Comparing top Portland movers for Illinois relocations. Get costs, company ratings, and what to expect when moving from OR to IL.
Tell us about your move and we'll connect you with vetted, top-rated moving companies.
I've looked at the Portland market, and if you're heading to Illinois, here are the movers worth calling. These five handle state-to-state moves and have solid track records—though as always, get multiple quotes before deciding.
19585 SW 118th Ave, Tualatin, OR 97062
PDX Movers pulls in consistently high marks. Out of 362 customer reviews, 89% were positive. What stands out: people praise their efficiency, careful packing, and how crews communicate before and during the move. They handle complex jobs—offices, art, pianos, storage—and most customers say the team goes beyond what you'd expect.
The downsides? A small percentage reported damaged goods or bills that crept higher than the initial estimate. Claims handling can be slow. But compared to the noise you hear about other movers, PDX delivers solid, above-average service.
66 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214
All Service Moving lands near the top of Portland's roster. Out of 771 reviews, 95% praised them for professionalism and care. Customers consistently mention crews showing up prepared, finishing ahead of schedule, and treating both your belongings and your home with respect.
The catch: a handful of customers reported damage and frustration with claims resolution. If something breaks, expect slower follow-up. Still, the volume of positive feedback here exceeds industry norms.
3571 NW Yeon Ave., Portland, OR 97210
This outfit consistently earns repeat business. Out of 448 reviews, 93% were positive. People highlight fast turnarounds, polite crews, and attention to detail—even on large, complex moves. They're known for protecting homes and belongings.
Occasional hiccups: damage claims and pricing that exceeded estimates. But the ratio of solid moves to problem moves is better than most.
5305 NE 121st Ave #106, Vancouver, WA 98682
ANC Movers operates out of Washington but handles moves across the region. Out of 221 reviews, 88% were positive. Customers praise professionalism, accurate estimates, and crews who respect your property. Many mention going the extra mile.
Negatives center on damage to belongings and unexpected charges. A few customers had trouble reaching the office during claims disputes. Track your items carefully and ask detailed questions upfront about billing before booking.
1648 SE Tenino St., Portland, OR 97202
Bellhop splits opinion more than the others. Out of 162 reviews, 68% were positive—people like their speed and friendliness. But 32% reported problems: damaged items, canceled or late moves, and billing surprises.
If you book with Bellhop, nail down the contract details and confirm the timeline in writing. They can move fast and handle tricky requests, but the failure rate is higher than I'd prefer.
Looking at 21 movers in the Portland area, here's what specialty services they offer:
Here's what you're looking at for a 2,064-mile move, depending on home size:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,427 – $5,063 | $1,074 – $2,688 | $1,137 – $2,150 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,642 – $8,043 | $1,992 – $4,226 | $1,267 – $2,586 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,552 – $11,727 | $2,867 – $5,596 | $1,461 – $3,072 |
These ranges are approximate, based on pricing data refreshed monthly. Final costs depend on move scope, add-ons, parking access, fuel, and timing. Always compare multiple quotes to lock in accuracy.
A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,427–$5,063. Two to three bedrooms typically land in the $3,642–$8,043 range. A four-or-five-bedroom home usually costs $6,552–$11,727.
Considering moving containers? For a small load, budget $1,074–$2,688. A two-to-three-bedroom usually runs $1,992–$4,226. Larger homes typically range $2,867–$5,596.
If you're doing it yourself, truck rentals are the cheapest option—but you handle all labor. Plan on $1,137–$2,150 for a studio or one-bedroom. Two-to-three-bedroom moves run $1,267–$2,586. Four-bedroom-plus homes cost $1,461–$3,072. These estimates include fuel.
Several factors shift the final price:
The cost of living in Illinois is notably lower than Portland's. This move often makes financial sense if you're looking to stretch your budget.
| Metric | Portland, OR | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,530 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $522,596 | $249,224 |
| Cost of living index | 128 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 4.95% |
| Avg. income (per capita) | $85,876 | $78,433 |
The takeaway: Illinois rent runs about 23% cheaper. Home prices are roughly 52% lower. The overall cost of living is about 30% lower. But Illinois residents earn about 9% less on average, so plan accordingly. You'll benefit from a lower income tax rate—roughly 50% lower than Oregon's.
If you're moving for more than just money, here's how the two compare:
| Factor | Portland, OR | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49–48 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 81°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 36°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 3″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 19.7 |
Summer feels similar—86°F in Illinois vs. 81°F in Portland. Factor in humidity and wind patterns for the full picture.
Winter is noticeably colder in Illinois. Lows hit 17°F versus Portland's 36°F. You'll pay more for heating but gain winter scenery and seasonal activities.
Rain and snow: Illinois gets roughly the same rain (40″ vs. 43″) but four times as much snow (22″ vs. 3″). Expect more winter maintenance and prep.
Safety: Illinois has a significantly lower crime index (19.7 vs. 57.37 in Portland), which generally translates to safer neighborhoods and stronger community security.
Politics: Illinois leans Democratic; Portland is split almost evenly. This may matter depending on your preferences.
Don't overlook these logistics:
Once you land in Illinois, there's plenty to explore.
Museums:
Parks:
Sports:
Universities:
Expect 6–17 days, depending on service type. Summer moves may run longer due to seasonal demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before you book.
Yes. About 15 movers in the Portland area can build custom crates for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm dimensions and materials match your items before committing.
Look for an auto transport specialist. They'll handle every detail professionally. Check out our car shipping guide for operators who know the route.
Chicago's job market and economic opportunity drive a lot of moves. Lower cost of living and job availability in other Illinois cities also appeal to relocators.
About four movers in Portland take cash, but that's rare industrywide. Most prefer credit cards and require a deposit to secure your date. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods with your mover.
Start by using our moving cost calculator to narrow down your estimate based on your exact move size and timeline. Then reach out to at least three movers from the list above for binding quotes. Compare not just price but also availability, insurance options, and customer reviews—especially if you're moving specialty items like pianos or artwork.
Ready to get moving? Compare quotes from Portland movers today.
