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

## Page Overview
Title: Moving from Garland, TX to Illinois: Costs, Movers & What to Expect
Description: Real cost ranges, top-rated Garland movers, and honest advice for planning your move from Garland, TX to Illinois in 2026.
Category: Moving route guide
Published: 2026-09-07
Last Updated: 2026-09-07

## 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 Garland to Illinois, Garland TX to Illinois movers, Garland Illinois moving cost, long distance movers Garland TX, Garland TX moving companies, cost of living Garland Illinois

## Content

If you're planning a move from Garland to [Illinois](/movers/illinois), you're looking at roughly 786 miles — a haul that crosses four states and keeps your stuff in transit for the better part of two days. That puts it squarely in long-distance territory, and the decisions you make upfront about how to move will have a real impact on both your budget and your sanity.

Here's what the numbers actually look like, which Garland movers are worth a call, and what changes to expect once you land.

## Local Moving Companies in Garland

Out of 66 Garland movers that handle state-to-state moves, these five rise to the top for a move to Illinois:

1. Element Moving and Storage — 4.86 / 5
2. AB Moving — 4.70 / 5
3. Evolution Moving Company — 4.58 / 5
4. AM Moving Company LLC — 4.58 / 5
5. Around the Block Moving — 4.52 / 5

None of these are fly-by-night operations. But the spread in negative review rates is real — some carry far fewer complaints than others, and a couple have a heavier share of damage claims. That context matters for a move of this distance, where you're not watching your stuff get loaded.

---

## Element Moving and Storage

**12011 Denton Dr., Dallas, TX 75234**
**Rating: 4.8 / 5**

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/element-moving-and-storage-dallas-3) (17 reviews)
- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=element+moving+and+storage&rlz=1C1VDKB_enPH1029PH1029&sxsrf=ALiCzsbqJigxuCZFIbblGhXnifBCOnlWxw%3A1670998698389&ei=qmqZY4iwF4qL-Ab07pWgBg&ved=0ahUKEwiIrdmeu_j7AhWKBd4KHXR3BWQQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=element+moving+and+storage&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIHCCMQsAMQJzIHCCMQsAMQJzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzINCAAQRxDWBBDJAxCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzIKCAAQRxDWBBCwA0oECEEYAEoECEYYAFAAWABg46EGaARwAXgAgAEAiAEAkgEAmAEAyAEKwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#lrd=0x864c26a651c1821b:0x330b35d69b2ee6a5,1,,,) (945 reviews)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/dallas/profile/moving-companies/element-moving-and-storage-llc-0875-90248058)

**92% positive | 7% negative**

Element is the standout here. Across 251 analyzed reviews, customers consistently praise efficient crews, careful handling, and consistent communication — all things that matter more on an interstate haul where you're not overseeing the load. Teams show up organized and move at a real pace without cutting corners on care.

The flip side: a portion of customers report damage and slow claims resolution, especially on complex or long-distance jobs. If you have valuable or fragile items, push them on full-valuation coverage before signing. Don't assume it's included.

**Phone:** (972) 805-0988
**State license:** 006519926C | **DOT #:** 2038052 | **Years in business:** 14

**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage, safes

---

## AB Moving

**1701 Summit Ave Suite 8, Plano, TX 75074**
**Rating: 4.7 / 5**

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/ab-moving-and-storage-plano-plano?osq=ab+movers) (670 reviews)
- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=ab+moving+mckinney+tx&source=lmns&bih=929&biw=1920&rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH1019PH1019&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj51p7fucP7AhV_jY4IHbliCgQQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA#lrd=0x864c1730931d052d:0x6787e79a7a0deee2,1,,,) (7,787 reviews)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/plano/profile/moving-companies/ab-moving-0875-45000104)

**68% positive | 29% negative**

AB Moving carries one of the largest review volumes you'll find — 7,787 Google reviews gives you a real data set. The 4.7 rating looks good on the surface. But that 29% negative rate is where I slow down. Top movers typically land under 10%.

