If you're moving from Minneapolis to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 466 miles — far enough to qualify as an interstate move, which changes both the pricing model and the pool of movers who can legally handle the job.
I've put together what I think is actually useful for this route: real cost ranges by home size, the five Minneapolis movers worth considering, and an honest look at what the financial shift from Minneapolis to Illinois actually looks like. No wind-up — let's get into it.
Before you start calling companies, use our moving cost calculator to get a baseline number for your situation.
Top Minneapolis Movers for a Move to Illinois
Out of 35 Minneapolis-based companies capable of handling state-to-state moves, these five stand out for this corridor based on ratings and review volume.
- Matt's Moving Company — 4.7 / 5
- AAA Movers — 4.62 / 5
- The Move Crew — 4.5 / 5
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. — 4.62 / 5
- Daymakers Moving & Storage — 4.5 / 5
Matt's Moving Company
416 NE 35th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55418 4.7 / 5 — Yelp reviews · Google reviews 83% positive | 14% negative — State License: 374236 — 15 years in business
Matt's leads this list on overall rating, and the 83% positive rate across 409 reviews holds up under scrutiny. Customers consistently point to fast crews, careful handling, and communication that doesn't drop off mid-move. Pricing tends to come in transparent, and scheduling is generally well-coordinated.
Where they fall short: some customers report higher-than-expected final charges, occasional item damage, and slow claims resolution when things go wrong. Those concerns show up in under 15% of feedback, but they're consistent enough to pay attention to. Get a detailed written estimate and ask about their damage claims process before you sign anything.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, piano moving, crating, storage. Accepts credit cards. Phone: (612) 502-8547
AAA Movers
8201 Brooklyn Blvd #100, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 4.62 / 5 — Yelp reviews · Google reviews · BBB profile 61% positive | 38% negative — DOT #: 1140502 — 36 years in business
AAA has the longest track record of any company on this list — 36 years in the Twin Cities market. On move day, crews tend to earn solid marks: 61% of 377 reviews praise efficient, courteous service, and some customers even report final bills coming in under estimate when the crew works fast.
That 38% negative rate is real, though, and it warrants caution. The most common complaints center on damage that doesn't get adequately reimbursed and final costs that exceed quotes by a meaningful amount. Post-move communication — particularly when a problem needs resolution — comes up repeatedly as a weak point. If you book AAA, document your belongings thoroughly beforehand and read the contract carefully, especially the dispute resolution terms.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, piano moving, crating, storage. Accepts credit cards. Phone: (612) 588-6683
The Move Crew
1700 Broadway St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 4.5 / 5 — Yelp reviews · Google reviews · BBB profile 94% positive | 4% negative — State License: 380620 | DOT #: 2552505 — 10 years in business
The Move Crew has the highest positive review rate on this list — 94% out of 295 reviews, which is genuinely rare. Customers point to crews that show up on time, handle belongings with care, and price jobs consistently — often at or below estimate. They handle both local and interstate moves and carry the credentials to do it right.
The small fraction of complaints involves furniture damage and occasional billing confusion. Clarify your coverage options and get a full written estimate before the crew arrives. At 10 years old, they've built a strong reputation for their size.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, piano moving, crating, storage. Accepts credit cards. Phone: (612) 361-6787
Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.
2995 Lone Oak Cir #7, Eagan, MN 55121 4.62 / 5 — Yelp reviews · Google reviews 92% positive | 7% negative — State License: 286311 | DOT #: 286311 — 73 years in business
Piepho has been in business for 73 years. That kind of longevity in a competitive industry reflects something real — and a 92% positive rate across 250 reviews backs it up. They're the most full-service company on this list: pianos, hot tubs, antiques, pool tables, grandfather clocks, crane vans, and full-valuation coverage, which I'd strongly recommend requesting on any interstate move.
