If you're leaving Gilbert for Illinois, you're looking at roughly a 1,609-mile move. That's not a casual haul — it's a cross-country commitment with a real cost range, a defined timeline, and a meaningful lifestyle shift waiting on the other end.
Here's what I'll walk you through: which Gilbert movers I'd trust on a route this long, what you should actually expect to pay, and how daily life in Illinois compares to what you've got in Gilbert right now. No filler — just the information that matters before you sign anything.
Local moving companies in Gilbert
Out of 67 Gilbert-area movers capable of handling state-to-state jobs, these five are the ones I'd look at hardest for a long-distance move to Illinois.
- Gilbert Moving & Storage — 4.76 / 5
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5
- A to Z Valley Wide Movers LLC — 4.52 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5
- Mentors Moving & Storage — 4.62 / 5
Gilbert Moving & Storage
6056 E Baseline Rd, Suite 149, Mesa, AZ 85206 97% positive reviews | 3% negative Yelp: 4.7 / 5 (133 reviews) | Google (218 reviews) | BBB: A+
DOT #: 3190108 | In business: 8 years
Across 357 reviews, 96.6% are positive — and the pattern is consistent. Customers describe crews that show up prepared, communicate clearly through booking and delivery, and handle belongings carefully enough that final bills rarely surprise anyone. That combination of communication and care keeps this company near the top of Gilbert ratings.
The recurring negatives involve damaged property, unexpected charges, and frustrating insurance claim processes. That's the most common failure mode in this industry, but it surfaces less often here than at most competitors.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, office moves, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, credit card accepted
Just-In Time Moving & Storage
4627 E Ivy St, Mesa, AZ 85205 98% positive reviews | 1% negative Yelp: 4.6 / 5 (844 reviews) | Google (1,008 reviews) | BBB: A+
DOT #: 1759501 | In business: 20 years
Twenty years in business and a 98% positive rate across more than 1,800 combined reviews is genuinely hard to argue with. Customers highlight fast crews, smooth booking, transparent communication, and — notably — final bills that often come in below the original estimate. The office staff gets nearly as much praise as the field crews, which tells you the operation is well-run from end to end.
The negative slice is small at around 1.4%, centered on item damage, insurance claim headaches, and occasional unprofessional crew behavior or after-the-fact charges. Not unusual at this volume, but worth knowing going in.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes, credit card accepted, deposit required
A to Z Valley Wide Movers LLC
2316 E Rawhide St, Gilbert, AZ 85296 84% positive reviews | 16% negative Yelp: 4.5 / 5 (126 reviews) | Google (201 reviews) | BBB: A+
DOT #: 2812373 | In business: 11 years
Out of 344 reviews, over 83% are positive. Customers point to efficient crews, careful handling, and fair pricing — the basics done right on most moves. But the 15%+ negative rate is the highest on this list, with complaints about damaged items, late arrivals, and difficulty getting a response when something goes wrong. Fine for a routine move; I'd add extra scrutiny if you have high-value or fragile belongings.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, antiques, full-valuation coverage, storage, credit card accepted
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
1916 S. Gilbert Road Suite 2, Mesa, AZ 85204 76% positive reviews | 23% negative Yelp: 4.5 / 5 (102 reviews) | Google (871 reviews) | BBB: A+
DOT #: 2527384 | In business: 19 years
The national franchise name carries weight, but results at this Mesa location are the most mixed on this list. Nearly one in four customers reports a significant issue — property damage, broken items, late arrivals, or unprofessional behavior. The majority of customers still describe a smooth, efficient experience, and repeat business is strong. But a 23% negative rate on a long-distance move is a number I'd want to sit with before booking.
