Moving from Garland, TX to Illinois: Costs, Movers & What to Expect
If you're in Garland and Illinois is next on the map, you're looking at roughly 786 miles and a move that brings real trade-offs — cheaper rent on one side, a state income tax bill you didn't have before on the other. Before you lock anyone in, get a working number with our moving cost calculator so the quotes you receive actually mean something.
Below I've covered the movers I'd look at for this route, what each service type will actually run you, and what the lifestyle and financial shift looks like when you land.
Top Garland Movers for Your Move to Illinois
Out of 66 Garland-area companies that handle interstate moves, these five stand out for a move to Illinois:
- Element Moving and Storage — 4.86 / 5
- AB Moving — 4.70 / 5
- Evolution Moving Company — 4.58 / 5
- AM Moving Company LLC — 4.58 / 5
- Around the Block Moving — 4.52 / 5
Element Moving and Storage
Address: 12011 Denton Dr., Dallas, TX 75234 Phone: (972) 805-0988 DOT #: 2038052 | State License: 006519926C | In Business: 14 years
Reviews: 4.8 / 5 — 17 Yelp reviews | 945 Google reviews | BBB: A+
92% positive across 251 reviews. Customers consistently describe fast, organized crews, careful handling, and communication that doesn't fade after the quote. The crews reportedly hustle without getting careless — which matters on a haul this length. The recurring complaints center on damage claims and insurance handling, particularly on longer jobs. If you're moving valuable or fragile items to Illinois, press them specifically on how claims are processed before you sign.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, safes; crating; storage; full-valuation coverage
AB Moving
Address: 1701 Summit Ave Suite 8, Plano, TX 75074 Phone: (214) 644-6683 DOT #: 1939700 | State License: 000571862B | In Business: 24 years
Reviews: 4.7 / 5 — 670 Yelp reviews | 7,787 Google reviews | BBB: A+
Nearly 70% positive across 867 reviews — the volume alone tells you AB Moving handles a lot of jobs. Most customers praise efficient, respectful crews with good communication from quote through delivery. Transparent pricing and consistent professionalism come up repeatedly. The concern: about 29% of reviewers flag damaged items, delayed crews, or final bills running higher than quoted. That estimate-vs.-actual-cost gap is the thing I'd push hardest on before booking a 786-mile move.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks; crating; shipment tracking; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; safes
Evolution Moving Company
Address: 11884 Greenville Ave #100A, Dallas, TX 75243 Phone: (682) 651-5505 DOT #: 2467590 | State License: 006779351C | In Business: 11 years
Reviews: 4.5 / 5 — 50 Yelp reviews | 867 Google reviews | BBB: A+
96% positive across 271 reviews — as clean a record as you'll find in this market. Customers describe crews that arrive ready, work fast, treat belongings carefully, and often finish ahead of schedule. The few negatives (damaged items, surprise charges, communication gaps after delivery) are common across the industry rather than a red flag specific to Evolution. Worth noting: they don't handle international moves, so if that's relevant, look elsewhere. For a domestic move to Illinois, this is one of the stronger options on this list.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; safes
AM Moving Company LLC
Address: 5641 SMU Blvd #128, Dallas, TX 75206 Phone: (469) 278-2304 DOT #: 2571411 | State License: 006870171C | In Business: 9 years
Reviews: 4.5 / 5 — 496 Yelp reviews | 430 Google reviews | BBB: B+
Over 80% positive across 711 reviews. AM Moving earns repeat business through punctual arrivals, efficient pacing, and rates that often undercut competitors. They're DOD certified — worth knowing if you're a military household. The 17% negative feedback centers on damaged furniture and difficulty getting claims resolved after the move. The BBB grade of B+ rather than A+ is also worth asking about when you call for a quote. Good option if budget is a priority; less reassuring if you're moving irreplaceable items.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; safes; DOD certified
Around the Block Moving
Address: 400 N Bowser St, Richardson, TX 75081 Phone: (214) 433-6747 DOT #: 2166531 | State License: 2166531 | In Business: 31 years
Reviews: 4.5 / 5 — 43 Yelp reviews | BBB: A+
84.6% positive across 259 reviews, and 31 years operating in the Dallas area isn't something to overlook. Customers describe fast, friendly crews and a booking process that actually communicates. The negatives center on unexpected charges, occasional delays, and billing transparency issues. My take: get the full quote in writing and ask specifically about potential add-on fees before move day. Most customers who do that end up happy — the complaints often trace back to assumptions about what was included.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; pianos, pool tables, art, antiques; crating; storage
Local Moving Services in Garland, TX
Not every Garland mover that handles in-state work is equipped for a long interstate haul. Here's the breakdown of specialty services available among the 66 companies that do take out-of-state jobs:
| Service | # of Movers | % of Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 47 | 71% |
| Small moves | 42 | 64% |
| Pianos | 44 | 67% |
| Antiques | 35 | 53% |
| Art handling | 32 | 48% |
| Fragile-only packing | 17 | 26% |
If you have specialty items, confirm availability before you get deep into the quote process. Not every operator that claims interstate capability handles the tricky stuff.
