If you're moving from Newark to Illinois, the financial logic is hard to argue with. Rent runs nearly 49% cheaper. Home prices are roughly half what you'd pay in Newark. The overall cost of living is about a third lower. The move itself costs real money — but the monthly savings start stacking up the moment you land.
What this guide focuses on: which movers are actually worth hiring for this ~900-mile haul, what to realistically budget, and what's waiting for you on the other end.
Local moving companies in Newark
Out of 158 Newark-area movers capable of handling state-to-state relocations, here are the five I'd recommend for a move to Illinois:
- White Glove Moving & Storage — 4.72 / 5
- Flatrate Moving — 4.66 / 5
- Great Movers — 4.72 / 5
- Seka Moving — 4.70 / 5
- Molloy Bros Moving and Storage — 4.56 / 5
For a long interstate move, you want a company with proven experience beyond local jobs. These five have it. Full profiles below.
White Glove Moving & Storage
235 W 1st St, Bayonne, NJ 07002 4.72 / 5 | 90% positive reviews | Yelp (521) | Google (865) | BBB: A+
29 years in business | DOT #648262
Across 741 customer reviews, White Glove holds up unusually well. Nearly 90% of customers report positive experiences, and the recurring themes are consistent: careful wrapping, professional crews, and reliable communication. On a long-distance move, handling consistency is exactly what matters most — a lot of companies do fine locally but get sloppy once distance enters the equation.
Negative reviews do surface — damaged goods, delayed delivery windows, or unexpected fees on longer jobs. None of that is disqualifying, but it's worth protecting yourself: get delivery timelines and all fees in writing before you sign anything.
White Glove is also DOD certified, which tells you they can perform under demanding logistical standards. If you're moving pianos, antiques, or high-value artwork, they have the specialty capability to handle it.
Phone: (877) 941-0568
Services: Local, interstate & international moves | Packing & unpacking | Offices | Pianos | Hot tubs | Pool tables | Art | Antiques | Grandfather clocks | Crating | Crane vans | Full-valuation coverage | Storage | Credit cards accepted | DOD certified
Flatrate Moving
99 Evergreen Ave, Newark, NJ 07114 4.66 / 5 | 80% positive reviews | Yelp (30) | Google (72) | BBB: A+
33 years in business | DOT #488466
Thirty-three years in the business is the kind of tenure that earns a base level of credibility. Crews arrive on time, move efficiently, and handle belongings carefully — that's what four out of five customers report. On move day, Flatrate generally delivers.
The 18% negative rate deserves a closer look, though. Damaged items, communication breakdowns, and surprise price increases appear frequently enough in critical reviews to look like a pattern rather than isolated incidents. Post-move problem-solving — handling claims, resolving disputes — is where some customers have hit walls. If you book Flatrate, nail down pricing upfront and get clear answers on the claims process before anything gets loaded onto the truck.
Phone: (917) 781-3898
Services: Local, interstate & international moves | Packing & unpacking | Offices | Pianos | Crating | Storage | Credit cards accepted
Great Movers
58 2nd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 4.72 / 5 | 95% positive reviews | Yelp (551) | Google (2,203) | BBB: A+
13 years in business | DOT #2180117
A 95% positive rate across more than 2,700 reviews is hard to fake. Great Movers earns consistent praise for efficient crews, careful handling, accurate pricing, and clear communication — the exact four things that tend to fall apart on a long-distance move. Seeing them highlighted repeatedly across a large review sample is meaningful.
The 5% of negative feedback centers on item damage, insurance disputes, and occasional surprise charges. Serious when they happen, but statistically rare here. Great Movers also tends to price competitively, which makes them a strong option if you're watching the budget without wanting to gamble on an unknown company.
Phone: (718) 306-9980
Services: Local, interstate & international moves | Packing & unpacking | Offices | Pianos | Art | Antiques | Grandfather clocks | Crating | Full-valuation coverage | Storage | Safes | Cash & credit cards accepted | Deposit required
Seka Moving
48 Wall St #1100, New York, NY 10005 4.70 / 5 | 85% positive reviews | Yelp (250) | Google (60) | BBB: A+
7 years in business | DOT #3014539 | Also operates as: Seka Moving Corporation
Seka is younger than the others on this list — 7 years in — but they've built a credible track record quickly. Customers consistently single out speed, careful property handling, and accurate estimates. On a long interstate move, pricing accuracy upfront is one of the clearest markers of a professional operation, and Seka seems to understand that.
