Moving from Myrtle Beach, SC to Illinois
If you're moving from Myrtle Beach to Illinois, you're looking at roughly a 965-mile haul inland. That's manageable for the right moving company, but finding one that actually shows up on time and doesn't nickel-and-dime you at the end is another story. I've pulled together the top movers in the Myrtle Beach area that handle this route regularly, plus what you can expect to pay and what life looks like once you land in Illinois.
Top 5 Moving Companies from Myrtle Beach to Illinois
Here's what I found after reviewing movers in the area who can actually handle the interstate leg to Illinois:
- All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.4 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.36 / 5
- Fairway Moving Services — 4.36 / 5
- A & M Friendly Movers LLC — 4.3 / 5
All My Sons Moving & Storage
Location: 1361 Stockholder Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Rating: 4.4 / 5
License #: 9898 | DOT #: 902281 | Years in business: 26
Review breakdown: 90% positive | 9% negative | 232 verified reviews
All My Sons has been around long enough to know what they're doing. Customers consistently mention efficiency and careful handling—movers show up, they're professional, and they get your stuff moved without drama. You'll hear praise for fast timelines and solid communication.
The catch? Some folks report bills that creep higher than the initial quote, and a few have had damage issues with reimbursement headaches. That's not unique to this company, but it's worth knowing upfront. Overall, if you're looking for a reliable crew that won't leave you hanging, they've got the track record.
Services offered: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office relocations, piano moving, antiques, crating, storage, piano moving, and safes. Credit card payments accepted.
Get a quote: (843) 438-7001
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Location: 854 Kingswood Drive, Conway, SC 29526
Rating: 4.5 / 5
License #: 9684-B | DOT #: 2527384 | Years in business: 27
Review breakdown: 92% positive | 7% negative | 240 verified reviews
This is one of the higher-rated outfits on the Myrtle Beach roster. The feedback centers on one thing: they hustle. Teams arrive on time, work through the day without dawdling, and treat your belongings like they matter. Office staff gets consistent props for being responsive and easy to work with.
Downsides are real but rare—some customers have reported damaged furniture (especially fragile items) and occasionally had trouble with insurance claim follow-ups. Unexpected charges pop up here and there too. But compared to most movers, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK delivers on the promise of a faster, less stressful move.
Services offered: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano moving, storage, safes. Credit card payments welcome.
Get a quote: (843) 485-0343
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Location: 1254 3rd Ave, South Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Rating: 4.36 / 5
License #: 9839 | DOT #: 2378173 | Years in business: New
Review breakdown: 93% positive | 7% negative | 242 verified reviews
College Hunks lives up to the hype here. Ninety-three percent of reviews are raves—quick service, professional crews, respectful handling of your stuff. People appreciate the good communication and the fact that crews actually care about protecting furniture and keeping things organized.
The downside is smaller but worth noting: occasional pricing surprises, late arrivals, and rare damage claims. Transparency on costs upfront would help them avoid those surprises. Most customers walk away recommending them, so if you're in their service area, they're worth a call.
Services offered: Local moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, storage. Credit card accepted.
Get a quote: (336) 810-1801
Fairway Moving Services
Location: 920 Shipmaster Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Rating: 4.36 / 5
License #: 9770 | DOT #: 1725600 | Years in business: 30
Review breakdown: 85% positive | 12% negative | 153 verified reviews
Fairway's been doing this for three decades, and it shows. Customers praise the crew for professionalism, speed, and genuine care with your belongings. Staff is polite, booking is smooth, and many note affordable pricing. They show up on time and move quickly without cutting corners.
A smaller chunk of reviews mention management friction, rare damage, or communication gaps when problems surface. For the most part though, Fairway delivers solid, reliable service at a decent price point.
Services offered: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office relocations, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage. Cash, money order, and credit card accepted.
Get a quote: (843) 467-5985
A & M Friendly Movers LLC
Location: 1014 Post Oak Ct, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Rating: 4.3 / 5
DOT #: 3425656 | Years in business: 5
Review breakdown: 59% positive | 41% negative | 17 verified reviews
Here's where the rating starts to break down. A & M has the friendliness down—crews are polite, communication is decent on good days, and they'll bend over backward on the initial move. The real issue? Accountability after the move ends. Forty-one percent of reviews cite furniture damage, ignored damage claims, and poor follow-through from management.
