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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local Sterling, IL movers

Hiring a moving company in Sterling is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You'll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you'd rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Sterling:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $603 $171 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $780 $172 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,158 $235 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,427 $332 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,731 $329 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,281 $474 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost details

  • Studio: On average, hiring movers in Sterling for a studio apartment will cost about $171 per hour. This type of move usually takes three hours with a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: For a one-bedroom apartment or house, local movers in Sterling typically charge $172 per hour. Plan for two movers working four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom home in Sterling generally costs $235 per hour. Expect it to take around five hours with a three-person team.
  • Three bedrooms: The typical rate for moving a three-bedroom place in Sterling is $332 an hour. You'll likely need four movers for about eight hours.
  • Four bedrooms: Expect to spend $329 per hour to move a four-bedroom home in Sterling, which usually requires nine hours and a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: For homes with five or more bedrooms in Sterling, moving services typically charge $474 an hour. You'll need a five-person team for around ten hours.

Use our free moving cost estimator to quickly compare personalized quotes for your Sterling move.

Best local movers in Sterling, IL

If you're moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in Sterling:

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. Murphy Family Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. M.K. Movers Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/Bellhops-Moving-106135414112443/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Affordable rates
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Bellhop Moving’s speed, efficiency, and friendly approach. Out of 115 reviews, nearly 70% share positive input, highlighting fast-moving crews, affordable prices, clear communication, and respectful service. Many describe the process as easy and stress-free. On the downside, about a quarter of feedback points to problems like late arrivals, damaged belongings, and a lack of follow-through from customer service. Complaints focus on delayed service, unwrapped or mishandled items, and poor responsiveness when issues arise. Compared to traditional movers, Bellhop often wins on price and flexibility but loses ground on reliability during peak times. Most customers praise the courteous staff and quick booking, yet a minority experienced significant disruptions or property damage. While Bellhop is often a cost-effective and efficient choice, those with high-value or complex moves may want to weigh the risk of potential delays or mishandling before booking.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/teamplanes/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
Moving reliability makes all the difference, and Planes Moving & Storage stands out in customer feedback. 232 reviews were analyzed, with nearly nine out of ten customers satisfied. Customers rave about Planes’ professional and polite teams, efficient moving processes, careful handling of items, fast service, and consistent communication. Many moves finished ahead of schedule without hidden costs. On the downside, a few reported item damage, inaccurate cost estimates, and occasional lost belongings, which affected their trust in the process. Some also flagged issues when delivery or claims didn't match their expectations. Compared to similar companies, Planes earns stronger praise for staff professionalism and handling but loses ground with damage and claim resolution concerns. This feedback points to a moving company that gets high marks for speed, courtesy, and organization, though some clients face setbacks with damage and missed estimates.
Get a Quote (630) 381-6952

Company Info

State license #: 7545

Years in Business: 104

DOT #:  1458935

Alternate Names: Planes Moving & Storage of Chicago, L.L.C.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/twomenpeoria/, https://twitter.com/twomenpeoriail
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Poor complaint handling
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Moving made smoother—most customer input about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK highlights fast, polite, and careful service. We analyzed 237 pieces of feedback and found 84% were positive. Common praise mentions courteous, hardworking staff and efficient, organized moves that safeguard belongings. People often note how movers wrap furniture well, help with packing, and act professionally, making the process less stressful. Many felt comfortable recommending the service or returning for future moves, saying the company stands out for friendliness and attention to detail compared to typical moving firms. Some experienced delayed resolutions for damaged items, and a few flagged worries with complaint handling or surprise charges. Property damage and lack of follow-up after incidents remain the biggest areas for improvement, leaving some customers dissatisfied. On balance, input shows TWO MEN AND A TRUCK delivers skillful moves and high standards of care, well above what’s usual in the industry, though customers appreciate clearer communication if an issue occurs.
Get a Quote (309) 455-4036

Company Info

State license #: 1566

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/murphyfamilymovers/, https://twitter.com/murphyfammovers
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
  • Affordable rates
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Murphy Family Movers stands out with glowing customer feedback: out of 254 reviews, 96.1% were positive and just 3.9% negative. Customers praised the efficient, professional crews who handled belongings with exceptional care. Many highlighted great communication and affordable, transparent pricing, especially compared to other movers—something rarely encountered in the industry. Movers received repeated commendations for their promptness and polite attitude, leading to frequent referrals and repeat business. On the other hand, negative input mostly centered on damaged items, discrepancies with estimates, or issues with complaint handling. While rare, these experiences show some inconsistency in problem resolution, a problem found in many moving companies. Most clients, though, found the service to be trustworthy, detail-oriented, and competitively priced, making Murphy Family Movers a leading choice among local and interstate options.
Get a Quote (847) 778-7287

