Moving from Albany, NY to Illinois: Costs, Top Movers & What to Expect

If you're leaving Albany for Illinois, you're looking at a roughly 945-mile move — long enough that picking the wrong mover or the wrong method will cost you in time, money, or both. Whether you're chasing Chicago's job market or just ready to leave upstate winters behind, getting your numbers and logistics sorted before you book anything is worth the effort.

I looked at 8 Albany-area movers equipped to handle interstate moves and identified the five worth serious consideration for this route. Here's what the data shows.

Local Moving Companies in Albany

Out of 8 Albany movers that handle state-to-state relocations, these five ranked highest for an Albany-to-Illinois move:

1. Mabey's Moving & Storage — 4.62 / 5
2. Clark Moving & Storage — 4.44 / 5
3. Don's Moving & Storage — 4.34 / 5
4. Arnoff Moving & Storage — 4.50 / 5
5. Schaap Moving Systems Inc — 4.08 / 5

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Mabey's Moving & Storage

515 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY 12144

• 4.6 / 5 overall
• 32 Yelp reviews
• 528 Google reviews
• BBB: A+

93% positive | 7% negative

Mabey's sits at the top of this list for a reason. Across 254 reviews, 93% land in positive territory — and the specific praise matters: professional crews, careful handling, and long-distance moves that went smoothly start to finish. Those last two things count for a lot on a 945-mile haul. Where it slips: a handful of complaints about final costs drifting from estimates and rare damage claims. Not disqualifying, but worth pressing them on upfront. In my read of the feedback, Mabey's earns its ranking.

Phone: (518) 283-0017 | DOT #: 125550 | State License #: 623 | Years in Business: 68

Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, office moves, storage

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Clark Moving & Storage

198 Morris Road, Schenectady, NY 12303

• 4.4 / 5 overall
• 13 Yelp reviews
• 81 Google reviews
• BBB: A+

82% positive | 17% negative

Clark consistently draws praise for professionalism, careful packing, and — usefully — competitive pricing compared to other Albany companies. On a longer route where costs stack up, that matters. The negative 17% points to familiar issues: damaged items, unexpected charges, and communication gaps when things go sideways. Clark appears to do well when the move goes to plan; it's the exception handling that needs work. Still worth a quote.

Phone: (518) 370-4100 | DOT #: 125563 | State License #: 37553 | Years in Business: 31

Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, office moves, storage; credit cards accepted

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Don's Moving & Storage

981 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207

• 4.3 / 5 overall
• 52 Yelp reviews
• 327 Google reviews
• BBB: NR

95% positive | 5% negative

Don's has the highest positive sentiment rate on this list — 95% across a large review pool. Customers highlight speed, professionalism, and a crew that actually seems to care about the job. The negatives cluster around pricing surprises and occasional damage claims, mostly tied to unclear estimate communication. What I'd tell a friend: get your quote in writing and ask specifically what happens if something gets damaged. With those conversations had upfront, Don's is a strong pick for this route. They also handle specialty items — pianos, art, antiques, safes, craning — if that's relevant to your situation.

Phone: (518) 492-1041 | DOT #: 134890 | State License #: 1462 | Years in Business: 75

Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, storage, fragile-only packing, safes; DOD certified

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Arnoff Moving & Storage

10 Stonebreak Rd Suite 1, Malta, NY 12020

• 4.5 / 5 overall
• 26 Yelp reviews
• 299 Google reviews
• BBB: A+

64% positive | 34% negative

Nearly 100 years in the business gives Arnoff a long track record — but the review split is worth sitting with. Two-thirds positive is serviceable; one-third negative is higher than I'd want to see. The praise hits the usual marks: professional crews, punctual arrivals, good communication. The complaints are more pointed — damaged furniture, delivery delays, and poor follow-through when problems arise. A few reviewers specifically flag issues with high-value items and insurance claims. If you're moving antiques or expensive furniture, I'd get granular about their claims process before signing. For a standard household move, Arnoff may still be worth getting on your quote list given the service depth and experience level.

