If you're moving from Aurora, CO to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 950 miles and a lifestyle shift worth understanding before you commit to anything. Below I'll break down what this move actually costs, which local Aurora movers hold up on a route this long, and what's genuinely different about life on the other side.
Local Moving Companies in Aurora for Your Move to Illinois
Out of 53 Aurora-area movers capable of handling interstate work, these five ranked highest for the Aurora-to-Illinois run:
- Moving U — 4.64 / 5
- A Simple Move, LLC — 4.58 / 5
- Moving Brothers LLC — 4.52 / 5
- Skyline Moving Company — 4.52 / 5
- You Move Me — 4.50 / 5
Here's what the reviews actually say about each one.
Moving U
7700 E Iliff Ave B, Denver, CO 80231 | (303) 653-1486
- Yelp reviews: 4.6 / 5 (187 reviews)
- BBB profile: A+
- 90% positive | 8% negative
- State license: 2267448 | DOT: 2267448 | 13 years in business
A 90% positive rate across 400+ reviews is not easy to sustain. Moving U earns it through crews that reliably show up on time, communicate throughout the move, and treat furniture like it matters. Pricing transparency comes up repeatedly as a positive — customers mention clear, upfront estimates. The complaints that do surface cluster around final bills coming in above quote, occasional late arrivals, and crew-to-crew inconsistency. On a long-haul move, crew consistency matters more than it does locally. Get your estimate in writing and ask who's specifically assigned to your job.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing.
A Simple Move, LLC
2323 S Troy St Building 2 Suite 105, Aurora, CO 80015 | (303) 368-0700
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (174 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (159 reviews)
- BBB profile: A+
- 92% positive | 7% negative
- State license: 2121225 | 14 years in business
A Simple Move is the only Aurora-based company on this list, which gives them a familiarity advantage in the local leg of your move. The 92% positive rate across 316 reviews is the kind of consistency that indicates an actual system, not just a lucky streak. Customers flag efficient scheduling, organized crews, and better communication than most national brands. The weak spot is damage resolution — when something goes wrong, getting compensated can be a slog, particularly if you packed anything yourself. Confirm their claims process before you sign.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes.
Moving Brothers LLC
7301 Montview Blvd, Denver, CO 80220 | (720) 222-9596
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (155 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (407 reviews)
- BBB profile: A+
- 95% positive | 4% negative
- State license: 00376 | DOT: 2371440 | 11 years in business
Highest positive rate on this list at 95% across 358 reviews, and the negative feedback is largely minor — the occasional slow day or small damage. What I find most telling is their repeat-customer rate; reviewers consistently mention coming back or recommending them. That's a harder metric to game than star ratings. They also handle international moves, which signals real operational depth.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage.
Skyline Moving Company
5455 Dahlia St Unit B, Commerce City, CO 80022 | (970) 685-3942
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (75 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (296 reviews)
- BBB profile: A+
- 92% positive | 8% negative
- State license: 00472 | DOT: 2840634 | 9 years in business
At 91.8% positive across 318 reviews, Skyline holds up well at a meaningful sample size. Customers highlight efficient crews, good communication, and careful packing. The recurring complaint is insurance — specifically, that coverage was harder to use after damage than customers expected. If you have high-value items, ask explicitly about their full-valuation coverage cost and claims process before you commit. Don't assume protection is automatic.
Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, offices, crating, storage.
You Move Me
7925 East Harvard Avenue, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 572-1600
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (59 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (1,226 reviews)
- BBB profile: A+
- 69% positive | 27% negative
- State license: 00381 | DOT: 2518689 | 11 years in business
You Move Me sits last here because 27% negative is hard to overlook, especially with 1,226 Google reviews giving us a large and honest sample. On good days, the crew is professional, fast, and genuinely friendly. On bad ones, reviewers report damaged items, underestimated costs, and last-minute changes without much accountability. The gap between best-case and worst-case service is wider here than with the others on this list. If you book them, lock in your estimate in writing and document your belongings before the truck loads.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating.
What Aurora Movers Can Actually Handle
Of the 53 Aurora movers capable of interstate work, here's how specialty services break down:
- Interstate moves: 44 companies (83%)
- Piano moving: 38 companies (72%)
- Art moving: 29 companies (55%)
- Small moves: 29 companies (55%)
- Antiques: 27 companies (51%)
- Fragile-only packing: 13 companies (25%)
- Custom crating: 37 companies — useful for oversized, oddly shaped, or high-value items. Ask about build specs and lead time before booking.
Cost to Move from Aurora, CO to Illinois
These figures are based on a ~948-mile haul from Aurora. They're realistic ranges, not guarantees — your final number moves based on volume, timing, access, and what add-ons you need. Use the moving cost calculator to build a more specific estimate once you know your home size and move date.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,105 – $4,593 | $749 – $1,935 | $601 – $1,081 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,476 – $5,538 | $1,400 – $2,693 | $649 – $1,326 |
| 4+ BR | $4,114 – $7,468 | $1,792 – $3,713 | $774 – $1,611 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Fuel is factored into truck rental figures. Get at least three mover quotes before booking — the spread on a 950-mile move can be significant.
