Moving from Jackson, MS to Illinois — Cost, Companies & Guide
If you're moving from Jackson to Illinois, you're looking at a roughly 655-mile interstate haul. It's a solid mid-distance move that most experienced long-distance outfits can handle smoothly — but price and reliability vary significantly. Let me walk you through the companies worth considering, what this move actually costs, and the practical stuff you need to know before you go.
Top moving companies for Jackson to Illinois
Out of the interstate movers operating in Jackson, here are the ones with the strongest track records for this route:
- The Armstrong Company — 4.38 / 5 stars
- My Two Movers — 4.28 / 5 stars
- McCorquodale Transfer — 3.88 / 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving — 4.14 / 5 stars
The Armstrong Company — 4.38 / 5
Address: 1223 Highway 51, Suite A, Madison, MS 39110
Armstrong Relocation has been in business for 38 years and consistently earns high marks for professionalism and careful handling. Out of 63 customer reviews, 79% reported positive experiences. Families often highlight efficient packing, clear communication, and smooth coordination. The crew shows up on time and treats belongings with real attention.
Where they fall short: About 19% of reviews mention item damage, surprise charges, or crew behavior issues. Packing inconsistency and hidden fees crop up occasionally — nothing catastrophic, but enough to warrant a careful look at your contract before signing.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, art and antiques, storage, fragile-only packing.
Contact: (601) 856-8504
License #: 1925341 | DOT #: 1170867
My Two Movers — 4.28 / 5
Address: 105 Hogg Creek Dr BOX 321032, Flowood, MS 39232
This 18-year-old outfit built its reputation on friendly service and competitive rates. Ninety-five percent of their 100+ reviews praise efficiency, careful packing, and quick turnaround. Customers mention repeat business — a sign of reliability. Movers are consistently described as polite, professional, and genuinely careful with your stuff.
Downsides are minimal but real: A small fraction report unprofessional behavior, damaged items, or difficulty reaching someone by phone. A couple mentioned concerns about insurance coverage for breakage.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, crating, storage, safes.
Contact: (601) 850-6454
Years in Business: 18
McCorquodale Transfer — 3.88 / 5
Address: 425 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39203
Reviews for McCorquodale split sharply. Of 16 reviews, 38% rave about quick, professional crews who handle belongings carefully. The other 62% report recurring problems: broken furniture, missing boxes, and unresponsive management. Damage claims and lost items appear more often here than with the top two options. If they nail your move, great — but the inconsistency is a real concern.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, offices, pianos, pool tables, art and antiques, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Contact: (601) 906-1315
License #: 713589 | DOT #: 713589
Bellhop Moving — 4.14 / 5
Address: 1040 Broadway Park, Birmingham, AL 35209
Bellhop operates across multiple states and brings friendly, professional energy to their moves. About 58% of reviews highlight efficient service, quick turnaround, and competitive pricing. They're solid at same-day bookings and careful handling.
The catch: Nearly four in ten customers report damage, insufficient compensation for claims, or poor communication when schedules change. They excel at speed and affordability but lag in accountability when something goes wrong.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage.
Contact: (866) 774-5063
License #: 2878240 | DOT #: 2878240
Specialty services available in Jackson
If you need something beyond a standard move, here's what's available:
- Interstate moves: 7 out of 7 companies (100%)
- Small moves: 5 companies (71%)
- Pianos: 4 companies (57%)
- Art & antiques: 2 companies (29%)
- Fragile-only packing: 2 companies (29%)
Cost to move from Jackson, MS to Illinois
Use this as a baseline. Actual quotes will vary based on move size, services, fuel, timing, and local factors.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,210 – $3,699 | $673 – $1,711 | $442 – $880 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,253 – $5,731 | $1,287 – $2,393 | $492 – $1,065 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,655 – $8,052 | $1,655 – $3,164 | $621 – $1,239 |
Estimates based on a 655-mile move as of January 2026. Costs shift with season, fuel prices, and service add-ons. Get quotes from multiple movers for accuracy.
Full-service moving company costs
A professional mover handles packing, loading, transport, and unloading. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,210–$3,699. A 2–3 bedroom runs $2,253–$5,731. Large homes (4+ bedrooms) typically cost $3,655–$8,052.
