Top 5 Akron Movers for Your Move to Illinois
You're looking at a 501-mile trek from Akron to Illinois—far enough that you'll want professionals handling this one. Out of 33 movers in the Akron area equipped for interstate work, these five consistently deliver solid results:
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5 stars
- Move It Now — 4.58 / 5 stars
- Summit Moving & Storage — 4.52 / 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.48 / 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company — 4.48 / 5 stars
Move It Now
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB Profile
1749 Main Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Move It Now's 94% positive review rate speaks for itself. What stands out: customers consistently praise their speed, careful handling, and straightforward pricing. Out of 236 reviews analyzed, 93.6% are genuinely positive—well above the industry average. People regularly mention efficient crews that finish on time without damage, respectful treatment of property, and transparent billing with no hidden fees.
The flip side? A small fraction report damaged items, late arrivals without warning, or misplaced belongings. Nothing systemic, but worth noting. For reliability and fair pricing on an Akron-to-Illinois move, they're a strong choice.
Details:
- License: 00504589 | DOT #: 2048293 | Years in business: 15
- Services: Local & interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, storage
- Contact: (330) 929-6683
Summit Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB Profile
885 East Tallmadge Avenue, Akron, OH 44310
Summit has been moving people since 1955—that's 68 years of experience. Their 86% positive rate (out of 269 reviews) reflects a company that generally gets it right: fast, careful moves with courteous crews, responsive communication, and upfront pricing.
Where they stumble: about 15% of reviews flag serious issues—damaged or lost items, slow claims processing, and poor follow-up when things go wrong. If something does break, their insurance handling can lag. They're solid for the move itself, but the claims process needs work.
Details:
- License: 0603438-HG | DOT #: 2987151 | Years in business: 68
- Services: Local & interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, storage, safe moving
- Contact: (330) 576-8642
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB Profile
1511 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44305
Out of 246 reviews, 84% praise their efficiency and professionalism. Customers love the quick communication, careful handling, and friendly crews—the kind of movers who make your day less stressful. The company's been at it for 28 years, and it shows.
Minor complaints center on rare damage reports, occasional surprise charges, and spotty follow-up. Nothing systemic, just the usual edge cases. For a dependable, professional move from Akron to Illinois, they deliver.
Details:
- License: 00136576 | DOT #: 2527384 | Years in business: 28
- Services: Local & interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes
- Contact: (330) 331-4075
Berger Allied Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB Profile
7780 Northfield Rd, Walton Hills, OH 44146
Berger Allied carries serious credentials: 115 years in business, 95% positive reviews out of 226 submissions. Customers rave about professionalism, careful handling, and efficient service. This is a company that genuinely pays attention to detail.
Rare negatives include occasional item damage, communication gaps, and confusion around insurance coverage—but these are outliers. Their satisfaction rate ranks among the best in the industry. If you want a mover with deep experience and proven track record, Berger Allied is a top pick.
Details:
- License: 144651-HG | DOT #: 125665 | Years in business: 115
- Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing; unpacking; offices; pianos; hot tubs; pool tables; art; antiques; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage
- Contact: (651) 639-2640
The Armstrong Company
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB Profile
3081 Gilchrist Rd Ste 100, Akron, OH 44305
Armstrong's 87% positive rate (from 30 reviews) highlights efficient, professional movers with solid communication and scheduling flexibility. Crews are quick, friendly, and well-coordinated—exactly what you want on moving day. The company adapts well to client needs.
Negative feedback is minimal and mostly unrelated to actual moving service. With 22 years in business, Armstrong delivers reliability and courtesy that sets them apart.
Details:
- License: 00146275 | DOT #: 1170867 | Years in business: 22
- Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing; unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; storage; fragile-only packing
- Contact: (330) 497-0077
Moving Services Available in Akron
Quick snapshot of what the 33 Akron movers collectively offer:
- Interstate moves: 96.97%
- Pianos: 66.67%
- Antiques: 45.45%
- Art: 42.42%
- Small moves: 33.33%
- Fragile-only packing: 12.12%
Cost to Move from Akron, OH to Illinois
Here's what you're realistically looking at for a 501-mile move:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,085 – $3,220 | $672 – $1,572 | $379 – $754 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,906 – $5,127 | $1,192 – $2,348 | $408 – $877 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,687 – $7,495 | $1,586 – $2,817 | $524 – $1,025 |
Note: These are estimates based on current market data. Your actual cost depends on load size, access challenges, parking, fuel prices, and your move date. Get multiple quotes to validate pricing. Use our moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate.
