Moving from Cheyenne to Illinois: Cost Estimates & Top Movers
If you're moving from Cheyenne to Illinois, you've got solid options—and the good news is that the move could save you money on housing and cost of living overall. Let me walk you through what you'll actually pay, which movers are worth calling, and what to expect when you land in Illinois.
Top 5 Movers for Cheyenne to Illinois Relocations
Out of the moving companies serving Cheyenne that can handle a cross-country haul to Illinois, these five consistently deliver strong results:
- Little Guys Movers — 4.6 / 5 stars
- Exodus Moving and Storage — 4.6 / 5 stars
- Arrow Moving & Storage Company Inc — 4.38 / 5 stars
- Johnson Storage & Moving — 4.34 / 5 stars
- Burke Moving & Storage — 4.22 / 5 stars
Arrow Moving & Storage Company Inc
Rating: 4.3 / 5
Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB (Grade A+)
Location: 1900 Wyott Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007
Arrow Moving stands out for professionalism and organized execution. Looking at their 226+ customer reviews, 95% were positive. Customers consistently mention courteous staff, careful handling, efficient service, and on-time arrivals. The main friction points—about 5%—involve occasional lost items or minor damage, which is pretty standard for large movers but worth confirming their coverage options before booking.
Highlights:
- 54 years in business
- Full-service packing, crating, and storage
- DOD certified
- Accepts credit cards and money orders
- Full-valuation coverage available
Phone: (307) 632-9226
Johnson Storage & Moving
Rating: 4.3 / 5
Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB (Grade A+)
Location: 265 N American Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82007
Johnson has been around for 125 years, and you can feel it—they know what they're doing. That said, their reviews paint a split picture: 54% rave about professional staff, careful handling, and fair pricing, while 40% report serious damage, poor packing quality, or communication breakdowns. The company excels at customer service when things go smoothly, but damaged goods seem to be a recurring issue. I'd recommend getting detailed damage waivers in writing if you go this route.
Highlights:
- 125 years in business
- Handles pianos, pool tables, antiques
- Interstate and international moves
- Storage available
- DOD certified
Phone: (307) 637-7997
Burke Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.2 / 5
Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB (Grade A+)
Location: 308 Southwest Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007
Burke earns solid marks for friendly, professional crews and fast, efficient work—85% of their 46 reviews are positive. They specialize in complicated moves and deliver carefully. A few complaints surface around missed delivery dates and communication gaps on longer-distance jobs, so confirm your delivery window in writing before you commit.
Highlights:
- 88 years in business
- Full-service and specialty moves (pianos, antiques, grandfather clocks)
- Crating and fragile-only packing
- Full-valuation coverage
- Credit card payment and deposits accepted
Phone: (307) 635-3608
Exodus Moving and Storage
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Reviews: Google
Location: 113 Hickory Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Exodus consistently earns high marks for efficiency and careful handling. Their 89% positive reviews highlight fast crews, protective wrapping, and communication that actually happens. Only 9% of feedback mentions damages or cost surprises. If you're looking for a long-distance mover with a track record of speed and professionalism, Exodus delivers.
Highlights:
- 26 years in business
- Packing, crating, and storage
- Local and interstate moves
- Professional, efficient crews
Phone: (970) 484-1488
Little Guys Movers
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB (Grade A+)
Location: 1807 East Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Little Guys Movers stands at the top of the pack here. Out of 277 reviews, 96% were positive. Customers love their speed, cautious handling, friendly crews, and accurate estimates—which often result in lower final bills than quoted. A small number of complaints mention furniture damage or billing discrepancies, but these are rare. This is a solid choice if reliability and courteous service matter most to you.
Highlights:
- 32 years in business
- Full-service packing, specialty moves (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables)
- Local and interstate moves
- Crating and storage available
Phone: (970) 416-9800
Moving Services Available in Cheyenne
Cheyenne movers offer a strong range of specialty services. Here's what's available:
| Service | Providers | % Available |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 5 | 83% |
| Piano moving | 6 | 100% |
| Antiques & art | 3 | 50% |
| Fragile-only packing | 3 | 50% |
| Small moves | 3 | 50% |
Cost to Move from Cheyenne, WY to Illinois
Here's what you can expect to pay based on home size:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,286 – $5,303 | $788 – $1,840 | $554 – $1,158 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,584 – $6,612 | $1,318 – $2,664 | $662 – $1,351 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,314 – $8,702 | $1,829 – $3,384 | $751 – $1,593 |
These estimates are based on a 904-mile move from Cheyenne to Illinois. Actual costs vary with load size, extra services, parking access, fuel prices, and move date. Get multiple quotes to confirm pricing.
Full-Service Moving Costs
A studio or one-bedroom move typically runs $1,286–$5,303. Two to three bedrooms? Plan for $2,584–$6,612. For a large home (four+ bedrooms), expect $4,314–$8,702. The range reflects differences in crew efficiency, truck size, distance, and packing complexity.