If you use them, confirm everything in writing and plan to be present throughout the move, especially with fragile items or a tight delivery window.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card accepted
Mentors Moving & Storage
3416 S 48th St Suite 3, Phoenix, AZ 85040 89% positive reviews | 10% negative Yelp: 4.6 / 5 (110 reviews) | Google (286 reviews) | BBB: A+
DOT #: 2911596 | In business: 8 years
Nearly 89% of reviews highlight speed, punctuality, careful handling, and clear pricing. Most customers get what they were quoted — no bill-shock, no damaged boxes left unaddressed. The 10% negative share includes some serious cases: significant damage, final charges well above estimates, and difficulty getting the company to engage when problems arise. For a straightforward move, Mentors performs well. For anything high-value or fragile, nail down insurance coverage and get your estimate in writing before the truck shows up.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes, credit card accepted
Local moving services in Gilbert, AZ
Here's a breakdown of how many Gilbert movers offer specialty services — worth checking before you start calling for quotes:
| Service | # of movers | % of Gilbert movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 57 | 85% |
| Pianos | 53 | 79% |
| Small moves | 38 | 57% |
| Antiques | 36 | 54% |
| Art | 34 | 51% |
| Fragile-only packing | 23 | 34% |
If you're moving a piano, art collection, or antiques, you have solid coverage in Gilbert — but always confirm the specific service before booking, not after.
Cost to move from Gilbert, AZ to Illinois
The table below is a starting point to estimate your move by home size. These ranges reflect a 1,609-mile route using three different service types.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,183 – $4,699 | $981 – $2,342 | $914 – $1,737 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,991 – $6,271 | $1,732 – $3,668 | $968 – $2,128 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,215 – $9,138 | $2,386 – $4,766 | $1,283 – $2,679 |
Estimates based on a 1,609-mile move from Gilbert, AZ to Illinois using pricing data as of January 2026. Your actual cost will vary based on home size, services included, access conditions, fuel prices, and time of year. Get quotes from at least three movers before deciding.
Cost to hire movers from Gilbert to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service moving companies typically quote $1,183 to $4,699 on this route. A two- or three-bedroom home usually runs $2,991 to $6,271. For a large four-bedroom-plus home, expect somewhere between $5,215 and $9,138.
Those wide ranges are real — crew size, included services, and timing all shift the number. Summer moves out of Arizona tend to land at the upper end of those ranges.
Cost of moving containers from Gilbert to Illinois
Moving containers split the difference between hiring movers and renting a truck. The company drops a portable unit at your door, you load it on your schedule, and they transport it to Illinois.
A studio or one-bedroom runs $981 to $2,342. A two- to three-bedroom move costs $1,732 to $3,668. Larger homes fall in the $2,386 to $4,766 range. You'll spend less than full-service movers, but all the packing and loading is on you.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Gilbert to Illinois
Renting a truck is the cheapest option by sticker price, but you're also taking on all the physical labor and 1,600 miles of driving.
Studio and one-bedroom rentals typically run $914 to $1,737. Two- to three-bedroom moves land at $968 to $2,128. Four bedrooms and up costs roughly $1,283 to $2,679. These estimates include average fuel costs for the route.
Factors influencing moving costs from Gilbert to IL
A few variables consistently move quotes in a meaningful direction:
- Move size: Volume of belongings — rooms, cubic footage, heavy items — is the biggest cost driver on any long-haul move.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season in this industry, and Gilbert in June or July is no exception. Rates climb from May through August.
- DIY vs. professional: Going full-service costs more upfront but spares you the labor and the multi-day drive. DIY is cheaper, but your back and your schedule absorb all the risk.
What you should know before moving from Gilbert to IL
Moving from Gilbert to Illinois typically means paying less for housing — sometimes dramatically less. But a few financial realities go the other direction, and the lifestyle shift is more significant than the spreadsheet suggests.
Compare cost of living: Gilbert vs. Illinois
| Gilbert, AZ | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,250 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $571,870 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,484 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 113 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
- Rent in Illinois runs about 48% below Gilbert — a real monthly difference if you've been paying Arizona prices.
- Home prices are roughly 56% lower, which substantially changes the math on buying vs. continuing to rent.
- Per capita income in Illinois averages about 22% above Gilbert's, which helps offset costs in higher-density metros like Chicago.
- The overall cost of living index in Illinois sits about 20% below Gilbert's — most everyday expenses come in cheaper.
- Unemployment in Illinois runs about 18% higher than in Gilbert. If you don't have a job lined up, factor that into your runway.
- State income tax is nearly double. Arizona's rate is 2.5%; Illinois charges 4.95%. That's a real number to put in your annual budget before you pack.
How life is different in Gilbert, AZ from Illinois
Beyond the financial picture, here's what actually changes day-to-day.
| Gilbert, AZ | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 267,918 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52–48 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 105°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 39°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 9" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 22" |
| Crime index | 14.77 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
- Illinois leans Democratic; Gilbert has leaned Republican.