Cost to Hire Movers from Aurora to Illinois
A studio or one-bedroom typically runs $1,105 to $4,593 with a full-service mover. Two or three bedrooms: $2,476 to $5,538. Larger households — four bedrooms or more — land between $4,114 and $7,468. That upper end reflects peak-season timing, complex logistics, or a lot of specialty items.
Cost of Moving Containers from Aurora to Illinois
Moving containers are the middle path — you load on your schedule, the company drives. Studio or one-bedroom runs $749 to $1,935. Two to three bedrooms: $1,400 to $2,693. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,792 to $3,713. It's a good fit if you need flexibility on when things get loaded or delivered.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Aurora to Illinois
Rental trucks are the cheapest option by a wide margin — but you're trading dollars for effort, and 950 miles of driving a loaded box truck is real effort. Studio/one-bedroom: $601 to $1,081. Two to three bedrooms: $649 to $1,326. Four-plus bedrooms: $774 to $1,611. Fuel is included in these figures, but budget separately for tolls and any overnight stops.
Factors That Affect Your Aurora-to-Illinois Moving Cost
Three things move the needle most:
- Move size — Volume and weight drive pricing, especially on long-distance jobs where carriers use one or both to set rates.
- Time of year — Summer is peak season across the board. Fall and early spring moves tend to cost less and have more scheduling flexibility.
- DIY vs. full-service — Going it alone cuts the upfront cost significantly. What it doesn't cut is the complexity of managing a cross-country long-distance move yourself. Be realistic about what that tradeoff looks like for your situation.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Aurora to Illinois
The cost-of-living gap between Aurora and Illinois is significant enough that it should factor into your planning — not just your moving budget, but your financial picture on the other side.
Cost of Living: Aurora vs. Illinois
| Aurora, CO | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,850 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $476,793 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $72,052 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 124 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.95% |
Aurora sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
Here's what those numbers actually mean:
- Rent is about 36% lower in Illinois — that's real monthly breathing room.
- Home prices run roughly 48% lower. If buying is part of your plan, the math changes substantially.
- Per capita income is about 9% higher in Illinois, so the cost-to-earnings ratio shifts further in your favor.
- The cost of living index is 27% lower overall (90 vs. 124).
- Unemployment in Illinois is about 30% lower than in Aurora — a meaningful difference in employment outlook.
- Illinois's income tax (4.95%) is slightly lower than Colorado's (5.49%), so you keep a bit more of each paycheck.
How Life Is Different in Illinois vs. Aurora
| Aurora, CO | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 386,261 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 88°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 18°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 17" | 40" |
| Annual snowfall | 62" | 22" |
| Crime index | 59.05 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia.
A few things worth calling out:
- Temperature is nearly identical in both summer and winter. Climate shock isn't a factor. Humidity, on the other hand, is — Illinois summers feel warmer than the thermometer suggests.
- Rainfall jumps from 17 inches to 40 annually. Plan on wet springs and keep rain gear accessible.
- Snow drops significantly — 62 inches in Aurora versus 22 in Illinois. Easier winters, less maintenance, fewer weather delays.
- The crime index in Illinois (19.7) is substantially lower than Aurora's (59.05). That difference is significant enough to matter in day-to-day life.
- Politically, both communities lean Democratic, so that won't be a jarring transition.
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
Getting your logistics right before move day saves real headaches. Don't skip these:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into an HOA community, check their move-in policies before you schedule your truck or container delivery.
- Elevator reservations: Moving into a multi-floor building? Reserve the elevator ahead of time — most require it and available windows fill up fast.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for oversized vehicles on residential streets. Check with your destination city before move day.
- State licensing: Illinois regulates in-state movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Carriers need a current Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity — verify your mover has one before you hire them.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require state-level moving permits, but local parking restrictions vary. Check with your destination municipality.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Mail forwarding isn't instant.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection is free but only covers 60 cents per pound — not much if something gets damaged. For real coverage, ask about full-valuation options or look into a third-party policy.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to track the details that tend to fall through the cracks during a cross-country move.
Things to Do in Illinois
Illinois is anchored by Chicago, which is its own world. But outside the city there's plenty — good parks, serious universities, and a sports scene that runs year-round.
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports Teams
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities
- 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 Aurora to Illinois take?
Two to seven days, depending on your mover's schedule, how much you're shipping, and the time of year. Summer moves trend toward the longer end of that range. Get a delivery window estimate from your mover before you book — vague answers here are a yellow flag.
Do Aurora movers offer custom crating?
Yes — 37 movers in Aurora list custom crating as a service. It's worth asking about if you're shipping anything fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped. Ask about crate dimensions and how much lead time they need before your move date.
What's the best way to get a car from Aurora to Illinois?
Use a dedicated auto transport company rather than bundling it with your household move. Look for carriers with documented experience on this route, clear damage liability, and enclosed transport options if you have a high-value vehicle.
Why are people moving from Aurora to Illinois?
The main pull is Chicago — the job market, economic opportunity, and cultural infrastructure of the metro area are significant draws. The lower cost of living compared to Aurora is a secondary factor, especially for anyone thinking about buying a home.
Can I pay cash for a move from Aurora to Illinois?
Ten movers in Aurora currently accept cash. It's the exception, not the standard — most carriers prefer traceable payment for both parties' protection. Typical process is a deposit to hold your crew and date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the exact timing and acceptable payment methods before you sign.
More planning resources: moving tips | how to choose a mover | moving cost guide