If you're moving from St. Louis to Illinois, you're looking at roughly a 165-mile trip across the Mississippi. That puts this squarely in the regional interstate category — not a cross-country haul, but far enough that choosing the wrong mover will cost you. Out of 13 St. Louis-area companies that handle state-to-state moves, five consistently rise to the top for this route.
Best St. Louis Movers for a Move to Illinois
- Arch Moving — 4.62 / 5
- Simple Moves — 4.7 / 5
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.62 / 5
- McGuire Moving and Storage — 4.44 / 5
Arch Moving
4.6 / 5 | 1316 S 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63104 | (314) 964-5557 $150/hr | 22 years in business | State license: 2969512 | DOT: 2969512
Yelp (60 reviews) | Google (1,067 reviews) | BBB: A+
58% positive | 33% negative across 76 reviews analyzed
Arch Moving does a lot of things right — fast crews, polite staff, and a reasonable hourly rate for the area. Customers consistently mention quick move times and genuine care for their belongings. That said, a third of reviewers had real problems: damaged or missing items, inexperienced crew members, and poor follow-up from the office when things went wrong. If you're on a budget and need efficiency, Arch is a reasonable pick. But if you're moving anything fragile or valuable, get the coverage conversation out of the way before you book.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, crating, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing, safes | Accepts money order and credit card
Simple Moves
4.7 / 5 | 10755 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132 | (314) 963-3416 $145/hr | 24 years in business | State license: 1653733 | DOT: 1653733
Yelp (219 reviews) | Google (699 reviews) | BBB: A+
82% positive | 17% negative across 450 reviews
Across 450 reviews, Simple Moves earns 82% positive feedback — and the praise is specific: efficient crews, careful handling, transparent pricing, and a friendly approach that tends to outperform bigger national names on both cost and customer service. The complaints that surface mostly involve furniture damage, late arrivals, and inconsistent follow-up when something went sideways. Nothing unusual for this industry, but worth knowing if your move involves high-value or fragile pieces. For a 165-mile run to Illinois, Simple Moves is a strong starting point — just be explicit about anything requiring special handling.
Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing | Accepts money order, cash, and credit card
ABC Quality Moving & Storage
4.66 / 5 | 3050 Armona Dr, St. Louis, MO 63129 | (314) 772-1887 36 years in business | State license: 987335 | DOT: 987335
84% positive | 16% negative across 263 reviews
Thirty-six years in business and an 84% positive review rate is a combination that's hard to dismiss. Customers point to quick, organized crews, approachable staff, and pricing that's transparent rather than stuffed with surprise line items. ABC also has the most comprehensive specialty capability on this list — they handle hot tubs, pool tables, grandfather clocks, and safes, which matters if you're relocating a fully furnished home. The downside: damage reports do appear in the reviews, and a few customers had slow responses when trying to file claims. ABC handles moves well the majority of the time, but read the coverage terms closely before booking.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes | Accepts money order, cash, and credit card
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
4.62 / 5 | 10966 Gravois Industrial Court, St. Louis, MO 63128 | (314) 270-5758 31 years in business | State license: 714664 | DOT: 2527384
Yelp (139 reviews) | Google (1,484 reviews) | BBB: A+
76% positive | 22% negative across 361 reviews
The franchise everyone's heard of, and the St. Louis location mostly earns its reputation. Three out of four reviewers praised efficient crews, professional attitudes, and careful handling. The complaints that do come up are worth noting though — final bills that ran noticeably higher than estimates, and a meaningful chunk of damaged items. If you book them, get your estimate in writing and nail down the pricing structure before moving day. The cost blowout risk is real on interstate jobs.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, storage, safes | Accepts credit card
McGuire Moving and Storage
4.44 / 5 | 8645 South Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63111 | (314) 241-0600 45 years in business | State license: 2256609 | DOT: 2256609
Yelp (14 reviews) | Google (97 reviews) | BBB: A+
82% positive | 17% negative across 130 reviews
Forty-five years in business and an 82% positive rate from 130 reviewers. Customers highlight genuinely professional crews, above-average communication, and moves that tend to arrive damage-free. The lower overall rating compared to others on this list reflects a smaller review pool and occasional issues with lost items or slow claims resolution — not a pattern, but worth mentioning. McGuire's long track record shows most on complex or interstate moves. If you're also shipping internationally or have genuinely specialized items, they have the full-service capability to handle it.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing
What St. Louis Moving Companies Actually Offer
Of the 13 Missouri movers we track on the St. Louis-to-Illinois route, here's a quick breakdown of specialty services available:
| Service | Available | % of movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 11 | 84.6% |
| Small moves | 11 | 84.6% |
| Pianos | 9 | 69.2% |
| Art | 6 | 46.2% |
| Antiques | 5 | 38.5% |
| Fragile-only packing | 5 | 38.5% |
If specialty handling matters for your move — piano, fine art, antiques — confirm the capability before you sign anything. Not every mover on this list offers every service.