From 867 pieces of analyzed feedback, the positives are real: fast crews, good item care, transparent pricing. The negatives are also real: final bills that exceeded estimates, damaged furniture, and unresponsive claims handling. If you go with AB Moving, get every detail in writing — the quote, the timeline, the liability terms.

**Phone:** (214) 644-6683
**State license:** 000571862B | **DOT #:** 1939700 | **Years in business:** 24

**Services:** Local, interstate, international, 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

**11884 Greenville Ave #100A, Dallas, TX 75243**
**Rating: 4.58 / 5**

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/evolution-moving-company-dallas-4) (50 reviews)
- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Evolution+Moving+plano+tx&source=lmns&bih=929&biw=1920&rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH1019PH1019&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6rPL-h-T8AhXVEogKHbn8AloQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA#lrd=0x864c33739c60af33:0xb1200cd0946e2843,1,,,,) (867 reviews)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/dallas/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/evolution-moving-company-0875-91033851)

**96% positive | 3% negative**

That 96% positive rate is the best number on this entire list — and it holds across 271 reviews, which is enough of a sample to take seriously. Customers consistently describe crews that arrive on time, work efficiently, finish ahead of schedule, and handle belongings carefully. Pricing is transparent and communication is strong from booking through delivery.

The 3% negatives cover the usual: occasional surprise charges, a damaged item, insufficient follow-up. At that rate, these are outliers rather than patterns.

**Phone:** (682) 651-5505
**State license:** 006779351C | **DOT #:** 2467590 | **Years in business:** 11

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage, safes

---

## AM Moving Company LLC

**5641 SMU Blvd., #128, Dallas, TX 75206**
**Rating: 4.58 / 5**

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/am-moving-company-dallas) (496 reviews)
- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=am+moving+company+dallas+tx&rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH1019PH1019&sxsrf=ALiCzsayOacpOMBGw609NuMCkXGiPRd5zw:1664383603621&ei=c3o0Y7HIJdOLmAXu35WQAQ&start=0&sa=N&ved=2ahUKEwjxzdqL-Lf6AhXTBaYKHe5vBRI4FBDy0wN6BAgBED0&biw=1920&bih=929&dpr=1#lrd=0x864e9c8c3f1dc5eb:0x5afc911aca2e605e,1,,,) (430 reviews)
- [BBB: Grade B+](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/dallas/profile/moving-companies/am-moving-company-0875-90621441)

**81% positive | 17% negative**

AM Moving has built a lot of repeat business over nine years, which is usually a signal worth paying attention to. Out of 711 analyzed reviews, 80%+ praise their speed, care, and clear communication. Rates are consistently described as competitive or better than the local average.

The 17% negative rate — mostly property damage, late arrivals, and difficulty reaching anyone when something goes wrong — drags down what would otherwise be a cleaner record. The B+ BBB grade is worth noting too; it's the only one on this list that slips below A. Not a disqualifier, but factor it in if you have a tight timeline or irreplaceable items.

**Phone:** (469) 278-2304
**State license:** 006870171C | **DOT #:** 2571411 | **Years in business:** 9

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, storage, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing, safes, DOD certified

---

## Around the Block Moving

**400 N Bowser S, Richardson, TX 75081**
**Rating: 4.52 / 5**

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/around-the-block-moving-richardson-2) (43 reviews)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/richardson/profile/moving-companies/around-the-block-moving-0875-16001382)

**85% positive | 13% negative**

Thirty-one years in business is a long track record. Out of 259 analyzed reviews, 84.6% are positive, with customers citing fast crews, organized execution, and clear communication upfront. Booking is straightforward, and you're not getting a rookie operation.

The complaints that do surface center on surprise charges and billing transparency. Go in with a firm written estimate, review all pricing details before move day, and you'll likely have a good experience.

**Phone:** (214) 433-6747
**State license:** 2166531 | **DOT #:** 2166531 | **Years in business:** 31

**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage

---

## Local Moving Services in Garland, TX

Here's a quick snapshot of how many Garland movers offer specialty services relevant to a move to Illinois:

| Service | # of Garland Movers | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 47 | 71.2% |
| Small moves | 42 | 63.6% |
| Pianos | 44 | 66.7% |
| Antiques | 35 | 53.0% |
| Art | 32 | 48.5% |
| Fragile-only packing | 17 | 25.8% |

If you have specialty items — a piano, antiques, custom art — confirm with your mover that they actually handle those items well, not just that they've checked a box on a service list.