At 13% negative, the complaints worth noting are damaged items, delayed arrivals or delivery windows, and unexpected charges — particularly on longer-distance jobs. These are industry-wide friction points, but they show up in a small enough share of reviews that most Seka customers come through cleanly. Confirm your delivery window in writing if you're booking them for this route.
Phone: (212) 203-0280
Services: Local & interstate moves | Packing & unpacking | Offices | Pianos | Hot tubs | Pool tables | Art | Antiques | Grandfather clocks | Crating | Full-valuation coverage | Storage | Fragile-only packing | Cash, money order & credit cards accepted | Deposit required
Molloy Bros Moving and Storage
900 S 2nd St., Harrison, NJ 07029 4.56 / 5 | 79% positive reviews | Yelp (35) | Google (41) | BBB: A+
46 years in business | DOT #125563 | Also operates as: Molloy Brothers Moving & Storage, Molloy Bros. Mayflower, Advance Relocation and Storage of NJ
Forty-six years in the business — out of the Newark area, no less — is a track record you can't manufacture. Nearly four in five customers report positive experiences, with efficient crews, careful handling, and smooth coordination cited most often. Molloy Bros has been doing long-distance moves long enough to know the operational details that trip up younger companies.
The negatives focus on inaccurate estimates, damage claims, and communication gaps during difficult relocations. A few reviewers reported unexpected charges or missing items, which is always a flag worth taking seriously. Get an itemized quote in writing and nail down the claims procedure before anything moves.
Phone: (201) 444-7711
Services: Local, interstate & international moves | Packing & unpacking | Offices | Pianos | Pool tables | Art | Antiques | Grandfather clocks | Crating | Crane vans | Shipment tracking | Full-valuation coverage | Storage | Fragile-only packing | Safes | Cash, money order & credit cards accepted | Deposit required
Local moving services in Newark, NJ
Here's a quick snapshot of specialty service availability among Newark movers:
| Service | Movers available |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 145 (91.8%) |
| Pianos | 139 (88.0%) |
| Art | 118 (74.7%) |
| Antiques | 111 (70.3%) |
| Small moves | 57 (36.1%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 32 (20.3%) |
If you need something specific — custom crating, piano handling, fragile-only packing — confirm availability with any company before you get too far into the booking process.
Cost to move from Newark, NJ to Illinois
Use our moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your home size, dates, and any specialty items. The table below is built on ~900-mile move data and gives you a solid working baseline.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,018 – $3,958 | $788 – $1,914 | $566 – $1,070 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,218 – $5,340 | $1,414 – $2,718 | $624 – $1,324 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,667 – $6,749 | $1,773 – $3,598 | $814 – $1,625 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Your actual quote will vary with move size, timing, optional services, access conditions, and fuel costs. Always compare estimates from at least three companies.
Cost to hire movers from Newark to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, hiring a full-service moving company runs $1,018 to $3,958. A two- to three-bedroom home lands between $2,218 and $5,340. Four or more bedrooms pushes that to $3,667 to $6,749.
The spread in those ranges is real. Timing, volume, and packing services all move your number. Summer moves — June through August — consistently hit the higher end.
Cost of moving containers from Newark to Illinois
Moving containers are a solid middle path: you load and unload on your own schedule, a driver handles the long haul. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $788 to $1,914. Two to three bedrooms run $1,414 to $2,718. Larger homes fall in the $1,773 to $3,598 range.
It's a meaningful step down from full-service pricing, and a lot of people on this route find the trade-off worth it — especially if you're not on a tight delivery timeline.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Newark to Illinois
Renting a truck is the cheapest option, but remember: you're loading, unloading, and driving roughly 900 miles yourself. Factor that in before you commit.
If it still makes sense — a studio or one-bedroom runs $566 to $1,070. Two to three bedrooms come in at $624 to $1,324. Four-plus bedrooms land between $814 and $1,625. These estimates include fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Newark to Illinois
A few variables that will move your number significantly:
- Move size: More stuff means higher cost. This is the single biggest driver.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. A fall or late-winter move will usually run noticeably less.
- Service level: Truck rental is cheapest but demands the most from you. Full-service is the most convenient — and the most expensive. Containers sit in between.
