## MoveFinders — AI Information Page
URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/columbus-to-il
AI Information URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/columbus-to-il/ai-information

## Page Overview
Title: Moving from Columbus, GA to Illinois: Costs, Movers & What to Know
Description: Planning a Columbus GA to Illinois move? Compare real cost estimates, top-rated Columbus movers, and cost of living differences before you book.
Category: Moving route guide
Published: 2026-08-27
Last Updated: 2026-08-27

## Author
Name: Sean Sullivan
Role: Senior Research Analyst
Bio: Sean has spent over a decade analyzing the moving industry, helping thousands of families find reliable movers. His research has been featured in Forbes, TIME, and Consumer Reports.

## SEO Keywords
moving from Columbus GA to Illinois, Columbus to Illinois movers, Columbus GA moving companies, cost to move Columbus to Illinois, interstate movers Columbus GA, Columbus GA to Illinois moving cost, Columbus movers

## Content

# Moving from Columbus, GA to Illinois

If you're moving from Columbus to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 790 miles and a real shift — in cost of living, climate, and scale. [Illinois](/movers/illinois), and Chicago in particular, pulls a lot of people out of smaller Southern cities for jobs, family, and the kind of metro infrastructure Columbus simply doesn't have. But before you commit to a mover or start pricing out boxes, get a clear picture of what this move actually costs and which companies are worth your time.

Below: the top-rated Columbus movers for this route, honest cost ranges by home size, and a side-by-side look at life in Columbus versus Illinois so you know what you're walking into.

## Local Moving Companies in Columbus

Of the 9 Columbus movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, these 5 are worth calling first for a Columbus-to-Illinois relocation:

1. **TWO MEN AND A TRUCK** — 4.38 / 5
2. **Coleman Worldwide Moving** — 4.38 / 5
3. **Apple Moving** — 4.34 / 5
4. **College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving** — 4.26 / 5
5. **Phelps Moving & Storage** — 4.16 / 5

If you'd rather start with a nationally operating company alongside local quotes, [SafeShip Moving](/company/safe-ship-moving) is one I've seen handle Georgia-to-Midwest routes reliably and is worth adding to your comparison list.

---

### TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

**1421 Belfast Ave, Columbus, GA 31904** | 📞 (706) 352-9518

- [Yelp reviews (23)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/two-men-and-a-truck-columbus-columbus)
- [Google reviews (341)](https://www.google.com/search?q=two+men+and+a+truck+columbus+ga#lrd=0x888ccb5f9d47f429:0xf5cf1537aa241c9b,1,,,)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ga/columbus/profile/moving-services/two-men-and-a-truck-0743-13001999)

**69% positive | 29% negative** | 4.3 / 5

Out of 235 reviews, about 68.5% praise efficient crews who show up on time, handle items carefully, and stay professional throughout. The problem: nearly one in three customers reported damaged belongings, billing surprises, and difficulty getting those issues resolved afterward. That's a wider gap than I'd like to see. Your experience may depend heavily on which crew you draw — so read your contract in full, document your belongings before move day, and follow up immediately if anything goes wrong.

**Company info:** State license #500159 | DOT #2527384 | 18 years in business | Also operates as: Trad Holdings, Inc.

**Services:** Local & interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card accepted

---

### Coleman Worldwide Moving

**4520 Cargo Dr, Columbus, GA 31907** | 📞 (877) 693-7060

- [Yelp reviews (7)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/coleman-worldwide-moving-columbus)
- [Google reviews (246)](https://www.google.com/search?q=coleman+worldwide+moving+columbus+ga#lrd=0x88f333ec1ca25cb7:0x475ac5533721b317,1,,,)
- [BBB: Grade A–](https://www.bbb.org/us/ga/columbus/profile/moving-companies/coleman-worldwide-moving-0743-91801615)

**84% positive | 12% negative** | 4.3 / 5

Coleman's 84% positive rate across 232 reviews is one of the stronger marks you'll find from a Columbus-area company. They've been in the business for 110 years, and it shows — customers consistently mention punctual crews, professional communication, and careful handling. Where they draw criticism is military PCS moves, where timing delays and property damage come up more than they should. If you're a service member relocating, ask specifically about their process for military moves before you book.

**Company info:** DOT #2897746 | 110 years in business

**Services:** Local, interstate & international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage, safes, credit card accepted

---

### Apple Moving

**4949 Schatulga Road, Columbus, GA 31907** | 📞 (706) 561-1981

- [Yelp reviews (22)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/apple-moving-llc-san-antonio)
- [Google reviews (8)](https://www.google.com/search?q=apple+moving+columbus+ga#lrd=0x88f333dc51fa3847:0x75731d98f11c53fd,1,,,)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/moving-companies/apple-moving-0825-53516)

**60% positive | 38% negative** | 4.3 / 5

Apple Moving's rating looks competitive, but the underlying numbers tell a more complicated story. Of 45 reviews analyzed, 60% were positive — but 38% flagged damaged items, lost property, or late deliveries. On a 790-mile interstate move, those are exactly the categories you can't afford to gamble on. The good reviews describe a friendly, capable crew; the bad ones describe situations that more established companies tend to handle better. Get a quote, but vet them carefully before committing.