This company excels at being personable but struggles with consistency and owning problems when they happen. I'd call them the "good people, rough edges" option. Smaller moves might go fine, but for high-value items or if something goes wrong, you'll want that safety net.
Services offered: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, safes. Cash, money order, and credit card accepted.
Get a quote: (717) 434-6711
Local Moving Services in Myrtle Beach
Here's a quick snapshot of what specialty services are available among local movers:
| Service | Percentage Offering |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 80% |
| Small moves | 60% |
| Antiques | 30% |
| Art | 30% |
| Pianos | 70% |
| Fragile-only packing | 0% |
Cost to Move from Myrtle Beach to Illinois
Here's what you're actually looking at price-wise. These are ballpark figures based on a 965-mile move:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,032 – $4,359 | $764 – $1,955 | $619 – $1,127 |
| 2–3 bed | $2,174 – $5,359 | $1,371 – $2,806 | $663 – $1,298 |
| 4+ bed | $3,780 – $6,754 | $1,886 – $3,722 | $839 – $1,695 |
Note: These are estimates as of January 2026. Your actual cost depends on move date, exact belongings, parking access, fuel rates, and whatever else gets thrown into the mix. The only way to know what you'll actually pay is to use our moving cost calculator and grab quotes from multiple movers.
Cost to Hire Full-Service Movers from Myrtle Beach to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom? Budget $1,032 to $4,359. Two to three bedrooms? $2,174 to $5,359. If you're packing up a full four- or five-bedroom house, expect the high end: $3,780 to $6,754.
The spread is wide because it depends on how much you're actually moving, when you're moving, and which company you hire. Summer is more expensive. Peak season (May through September) hits everyone's rates.
Cost of Moving Containers from Myrtle Beach to Illinois
If you only need to move a few key pieces, moving containers like PODS run $764 to $1,955 for a small load. Two to three bedrooms usually land in the $1,371 to $2,806 range, and larger homes can hit $1,886 to $3,722.
Containers make sense if you need flexibility on timing—you pack at your pace, they store it, you unload when you're ready. But for a straightforward point-A-to-point-B move, full-service movers are often competitive on price and way less work.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Myrtle Beach to Illinois
A rental truck is the cheapest way to move, assuming you're okay doing the driving and heavy lifting yourself. Studio to one-bedroom runs $619 to $1,127 (including fuel). Two to three bedrooms land around $663 to $1,298, and larger homes run $839 to $1,695.
The catch? You're doing the work. A 965-mile drive is brutal if you're doing it solo or with a buddy. Factor in fatigue, potential damage (moving truck inexperience is real), and the risk to your back and knees. Sometimes paying more for professionals is worth the peace of mind.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost
Here's what actually moves the needle on price:
- Move size: A studio is a fraction of the cost of a full house. Obvious, but worth being honest with yourself about how much you're actually moving.
- Time of year: Summer demand jacks up prices across the board. Winter moves are cheaper but also riskier weather-wise.
- DIY vs. professional: Doing it yourself saves money but costs time and physical strain. Hiring movers costs more upfront but gets it done faster.
- Distance: Myrtle Beach to Illinois is far enough that it's a two-to-three-day haul. That adds up quick.
Cost of Living: Myrtle Beach vs. Illinois
If you're worried about affordability in Illinois, here's the reality check: cost of living is basically the same. But some specifics matter.
| Factor | Myrtle Beach, SC | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,850 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $299,556 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $53,985 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.95% |
What this means:
- Rent is 36% cheaper in Illinois. Your monthly housing payment drops noticeably.
- Homes cost about 17% less in Illinois, so mortgages are lower.
- Salaries are 45% higher in Illinois, which means more earning potential and easier bill-paying.
- Unemployment is lower (5.3% vs. 7.6%), so job prospects are better.
- Income tax is slightly lower in Illinois, leaving you with more take-home pay.