Moving container costs
Containers like PODS give you flexibility — you pack at your own pace, they transport. A small move costs $673–$1,711; medium moves run $1,287–$2,393; large moves $1,655–$3,164.
Rental truck costs
The cheapest option if you're willing to do the heavy lifting yourself. Studio or one-bedroom: $442–$880. 2–3 bedrooms: $492–$1,065. 4+ bedrooms: $621–$1,239. These figures include fuel estimates.
What affects your final price
- Move size: More rooms and volume = higher cost.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season — prices climb. Off-season (fall/winter) is typically cheaper.
- DIY vs. professional: Renting a truck saves money but costs time and your back. Hiring movers costs more upfront but handles all the labor.
Get accurate pricing with the moving cost calculator.
What you need to know before moving to Illinois
Moving to Illinois means stepping into a different financial landscape. Here's what to expect.
Cost of living: Jackson vs. Illinois
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,170 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $68,872 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $57,848 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 76 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 4.7% | 4.95% |
Key takeaways:
- Rent is nearly identical — your monthly housing budget should stay flat.
- Home prices are 262% higher in Illinois. If you're buying, budget significantly more.
- Average incomes run 36% higher in Illinois, which may offset some cost increases.
- Overall cost of living is 18% higher — plan for modest but noticeable increases across groceries, utilities, and services.
- Unemployment is lower (5.3% vs. 7.7%), suggesting a stronger job market.
- Income tax rates are nearly identical — no major tax shock.
Climate and lifestyle differences
| Factor | Jackson, MS | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,701 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Republican (50–48) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 92°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 35°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 54″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 82.38 | 19.7 |
What this means for you:
- Cooler summers in Illinois (86°F vs. 92°F) mean lower AC bills and easier outdoor activities.
- Much colder winters (17°F vs. 35°F) — prepare for real winter: snow, ice, heating costs. You'll need proper winter gear and vehicle maintenance.
- Less rain, but more snow — Illinois gets only 40" of rain yearly (vs. 54" in Jackson) but 22" of snow (vs. 1"). Expect beautiful winter landscapes and the need for snow removal equipment.
- Safer neighborhoods — Illinois has a crime index of 19.7 vs. Jackson's 82.38. That's a significant jump in safety and peace of mind.
- Political shift — Illinois leans Democratic; Jackson leans Republican. Different local politics, but unlikely to affect your daily life.
Logistics and legal requirements for moving to Illinois
Before move day, handle these details:
Permits and parking
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a formal moving permit, but check your city's parking regulations for large trucks.
- Truck parking: Some municipalities require parking permits for moving trucks. Call ahead or check your destination city's website.
- Elevator reservation: If moving into an apartment, reserve the elevator well in advance.
- HOA rules: Check community covenants before move-in to avoid surprises.
State regulations and licensing
Illinois regulates movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Any company moving household goods intrastate or across state lines must hold a current Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify your mover's license before hiring — you can check it on the Illinois Commerce Commission website.
USPS change of address
File your USPS change of address at least one week before moving. You can set your official move date and have mail forwarded to your new Illinois address.
Moving insurance
- Released Value Protection (free): Covers 60 cents per pound — basic but limited.
- Full-value protection: Ask your mover about this option or purchase third-party coverage if you have high-value items.
Helpful resource
Use our moving checklist to stay organized and catch details you might miss.
Things to do in Illinois
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports
- 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 Jackson to Illinois move take?
Most moves on this route take 1–6 days depending on service type. Summer moves are slower due to peak season congestion. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.
Which movers offer custom crating for antiques and art?
Three movers in Jackson offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces. Confirm with your mover that they can accommodate your items.
How do I ship my car from Jackson to Illinois?
Use an auto transport company experienced in this route. Look for carriers that prioritize professionalism and vehicle care.
Why move to Illinois?
The job market, access to Chicago's economy, cultural institutions, and stronger employment opportunities draw many relocators. The crime rate is also significantly lower than Jackson.
Can I pay with cash?
One mover in Jackson accepts cash, but it's uncommon. Most require a deposit to lock in your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods with your mover.
Where can I find more movers?
Explore long-distance movers and full-service options on MoveFinders. Compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and timeline.
Ready to move?
Get competitive quotes from vetted movers in seconds. Use the moving cost calculator to see personalized estimates based on your move size and date. Then compare options side by side to find the best rate and service level for your Jackson-to-Illinois relocation.