What you should know before moving from Newark to Illinois
The financial case for this move is strong. New Jersey is one of the most expensive states in the country, and Illinois runs significantly cheaper across almost every category. Here's how the numbers actually line up.
Compare cost of living: Newark vs. Illinois
| Newark, NJ | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,300 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $475,797 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $41,335 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 135 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 4.95% |
Newark sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
A few things jump out:
- Rent is roughly 49% cheaper in Illinois than Newark. That's a significant monthly swing.
- Home prices are about 48% lower — which opens up buying if you've been priced out in Jersey.
- Per capita income in Illinois runs about 90% higher than Newark. That gap compounds the cost-of-living advantage considerably.
- The overall cost of living index is 33% lower in Illinois. You'll feel that difference month to month.
- Illinois's unemployment rate of 5.3% is about 59% below Newark's 13.0%. The job market there is meaningfully healthier.
- State income tax drops from 10.7% in New Jersey to 4.95% in Illinois — more than half off.
How life is different in Newark vs. Illinois
| Newark, NJ | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 304,960 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 86°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 23°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 48" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 26" | 22" |
| Crime index | 75.24 | 19.7 |
Newark sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Illinois sources: Wikipedia, NeighborhoodScout.
What's worth paying attention to:
- Summer weather is nearly identical — both around 86°F. The adjustment there is minimal.
- Winter lows are colder in Illinois — 17°F versus Newark's 23°F. Not dramatically different, but budget for higher heating costs.
- Rain and snow are both slightly lower in Illinois. Fewer rainy days, marginally less snow. Minor difference in practice.
- Crime is where the gap is stark. Illinois's crime index of 19.7 is dramatically lower than Newark's 75.24. For a lot of people making this move, that single data point is reason enough.
- Politics: Both lean Democratic. You're not moving into foreign territory.
- Scale: Illinois has 12.5 million people. You can land in Chicago's density, a mid-sized city, or a small town — the range is wide.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
A few logistics beyond just booking movers and packing boxes:
- HOA rules: If your new place has a homeowners association, check their moving restrictions before scheduling your crew. Some have narrow windows for elevator or loading dock access.
- Elevator reservations: If there's an elevator in your new building, reserve it well in advance — move-in spots fill up fast.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require permits for moving trucks on public streets. Check your specific destination city's rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: In Illinois, intrastate movers must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify your mover has a valid, current license before you sign anything.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking ordinances vary by city. Confirm before move day.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move date so mail forwarding is active when you arrive.
- Moving insurance: All licensed movers must offer Released Value Protection at no charge — 60 cents per pound per item. For anything more comprehensive, ask your mover about full-value coverage or look into a third-party policy. Worth it if you're moving high-value items.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized in the weeks before your move. It's easy to miss the small stuff when you're juggling everything at once.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you end up in Chicago or somewhere smaller, Illinois has more going on than most people expect.
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 Newark to Illinois take?
Plan on two to seven days door-to-door, depending on the service and time of year. Summer moves — June through August — can push toward the longer end due to high demand. Confirm delivery windows explicitly with your mover before you sign, and build in buffer if you're on a tight schedule.
How many Newark movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
125 Newark-area movers offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, electronics, and other fragile or oddly shaped items. If you have pieces that require it, confirm the specific crating method with any mover before booking — don't assume it's included.
What is the best way to get a car from Newark to Illinois?
Use the car shipping calculator to compare quotes from vetted auto transporters on this route. When evaluating car shipping companies, look for confirmed insurance coverage on your vehicle's actual value and verifiable experience on the New Jersey to Illinois corridor.
Why are people moving from Newark to Illinois?
Mostly economics and quality of life. Chicago is the main draw — it's a genuine world-class city at a fraction of the New York metro cost. Outside Chicago, mid-sized cities and smaller communities offer even lower costs, a much lower crime rate, and a noticeably different pace. For a lot of people leaving Newark, that combination is compelling.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Newark?
See our rankings of the best long-distance movers to compare options with proven interstate experience.
Do movers in Newark, NJ accept cash?
Yes — 68 Newark movers accept cash. That said, traceable payment methods give you more recourse if something goes wrong, and they're standard in the industry for a reason. You'll typically pay a deposit at booking and the balance at pickup or delivery. Confirm both the payment schedule and accepted methods with your mover before move day.
Compare moving quotes for your Newark to Illinois move and see what your specific situation actually costs before you commit to anything.