Moving Container Costs
Moving containers offer flexibility—you load, they transport. Studio moves cost $788–$1,840. Two to three bedrooms: $1,318–$2,664. Larger homes: $1,829–$3,384. Containers work well if you need time to pack or have a flexible delivery window.
Truck Rental Costs
Rental trucks are the cheapest option, but you're doing all the work. Studio moves: $554–$1,158. Two to three bedrooms: $662–$1,351. Four+ bedrooms: $751–$1,593. Fuel is typically included in these estimates.
Ready to compare quotes? Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized estimates from multiple companies.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Costs
Move size: The number of items, square footage, and room layout all impact pricing.
Time of year: Summer (May–September) is peak season in Cheyenne—expect higher rates. Winter moves are cheaper but less pleasant.
DIY vs. professional: Doing it yourself saves money but adds significant stress. Professional movers cost more but save time and physical strain.
Distance and route: The 904-mile haul from Cheyenne to Illinois is substantial, which explains the mid-range pricing.
Cost of Living: Cheyenne vs. Illinois
Moving to Illinois could mean real financial relief. Here's how the two stack up:
| Metric | Cheyenne, WY | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,295 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $364,105 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $60,786 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0% | 4.95% |
What this means:
- Rent in Illinois is about 9% lower—that's real monthly savings.
- Home prices are roughly 32% cheaper in Illinois, which eases the mortgage burden significantly.
- Average income is 29% higher in Illinois, so you'll likely have more earning potential.
- Cost of living overall runs about 10% lower in Illinois.
- Job availability is comparable—no real change in unemployment.
- Here's the catch: Wyoming has no state income tax, but Illinois taxes at 4.95%. You'll owe more in taxes after the move, reducing take-home pay.
Bottom line: Illinois offers cheaper housing and lower living costs, but the income tax will reduce some of those gains. Still, for most people, it's a net financial win.
What Changes When You Move to Illinois
Climate & Weather
| Factor | Cheyenne | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 16°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 17" | 40" |
| Annual snowfall | 58" | 22" |
Temperatures are nearly identical, so no real climate shock. But prepare for significantly more rain in Illinois—40 inches vs. 17 inches. Snow is lighter in Illinois (22" vs. 58"), which means easier winters and less maintenance.
Politics & Demographics
| Factor | Cheyenne | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 65,132 | 12.5 million |
| Political lean | Republican (72–28) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Crime index | 19.85 | 19.7 |
Cheyenne is a smaller, Republican-leaning city. Illinois is much larger and leans Democratic. Crime rates are virtually identical, so safety shouldn't change.
Legal & Logistical Prep Before Moving to Illinois
State regulations: Illinois requires moving companies to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify your mover's license on the ICC's official site.
Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but check local parking restrictions in your new neighborhood.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least one week before moving.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, book it early—especially if you're moving during peak season.
Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require parking permits for moving trucks. Call your new city's parking department to confirm.
HOA rules: If you're moving into an HOA community, check their moving-day policies ahead of time.
Moving insurance: Standard Released Value Protection (60¢ per pound) is free with most movers but limited. Consider full-value coverage or a third-party provider if you have high-value items.
Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to stay organized and avoid last-minute scrambles.
What to Do in Illinois
Illinois offers plenty once you settle in:
Museums: The Art Institute of Chicago, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Caterpillar Visitors Center, Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Parks: Starved Rock State Park, Illinois Beach State Park, Pere Marquette State Park, Matthiessen State Park
Sports: Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, Chicago Sky
Universities: University of Chicago, University of Illinois, Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does the move take?
Two to seven days on average, depending on your chosen method and season. Summer moves often take longer due to demand. Ask your mover for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do Cheyenne movers offer crating services?
Five movers in Cheyenne list custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Ask about specifications and whether they can customize the build for your needs.
What about shipping a car?
If you need to ship your car from Wyoming to Illinois, work with a company that prioritizes professionalism and has proven experience. SafeShip Moving (developer@safeshipmoving.com) is one operator I respect in this space.
Why do people move from Cheyenne to Illinois?
Chicago's job market, lower housing costs, and higher average incomes draw many people. The cultural and urban amenities also appeal to folks looking for a change from small-city life.
Can I pay with cash?
One mover in Cheyenne accepts cash, but it's rare. Most require a deposit (traceable) and final payment by card or check at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods before booking.
Where can I find more long-distance movers?
Check our guide to long-distance movers for a full list of carriers handling interstate moves.
Related Resources
- Best Wyoming movers
- Best interstate movers
- Moving containers guide
- How to choose a mover
- Moving tips & checklist
Ready to move? Get quotes from top-rated movers in Cheyenne and compare prices side by side. The more estimates you gather, the better your negotiating power.