Best moving companies for Rochester to Illinois relocations
I've reviewed nine movers in the Rochester area that handle interstate moves. Here are the five that consistently deliver on the Rochester-to-Illinois route.
- Sheridan Brothers Moving — 4.64 / 5
- Interior Moving Services Inc — 4.52 / 5
- Corrigan Moving Systems — 4.36 / 5
- Clark Moving & Storage — 4.36 / 5
- Bauer & Son Moving — 4.26 / 5
Sheridan Brothers Moving
2436 Innovation Way, BLDG 10, Rochester, NY 14607
Sheridan Brothers pulls in 71% positive reviews across 291 customer feedback entries—a solid number, though not perfect. What stands out: customers consistently mention faster-than-expected timelines, transparent pricing, and polite crews. The downside is real: about 28% report damaged items, difficulty reaching the company for damage claims, or staff attitude issues.
The pattern I see here is typical for mid-sized regional movers—excellent on the move itself, shakier on the follow-up. If you go with them, document everything on day one and photograph high-value items beforehand.
Contact: (585) 254-9000
State License: 34026
DOT #: 2256609
Years Operating: 22
Services: Local & interstate moves, international moves, packing/unpacking, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, antiques, art), storage.
Interior Moving Services Inc
157 La Grange Ave, Rochester, NY 14613
This is the outlier in the Rochester market. 94% positive feedback out of 256 reviews is genuinely rare in the moving industry. Customers rave about efficient crews, clear communication, and careful handling. A few mention billing surprises or rare damage, but it's sparse compared to the praise.
Interior has 32 years in business—there's institutional knowledge here. If availability works with your timeline, this is your best bet for peace of mind.
Contact: (585) 288-8000
State License: 32014
DOT #: 1498819
Years Operating: 32
Services: Local & interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, specialty items (pianos, antiques, grandfather clocks), storage.
Corrigan Moving Systems
150 Jarley Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
91% positive across 183 reviews. Corrigan emphasizes professional service and stress-free coordination—and the data backs it. Customers appreciate reliable timing and careful handling. A small group flagged damaged items or slow claims resolution, but these are exceptions.
One detail: Corrigan operates as a United Van Lines agent, which gives them access to a national network if your circumstances change mid-move.
Contact: (585) 647-9030
State License: 779
DOT #: 77949
Years Operating: 100
Services: Local & interstate moves, international moves, packing/unpacking, offices, crating, storage.
Clark Moving & Storage
3680 Buffalo Rd, Rochester, NY 14624
89% positive from 176 reviews. Clark customers consistently mention on-time arrivals, polite crews, and quick turnarounds. A handful reported delivery delays or communication gaps, but Clark's strength is responsive support and reasonable pricing.
Clark operates as a Mayflower agent, so you're tapping into a national carrier's infrastructure.
Contact: (585) 594-5000
State License: 10965
DOT #: 125563
Years Operating: 40
Services: Local & interstate moves, international moves, packing/unpacking, offices, storage.
Bauer & Son Moving
434 Elmgrove Rd, Rochester, NY 14606
93% positive from 105 reviews. Bauer stands out for professionalism, speed, and treating moves like operations, not side gigs. Customers note pricing matches quotes and crews are accommodating—especially valuable if you have seniors or special needs. Rare complaints about damaged items or surprise minimum charges.
Small sample size relative to the other companies, but the consistency is notable.
Contact: (585) 637-2013
State License: 10662
DOT #: 348429
Years Operating: 26
Services: Local moves, packing, offices, pianos, storage.
Local moving services in Rochester, NY
Here's what specialty services are available among Rochester movers:
- Interstate moves: 67% of Rochester movers
- Small moves: 44%
- Antiques: 44%
- Art: 33%
- Pianos: 78%
- Fragile-only packing: 22%
What does it cost to move from Rochester to Illinois?
Here's what you'll spend depending on move size and service type. These estimates are for a 731-mile move from Rochester, NY to Illinois.
| Move Size | Full-Service Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $944 – $3,259 | $681 – $1,772 | $501 – $950 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,805 – $4,543 | $1,304 – $2,582 | $530 – $1,161 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,285 – $6,843 | $1,781 – $3,261 | $676 – $1,367 |
A note on estimates: These ranges come from verified moving quotes across the industry. Your actual cost depends on move size, extra services, parking constraints, fuel prices, and timing. Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized estimates.
Hiring movers from Rochester to Illinois
A studio or one-bedroom move typically costs $944–$3,259. Two to three bedrooms land you at $1,805–$4,543. A large four- or five-bedroom home? Expect $3,285–$6,843.
These quotes include the mover's labor, equipment, and basic transport. Additional services—packing, crating specialty items, expedited delivery—add to the bill.
Moving containers from Rochester to Illinois
Container services cost $681–$1,772 for small moves, $1,304–$2,582 for two to three bedrooms, and $1,781–$3,261 for four+ bedrooms. Containers give you flexibility: they drop it off, you load at your own pace, they pick it up and transport.