**Company info:** State license #9128 | DOT #1934458 | 24 years in business

**Services:** Local & interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, crating, storage

---

### College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

**506 Manchester Expressway, Suite B21, Columbus, GA 31904** | 📞 (336) 810-1801

- [Yelp reviews (5)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/college-hunks-hauling-junk-and-moving-columbus-columbus)
- [Google reviews (342)](https://www.google.com/search?q=College+Hunks+Hauling+Junk+and+Moving+Columbus%2C+GA#lrd=0x888ccd58efc87fbb:0xc8478a73ea3b66a4,1,,,,)
- [BBB: Grade A](https://www.bbb.org/us/ga/columbus/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/college-hunks-hauling-junk-and-moving-0743-120299)

**97% positive | 3% negative** | 4.2 / 5

A 97% positive rate across 249 reviews is genuinely rare. Customers consistently describe crews that finish ahead of schedule, communicate well, and handle items carefully. The few negatives involve higher-than-quoted costs and the occasional damaged item. One practical note: College Hunks's listed services focus on local moves and don't explicitly include interstate. Confirm they can handle your Columbus-to-Illinois haul before you get deep into the quoting process.

**Company info:** State license #3754018 | DOT #2378173

**Services:** Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage, credit card accepted

---

### Phelps Moving & Storage

**1636 Cusseta Rd, Columbus, GA 31901** | 📞 (706) 323-3662

- [Google reviews (9)](https://www.google.com/search?q=phelps+moving+storage+columbus#lrd=0x888ccd6e7f971987:0xbab5ff2433d95c69,1,,,)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ga/columbus/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/phelps-moving-storage-0743-5605)

**85% positive | 8% negative** | 4.1 / 5

Phelps has been operating for 46 years, and their reviews reflect that institutional knowledge. Of 13 feedback entries, nearly 85% were positive — customers highlighting efficient crews, organized service, and professional conduct. No major complaints around damage or hidden fees surfaced. The only negative note mentioned inexperienced movers on a single job. For a quieter, established option with full international move capability, Phelps is worth a call.

**Company info:** State license #46401 | DOT #1166324 | 46 years in business

**Services:** Local, interstate & international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, crating, storage, credit card and money order accepted

---

## Local Moving Services in Columbus, GA

Here's a snapshot of specialty service availability across the Columbus mover pool:

| Service | # of Providers | % of Columbus Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 8 | 88.89% |
| Small moves | 3 | 33.33% |
| Antiques | 3 | 33.33% |
| Art | 4 | 44.44% |
| Pianos | 5 | 55.56% |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 | 22.22% |

## Cost to Move from Columbus, GA to Illinois

Here are typical cost ranges for a ~790-mile Columbus-to-Illinois move, broken out by home size and service type.

| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,174 – $4,166 | $740 – $1,690 | $503 – $958 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,354 – $5,266 | $1,279 – $2,670 | $583 – $1,137 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,027 – $7,452 | $1,804 – $3,314 | $730 – $1,422 |

*Estimates reflect a ~790-mile move based on verified price data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on move size, add-on services, access conditions, fuel rates, and scheduling. [Use our moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a sharper estimate for your specific situation — then compare at least three quotes.*

### Cost to Hire Movers from Columbus to Illinois

For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers will run you roughly $1,174 to $4,166. A two- or three-bedroom home comes in at $2,354 to $5,266. Moving four or more bedrooms? Budget $4,027 to $7,452. The high end of those ranges accounts for add-on services like full packing, specialty items, and delivery farther into Illinois.

### Cost of Moving Containers from Columbus to Illinois

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) are a solid middle-ground option — you load on your own timeline, and the company handles transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $740 to $1,690. A two-to-three-bedroom home runs $1,279 to $2,670, and a large four-plus-bedroom home will cost $1,804 to $3,314.

### Cost of Rental Trucks from Columbus to Illinois

[Rental trucks](/best/truck-rentals) are the cheapest option on paper, but you're doing all the driving and all the heavy lifting. A studio or one-bedroom runs about $503 to $958. A two-to-three-bedroom move costs $583 to $1,137, and a four-plus-bedroom home comes in around $730 to $1,422. These figures include estimated fuel costs for the 790-mile route.

## Factors That Drive Moving Costs from Columbus to IL

Three variables move the needle most:

- **Move size:** More rooms means more truck space, more weight, higher cost. This is the single biggest driver.
- **Time of year:** Summer (May through August) is peak season. You'll pay more and have fewer options if you book late.
- **DIY vs. full-service:** [Full-service movers](/best/full-service-movers) cost more but handle everything — loading, transport, unloading. Going the DIY route saves money but costs you time and physical effort over a 790-mile haul.