Rare negatives include delivery delays and occasional damage on longer hauls. But as an established operator for a 466-mile move, Piepho is among the more capable options in this market.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes. Accepts cash, money order, and credit card. Phone: (651) 372-3494
Daymakers Moving & Storage
919 Old Hwy 8 NW Suite 100, New Brighton, MN 55112 4.5 / 5 — Google reviews 99% positive | 1% negative — DOT #: 2593674 — 8 years in business
Eight years in, Daymakers has built one of the strongest review profiles I've seen from a Minneapolis mover — 98.6% positive out of 352 reviews. Customers consistently mention fast, careful crews and pricing transparency that actually holds up at the end of the job. The rare complaint involves timing or minor discrepancies between the estimate and final bill.
For a company without decades behind its name, they've earned an outsized reputation. Worth serious consideration for this route.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes. Accepts credit cards. Phone: (651) 955-1283
Minneapolis Moving Services: Quick Snapshot
Here's how specialty services break out across the 35 Minneapolis movers that handle interstate work:
| Service | Available | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 27 | 77% |
| Small moves | 21 | 60% |
| Piano moving | 28 | 80% |
| Antiques | 13 | 37% |
| Art | 13 | 37% |
| Fragile-only packing | 1 | 3% |
Cost to Move from Minneapolis to Illinois
Here's the breakdown by home size across the three main options for this route:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,055 – $2,963 | $657 – $1,547 | $356 – $664 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,962 – $5,008 | $1,176 – $2,066 | $379 – $845 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,257 – $7,469 | $1,427 – $2,760 | $508 – $968 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026 for a 466-mile move. Final cost will vary based on home size, add-on services, access conditions, fuel rates, and scheduling. Compare quotes from multiple movers before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Minneapolis to Illinois
Full-service is the most convenient way to do this move. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,055–$2,963. A two-to-three-bedroom home typically runs $1,962–$5,008. Four-plus bedrooms falls in the $3,257–$7,469 range. Those figures shift upward with add-ons like packing, specialty item handling, or storage.
If you want to compare vetted long-distance movers before settling on one of the companies above, that's worth doing — this route has enough price variation to make shopping around matter.
Cost of Moving Containers from Minneapolis to Illinois
Moving containers split the difference: you pack and load on your timeline, and the company drives the container to Illinois. For a studio or one-bedroom, you're looking at $657–$1,547. A two-to-three-bedroom move runs $1,176–$2,066, and larger homes fall in the $1,427–$2,760 range.
Generally cheaper than full-service, but you're doing all the physical work. Good option if you want scheduling flexibility or want to avoid peak-season moving rates.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Minneapolis to Illinois
Rental trucks are the cheapest option — but you're driving that truck yourself nearly 500 miles and loading everything. A studio or one-bedroom runs $356–$664. Two-to-three bedrooms costs $379–$845. Larger homes fall in the $508–$968 range. Fuel costs are included in those estimates.
The savings are real. Whether they're worth the effort and risk is a personal call.
What Drives Moving Costs from Minneapolis to Illinois
Three variables move the needle most on this route:
- Home size: More stuff means a bigger truck, more labor hours, and higher cost. There's no shortcut around it.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season. Demand spikes, rates follow. If your timeline is flexible, fall or winter will get you better pricing and easier scheduling.
- How you move: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. Containers are the mid-range option. Rental trucks are cheapest but require your time, labor, and a long drive.
What to Know Before Moving from Minneapolis to Illinois
Cost of Living: Minneapolis vs. Illinois
| Minneapolis, MN | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,484 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $312,602 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $70,099 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 107 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
The financial case for this move adds up quickly:
- Rent: Illinois runs about 21% cheaper than Minneapolis on average — that's real savings starting month one.
- Home prices: Homes in Illinois cost roughly 20% less than in Minneapolis. If you're buying, that's a meaningful difference in what you qualify for.
- Income: Per capita income in Illinois is about 12% higher than Minneapolis, giving you more margin to absorb other costs.
- Cost of living: The overall index puts Illinois about 16% cheaper than Minneapolis. That compounds over time.
