: This is the real adjustment. Illinois winters bottom out at 17°F vs. Montgomery's 35°F low, and the state gets about 22 inches of snow annually. Montgomery sees none. Budget for heating costs, invest in proper winter gear, and take the shoveling seriously.
- Crime: Illinois posts a crime index of 19.7 vs. 65.25 in Montgomery. That's a meaningful difference and a real quality-of-life improvement in most neighborhoods.
- Scale: You're going from a city of 200,000 to a state of 12.5 million people. That density shift affects everything from commute times to restaurant options. Chicago alone will take some adjustment.
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
A few practical items that are easy to overlook until they're a problem on moving day:
- HOA rules: Check your new community's moving policies before scheduling. Time windows, truck size limits, and elevator reservations are all common requirements.
- Elevator reservations: Moving into a building in Chicago or any urban Illinois area? Reserve the freight elevator well in advance — these fill up fast, especially on weekends.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require permits for moving trucks parked on city streets. Check with local city offices at least a week ahead.
- State licensing: Illinois regulates intrastate movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Carriers need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to legally move household goods in-state. Verify any company's license is current before booking.
- Moving permits: No statewide moving permit is required in Illinois, but local parking ordinances vary by city. Confirm with your municipality.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date so mail forwarding kicks in on time.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection — 60 cents per pound per article — is required to be offered free by your mover, but it's minimal coverage. For anything valuable, ask about full-value protection or look into a third-party policy.
- Moving checklist: Use the MoveFinders moving checklist to keep logistics from slipping through the cracks on a move this size.
Things to Do in Illinois
If you're coming from Montgomery and wondering what you're getting into culturally, the short answer is: a lot.
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 Montgomery to Illinois take?
Typically one to six days, depending on the service type and the carrier's delivery schedule. Summer moves run longer due to demand. Get a written delivery window from any mover you're seriously considering — not just a verbal estimate — before you sign the contract.
Which Montgomery movers offer custom crating?
All five companies reviewed above offer crating for items like art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm that the specific materials and dimensions match your items when you request the quote — don't assume standard crates will fit unusual pieces.
What's the best way to ship a car from Montgomery to Illinois?
Auto transport is a separate service from your household move. Our car shipping guide covers vetted carriers that handle interstate vehicle transport and can get your car to Illinois independently of your household goods shipment.
Why are people moving from Montgomery to Illinois?
Chicago is the primary draw — major economic opportunity, a deep and diverse job market, and the infrastructure of a genuine global city. Illinois is also home to several top-ranked universities and a strong healthcare and finance sector.
Where can I find long-distance movers serving Montgomery?
Start with the five companies reviewed above. For a broader set of vetted carriers that handle cross-country moves, the best long-distance movers guide is the logical next stop.
Can I pay a Montgomery mover with cash?
One of the five movers listed here accepts cash. Most carriers prefer credit card or money order — payment methods that give both sides a clear paper trail. Expect to put down a deposit to hold your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery depending on the company's policy.
Get real numbers before you commit: compare quotes and estimate your move based on your actual inventory and timeline.