## What You Should Know Before Moving from Columbus to IL

### Compare Cost of Living: Columbus vs. Illinois

| | Columbus, GA | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,100 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $157,861 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $50,542 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 78 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.95% |

*Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo*

What stands out:

- **Rent** runs about 7% higher in Illinois — real, but not a dramatic jump.
- **Home prices** are roughly 58% higher in Illinois than in Columbus. If you're buying, expect to recalibrate what you can get for your money.
- **Incomes** in Illinois run about 55% higher than Columbus — which should absorb a meaningful portion of the cost increase if you're moving for a job.
- **Overall cost of living** is about 15% higher in Illinois. Build a financial cushion before you go.
- **Unemployment rates** are identical at 5.3% — the job market dynamics should feel familiar.
- **State income tax** is actually slightly lower in Illinois (4.95% vs. [Georgia's](/movers/georgia) 5.49%), which puts a bit more in your pocket each month.

### How Life in Columbus, GA Differs from Illinois

| | Columbus, GA | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 92°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 35°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 49" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 22" |
| Crime index | 72.18 | 19.7 |

*Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia*

A few things worth sitting with:

- **Both areas lean Democratic** — Columbus by a thin margin, Illinois more consistently. The political culture won't feel foreign.
- **Summers are cooler in Illinois.** That 6-degree difference (86°F vs. 92°F) is real — lower AC bills, more comfortable time spent outside June through August.
- **Illinois winters are a genuine adjustment.** A winter low of 17°F versus Columbus's 35°F means winter gear, higher heating costs, and snow removal. Columbus gets zero snow annually; Illinois averages 22 inches.
- **Less rain in Illinois.** Forty inches per year versus Columbus's 49 means more clear days.
- **Crime index is dramatically lower in Illinois** — 19.7 versus Columbus's 72.18. That's a significant quality-of-life difference on paper.

### Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois

A few logistics people frequently overlook:

- **HOA rules:** Some neighborhoods restrict move-in days or hours. Check with your HOA before you schedule the crew.
- **Elevator reservations:** Moving into a building? Reserve the elevator in advance — many require it, and conflicts on move day are avoidable.
- **Truck parking permits:** Some Illinois municipalities require a street parking permit for moving trucks. Verify with the local city before moving day.
- **State licensing:** Illinois regulates intrastate movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Companies moving household goods locally or intrastate need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify your mover's license is current before signing a contract.
- **Change of address:** File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. Set the start date correctly so mail forwards without gaps.
- **Moving insurance:** Basic released value protection comes free but covers only 60 cents per pound — not enough for most households. Ask about full-value protection options, or look into a third-party policy.
- **Moving checklist:** Use the [MoveFinders moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) to make sure nothing gets missed in the chaos of a long-distance move.

### Things to Do in Illinois

Illinois has more going on than its reputation suggests — especially once you're in the Chicago orbit.

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

**State 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 Columbus to Illinois take?

Typically two to seven days, depending on the company and service type. Summer moves tend to run toward the longer end of that window due to demand. Get the delivery window in writing when you book — vague timelines on long-distance moves are how disputes start.

### Can I find movers in Columbus that build custom crates?

Yes — six Columbus movers offer custom crating, which is worth considering if you're moving artwork, antiques, or high-value fragile items. When getting quotes, ask specifically about lead times on crate construction, padding materials, and how crates are labeled for delivery.

### What's the best way to get a car from Columbus to Illinois?

[Auto transport](/best/car-shipping) is the right call for a nearly 800-mile move. Professional carriers handle transport more safely than towing or driving separately in a convoy. Use our [car shipping calculator](/calculator/car-shipping) to compare quotes from carriers before you decide.

### Why are people moving from Columbus to Illinois?

Chicago is the main draw — economic opportunity, career growth, and the depth of amenities a major metro provides. Illinois's significantly higher average incomes help offset the cost-of-living bump for most people making the move for work.

### Where can I find long-distance movers serving Columbus?

Our guide to the [best long-distance movers](/best/long-distance-movers) covers companies that serve the Columbus-to-Illinois corridor. If budget is your primary concern, the [cheap movers](/best/cheap-movers) guide has options worth comparing before you book.

### Can I pay for my Columbus-to-Illinois move with cash?

One Columbus mover currently accepts cash. Most companies prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check for the documentation trail. Expect a deposit upfront and the balance due at pickup or delivery — confirm the exact payment schedule and accepted methods before you commit to any company.

---

Ready to get real numbers? [Use the MoveFinders cost calculator](/calculator) to estimate your specific move based on home size and timing, then compare quotes from at least three Columbus movers before signing anything.

## About MoveFinders
MoveFinders (movefinders.org) is an independent moving company research and comparison site.
We help people find trustworthy movers with unbiased reviews, cost estimates, and expert guidance.
Contact: https://movefinders.org/contact
Methodology: https://movefinders.org/methodology