## Cost to Move from Garland, TX to Illinois

Use our [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a personalized estimate based on your home size and timeline. The table below shows typical ranges for a 786-mile move from Garland to Illinois across three service options.

| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,096 – $3,930 | $740 – $1,848 | $503 – $1,007 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,265 – $5,327 | $1,371 – $2,516 | $538 – $1,137 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,649 – $7,836 | $1,769 – $3,247 | $730 – $1,464 |

*Approximate estimates based on a 786-mile move from Garland, TX to Illinois using verified pricing data as of January 2026. Final quotes vary based on move size, optional services, access or parking conditions, fuel costs, and timing. Always get estimates from at least three movers before committing.*

### Cost to Hire Movers from Garland to Illinois

For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers typically run $1,096 to $3,930. That wide band reflects the difference between a competitive local operator and a national carrier with premium overhead. Two-to-three bedrooms comes in between $2,265 and $5,327. A larger home — four bedrooms or more — will run $3,649 to $7,836.

For a move at this price point, I'd recommend getting at least three quotes. [Long-distance movers](/best/long-distance-movers) price based on weight, distance, timing, and service add-ons — and the spread between the lowest and highest bids on a route like this can be a few thousand dollars.

### Cost of Moving Containers from Garland to Illinois

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) land in the middle: more affordable than full-service, but you're handling all the packing and loading yourself. For a small load, expect $740 to $1,848. Two-to-three bedroom loads run $1,371 to $2,516. Larger households of four bedrooms or more fall in the $1,769 to $3,247 range.

The advantage here is flexibility — you pack on your own schedule, and the container gets transported when you're ready. If you're not in a rush and don't mind the physical work, it's a solid option for a 786-mile haul.

### Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Garland to Illinois

A [rental truck](/best/truck-rentals) is almost always the cheapest option, but everything is on you: loading, driving straight through from Texas to Illinois, and unloading on the other end. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $503 to $1,007, fuel included. Two-to-three bedrooms runs $538 to $1,137. A four-bedroom or larger household is looking at $730 to $1,464.

If you're moving light and comfortable behind the wheel of a large truck for eight-plus hours, DIY makes financial sense. If that sounds exhausting on top of everything else a move demands, it probably is.

## Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Garland to IL

A few variables will push your number up or down significantly:

- **Move size:** More stuff means a bigger truck, more labor, and higher fuel cost. This is the single biggest driver of price.
- **Time of year:** Summer is peak moving season in [Texas](/movers/texas). Moving in fall or winter typically gets you better rates and more flexibility on scheduling.
- **DIY vs. professional:** Going the DIY route costs less upfront, but factor in your time, physical effort, and the risk of damage before assuming it's actually cheaper.

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

Garland's cost of living runs higher than most of Illinois, so your money tends to go further after the move. The one catch is the income tax difference — Illinois has one, Texas doesn't. That's the trade-off worth understanding before you finalize your budget.

### Compare 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 actually mean day-to-day:

- Rent in Illinois runs about **27% lower** than in Garland. That's a real monthly difference, not a rounding-error saving.
- **Home prices** are roughly 15% cheaper in Illinois than in Garland.
- **Per capita income** in Illinois runs about 15% higher than in Garland — a meaningful gap if you're changing jobs as part of the move.
- The overall **cost of living index** is 10 points lower in Illinois, which compounds across groceries, utilities, and transportation.
- Illinois's **unemployment rate** (5.3%) is notably lower than Garland's (6.5%).
- The tax catch: Illinois has a **flat 4.95% state income tax**. Texas has none. That single item chips back at the savings. Run the numbers for your actual income before assuming the move is a financial win.

