Find the best movers for your Memphis to Illinois relocation. Compare costs, reviews, and local moving companies plus living cost differences.
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If you're moving from Memphis to Illinois, you've got solid options. The route is straightforward—roughly 446 miles—and there's a decent pool of moving companies licensed to handle the job. Here's what you actually need to know before you book.
Out of seven Memphis-based movers capable of handling interstate moves, I've narrowed it down to the five with the strongest track records for this route.
4.5 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
4690 Hungerford Road, Memphis, TN 38118
Armstrong Relocation runs a tight ship. Out of 213 reviews analyzed, 91% were favorable. Customers consistently highlight skilled, respectful crews who communicate clearly and handle belongings with real care. You'll see mentions of prompt, efficient moves—even for tricky long-distance relocations.
The flip side: a small slice of feedback flags damaged or missing items and drawn-out claim processing. These issues happen less often than with most competitors, but they do happen. Armstrong's strength is reliability and courtesy. Just know that occasional handling or claim issues are on the table.
Company Info:
Get a Quote: (901) 367-3000
4.4 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
3560 Sky Harbor Cove, Memphis, TN 38118
Two Men and a Truck earns marks for efficiency and professionalism. Of 259 reviews, 78% were positive. Customers praise quick moves, clear communication, careful handling, and hard-working crews. Many report final costs that matched or came in below the quote—a rarity worth noting.
Complaints center on damaged items, unexpected fees that weren't clarified upfront, and occasional missed or late arrivals. Some customers mention poor follow-up from management. They're solid for speed and care, but reliability on damage and communication could be tighter.
Company Info:
Get a Quote: (901) 231-1149
4.42 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
3264 Democrat Road, Memphis, TN 38118
Cord has been in business 104 years, and that longevity shows. Out of 220 reviews, 90% were positive. Customers rave about professional, efficient service and polite staff who arrive on time and communicate clearly. The experience reads as consistently stress-free.
Negatives are few but notable: poor communication when delays happen, occasional damage, and rare reports of rude interactions. The service gaps are minor—unclear haul-off policies, missing tools on delivery—nothing deal-breaking. With 90% positive feedback and strong marks for courtesy and speed, Cord stands above many competitors in its class.
Company Info:
Get a Quote: (866) 742-1558
4.4 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
5454 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38134
All My Sons excels at careful handling and efficiency. Of 341 reviews, 63% were positive—solid for a regional operator. Customers highlight professional staff, quick pacing, genuine helpfulness, and real attention to protecting belongings and homes.
Here's where they stumble: substantial negative feedback centers on surprise fees not explained upfront, frequent damage reports, and crews arriving late or missing scheduled moves. Disappointment with hidden costs and poor communication drove more negative input than any other issue. They deliver standout efficiency and care but fall short on transparency and reliability compared to top-tier competitors.
Company Info:
Get a Quote: (901) 472-8875
4.48 / 5 stars | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
4226 Clarke Road, Memphis, TN 38141
Guardian consistently delivers. Out of 202 reviews, 88.6% were positive—a higher ratio than most movers. Customers frequently praise polite attitudes, careful handling, fast service, strong communication, and prompt arrivals.
Downsides are rare but real: a small slice of feedback raises concerns about property damage, late deliveries, or impolite staff. Neutral comments typically mention pricing. Guardian stands out for reliable, praised customer service, though occasional damage and follow-up issues still pop up in the less frequent critical feedback.
Company Info:
Get a Quote: (615) 287-0700
Here's what specialty services are available among licensed Memphis movers:
| Service | Available | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 7 | 100% |
| Small moves | 4 | 57% |
| Antiques | 5 | 71% |
| Art | 4 | 57% |
| Pianos | 7 | 100% |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 | 29% |
Here's what you can expect to pay for a 446-mile move from Memphis to Illinois, broken down by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,103 – $2,917 | $593 – $1,512 | $352 – $675 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,854 – $4,878 | $1,161 – $2,081 | $372 – $761 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,099 – $6,911 | $1,482 – $2,608 | $482 – $953 |
These are approximate estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Your actual cost will vary based on load size, extra services, access or parking challenges, fuel prices, and your specific move date. Get quotes from multiple movers to validate pricing.
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,103 to $2,917. Two to three bedrooms run $1,854 to $4,878. A large home—four or five bedrooms—typically costs $3,099 to $6,911.
Portable storage containers from PODS or similar providers typically cost $593 to $1,512 for a small move, $1,161 to $2,081 for a mid-size move, and $1,482 to $2,608 for a larger home. You load and unload; the company handles transit and storage. For more details, check out moving container pricing.
Truck rentals are usually the cheapest upfront option—$352 to $675 for a studio, $372 to $761 for 2–3 bedrooms, $482 to $953 for 4+ bedrooms. The catch: you're doing all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself. Fuel is included in these estimates.
Several variables shape what you'll pay:
Living costs between Memphis and Illinois are relatively similar, so your budget won't need a complete overhaul. That said, a few key differences are worth understanding.
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,299 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $143,715 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0% | 4.95% |
Key takeaways:
| Factor | Memphis, TN | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Democratic (51–46) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 91°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 30°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 54″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 3″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 19.7 |
What this means for you:
Don't overlook the operational side of your move:
Illinois has museums, parks, sports, and college towns worth exploring.
Transit time depends on your chosen moving method, but expect one to four days on average. Summer peak season often means longer delivery windows. Ask your mover for an estimated delivery window before you commit.
Four Memphis movers list custom crating—useful for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items like pianos or artwork. Ask about crate specifications and whether they can tailor the build to your needs before booking.
If you need to move your vehicle, work with a team that prioritizes professionalism and proven experience. See our guide to auto transport services.
Economic opportunity and Chicago's draw are the main pulls. Illinois offers higher average incomes and stronger job markets, particularly in tech and finance.
Use our long-distance movers guide for a comprehensive list. Then cross-reference with the top five companies listed at the top of this article.
Only two Memphis movers currently accept cash. Most carriers prefer digital, traceable payments for security and record-keeping. You'll typically pay a deposit to lock in your date and crew, then settle the balance at pickup or delivery. Confirm acceptable payment methods when you book.
The cost estimates above are just starting points. Every move is different—load weight, timing, access issues, and service add-ons all shift the final bill. Use our calculator to get personalized quotes from multiple movers, then compare side by side. You'll get a clearer sense of what your specific move will actually cost.