Phone: (518) 463-5525 | DOT #: 1566123 | State License #: 35196 | Years in Business: 99

Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes; DOD certified; deposit required

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Schaap Moving Systems Inc

6 Brown Road, Colonie, NY 12205

• 4.0 / 5 overall
• 7 Yelp reviews
• 44 Google reviews
• BBB: A+

77% positive | 21% negative

Over a century in the business, and Schaap's reputation is built on efficiency, professional crews, and organized moves. Flexible scheduling and clear quoting get mentioned regularly. The 21% negative category is where it gets uncomfortable — inaccurate estimates, delayed deliveries, and slow response when something goes wrong. If post-move support matters to you, look closely at those reviews before deciding. Schaap is a legitimate option for this route, but go in with a clear-eyed view of the potential customer service gaps.

Phone: (518) 459-2220 | DOT #: 31675 | State License #: 294 | Years in Business: 102

Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, art, antiques, storage, fragile-only packing

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Local Moving Services in Albany, NY

Here's a quick snapshot of specialty service availability across Albany's interstate-capable movers:

If your move includes specialty items, your options narrow quickly. Factor that in before you start collecting quotes.

Cost to Move from Albany, NY to Illinois

The table below breaks down typical costs for the roughly 945-mile move from Albany to Illinois by home size and service type. For a sharper estimate based on your specific situation, use our moving cost calculator.

Approximate estimates based on a 945-mile move from Albany, NY to Illinois, using pricing data compiled as of January 2026. Actual costs will vary by move size, add-on services, parking access, fuel rates, and scheduling. Compare multiple quotes before committing.

Cost to Hire Movers from Albany to Illinois

A studio or one-bedroom with a full-service long-distance mover typically runs $946 to $4,014. Two- to three-bedroom homes land between $2,081 and $5,241, and larger four-plus-bedroom moves generally fall in the $3,594 to $6,862 range.

The spread is real — Albany-to-Illinois pricing varies considerably by company, season, and volume. That's why getting at least three quotes before you book isn't optional advice; it's basic cost control.

Cost of Moving Containers from Albany to Illinois

Moving containers let you pack on your own schedule and hand off the transport. For a studio or small apartment, expect $780 to $1,954. A two- to three-bedroom home typically runs $1,400 to $2,748, and larger households land between $1,922 and $3,713.

If your timing is flexible and you don't need full-service handling, containers are worth pricing out seriously.

Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Albany to Illinois

A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper, but you're driving 945 miles yourself and handling all the loading and unloading. Studio or one-bedroom: $589 to $1,070. Two to three bedrooms: $655 to $1,366. Four-plus bedrooms: $839 to $1,562. Fuel costs are baked into these estimates.

Worth it for some moves. Not worth it for others. Be honest about what you're willing to take on.

Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Albany to IL

Three things that will move your number around the most:

• Move size: The gap between a studio and a four-bedroom house is enormous. Don't anchor to the low end of any range without knowing how much you're actually moving.
• Time of year: Summer is peak season. Rates climb, availability tightens, and delivery windows stretch. If you can move in fall or winter, you'll likely get better pricing and more scheduling flexibility.
• DIY vs. full-service: Rental trucks cut costs but add labor and driving time. That trade-off makes sense for some people and not at all for others.

What to Know Before Moving from Albany to IL

Compare Cost of Living: Albany vs. Illinois

Albany sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.

The financial case for moving to Illinois is genuinely strong if you're coming from Albany:

• Rent runs about 19% lower — real monthly savings from day one.
• Home prices are roughly 11% less, which compounds over the life of a mortgage.
• Per capita income is about 18% higher in Illinois, meaning more take-home even before you factor in lower costs.
• The overall cost of living is around 9% cheaper than Albany.
• Unemployment in Illinois (5.3%) is meaningfully lower than Albany's 7.1%.
• State income tax drops from 10.9% in New York to 4.95% in Illinois — a 55% reduction. Run that through a paycheck calculator before your move; the number is larger than most people expect.