The tradeoff is time. Container moves usually take 5–14 days, depending on distance and company scheduling. If you want speed, traditional movers are faster. If you want control and flexibility, containers win.
Rental trucks from Rochester to Illinois
DIY truck rentals are cheapest: $501–$950 for a studio, $530–$1,161 for two to three bedrooms, $676–$1,367 for four+ bedrooms. But you're paying for fuel, driving the entire 731 miles, and doing the physical work yourself.
The hidden costs: truck insurance, fuel surcharges, and a tired crew at the other end. Factor in a rental truck costs less money but more time and stress.
What shapes moving costs on this route
Several factors directly influence what you'll pay:
- Move size: More rooms and possessions = higher price. This is the biggest variable.
- Time of year: Summer (May–September) is peak season in Rochester. Expect 10–20% premium pricing.
- Professional vs. DIY: Hiring movers costs more upfront but eliminates the physical and logistical burden.
- Distance: 731 miles is moderate for interstate; closer routes cost less, farther routes cost more.
- Add-ons: Packing service, specialty crating, or storage will increase the final bill.
Before you move from Rochester to Illinois
Cost of living: Rochester vs. Illinois
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $200,576 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $64,214 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 4.95% |
What this means for your wallet:
- Rent is 6% cheaper in Illinois. If you're renting, that monthly savings adds up.
- Home prices are 24% higher in Illinois. If you're buying, expect a bigger mortgage.
- Incomes run 22% higher in Illinois on average—your earning potential is stronger.
- Cost of living is nearly identical. Overall, you're not trading off much financially.
- Unemployment is 46% lower in Illinois. The job market is notably healthier.
- Income tax is 55% lower in Illinois. New York's 10.9% state tax hurts; Illinois's 4.95% is a real difference in take-home pay.
How Illinois differs from Rochester
| Factor | Rochester, NY | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 12.5M |
| Summer high | 82°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 17°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 33″ | 40″ |
| Annual snowfall | 77″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 19.7 |
| Political lean | Democratic 59–38 | Democratic 55–45 |
What you'll notice:
- Summer feels slightly warmer in Illinois (4°F hotter), but humidity will matter more than temperature alone.
- Winters are nearly identical in both places—same cold, but Illinois gets 55 fewer inches of snow per year. You'll shovel far less.
- Expect more rain in Illinois (7 more inches annually). Bring good rain gear and plan for muddier seasons.
- Crime is significantly lower in Illinois than Rochester. Depending on where you land, you may feel safer.
- Both lean Democratic, so the political environment is roughly similar.
Critical logistics before your move
Don't just pack and hire movers. Handle these items first:
- Check HOA rules. If you're moving to a community with an HOA, review their move-in guidelines—some have specific rules on elevator use or truck parking.
- Reserve elevators early. Multi-unit buildings often require elevator bookings. Do this weeks ahead.
- Verify parking permits. Some Illinois cities require moving truck permits. Check local rules to avoid fines or towing.
- Illinois state licensing. Movers operating intrastate in Illinois must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify any company's license before hiring.
- No state moving permit required, but local parking rules vary by city. Ask your mover about their experience with your specific neighborhood.
- File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move. Visit USPS.com and set your forwarding start date.
- Moving insurance matters. Most movers offer Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound) at no cost, but it's bare-bones coverage. For full-value protection, either negotiate with your mover or buy third-party insurance.
- Stay organized. Use our moving checklist to track tasks and avoid last-minute scrambles.
What 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 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
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Rochester-to-Illinois move take?
Most moves on this route complete in one to six days, depending on the service type. Summer moves can face delays due to peak-season scheduling.
Pro tip: Before booking, ask your mover for a specific delivery window. Don't accept vague timelines.
How many Rochester movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Five movers in the Rochester area provide specialized crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. If you're moving valuable artwork or antiques, confirm this capability upfront and ask for photos of their crating process.
How do I ship a car from Rochester to Illinois?
You'll need a dedicated auto transport company, not a household goods mover. Look for carriers with strong reviews and proper insurance. Get multiple quotes—car shipping prices vary significantly.
Why are people moving from Rochester to Illinois?
The primary draw is Chicago: jobs, culture, and urban opportunity. Illinois also offers lower taxes and a stronger job market than New York. Some move for lower housing costs in secondary cities like Springfield or Champaign.
Where do I find long-distance movers in Rochester?
We've ranked the best long-distance movers operating from Rochester. Check our site for expanded lists and detailed reviews.
Can I pay for my move with cash?
No. The moving industry doesn't accept cash. You'll typically put down a deposit to secure your date, then pay the balance at pickup or delivery via credit card, ACH, or cashier's check. Ask your mover which payment methods they accept.
More moving resources for your journey
- Best movers in New York
- Long-distance moving companies
- Moving containers
- Rental truck options
- Interstate moving guide
Ready to move? Compare quotes from top Rochester movers and lock in your rate today.