Moving from Scottsdale to Illinois: What You Need to Know
If you're moving from Scottsdale to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 1,600 miles and a significant lifestyle shift. The heat, sprawl, and car culture of Scottsdale give way to Midwest winters, denser urban centers, and very different housing costs. Before you pick a mover, it helps to understand what's actually involved in this particular route—and what your money will actually cover.
I've looked at 67 moving companies that service the Scottsdale-to-Illinois corridor. Below are the five that consistently earn the highest marks from customers who've actually done this move.
Top 5 Moving Companies from Scottsdale to Illinois
1. Gilbert Moving & Storage
4.76 / 5 stars (357 verified reviews)
Gilbert Moving & Storage has earned a reputation for clean execution and transparent pricing. Analysis of their customer feedback shows 97% positive sentiment. What stands out: customers repeatedly note efficient crews, careful handling of belongings, and zero surprises on the final invoice. The downsides—and there are a few—center on property damage claims and pushback on reimbursements. But relative to the volume of moves they handle, these complaints are rare.
Service areas: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
Years in business: 8
DOT #: 3190108
Get a quote: (480) 825-8648
2. NorthStar Moving Company
4.66 / 5 stars (121 verified reviews)
NorthStar (also doing business as Scottsdale Moving & Storage Inc) pulls together the kind of crew that shows up on time, moves fast, and respects your stuff. From 121 feedback entries, 90% praised efficient packing, polite staff, and careful logistics. Only 5% reported issues—mainly damage or unexpected charges, which tracks with the industry average. If you're moving high-value items or want attentive communication throughout the process, this outfit delivers.
Service areas: Local and interstate moves, international relocation, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
Years in business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Get a quote: (800) 275-7767
3. Just-In Time Moving & Storage
4.66 / 5 stars (222 verified reviews)
Just-In Time has one of the strongest review profiles I've seen. Nearly 98% of feedback is positive, and the consistency is striking: customers note professional crews, speedy execution, excellent communication, and fair pricing (many report paying less than their original quote). The 1% of negative reviews mention damage or claims issues—standard friction points in the moving industry. For hassle-free, well-managed relocations, this is a solid choice.
Service areas: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes
Years in business: 20
DOT #: 1759501
Get a quote: (480) 213-0395
4. Two Men and a Truck
4.58 / 5 stars (267 verified reviews)
Two Men and a Truck delivers on speed and politeness. 76% of feedback highlights efficient service, professional staff, and careful handling. The remaining complaints—24%—focus on damaged items, surprise charges, and sluggish claims handling. The core operation is solid, but you'll want to document the condition of high-value items in writing and review the final invoice before payment.
Service areas: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes
Years in business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Get a quote: (480) 582-0747
5. Mentors Moving & Storage
4.62 / 5 stars (126 verified reviews)
Mentors rounds out the top five with crews known for speed and careful handling. 89% of feedback praises efficiency, politeness, and punctual arrivals. Their downsides: occasional damage, billing disputes, and difficulty resolving claims after the fact. For straightforward, mid-range moves, they're reliable; just confirm your insurance coverage and get estimates in writing.
Service areas: Local and interstate moves, international relocation, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes
Years in business: 8
DOT #: 2911596
Get a quote: (480) 605-1782
Cost Breakdown: Scottsdale to Illinois
Here's what you can expect to pay for this move, depending on home size and service type:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,148 – $4,885 | $971 – $2,390 | $950 – $1,789 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,991 – $6,401 | $1,785 – $3,668 | $988 – $2,107 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,215 – $9,418 | $2,266 – $5,005 | $1,183 – $2,475 |
Note: These estimates are based on a 1,607-mile move and reflect pricing data as of January 2026. Your actual cost depends on move size, added services, access issues, fuel prices, and timing. Get quotes from multiple movers to lock in the most accurate pricing for your situation.
Full-Service Movers vs. Containers vs. Rental Trucks
Professional movers handle everything—packing, loading, driving, unloading. You pay the most, but you also get the least physical labor and stress on your end. Costs are highest during summer (peak season).
Moving containers (like PODS) sit between DIY and full-service: you pack, they transport and store if needed. Mid-range pricing, moderate effort.
Rental trucks (U-Haul, Home Depot, Budget) are cheapest but require you to do all the heavy lifting and long-distance driving. Fuel is the wild card; for a 1,600-mile haul, it adds up quickly.
What Shapes Moving Costs on This Route
Move size: Obvious, but it matters. Every extra room adds volume and weight, which directly increases the final bill.
Time of year: Summer is peak season everywhere, including Scottsdale. Expect to pay 15–25% more in June through August. Winter and early spring tend to be cheaper.
Distance and logistics: Scottsdale to Illinois is a long haul with little competition at the destination end. That can push prices up compared to shorter regional moves.
Add-on services: Packing, crating fragile items, moving pianos or safes—each adds cost. If you're flexible, handle packing yourself to save money.