Cost to Move from St. Louis, MO to Illinois
These ranges are based on a ~165-mile move. Use our moving cost calculator to dial in a number based on your specific home size and situation.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $608 – $2,481 | $479 – $1,211 | $178 – $287 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,124 – $3,501 | $947 – $1,747 | $191 – $359 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,636 – $4,398 | $1,140 – $2,139 | $214 – $383 |
Estimates are based on pricing data compiled as of January 2026. Final costs vary based on move scope, add-ons, parking access, fuel, and timing. Get multiple quotes before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from St. Louis to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, plan on $608 to $2,481. That wide range reflects variables like crew size, move complexity, and timing — a summer Saturday will cost significantly more than a Tuesday in October. Two- to three-bedroom homes typically run $1,124 to $3,501. Larger households — four bedrooms or more — are looking at $1,636 to $4,398.
Cost of Moving Containers from St. Louis to Illinois
Moving containers let you load at your own pace while a driver handles transport. For a small load (studio or one-bedroom), expect to pay $479 to $1,211. A two- to three-bedroom home runs $947 to $1,747. Larger moves push into the $1,140 to $2,139 range. Container pricing varies more than you'd expect between providers, so it's worth getting two or three quotes before you decide.
Cost of Renting a Moving Truck from St. Louis to Illinois
If keeping costs down is the priority, a rental truck is your cheapest option — but you're handling all the labor yourself. For a studio or one-bedroom, rental costs (fuel estimates included) run $178 to $287. Two- to three-bedroom moves land at $191 to $359. Four-plus bedrooms run $214 to $383. Just factor in your time and physical effort before assuming DIY is always the right call.
What Drives Your Moving Cost from St. Louis to Illinois
Three variables do most of the work:
- Move size: More belongings mean a bigger truck, longer loading time, and more crew hours. This is the biggest cost lever.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. Moving in fall or winter typically gets you better availability and lower rates.
- DIY vs. hiring professionals: A rental truck is cheaper on paper, but when you factor in effort, injury risk, and potential damage to your own stuff, the math changes. For a 165-mile move, long-distance movers are worth pricing out seriously.
What You Should Know Before Moving from St. Louis to Illinois
This isn't a move across the country, but it is a move across a state line — and Illinois carries a meaningfully different cost of living, climate, and regulatory landscape than Missouri. Here's what matters.
Compare Cost of Living: St. Louis vs. Illinois
| St. Louis, MO | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $171,463 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 84 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 4.95% |
St. Louis sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
What the numbers actually mean for your budget:
- Rent is about 6% cheaper in Illinois than in St. Louis — a pleasant surprise if you're expecting sticker shock.
- Home prices are roughly 45% higher in Illinois. If you're buying, budget for a meaningfully larger mortgage.
- Per capita income in Illinois runs about 19% higher than in St. Louis, which helps offset the overall cost increase.
- The cost of living index is about 7% higher in Illinois — not dramatic, but real. Plan for it.
- Unemployment is about 16% lower in Illinois, which matters if you're also making a career move.
- Income tax rates are nearly identical — Missouri at 4.8%, Illinois at 4.95%. Your paycheck won't change much on that front.