- Summer heat in Illinois averages around 86°F — noticeably more livable than Gilbert's 105°F. That's the kind of difference that changes how much you actually go outside.
- Winters are a genuine adjustment. Illinois averages 17°F lows; Gilbert rarely comes close to that. Budget for winter gear, higher heating costs, and time to learn how to drive in snow before it actually matters.
- Illinois sees about 40 inches of rain annually versus Gilbert's 9. The state is green for a reason.
- Around 22 inches of snow falls in Illinois each year. Gilbert sees none. Give yourself a full season to adapt before judging it.
- Illinois has a higher crime index (19.7 vs. Gilbert's 14.77). In a state this large, that number varies enormously by neighborhood — research the specific area you're moving to before drawing conclusions.
Comparing the pros of Gilbert, AZ versus Illinois
| Pros of living in Gilbert, AZ | Pros of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Quality education options | Home of Chicago |
| Consistent, sunny weather | Strong economic opportunity |
| Beautiful desert scenery | Abundant recreational options |
| Low crime, safe suburbs | Exceptional food culture |
| Quiet, family-friendly feel | World-class sports teams |
Comparing the cons of Gilbert, AZ versus Illinois
| Cons of living in Gilbert, AZ | Cons of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Harsh winter weather |
| Intense summer heat | Heavy traffic |
| Traffic congestion | Higher crime rates |
| Poor air quality | Flat, monotonous landscape |
| Limited nightlife | Strict regulatory environment |
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
Booking movers is step one. Here's what tends to catch people off guard before and on move day:
- HOA rules: If your new Illinois community has a homeowners association, check move-in rules in advance — some have strict hours, access restrictions, or parking requirements.
- Elevator reservation: Moving into a high-rise or mid-rise building? Reserve the service elevator before move day. Availability fills up and most buildings require advance booking.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for large vehicles parked on public streets. Contact your building manager or local city office before the truck arrives.
- State licensing: Illinois movers handling in-state moves must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Before you hire any mover, verify that their certificate is current.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking ordinances vary — confirm what applies in your destination neighborhood.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can schedule mail forwarding to begin on your exact move date.
- Moving insurance: Federal law requires movers to offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost — that's 60 cents per pound per item, which is minimal coverage on anything worth keeping. Ask your mover about full-value protection or look into a third-party policy if you have high-value belongings.
- Stay organized: A solid moving checklist keeps you on track when everything else feels like it's moving at once.
Things to do in Illinois
If your Illinois experience is mostly limited to O'Hare layovers, here's what's actually there.
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 Gilbert to Illinois take?
Most moves on this route take four to fifteen days, depending on the service type and time of year. Full-service movers operate on different delivery windows than container companies, and summer demand tends to push timelines toward the longer end. Ask for a specific delivery window in writing before you sign — don't let "7 to 14 business days" get buried in the terms.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 38 movers in Gilbert that offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or unusually shaped items — including artwork, antiques, and electronics. If any of your belongings fall into that category, confirm the specific crating service with your mover before booking, not after the truck is loaded.
What's the best way to get a car from Gilbert to Illinois?
For a 1,600-mile route, auto transport is worth comparing against driving it yourself. Shipping saves significant wear on the vehicle and removes a multi-day drive from your already-full plate. Get quotes from at least two or three licensed car shippers and verify their FMCSA records before committing.
Why are people moving from Gilbert to Illinois?
The pull toward Illinois usually comes down to Chicago — the job market, the cultural density, the food, the professional sports scene. People leaving Gilbert tend to cite the cost of living and the summer heat as the main push factors. Trading 105°F summers for Illinois winters is a real adjustment, but for many people moving there, it's the right trade.
Can I pay for my move from Gilbert, AZ with cash?
Fifteen Gilbert movers accept cash. That said, it's not the industry standard — most movers prefer traceable payment methods. You'll typically pay a deposit at booking and the balance at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods with your mover well before move day.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies in Gilbert?
Start by comparing quotes from established interstate movers that service the Gilbert-to-Illinois corridor. Verify each company's DOT number, check their FMCSA registration, and get at least three quotes before making a decision.
Ready to put a real number on this move? Use the MoveFinders moving cost calculator to get a fast estimate based on your home size and move date, then compare quotes from movers who actually service this route.