Cost of Living: Scottsdale vs. Illinois
Before you move, understand the financial reality on the ground.
| Metric | Scottsdale, AZ | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $3,300/month | $1,179/month | 64% lower in Illinois |
| Average home cost | $827,308 | $249,224 | 70% lower in Illinois |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,533 | $78,433 | 22% higher in Illinois |
| Cost of living index | 113 | 90 | 20% lower in Illinois |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.3% | 13% higher in Illinois |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 4.95% | 98% higher in Illinois |
The upshot: Housing is dramatically cheaper in Illinois. Rent runs about 64% lower, and home prices are 70% below Scottsdale. Your paycheck may also go further—per capita income in Illinois averages 22% higher. The trade-off: income tax is nearly double, and the job market is slightly tighter.
Life in Illinois vs. Scottsdale: What Actually Changes
| Aspect | Scottsdale, AZ | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 12,549,689 |
| Summer high | 104°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 42°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 11 inches | 40 inches |
| Annual snowfall | 0 inches | 22 inches |
| Crime rate | 25.8 | 19.7 |
| Political lean | Republican (52-48) | Democratic (55-45) |
Temperature reality: Illinois summers are actually pleasant—about 18 degrees cooler than Scottsdale. Winter is a shock: 17°F vs. 42°F. If you're accustomed to Arizona's dry heat and no snow, prepare for genuine winter. Snow removal, salt on roads, slick conditions, and heating bills become real costs.
Rain and landscape: Illinois gets 40 inches of rain annually vs. 11 in Scottsdale. The landscape is greener, but you'll need rain gear and flexible outdoor plans. Snow happens—22 inches per year on average—and it's beautiful until you're shoveling.
Crime: Illinois actually has a lower crime rate than Scottsdale, which is worth noting if safety is a priority.
Politics: Scottsdale leans Republican; Illinois leans Democratic. If local politics matter to you, this is a genuine shift.
Why People Leave Scottsdale for Illinois
The attractions in Illinois:
- Home of Chicago—world-class dining, museums (The Art Institute, Lincoln Presidential Library), sports culture (Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears), and nightlife
- Strong job market and economic opportunity, especially in tech, finance, and healthcare
- Significantly lower cost of living, especially housing
- Lower crime rates in most areas
- Access to parks (Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park) and outdoor recreation
What people leave behind in Scottsdale:
- Tourists and congestion (especially on the golf courses and in Old Town)
- Heavy traffic, especially on I-10 and Loop 101
- Extreme summer heat
- Wildfire season and air quality concerns
Key Logistics Before You Move
Don't just book a truck and go. A few things can slow or complicate your move:
State regulations: Illinois requires moving companies to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission to move household goods locally or intrastate. Verify any mover's license before hiring.
Parking and permits: Some Illinois municipalities require parking permits for large vehicles or moving trucks. Check with your local city or county before move day. Scottsdale itself has similar rules, so coordinate elevator and parking access at both ends.
Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before moving. It's free and ensures mail forwarding to your new Illinois address.
Moving insurance: Standard "Released Value Protection" covers 60 cents per pound. For full-value coverage, ask your mover for alternatives or consider third-party insurance. Every state has different requirements, so clarify this upfront.
HOA or building rules: Check any community bylaws or condo regulations at your destination. Some buildings require elevator reservations or restrict move-in hours.
Local moving checklist: Use a moving checklist to stay organized and catch details you might otherwise miss.
What to Do and See in Illinois
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Science and Industry
Outdoor Spaces
- Starved Rock State Park (canyons and waterfalls)
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
Sports Teams
- Chicago Cubs and White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
Universities
- University of Chicago
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Illinois at Chicago
FAQ
How long does the move take?
Most Scottsdale-to-Illinois moves take 4 to 15 days, depending on the mover's schedule and service level. Summer moves can face delays due to peak season traffic. Always ask about estimated delivery windows before booking.
Do movers in Scottsdale offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Yes. About 38 movers in the Scottsdale area specialize in custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. If you have artwork or antiques, confirm in advance that your chosen mover can handle crating to your satisfaction.
What about shipping my car?
For auto transport from Scottsdale to Illinois, choose a company with solid reviews, insured vehicles, and experience on long-distance routes. Get multiple quotes and verify their DOT credentials.
Can I pay in cash?
About 15 movers in Scottsdale accept cash, but it's uncommon in the industry. Expect to pay a deposit upfront (via card or check) to lock your booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Verify payment methods before signing.
What about long-distance moving companies in Scottsdale?
The companies listed above all handle interstate moves. For a comprehensive list of long-distance movers in Arizona, check your local options and cross-reference reviews.
Next Steps
Get specific quotes from at least three movers on this route. Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your move, then reach out to the top-rated companies above. Ask about their timeline, insurance options, and what happens if items get damaged. Get everything in writing.
The difference between a smooth move and a frustrating one often comes down to clear communication and realistic expectations. Take the time to compare your options.