How Life Is Different in Albany vs. Illinois

Albany sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Illinois sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.

A few things worth calling out specifically:

• Weather: Summers are nearly identical — 83°F in Albany versus 86°F in Illinois. Winter lows are within two degrees of each other. This isn't a dramatic climate change.
• Snow: It is, however, a significant snow change. Albany averages 52 inches per year; Illinois averages around 22. If shoveling is a factor in your decision to leave, this is real.
• Crime: Illinois's crime index (19.7) is notably higher than Albany's (10.0). That's a statewide average — local neighborhood research matters a lot here, especially if you're landing somewhere outside Chicago's northern suburbs.
• Scale: You're trading a city of 99,000 for a state of 12.5 million, anchored by Chicago. If you're moving to Chicago specifically, factor in that city's cost of living, which runs higher than Illinois's state average.
• Politics: Both went Democratic in the last presidential election — Albany by a wider margin (65-33) than the state as a whole (55-45).

Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois

Beyond booking movers and packing boxes, a few logistics worth getting ahead of:

• HOA rules: Some neighborhoods set specific move-in day restrictions. Verify with your HOA before scheduling.
• Elevator reservations: Many buildings require advance booking for elevator use during moves. Check before your moving date.
• Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for moving trucks parked on the street. Confirm local rules ahead of time.
• State licensing: Illinois regulates intrastate and local movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Companies need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to legally move household goods. Verify any company you're considering holds a current certificate.
• State regulator: Moving company license status can be checked through the Illinois Commerce Commission's official site.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can set a specific start date so mail forwards cleanly without interruption.
• Moving insurance: The default Released Value Protection is free but only covers 60 cents per pound — almost meaningless for anything of real value. Ask your mover about full-valuation options, or price out a third-party policy before your move date.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist covers the logistics that tend to slip through the cracks during move week.

Things to Do in Illinois

Once you're settled, Illinois gives you a lot to work with.

Museums in Illinois

• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
• Caterpillar Visitors Center
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site
• Museum of Hummels

Parks in Illinois

• Starved Rock State Park
• Matthiessen State Park
• Illinois Beach State Park
• Pere Marquette State Park
• Kankakee River State Park

Sports Teams in Illinois

• Chicago Cubs (MLB)
• Chicago White Sox (MLB)
• Chicago Bulls (NBA)
• Chicago Sky (WNBA)
• Chicago Bears (NFL)

Universities in Illinois

• 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 Albany to Illinois take?

Typically two to seven days, depending on the company and time of year. Summer moves tend to stretch toward the longer end. Before you book, ask your mover directly about their delivery window — that conversation will tell you a lot about how they handle commitments.

Can I find movers in Albany that build custom crates?

Yes — three of the eight Albany movers on this list offer custom crating. It's worth asking about if you're moving artwork, antiques, or high-value fragile items. When requesting a quote, ask specifically about crate construction, padding materials, and lead times so nothing catches you off guard.

What's the best way to ship my car from Albany to Illinois?

If you'd rather not add 945 miles to your car, professional auto transport is the cleaner option. Rates and transit times vary considerably between carriers, so get at least a couple of quotes before deciding.

Why are people moving from Albany to Illinois?

Mostly economics. Illinois — Chicago in particular — offers a larger job market, higher average wages, and a state income tax that's roughly half of New York's. For people who aren't tied to Albany, the financial math often points west.

Where can I find long-distance movers from Albany?

Start with the five companies listed above. Then use the calculator to get a real sense of the price range for your specific move size and timeline. Three quotes is a reasonable minimum before you commit to anyone.

Can I pay for my move in cash?

Two of the Albany movers on this list accept cash payments. That said, cash isn't the norm in this industry — most companies prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check for documentation purposes. You'll typically pay a deposit to lock in your date, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery depending on the company. Always confirm the accepted payment methods and the payment schedule before signing anything.