Cost to Move from Garland, TX to Illinois
These ranges are based on a roughly 786-mile move from Garland. What you'll actually pay depends on your home size and which service type you choose.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,096 – $3,930 | $740 – $1,848 | $503 – $1,007 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,265 – $5,327 | $1,371 – $2,516 | $538 – $1,137 |
| 4+ BR | $3,649 – $7,836 | $1,769 – $3,247 | $730 – $1,464 |
Cost ranges are estimates based on pricing data as of January 2025. Your final quote will vary based on move size, optional services, access conditions, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare at least three quotes before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Garland to Illinois
Full-service is the most hands-off option and the most expensive. A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,096 to $3,930. Two to three bedrooms: $2,265 to $5,327. Larger households should budget $3,649 to $7,836. The wide ranges are real — two movers quoting the same job can be thousands of dollars apart, which is exactly why comparing estimates matters on a move this size.
Cost of Moving Containers from Garland to Illinois
Moving containers let you pack at your own pace while the company handles transport — a reasonable middle ground between full-service and DIY. A small load runs $740 to $1,848. Two or three bedrooms: $1,371 to $2,516. Four bedrooms or more: $1,769 to $3,247. More flexibility than a full-service move, but you still need to do the physical work yourself.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Garland to Illinois
A rental truck is the cheapest option — with the obvious catch that you're handling all the loading, driving nearly 800 miles, and unloading at the other end. If that trade-off fits your situation, the savings are real. Studio or one-bedroom: $503 to $1,007. Two to three bedrooms: $538 to $1,137. Four bedrooms or larger: $730 to $1,464. These estimates include fuel.
What Drives the Cost of Your Garland–Illinois Move
Three variables do most of the work here:
- Volume: More stuff means a bigger truck and more hours of labor. If you haven't decluttered before getting quotes, do it — it directly affects your number.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season, and long-distance movers charge accordingly. Fall or winter bookings typically get you better rates and more scheduling flexibility.
- DIY vs. professional: Hiring a crew costs more upfront but protects your time and energy. On a 786-mile move with a full household, the math often favors full-service more than people expect.
What to Know Before Moving from Garland to Illinois
The financial picture when you cross into Illinois is better than Garland in some respects and worse in one significant one.
Cost of Living: Garland vs. Illinois
| Garland, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,624 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $294,156 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $68,107 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.5% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
Here's what those numbers mean in practice:
- Rent runs about 27% cheaper in Illinois — real monthly savings.
- Home prices are roughly 15% lower, which matters if you're buying.
- Per capita income is about 15% higher in Illinois, which helps offset other costs.
- Overall cost of living is around 10% lower than Garland.
- Unemployment is about 18% lower in Illinois, suggesting a tighter labor market.
- State income tax is the catch. Texas has no state income tax; Illinois charges a flat 4.95%. On an $78,000 income, that's roughly $3,900 per year you weren't paying before. Factor that number into your budget before you conclude that Illinois is definitively cheaper.
How Life Changes When You Move from Garland to Illinois
| Garland, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 239,928 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Republican 56–43 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 96°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 35°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 37.13 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth flagging:
- Summers are meaningfully cooler. Illinois peaks around 86°F versus Garland's 96°F. That 10-degree gap is noticeable in daily comfort and in your energy bill.