- Unemployment: Illinois carries a 5.3% unemployment rate vs. Minneapolis's 4.5% — about 18% higher. The job market is more competitive, so have a plan in place if you're searching after the move.
- Income taxes: Minnesota's 9.85% state income tax is nearly double Illinois's 4.95%. You'll feel that difference on every paycheck.
How Life in Illinois Compares to Minneapolis
| Minneapolis, MN | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 425,115 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8–48.3 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 7°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 32" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 52" | 22" |
| Crime index | 56.06 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth flagging:
- Winters are noticeably milder. Illinois averages 17°F at the coldest versus Minneapolis's 7°F. Ten degrees matters when it's January and you're commuting.
- Much less snow. 22 inches annually versus Minneapolis's 52. If you've spent enough winters shoveling your driveway at 6 a.m., this one hits differently.
- More rain. Illinois gets about 40 inches annually versus 32 in Minneapolis. Greener summers, but keep an umbrella accessible.
- Summers are comparable. Both peak around the mid-80s, so that adjustment won't be dramatic.
- Crime index is significantly lower. Illinois's 19.7 vs. Minneapolis's 56.06 is a meaningful gap — relevant context if personal safety factored into your decision to relocate.
- Both vote Democratic. Illinois tilts slightly more in presidential elections, but you're not stepping into a radically different political environment.
Other Logistics to Handle Before You Go
Interstate moves add a layer of logistics that catches people off guard. A few things to sort before moving day:
- HOA move-in rules: Some neighborhoods restrict which days or hours moves can happen. Verify with your HOA before scheduling the truck.
- Elevator reservations: If your new building has an elevator, many require advance booking. Don't assume it'll be free.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require permits for moving trucks parked on public streets. Confirm with your destination city ahead of time.
- Illinois state licensing: The Illinois Commerce Commission regulates in-state household goods moves. Movers need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to operate legally. Verify your mover has a current one before signing anything.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but local parking rules can still apply — check at the city or municipality level.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving day. You can set the exact start date so mail forwards without a gap.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection is the default free option — 60 cents per pound per item. For anything valuable, that won't come close to replacement cost. Ask about full-valuation coverage or look at third-party providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to track what needs to happen and when — especially useful on a longer interstate move where things can slip through the cracks.
Things to Do in Illinois
The move isn't only about the numbers. Illinois has plenty going for it once you land.
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 Minneapolis to Illinois take?
Typically one to four days, depending on your service type, specific destination, and time of year. Summer moves often run longer because of higher demand and tighter scheduling windows. Before you book, ask for a written delivery window and confirm whether that's a guarantee or an estimate.
Can I find movers in Minneapolis that build custom crates?
Yes — 23 Minneapolis movers offer custom crating, which is the right call for artwork, antiques, mirrors, and anything fragile that shouldn't ride loose in a truck. When requesting quotes, ask specifically about crate construction materials, padding, and how far in advance you need to order.
What's the best way to get a car from Minneapolis to Illinois?
Hire a dedicated auto transport company rather than trying to drive two vehicles while coordinating a moving truck. It costs more than driving it yourself, but it removes a significant logistical headache from an already complicated move.
Why are people moving from Minneapolis to Illinois?
The financial case is straightforward — lower taxes, cheaper housing, and a lower overall cost of living. Chicago is also a major economic and cultural hub, and for people looking for big-city opportunity without the housing costs of Minneapolis, Illinois is a logical move.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies in Minneapolis?
The top picks are listed above. For a broader comparison of vetted interstate movers in the region, that page lets you filter by ratings, services, and price range.
Can I pay for my Minneapolis-to-Illinois move with cash?
Twelve Minneapolis movers accept cash, but it's not the industry norm. Most companies prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check — easier to trace, easier to dispute if something goes wrong. Standard structure is a deposit at booking with the balance due at pickup or delivery, depending on the mover. Always confirm the payment terms before you sign.
Use our moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your home size, then compare quotes from at least three movers before committing to one.