Best Movers from St. Louis to Illinois
If you're leaving St. Louis for Illinois, you've got solid options. I've analyzed 13 movers in the St. Louis area that handle interstate moves, and here are the five I'd actually recommend.
- Simple Moves — 4.7 / 5 stars
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5 stars
- Arch Moving — 4.62 / 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.62 / 5 stars
- McGuire Moving and Storage — 4.44 / 5 stars
Simple Moves
4.7 / 5 | 219 Yelp reviews | BBB Grade A+
10755 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132
What stands out: Simple Moves nails efficiency and value. Eighty-two percent of their 450+ reviews are positive—among the highest I see in this market. Customers consistently mention quick turnarounds, friendly crews, and care for belongings. Pricing runs $145/hour, which is competitive without cutting corners.
The catch: Damage reports appear in some reviews, and communication gaps with management show up occasionally. Like most budget-friendly movers, you'll want to flag fragile items upfront and confirm packing details before they arrive.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage, antiques, pianos, art, crating, full-valuation coverage.
Get a quote: (314) 963-3416
ABC Quality Moving & Storage
4.66 / 5 | 98 Yelp reviews | BBB Grade A+
3050 Armona Dr, St. Louis, MO 63129
What stands out: Customers praise the speed and care here—84% positive feedback across 263 reviews. Crews are polite, thorough with packing, and transparent on pricing. Many note teams that go above and beyond.
The catch: Item damage happens more than you'd want, and some customers report slow claims processing. Service is solid, but if you're moving high-value or fragile items, have a detailed conversation about coverage before booking.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage.
Get a quote: (314) 772-1887
Arch Moving
4.62 / 5 | 60 Yelp reviews | BBB Grade A+
1316 S 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63104
What stands out: Fifty-eight percent of reviews are positive, and I see consistent mentions of efficient service and careful handling. At $150/hour and 22 years in business, they've built real staying power.
The catch: The negative reviews mention damage, inexperienced crews, and office communication issues. About a third of feedback flags problems, which is higher than my top two picks. Good value, but not ironclad.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, art, safes, crating, full-valuation coverage.
Get a quote: (314) 964-5557
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
4.62 / 5 | 139 Yelp reviews | BBB Grade A+
10966 Gravois Industrial Court, St. Louis, MO 63128
What stands out: Seventy-six percent positive feedback. Customers rave about speed, professionalism, and careful handling. The crews are known for keeping stress low.
The catch: Damage reports are common, and about 22% of reviews mention items arriving scratched or broken. A few customers also found final bills significantly higher than estimates. Get everything in writing.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes.
Get a quote: (314) 270-5758
McGuire Moving and Storage
4.44 / 5 | 14 Yelp reviews | BBB Grade A+
8645 South Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63111
What stands out: Eighty-two percent positive across 130 reviews. This company has 45 years in business and earns consistent praise for professionalism, skilled handling, and strong follow-up. Many customers report damage-free, stress-free moves.
The catch: When things go wrong—item damage or lost belongings—resolution can lag. Small sample size on recent reviews, but the track record is solid.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage.
Get a quote: (314) 241-0600
Services Available from St. Louis Movers
Looking at the 13 movers we track in St. Louis, here's what's commonly offered:
- Interstate moves: 84.6%
- Small moves: 84.6%
- Pianos: 69.2%
- Art: 46.2%
- Antiques: 38.5%
- Fragile-only packing: 38.5%
Cost to Move from St. Louis to Illinois
Here's what you'll actually pay for the 165-mile St. Louis-to-Illinois route, broken down by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $608–$2,481 | $479–$1,211 | $178–$287 |
| 2–3 bed | $1,124–$3,501 | $947–$1,747 | $191–$359 |
| 4+ bed | $1,636–$4,398 | $1,140–$2,139 | $214–$383 |
Note: These are estimates based on verified rates as of January 2026. Actual costs vary by load size, season, parking/access constraints, fuel, and timing. Get personalized quotes to see real numbers for your situation.
Full-Service Moving Company Costs
Studio or 1-bedroom: $608–$2,481. If you're traveling light and don't need packing help, expect the lower end. Add packing services or specialty items, and you'll push toward $2,500.
2–3 bedroom: $1,124–$3,501. This is the middle ground—most people moving between these cities fall here. A professional crew handles packing and transport; you just show up.
4+ bedroom: $1,636–$4,398. Larger homes cost more because there's simply more to move. Specialty items (pianos, pool tables, art) add $500–$1,500 each.
Moving Container Costs
Small load (studio): $479–$1,211. You pack, they pick up and drop off. Popular if you're moving slowly or have flexible timing.
2–3 bedroom: $947–$1,747. Container companies like moving containers work well for the St. Louis-to-Illinois route because the distance is manageable and you control the schedule.
4+ bedroom: $1,140–$2,139. Same advantage as smaller moves—flexibility—but expect to pay more for the space and weight.
