If you're moving from Winston-Salem to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 738 miles — squarely in long-distance mover territory. Before you start calling around, get a number in your head: full-service movers on this route run $1,049–$7,370 depending on home size. Use our moving cost calculator to sharpen that estimate before you talk to anyone.
Below is a breakdown of the top Winston-Salem movers for this route, what you'll actually pay across three service types, and what life in Illinois looks like before you commit.
Local Moving Companies in Winston-Salem
Out of 20 Winston-Salem movers credentialed to handle state-to-state moves, five rose to the top for the Winston-Salem to Illinois route:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.62 / 5
- American Moving & Hauling, Inc. — 4.58 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.58 / 5
- Todd's Easy Moves — 4.34 / 5
- Excel Moving and Storage — 4.56 / 5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
130 Stratford Ct, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 | (336) 310-0235
88% positive | 11% negative | 239 total reviews
Yelp (19 reviews) · Google (217 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
Two Men and a Truck's Winston-Salem location earns its marks consistently. Across nearly 240 reviews, the recurring themes are crews that show up on time, handle belongings carefully, and keep communication clear from booking through delivery. Rates get called "reasonable" more often than you'd expect from a branded franchise.
The weak spots, when they appear, tend to be on the phone side — complaints about rude customer service reps, plus occasional reports of damaged items or sluggish claims resolution. About 11% negative is below average for this market. With 30 years operating and a full capability set that includes pianos, storage, and packing, this is a solid first call for most Winston-Salem to Illinois moves.
State license: #126 | DOT: 2527384 | 30 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit cards accepted
American Moving & Hauling, Inc.
535 Clemmonsville Rd D, Winston-Salem, NC 27107 | (336) 765-3499
91% positive | 8% negative | 1,000+ reviews across platforms
Yelp (72 reviews) · Google (983 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
Over 980 Google reviews with a 91% positive rate makes this one of the most validated options in Winston-Salem. Customers point to professional crews, honest pricing, and responsive office staff. The specialty service list is extensive — pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, fine art, custom crating — which matters if your move involves anything fragile or out of the ordinary.
The caveat: some customers report slow or unresolved damage claims, and a few describe unexpected cost surprises. Not unusual for this industry, but worth noting. If you have irreplaceable items, be explicit about valuation coverage before anyone touches your belongings. At 19 years in business with full-valuation coverage available, this is one of the stronger all-around picks in the area.
State license: #2411 | DOT: 2007351 | 19 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes, credit cards, deposit required
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
7345 West Friendly Ave, Suite E, Greensboro, NC 27410 | (336) 810-1801
43% positive | 54% negative | 35 reviews analyzed
Yelp (42 reviews) · Google (533 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
I'll be direct: 54% negative reviews is a red flag, whatever the BBB grade says. Broken furniture, surprise charges, and poor damage resolution come up repeatedly in the critical feedback. Speed and friendly crews do get praised by the minority who had good experiences — but a majority-negative complaint rate is not what you want on a 738-mile move.
There's also a practical issue: College Hunks doesn't list interstate moves as an offered service. That's a hard limitation for a Winston-Salem to Illinois haul specifically. If you're moving low-value items and price is your primary driver, a call might be worth it. For anything you'd be genuinely upset to lose or damage, look at the other four options first.
State license: #2525 | DOT: 2378173 | 13 years in business
Services: Local, packing, unpacking, offices, storage, credit cards accepted
Todd's Easy Moves
1080 Small Creek Way, Westfield, NC 27053 | (336) 998-6683
69% positive | 30% negative | 54 reviews analyzed
Yelp (16 reviews) · Google (38 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
Thirty-nine years in business carries real weight. Most customers describe professional, efficient crews that handle belongings carefully and maintain a positive attitude even when conditions get complicated. Pricing transparency comes up positively more often than average — which is genuinely notable in a business where hidden fees are common.
The 30% negative rate deserves attention, though. Complaints cluster around costs coming in higher than quoted, abrupt scheduling changes, and unreliable delivery timing. Standard advice applies here more than most: get your quote itemized in writing and nail down the delivery window before you sign. With interstate licensing, full-valuation coverage, and specialty handling for pianos, art, and antiques, the capability is there — just verify the details upfront.
State license: #2276 | DOT: 2390090 | 39 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, cash and credit cards accepted, deposit required
Excel Moving and Storage
306 Concord St, Greensboro, NC 27406 | (336) 939-6450
90% positive | 8% negative | 171 total reviews
Yelp (15 reviews) · Google (109 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
Excel operates as an Allied Van Lines agent, which gives it access to a national logistics network — useful for a long haul like this one. With 55 years in business and 90% positive reviews across 171 ratings, this is the most experienced company on the list. Customers consistently mention professional crews, efficient service, and solid communication before and during the move.
The knock: a handful of complaints tie specifically to out-of-state moves — delayed deliveries, misplaced items, and follow-up that became harder to get once the truck was on the road. Before signing, get a delivery window in writing and clarify exactly who your point of contact is after pickup. The full service range is comprehensive, including shipment tracking, which is worth using on a 700-plus-mile move.
State license: #731 | DOT: 076235 | 55 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, international, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes, money order, cash, credit cards, deposit required
Local Moving Services in Winston-Salem, NC
Here's how specialty service availability breaks out across all 20 Winston-Salem interstate movers surveyed:
| Service | # Offering | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 14 | 70% |
| Small moves | 11 | 55% |
| Antiques | 10 | 50% |
| Art | 9 | 45% |
| Pianos | 15 | 75% |
| Fragile-only packing | 5 | 25% |
If fragile-only packing or specialty crating matters for your move, the pool is thin — only five companies offer it. Confirm availability before getting deep into the quote process.