- Winters are a different world. Lows around 17°F and 22 inches of annual snow is a serious adjustment from Garland's 35°F lows and one inch of snow. Budget for winter gear, heating costs, and the learning curve that comes with driving in real winter conditions.
- Rainfall is nearly identical — both get around 40 inches per year — but the seasonal distribution and form are different.
- Crime index is lower statewide (19.7 vs. 37.13). That said, statewide averages obscure neighborhood-level variation, especially in Chicago. Research the specific area you're moving to.
- Population scale shifts dramatically. Illinois has 12.5 million residents; Garland has 240,000. Whether you're heading to Chicago or a smaller Illinois city, the feel and pace of daily life will change.
Comparing the Pros of Garland, TX versus Illinois
| Pros of Living in Garland, TX | Pros of Living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Quality education options | Home of Chicago |
| Cultural diversity | Strong economic opportunity |
| Low crime rates | Abundant recreational options |
| No state income tax | Excellent food scene |
| Active arts and recreation | World-class sports culture |
Comparing the Cons of Garland, TX versus Illinois
| Cons of Living in Garland, TX | Cons of Living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Severe storms and flooding | Harsh winter weather |
| Extreme summer heat | Chicago traffic |
| Growing cost of living | State income tax |
| — | Higher crime in some urban areas |
| — | Flat landscape across much of the state |
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
Beyond finding a crew and reserving a truck, there are a few logistics specific to moving from Texas to Illinois that are easy to overlook:
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your current or destination HOA has restrictions on moving truck hours, parking, or equipment staging before you schedule anything.
- Elevator reservation: If you're moving into a building with an elevator, most have limited windows for moves. Reserve yours early — don't assume it's available the day you show up.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require permits for oversized vehicles parked on the street. Check before your crew arrives to avoid surprises.
- State licensing: Illinois movers handling in-state and local moves must hold a current Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify your mover's license status on the ICC's official site before signing anything.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a general moving permit, but check local parking regulations in your specific destination city.
- Change of address: File with USPS at least a week before your move date at usps.com. You can set a specific forward-start date so nothing falls through the gap.
- Moving insurance: Your mover is legally required to offer Released Value Protection — 60 cents per pound per item. That covers almost nothing for anything valuable. Ask about full-value coverage, or check whether your renter's or homeowner's policy extends to the move.
- Stay organized: Our moving checklist covers the full sequence so nothing gets missed in the chaos of moving week.
Things to Do in Illinois
Whether you land in Chicago or somewhere else in the state, Illinois has real substance to it.
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 Garland to Illinois take?
Expect two to seven days, door to door. Full-service movers typically give you a delivery window rather than a hard date — especially on a haul this distance. Summer moves run longer due to higher demand across the industry. Nail down the delivery window in your contract before you sign, and confirm it again a few days before your pickup date.
How many Garland movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
39 movers in the Garland area offer custom-built crating for delicate or unusual items — art, antiques, electronics, wine collections, and similar pieces. If you have specialty items that need this, ask specifically whether the company handles it in-house or subcontracts it out, and get the scope in writing.
What is the best way to get a car from Garland to Illinois?
Driving is viable for a move this distance, but if you're already coordinating a full household move, adding a second vehicle to manage makes everything harder. Auto transport lets you ship your car separately while you focus on everything else. Use our car shipping calculator to get a baseline quote, then compare it against two or three carriers — prices in this space vary more than most people expect.
Why are people moving from Garland to Illinois?
Chicago is the primary draw — economic opportunity, professional networks, culture, and infrastructure that a suburban Texas market simply can't match. People leaving Garland most often cite the heat, severe storm risk (hail, tornadoes, flooding), and a cost of living that has outpaced income growth in recent years.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Garland?
The five operators above are a solid starting point for this specific route. For a broader comparison — including national carriers — our long-distance movers guide covers the companies I've found consistently reliable on interstate hauls. Safe Ship Moving is one I'd put on your radar for a route like this.
Do movers in Garland, TX, accept cash?
Yes, 16 movers in Garland accept cash — but it's not standard practice. Most operators prefer traceable payment methods: credit card, money order, or certified check. Typically you'll pay a deposit to secure your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods when you book, not the morning of your move.
Compare quotes from multiple Garland movers before committing — prices on this route vary enough that shopping around is worth 20 minutes of your time. Get started here.