Rental Truck Costs
DIY is cheapest, but you're doing the work. Truck rentals run $178–$287 for a studio, $191–$359 for 2–3 bedrooms, and $214–$383 for 4+ bedrooms. Costs include fuel.
The tradeoff: You pack everything, load it, drive it, and unload it. For a 165-mile move, that's 5–7 hours of physical labor plus rental fees. Many people find that paying movers saves their back—and sanity.
What Drives Moving Costs from St. Louis to Illinois
- Home size: More rooms and stuff = higher bill. A two-bedroom costs roughly double a studio.
- Season: Summer (June–August) is peak season. Prices spike 20–40% compared to fall and winter.
- DIY vs. professional: Renting a truck saves money upfront but costs you time and sweat. Professional movers offer peace of mind at higher price.
- Add-ons: Packing, storage, special handling (pianos, art, antiques) each add $300–$1,500.
Cost of Living: St. Louis vs. Illinois
Before you move, understand the financial reality. Illinois is pricier in some areas, cheaper in others.
| Metric | St. Louis | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $171,463 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $66,090 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 84 | 90 |
| Income tax rate | 4.8% | 4.95% |
| Unemployment | 6.3% | 5.3% |
Key takeaways:
- Rent is slightly cheaper in Illinois (6% lower). That monthly savings helps offset moving costs.
- Homes cost 45% more in Illinois. Expect a bigger mortgage if you're buying.
- Earnings are 19% higher in Illinois. More jobs, higher salaries—this offsets some of the cost-of-living bump.
- Living costs overall are 7% higher in Illinois. Not dramatic, but plan for it.
- Jobs are easier to find in Illinois; unemployment is 16% lower.
- Taxes are nearly identical. No surprise difference on paychecks.
Life in Illinois vs. St. Louis: What Changes
| Factor | St. Louis | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 12.5M |
| Politics | Republican (58–42) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 23°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 42″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 16″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 19.7 |
What to expect:
- Winter is colder and snowier. Illinois averages 22 inches of snow vs. 16 in St. Louis. Budget for snow removal and heavier heating bills.
- Crime is significantly lower. Illinois's index of 19.7 beats St. Louis's 69.65 by a wide margin. Many people cite this as a reason to move.
- Summer feels similar. Both reach mid-80s; humidity and weather timing vary more than raw temperature.
- Politics shift. Illinois leans Democratic; St. Louis leans Republican. Cultural and policy differences exist but aren't dramatic.
- Rain is consistent. Almost no difference year-to-year between the two states.
Pros and Cons: Should You Move?
Why People Move to Illinois
- Chicago. Major cultural hub, museums, restaurants, nightlife.
- Job market. More opportunities, higher average salaries.
- Outdoor recreation. State parks, Lake Michigan access, diverse landscapes.
- Public transit. Chicago has decent public transportation; St. Louis lags.
Why People Leave St. Louis
- Education system ranked lower than national average.
- Higher crime rate makes some neighborhoods unsafe.
- Limited job diversity compared to larger metro areas.
Illinois Challenges
- Harsh winters with heavy snow; higher heating costs.
- Traffic congestion, especially around Chicago.
- Higher property taxes and cost of living in many areas.
- Crime in some Chicago neighborhoods is a real issue—it's lower overall, but pockets exist.
Practical Logistics Before Moving
A few details that trip people up:
- HOA rules: Some neighborhoods restrict moving truck hours or require advance notice. Check your new community's rules.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has one, book it early. Moving day bottlenecks are real.
- Parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for oversized vehicles. Check local parking rules.
- Illinois licensing: Movers handling intrastate moves need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify this before booking.
- USPS change of address: File at least a week before you move. Takes 3–5 days to activate.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection (60¢ per pound) is basic and often included. For full-value coverage, ask your mover or get a third-party policy.
- Use our moving checklist to stay organized and avoid last-minute panic.
What's There to Do in Illinois?
Top Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
Parks Worth Visiting
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
Sports
- Chicago Cubs & White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
Higher Education
- University of Chicago
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Illinois at Chicago
FAQ
How long does the St. Louis–to–Illinois move take?
One to two days for most moves. Summer season moves may stretch longer due to demand. Ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before you commit.
How many movers in St. Louis offer custom crating?
Eight of the 13 movers we track can build custom crates for art, antiques, and electronics. Confirm materials and dimensions match your items before booking.
What about shipping a car from St. Louis to Illinois?
You'll want specialists experienced with the route. Check our car shipping guide to compare operators who handle this move safely and professionally.
Why are people leaving St. Louis for Illinois?
Top reasons: Chicago's job market and cultural opportunities, lower crime, and better public transit. People leave St. Louis citing education quality, crime, and limited economic diversity.
Can I pay a St. Louis mover in cash?
Five of the local movers accept cash, but it's uncommon in the industry. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to secure your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment terms with your mover.
Ready to Get Started?
You've got solid movers to choose from, and now you know what the move costs. The next step is getting real quotes tailored to your specific situation.
Compare moving quotes to see exact pricing for your home size and move date. Takes five minutes, and you'll have a clear picture before committing to anyone.