Cost to Move from Winston-Salem, NC to Illinois
The route is approximately 738 miles. Here's what to expect by home size and service type:
| Home Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,049 – $3,582 | $731 – $1,754 | $496 – $922 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,986 – $4,997 | $1,330 – $2,382 | $541 – $1,150 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,363 – $7,370 | $1,644 – $3,163 | $710 – $1,313 |
Estimates based on a 738-mile move from Winston-Salem, NC to Illinois. Actual quotes will vary by home size, added services, access and parking conditions, fuel, and timing. Always get at least three estimates before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Winston-Salem to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $1,049–$3,582 for full-service movers on this route. A two- to three-bedroom home lands in the $1,986–$4,997 range. Four bedrooms or more runs $3,363–$7,370. The upper end of each range reflects peak-season rates, specialty services, and longer delivery windows — not what you'll necessarily pay if you book early during a slower stretch of the year.
Cost of Moving Containers from Winston-Salem to Illinois
Moving containers are the middle-ground option — you pack on your own schedule, a driver handles the long-distance leg. A small load runs $731–$1,754. Two to three bedrooms: $1,330–$2,382. Four or more bedrooms: $1,644–$3,163. PODS is the most recognized name in the space, but compare a few providers before locking anything in — pricing varies more than most people expect.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Winston-Salem to Illinois
A rental truck is cheapest on paper. Studio or one-bedroom: $496–$922. Two to three bedrooms: $541–$1,150. Four-plus bedrooms: $710–$1,313. Those figures include estimated fuel — but on a 738-mile drive, fuel isn't trivial. Before calling it a bargain, account for your time, any overnight lodging, physical labor, and the fact that you're fully responsible for everything on that truck.
Factors That Influence Moving Costs from Winston-Salem to IL
Three variables will move your quote more than anything else:
- Move size: More rooms, more weight, higher cost. If budget is tight, this is the moment to be ruthless about what's actually coming with you.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in both North Carolina and Illinois. Expect to pay a premium June through August. Book early if that's your window.
- DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck saves money upfront — but factor in fuel, potential overnight costs, physical labor, and your time before calling it the cheaper option.
What to Know Before Moving from Winston-Salem to IL
Compare Cost of Living: Winston-Salem vs. Illinois
| Winston-Salem, NC | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,300 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $248,806 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $62,431 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 84 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 4.95% |
Winston-Salem sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
What the numbers actually mean for your budget:
- Rent is about 9% cheaper in Illinois than Winston-Salem, which gives your paycheck more room once you're settled.
- Home prices are nearly identical — $248,806 vs. $249,224 — so your housing budget stays roughly constant unless you're upgrading.
- Per capita income runs about 26% higher in Illinois. That gap explains a lot of why people make this move.
- The cost of living index is 7% higher in Illinois (90 vs. 84), so the income bump doesn't translate directly into extra spending money — plan accordingly.
- Unemployment rates are nearly the same — 5.2% vs. 5.3%. Don't expect a dramatically different job market picture just from crossing state lines.
- Illinois income tax is slightly higher — 4.95% vs. North Carolina's 4.5%. Small difference, but worth factoring into your take-home math.
How Life Is Different in Winston-Salem vs. Illinois
| Winston-Salem, NC | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,545 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 88°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 28°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 45" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 22" |
| Crime index | 32.67 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces.
A few things worth unpacking:
- Winters are significantly harsher. Illinois bottoms out at 17°F vs. Winston-Salem's 28°F floor — and you'll deal with roughly 22 inches of snow annually compared to 6. If you've been coasting on a light jacket since November, that changes.
- Summers are almost identical — 86°F vs. 88°F. The temperature gap is minor, though humidity patterns and storm frequency differ from the Triad's profile.
- Illinois has a lower crime index — 19.7 vs. Winston-Salem's 32.67. Worth factoring in if neighborhood safety is part of where you're choosing to land.
- Rainfall is comparable — 40" vs. 45" — but the seasonal distribution differs, so don't assume the timing will feel familiar.
- Illinois is a state, not a city. The population figure covers 12.5 million people, from Chicago to downstate farm towns. Where you're actually landing matters enormously for what daily life looks like.
Pros of Winston-Salem, NC vs. Illinois
| Pros of Winston-Salem | Pros of Illinois |
|---|---|
| Light traffic | Home of Chicago |
| Strong community feel | Ample economic opportunity |
| Lower cost of living | Abundant recreational options |
| Scenic surroundings | Excellent food scene |
| Quality education options | World-class sports culture |
Cons of Winston-Salem, NC vs. Illinois
| Cons of Winston-Salem | Cons of Illinois |
|---|---|
| Summertime humidity | Harsh winter weather |
| High pollen levels | Heavy traffic (especially Chicago) |
| Limited public transit | Higher crime in some areas |
| Small airport | Flat, monotonous landscape outside cities |
| Quiet nightlife | Stricter regulations |
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
Booking movers is step one. Here's what else is easy to overlook until it becomes a problem:
- HOA rules: Check for moving restrictions or required notice periods before scheduling your crew if your new community has an HOA.
- Elevator reservations: If your building has an elevator, reserve it in advance. Most properties require it, and weekend slots fill fast.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require permits for moving trucks. Check with your destination city before move day.
- State licensing: Illinois movers handling in-state and intrastate moves are regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission and must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify any company's certificate is current before you sign a contract — don't just take their word for it.
- State regulator: You can look up a moving company's Illinois license status directly on the state's official regulatory website.