How Life Is Different Moving from St. Louis to Illinois
| St. Louis, MO | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58–42 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 23°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 42" | 40" |
| Annual snowfall | 16" | 22" |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AirNow.
Here's what actually changes day-to-day:
- Scale: You're going from a city of ~293,000 into a state of 12.5 million. If Chicago is your destination, that transition is real.
- Politics: St. Louis leaned Republican in the last presidential election; Illinois went Democratic. Local dynamics vary by where you land.
- Summers are nearly identical — 86°F versus 89°F in St. Louis. Humidity patterns differ, but there's no climate shock coming.
- Winters are colder. Illinois lows hit 17°F versus 23°F in St. Louis. Budget for higher heating bills and better cold-weather gear.
- More snow — 22 inches annually in Illinois versus 16 in St. Louis. Winter scenery comes with more maintenance.
- Crime is noticeably lower in Illinois, with an index of 19.7 versus St. Louis's 69.65. That difference is meaningful for quality of life.
Comparing the Pros of St. Louis vs. Illinois
| Pros of St. Louis, MO | Pros of Illinois |
|---|---|
| Rich culture and arts scene | Home of Chicago |
| Affordable cost of living | Strong economic opportunity |
| Quality public transportation | Abundant recreational options |
| Friendly community | World-class sports culture |
| Bountiful recreational activities | Excellent food scene |
Comparing the Cons of St. Louis vs. Illinois
| Cons of St. Louis, MO | Cons of Illinois |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | Harsh winters |
| Poor education outcomes | Heavy traffic |
| Limited economic opportunity | High crime in parts of Chicago |
| Urban sprawl | Strict local laws |
| Pervasive poverty | Flat, monotonous landscape in places |
Other Practical Considerations When Moving to Illinois
A few things that tend to catch people off guard on this route:
- HOA rules: Check your new neighborhood's moving policies before the truck shows up. Some have strict hours or require advance notice.
- Elevator reservations: If you're moving into an apartment or condo with an elevator, reserve it. Don't assume it'll be available.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for large moving vehicles. Call the city clerk's office at your destination in advance.
- State licensing: Illinois regulates movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Companies handling in-state household moves need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify your mover has a current license before you book — it's a quick check that protects you.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking rules can still complicate things. Confirm with your destination city.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before you move so mail starts forwarding on time.
- Moving insurance: Basic released value protection covers 60 cents per pound — almost meaningless if something gets damaged. For anything valuable, ask about full-value protection or look at a third-party policy.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to track everything from the first week of planning through move-in day. It's easy to miss the small stuff when you're juggling a lot.
Things to Do Once You're in Illinois
Whether you're landing near Chicago or settling into a smaller city downstate, there's plenty to explore.
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 St. Louis to Illinois take?
One to two days in most cases, depending on your service type and the size of your load. Summer moves can run longer due to peak-season demand. Ask for a delivery window when you book — don't leave it vague.
How many St. Louis movers offer custom crating?
Eight movers we track in St. Louis can build custom crates for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm that the specific materials and dimensions match your items before moving day.
What's the best way to ship my car from St. Louis to Illinois?
Use a company that specializes in auto transport rather than asking a household mover to handle it on the side. Get quotes from at least two or three carriers and verify their FMCSA registration before you commit.
Why are people moving from St. Louis to Illinois?
Chicago is the biggest pull — economic opportunity, career options, and a cultural scene that's hard to match. On the flip side, people leaving St. Louis most often cite the crime rate and limited job market as reasons to go.
Where do I find long-distance movers in St. Louis?
Our guide to the best long-distance movers covers vetted options that handle this route. If you want an established national carrier with interstate infrastructure, SafeShip Moving and North American Van Lines are both worth requesting quotes from for this distance.
Can I pay a mover in cash in St. Louis?
Five movers in St. Louis currently accept cash, but it's not the norm — most of the industry favors credit card or money order for documentation and dispute purposes. Expect to put down a deposit to lock in your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the exact terms with your mover before you book.
Ready to see where your numbers actually land? Run your move through the MoveFinders moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least three movers before you commit to anyone.