Bottom line: Illinois is economically favorable for most people making the move from Myrtle Beach. You'll likely spend less on housing and have better job prospects.
What Life Is Actually Like in Illinois vs. Myrtle Beach
Moving isn't just about the numbers. Here's how day-to-day living differs:
| Factor | Myrtle Beach, SC | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,682 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Republican (66–33) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 35°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 52″ | 40″ |
| Annual snowfall | 1″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 58.06 | 19.7 |
Here's what jumps out:
- Winters are legitimately cold in Illinois. Seventeen-degree lows vs. thirty-five in Myrtle Beach. You'll need a real winter coat, a snow shovel, and higher heating bills. But if you're into snow, you'll finally get it.
- Summers are nearly identical. Both hover in the mid-to-upper 80s, so no major climate shock there.
- Illinois gets way less rain (40 inches vs. 52), so fewer tropical downpours and more stable weather overall.
- Snow is a real thing. Illinois gets 22 inches a year vs. 1 inch in Myrtle Beach. That's beautiful until you're shoveling it.
- Crime is lower in Illinois. Index of 19.7 vs. 58.06 in Myrtle Beach—Illinois is notably safer.
- Illinois is way more populated. You're going from a beach town of 36K to a state of 12.5 million. That includes big-city living, especially if you land near Chicago.
Important Logistics Before You Move to Illinois
Don't just show up. There are a few things worth handling beforehand:
- HOA move-in rules: Some neighborhoods limit when you can move or require notice. Check with your HOA now.
- Parking permits for moving trucks: Depending on where you're landing in Illinois, you might need a parking permit for the moving truck. Call ahead to the city.
- Elevator reservations: If you're moving into an apartment building, they often require advance booking of elevators. Do this early.
- Illinois moving company licensing: Moving companies in Illinois need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify yours has one before you sign anything.
- Change your address with USPS: Do this at least a week before your move to avoid mail getting lost. You can do it online at USPS.gov.
- Moving insurance: Most movers offer Released Value Protection for free (covers 60 cents per pound). That's basically nothing. If you have high-value items, ask about full-value coverage or get third-party insurance.
- Use a moving checklist: Peace of mind costs nothing. Our moving checklist covers everything you'd otherwise forget.
Things to Do in Illinois
Once you land, you won't be bored. Illinois has serious attractions:
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
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports:
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Education:
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a Myrtle Beach to Illinois move take?
Two to seven days, depending on the service. Full-service movers typically land on the three-to-four day range. Peak summer season might add a day or two due to scheduling. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before you book.
Do Myrtle Beach movers offer custom crating?
Yes. Five movers in the Myrtle Beach area can build custom crates for artwork, antiques, and fragile pieces. When you request a quote, ask specifically about crate construction, padding, and lead times.
How do I ship a car from Myrtle Beach to Illinois?
Trust a professional auto transport company to handle it. They'll manage all the logistics and keep your vehicle protected. Get quotes from at least two carriers and compare timelines and insurance coverage.
Why do people move from Myrtle Beach to Illinois?
Mostly economics and job opportunity. Illinois—especially the Chicago area—offers higher salaries, lower unemployment, and better career growth. Plus, for some, the four-season climate beats year-round beach heat.
Can I pay for my move with cash?
Three movers in Myrtle Beach accept cash, but it's uncommon industry-wide. Most prefer credit card, ACH, or cashier's check for a paper trail. You'll usually pay a deposit upfront to lock in your date, then the balance at pickup or after delivery. Confirm payment methods with your mover before signing.
Popular Routes from South Carolina
If you're exploring other moves, here are common routes from the area:
- South Carolina to California
- South Carolina to Florida
- South Carolina to Georgia
- South Carolina to Michigan
- South Carolina to New York
- South Carolina to North Carolina
- South Carolina to Ohio
- South Carolina to Pennsylvania
- South Carolina to Texas
Ready to Move?
You've got five solid companies to choose from, realistic pricing, and a clear picture of what Illinois life looks like. The next step is getting actual quotes tailored to your specific move.
Compare moving quotes for your Myrtle Beach to Illinois move and lock in a firm price before peak season hits. The difference between booking now and waiting can be hundreds of dollars.