Full-Service Movers
Hiring a professional crew to handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading is the most expensive option—but you get your time back and peace of mind. A studio from Akron to Illinois runs $1,085–$3,220. Larger homes scale up accordingly. You're paying for their equipment, labor, and insurance.
Moving Containers
Flexible and mid-range: companies drop a container at your place, you load it (or they do), and they haul it to Illinois. Studio-sized moves cost $672–$1,572. This works well if you need more time to pack or have a staggered timeline. For a deeper dive, check out our guide to moving containers.
Truck Rentals
The budget option—you drive. Studio moves run $379–$754, and fuel costs are included in these estimates. You handle everything, which saves money but demands physical effort and driving stamina on a 501-mile haul. This is best for small moves or if you're comfortable with DIY logistics. See our truck rental guide for more details.
Factors That Shape Your Moving Cost
- Move size: How much stuff you have and your home's layout directly impact the total.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season, so expect higher rates. Winter moves are cheaper but less convenient.
- DIY vs. professional: Doing it yourself saves money but adds stress and risk. Pros cost more but handle the heavy lifting and logistics.
- Distance and route: 501 miles is a standard long-distance move, but unusual drop-off locations or difficult access can add costs.
What to Know Before Moving from Akron to Illinois
Illinois is pricier than Akron across most categories. You'll want to budget accordingly and understand the lifestyle shift.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Factor | Akron, OH | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $950 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $121,327 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $61,971 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 81 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.95% |
The takeaway:
- Rent is about 24% higher in Illinois, so your housing budget needs room to breathe.
- Home prices are roughly double—plan for a bigger mortgage if you're buying.
- Income is 27% higher in Illinois, so you should have more earning potential.
- Cost of living overall runs 11% higher, meaning higher monthly expenses across the board.
- Jobs are easier to find in Illinois (unemployment is 23% lower), which is a real win.
- Taxes are about 41% higher in Illinois, so your take-home pay will feel the pinch.
Climate & Lifestyle Differences
| Factor | Akron, OH | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,469 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Democratic (54–44) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 83°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 20°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 38″ | 40″ |
| Annual snowfall | 42″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 19.7 |
What this means for you:
- Summers are nearly identical, so no climate shock there.
- Winters are equally cold—plan for the same heating costs.
- Rain is comparable; you won't notice much difference in annual precipitation.
- Snow is significantly lower in Illinois (22″ vs. 42″), which means easier winters, less shoveling, and lower maintenance headaches.
- Crime is notably higher in Illinois (index of 19.7 vs. 5.0), so research specific neighborhoods and prepare for a busier, more urban environment.
- Politics are similar—both lean Democratic—so no major cultural shift there.
Key Logistics Before You Move
Licensing & regulations: Illinois requires moving companies to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission to move household goods locally and intrastate. Verify your mover's license before booking.
Building access: If you're moving into an apartment or condo with an elevator, reserve it early. Check HOA rules for any moving restrictions.
Parking permits: Some Illinois cities require parking permits for moving trucks. Check local regulations before moving day.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before you move to ensure mail forwarding works smoothly.
Moving insurance: Illinois doesn't mandate specific insurance, but movers typically offer Released Value Protection (basic, no-cost coverage at 60 cents per pound) or full-value protection. Confirm coverage details with your mover—consider third-party insurance if you have high-value items.
Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but verify local parking restrictions in your new neighborhood.
Preparation tips: Use our moving checklist to stay organized and ensure you don't miss critical steps.
What to Explore in Illinois
Illinois offers plenty to discover beyond Chicago—museums, parks, sports, and college towns.
Museums:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks & outdoor spaces:
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports:
- Chicago Cubs & White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Higher education:
- 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 Akron to Illinois take?
One to six days on average, depending on whether you hire movers, rent a truck, or use moving containers. Summer moves typically take longer due to higher demand. Ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do Akron movers offer custom crating?
Yes—17 movers in the Akron area list custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Ask about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What's the best way to ship a car from Akron to Illinois?
Work with a car shipping company that has proven experience and takes vehicle care seriously. See our top recommendations for auto transport on this route.
Why do people move from Akron to Illinois?
Economic opportunity (especially in Chicago), lower unemployment, higher average incomes, and the allure of a larger, more diverse urban environment are common reasons.
Can I pay a mover in cash?
Seven movers in Akron accept cash, but it's rare. Most require a deposit to secure your date, with final payment due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods and timing before booking.
Where can I find more long-distance movers in Akron?
Check our Akron movers directory or search by service type. You can also estimate your move and get quotes from multiple companies.
Ready to Move?
Get started by comparing quotes from top movers, or browse our full guide to choosing a mover. The more information you gather upfront, the smoother your move from Akron to Illinois will be.