Top Sacramento Movers for Illinois Relocations
If you're planning to move from Sacramento to Illinois, you've got options. Out of 26 Sacramento-based movers we track that handle interstate moves, here are the five that consistently deliver for this route.
- Two Men and a Truck — 4.62 / 5
- Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. — 4.42 / 5
- A Better Moving — 4.48 / 5
- Sierra Valley Moving & Storage — 4.42 / 5
- Yolo Transfer Moving & Storage — 4.52 / 5
Two Men and a Truck
Address: 8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828
Phone: (916) 596-9374
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | 374 Yelp reviews | 815 Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Review Summary
Two Men and a Truck earns high marks for crew efficiency and clear communication. Across 570 customer reviews, 71% report strong satisfaction—customers frequently praise how quickly movers work, their careful handling, and their professional demeanor. The booking process is straightforward, and the team is responsive.
The catch: About 27% of reviews flag damage to items, bills that exceed estimates, and slow responses to damage claims. The claims process itself appears to be a weak point compared to some competitors.
Bottom line: Fast, careful crews are the norm here. Just document everything upfront and confirm all expectations before they load your truck.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano moving, storage, safes
License: #0190058 | DOT: 2527384 | Years in business: 20
Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.
Address: 333 University Ave #200, Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 461-8495
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | 44 Yelp reviews | 77 Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Review Summary
Mother Lode stands out for friendly, attentive crews and reliable service. Out of 124 reviews, 83% are positive—customers consistently mention quick, efficient work paired with respectful handling of furniture and belongings. Staff politeness and clear communication set them apart.
Negative feedback (15%) centers on unexpected charges that inflate the final bill, damaged items, and occasional trouble with claims processing.
Bottom line: If professionalism and speed matter, this company delivers. Get cost estimates in writing and ask about their damage claim process upfront.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, piano/hot tub/pool table moving, art and antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
License: #189243 | DOT: 070851 | Years in business: 69
A Better Moving
Address: 6640 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, CA 95606
Phone: (916) 489-3322
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | 95 Yelp reviews | 67 Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Review Summary
A Better Moving impresses with energetic, detail-oriented crews. Among 156 reviews, 81% are positive, with customers praising efficient service, careful handling, and honest, upfront pricing. Many mention the team feels professional yet friendly—exactly what you want on moving day.
About 19% report damage, surprise charges, or occasional unprofessional behavior. Like others on this list, a handful experienced broken furniture or delivery costs that crept above the estimate.
Bottom line: Stronger than most when it comes to professionalism. Get specifics on valuation coverage and confirm handling protocols for delicate items.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, office moves, piano/hot tub moving, crating, storage, safes
License: #0170373 | DOT: 528679 | Years in business: 43
Sierra Valley Moving & Storage
Address: 5071 Kelton Way #200, Sacramento, CA 95838
Phone: (916) 649-3400
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | 16 Yelp reviews | 20 Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Review Summary
Sierra Valley delivers smooth moves with attentive staff. Across 45 reviews, 82% are positive, with customers highlighting professionalism, quick service, and careful handling of belongings. The team respects your property and keeps the process organized.
Sparse negative feedback (9%) mentions higher-than-quoted prices and occasional unmet commitments, though these are exceptions rather than the rule.
Bottom line: A solid regional choice for reliability. The lower review count means less data to work from, but the consistency is encouraging.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, piano moving, storage
License: #0190332 | DOT: 786470 | Years in business: 26
Yolo Transfer Moving & Storage
Address: 1680 Tide Ct, Woodland, CA 95776
Phone: (530) 668-1007
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | 38 Yelp reviews | 51 Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Review Summary
Yolo Transfer earns strong marks for professionalism and speed. Out of 94 reviews, 77% are positive, with customers praising efficient service, responsive quotes, and competitive pricing that often comes in lower than expected. Staff attention to detail and politeness stand out.
The downside: 23% report damaged or missing items, and some customers experienced slow or inadequate responses to damage claims.
Bottom line: Great crew attitude and fair pricing, but ask explicitly about damage coverage and what happens if something breaks.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, piano/hot tub/pool table moving, art and antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
License: #0189819 | DOT: 2256609 | Years in business: 13
Local Moving Services in Sacramento
Sacramento has a decent range of specialty options. Here's what 26 Sacramento movers offer:
- Interstate moves: 84.62%
- Piano moving: 84.62%
- Antiques: 65.38%
- Art: 57.69%
- Small moves: 38.46%
Cost to Move from Sacramento to Illinois
The following estimates are based on a roughly 1,989-mile move. Final costs depend on your home size, season, add-ons, and current fuel prices. Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized estimates.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,238 – $4,910 | $1,063 – $2,576 | $1,090 – $1,998 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,250 – $7,290 | $1,893 – $4,093 | $1,215 – $2,577 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,073 – $10,741 | $2,593 – $5,467 | $1,548 – $3,218 |
Full-Service Moving from Sacramento to Illinois
If you're hiring professional movers, expect:
- Studio or 1-bedroom: $1,238–$4,910
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,250–$7,290
- 4–5 bedrooms: $6,073–$10,741
Professional movers handle the heavy lifting and driving, plus offer liability insurance—worth the premium if you value peace of mind.