### How Life Is Different in Garland, TX from Illinois

| | Garland, TX | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 239,928 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | 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*

The biggest adjustments to plan for:

- **Summer:** Illinois summers cap around 86°F versus Garland's 96°F. That 10-degree difference is noticeable if you spend any time outside from June through August.
- **Winter:** This is the real trade-off. Lows of 17°F are a different category from Garland's 35°F. Budget for winter gear, insulation upgrades, and heating costs you haven't dealt with before.
- **Snow:** Illinois gets around 22 inches of snow per year. Garland averages 1 inch. That changes how you commute, how you drive, and how you approach November through March in general.
- **Crime:** Illinois has a lower crime index overall — 19.7 versus Garland's 37.13. Crime rates vary significantly by specific neighborhood, so treat that figure as a starting point for research, not a definitive statement about any particular area.
- **Politics:** Garland leans Republican; Illinois, driven by the Chicago metro, leans Democratic. Worth knowing if that affects where you want to put down roots.

### Comparing the Pros of Garland, TX versus Illinois

| Pros of Living in Garland, TX | Pros of Living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Quality education | Home of Chicago |
| Diversity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Low crime rates | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Ample economic opportunity | Delicious food |
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | 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 | Harsh winter weather |
| Extreme heat | Bad traffic |
| High cost of living | High crime rate |
| Flooding | Dull landscape |

### Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois

The logistics don't end when you book the truck. A few things to check off before move day:

- **HOA rules:** If you're leaving a community with an HOA, check whether they have restrictions on moving truck hours or access routes before scheduling your movers.
- **Elevator reservation:** Moving into a multi-story building? Reserve the service elevator ahead of time — buildings often require this, and showing up without a reservation will cost you hours.
- **Truck parking permits:** Some Illinois cities require permits for moving trucks parked on public streets. Confirm with your destination city well before move day.
- **State licensing:** In Illinois, movers handling in-state and local moves are regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission. They're required to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify your mover holds a current certificate before signing.
- **Moving permits:** Illinois doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but local parking regulations vary. Check with your specific municipality.
- **Change of address:** File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. Set your official move date on the form and your mail will forward automatically.
- **Moving insurance:** Standard released value protection covers 60 cents per pound — which doesn't get you far if a dresser gets destroyed. For anything of real value, ask your mover about full-valuation coverage or explore a third-party insurance policy.
- **Moving checklist:** Use our [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) to track everything from utility transfers to final walkthrough. On a long-distance move, the details that fall through the cracks are the ones that cost you.

### Things to Do in Illinois

Illinois is more than Chicago — though Chicago alone justifies the move for a lot of people.

### 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?

Most moves from Garland to Illinois take between two and seven days. The range depends on the carrier's delivery window, how many stops they're making, and how busy it is. Summer moves tend to run longer because demand spikes across the whole industry. Confirm your delivery window in writing before you hand over your keys — don't assume anything on this one.

### How many Garland movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?

39 movers in Garland offer custom crating for art, antiques, and other fragile or awkward items. If this is a requirement for your move, confirm it explicitly during your quote conversation. Checking a box on a service list and actually doing the work well are different things.

### What's the best way to ship a car from Garland to Illinois?

If you're also moving a vehicle, [auto transport](/best/car-shipping) is worth pricing out rather than just driving it yourself — especially if you're already managing a full household move. Use our [car shipping calculator](/calculator/car-shipping) to get a quick sense of what the route will cost.

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

Chicago is the primary draw — as a major metro it offers economic opportunity, cultural depth, and a job market that's hard to match in the Dallas suburbs. On the Garland side, severe storm seasons, extreme summer heat, and a rising cost of living are the most common reasons people start looking at options elsewhere.

### Do movers in Garland accept cash?

16 movers in Garland accept cash, though it's the exception rather than the rule. Most movers work with traceable payment methods — credit card or money order — and require a deposit to hold your booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment terms in writing before you sign anything.

### Where can I find long-distance moving companies in Garland?

The five companies above are the top-rated options based in the Garland area. If you want to compare them against national carriers, our [best long-distance movers](/best/long-distance-movers) guide covers a wider field. For this kind of interstate move, [SafeShip Moving](/company/safe-ship-moving) is a national operator I've seen handle Texas-originating long-haul moves well — worth getting a quote if you want a broader comparison.

## 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