Moving Containers from Sacramento to Illinois
Moving containers let you pack at your own pace and have your stuff transported without hiring day-laborers. Expect:
- Small load: $1,063–$2,576
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,893–$4,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,593–$5,467
This option works well if you have a flexible timeline and prefer not to deal with a crew in your home.
Rental Trucks from Sacramento to Illinois
The cheapest option—but you handle everything. Rental truck costs (fuel included):
- Studio or 1-bedroom: $1,090–$1,998
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,215–$2,577
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,548–$3,218
Go this route only if you're comfortable driving a large vehicle for nearly 2,000 miles and have friends or family to help load and unload.
What Affects Your Moving Cost
- Home size: More stuff = higher bill. Obviously.
- Season: Summer (June–August) is peak moving season in Sacramento. Expect higher rates.
- DIY vs. professional: Renting a truck saves money upfront but costs time and physical effort.
- Distance and timing: A move to Illinois is long enough that fuel and driver logistics matter.
What to Know Before Moving from Sacramento to Illinois
California and Illinois are worlds apart—financially and climatically. Here's the real picture.
Cost of Living: Sacramento vs. Illinois
| Category | Sacramento, CA | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,899/month | $1,179/month |
| Average home price | $476,699 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $78,954 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 127 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
The numbers tell the story:
- Rent is about 38% cheaper in Illinois, freeing up roughly $720 per month.
- Home prices run 48% lower, giving you significantly more buying power.
- Income is nearly identical, so your salary won't drop.
- Overall cost of living is 29% cheaper in Illinois—a real difference in your monthly budget.
- Unemployment is lower in Illinois (31% better), meaning easier job prospects.
- Income tax in Illinois is roughly 63% lower than California's, meaning fatter paychecks.
Climate and Lifestyle Differences
| Factor | Sacramento, CA | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Democratic (51–46) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 93°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 39°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 20 inches | 40 inches |
| Annual snow | 0 inches | 22 inches |
| Crime index | 49.21 | 19.71 |
What this means for you:
- Summers in Illinois are milder—good for energy bills, bad if you love heat.
- Winters are legitimately cold (17°F lows). You'll shovel snow and pay for heating.
- Rain and snow are much more common. Illinois gets nearly double the rain and 22 inches of snow annually. Sacramento's dry.
- Crime is significantly lower in Illinois. Neighborhoods feel safer overall.
- Population in Illinois is vastly larger, especially if you end up near Chicago.
Practical Considerations for Your Move to Illinois
Before you sign the lease or commit to a mover, handle these details:
- HOA rules: Check your new neighborhood's moving policies to avoid day-of surprises.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has one, reserve it weeks in advance.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for large vehicles. Check your specific city.
- State licensing: Illinois movers must have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify this before booking.
- Moving permits: You won't need one in Illinois, but check local parking rules.
- Change of address: File with USPS at least one week before your move. Start the process here.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection (60¢/lb) is basic and usually free. For full-value coverage, ask your mover or buy third-party insurance.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized and on track.
Things to Do in Illinois
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Museum of Hummels
Parks
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
Sports
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
Universities
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a Sacramento-to-Illinois move take?
Typically 5–16 days, depending on the service level. Summer moves may run longer due to demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before you book.
Do Sacramento movers offer custom crating?
Yes. We track 21 Sacramento movers that can build custom crates for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm materials and dimensions with your company beforehand.
What's the best way to ship a car from Sacramento to Illinois?
Hire a professional auto transport company. They handle the logistics so you don't have to drive an extra vehicle across the country or risk highway wear on your car.
Why do people move from Sacramento to Illinois?
Lower cost of living, better job market (especially in Chicago), and lower taxes. Illinois also offers more diverse seasons and outdoor activities if you're tired of Sacramento's heat and drought.
What payment methods do Sacramento movers accept?
Most accept credit cards and checks. About seven Sacramento movers take cash, but the moving industry prefers traceable payments. You'll typically pay a deposit upfront, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the schedule with your company.
Get Moving Quotes Today
You've got solid options in Sacramento. The five movers above have proven track records on long-distance moves to Illinois. Each has trade-offs—faster service, better pricing, or superior damage handling—so compare quotes from at least two or three before deciding.
Compare moving quotes and get specific pricing for your home size and move date.