Company Info

State license #: 218566

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 2965334

Alternate Names: Murph's Trucking LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/MKMovers.STC/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Inaccurate estimates
Review Analysis
Moving with confidence starts with M.K. Movers Inc., a company backed by 234 pieces of customer input and a striking 91% positive feedback rate. Most customers praise the team's efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, quick moving process, and excellent communication—qualities not often found in the moving industry. People note how the staff works swiftly while remaining friendly and respectful of property. Difficult moves are often handled seamlessly, with furniture and belongings treated with care and moves often completed faster than expected. On the flip side, a handful of people report problems with items being damaged, communication gaps when issues arose, and final costs missing the quote. These negatives stand out by comparison because the majority of similar moving companies often experience even higher rates of complaints. M.K. Movers exceeds typical industry standards for reliability and courtesy, making them a trusted choice for anyone looking for movers who prioritize both speed and safety.
Get a Quote (630) 244-9655

Company Info

State license #: 174972

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2265788


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby Illinois cities

Average cost to move out of state with Sterling movers

Since the cost of moving out of Illinois depends largely on where you're moving, we've provided some example costs below. To get the most accurate pricing based on your specific destination, find your moving route to Illinois or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Sterling

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Sterling and across Illinois state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.

To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of Illinois:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Sterling

Moving a two- or three-bedroom home out of Sterling comes with costs that vary depending on how much stuff you're taking. A three-bedroom move with minimal furniture could actually cost less than a heavily decorated two-bedroom with more square footage.

Still, for reference, here are the typical cost ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves covering similar distances from Sterling:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Sterling

Moving a four-bedroom home from Sterling to another state comes with a wide range of possible costs. The final price often depends on how far you're going, how much you're moving, and the time of year.

Here’s a general look at what out-of-state moves with four or more bedrooms from Sterling might cost:

Best interstate moving companies in Sterling

Now that you have an idea of what your out-of-state move from Illinois will cost, it's time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Sterling.

Best Overall Value
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Sterling, IL

Moving containers in Sterling generally cost about $540 for a local move, while long-distance jobs can push the total up to $2,970. If you’re heading across the country, it’s not uncommon to see prices close to $6,920 or even higher. The two biggest cost factors? Distance and the size of the container you choose.

We often recommend PODS in Sterling. They have eight-, 12-, and 16-foot containers, keep pricing competitive, and have earned a solid reputation among customers. But don’t stop there. Get quotes from at least two other providers to see how everything compares.

Need more options? Take a look at these highly-rated moving container companies before making your decision.

Best moving container companies in Sterling

If you want to save some money on your Sterling move but don’t want the hassle of doing everything yourself, moving container companies are a great alternative. With a moving container, you’ll take care of the packing and loading but won’t have to worry about driving. Here are a few highly recommended options for moving containers in Sterling:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Sterling, IL

In Sterling, daily rental costs for a moving truck usually start at $60, with most people paying between $19 and $39, plus mileage fees of $1 to $1. It’s a solid choice for those looking to cut costs, but keep in mind it’s a fully DIY approach. You'll be doing the heavy lifting and the driving.

Best moving truck rentals in Sterling

The most budget-friendly way to move is by packing everything up and hitting the road with a rental truck. There are plenty of moving truck rental companies to choose from in Sterling. If you don’t mind the extra effort, here are a few of the best ones:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Sterling, IL

In Sterling, labor-only movers typically charge $30–$40 per hour per person. That means your total hourly cost will be around $60–$80, depending on how many movers you hire.

It typically only takes a two-person crew to handle smaller spaces like studios and one-bedrooms. For two- and three-bedroom homes, plan on three to four movers. It’ll likely take a crew of four or five people to move homes with four or more bedrooms.

Best labor-only moving companies in Sterling

Finding reliable moving help in Sterling means looking for labor-only companies with upfront pricing and solid service reviews. It’s even better if they offer extras like packing assistance or moving supplies.

These are our top picks for labor-only movers.

Here are our favorite labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of your Sterling move

Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your Sterling move:

  • Distance: How far you're moving has a big impact on your total moving costs. Moving within a city or even to a nearby town will usually cost far less than relocating out of state or across the country. That's because longer distances involve mileage and fuel expenses, as well as more labor hours.
  • The size of your move: Naturally, the more stuff you have, the more it will cost to move it. Larger moves are more expensive because they typically require a bigger truck and moving crew.
  • The type of mover you choose: In most cases, hiring a full-service mover to assist with loading, unloading, and transport of your belongings will cost more than DIY options like moving container companies, where you handle all the heavy lifting yourself.
  • The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.
  • When you move: The time of year and month, as well as the day of the week, you move can all impact costs. The reason centers around demand. You'll pay more to relocate during the summer months, since that is the peak moving season. Mid-month moves are normally a little cheaper than those at the start or end of the month, when most rental leases begin or end. Moving mid-week instead of weekends can also save you some money, since most people choose a Saturday or Sunday for their moving day.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Check your community’s moving rules. Many areas, especially those with HOAs, have moving restrictions on specific days or times. Be sure to review these rules and notify your building or HOA ahead of time.
  • Purchase extra insurance, if needed. By law, full-service movers include basic released value protection at no cost, but it only covers $0.60 per pound per item. That means an original sculpture worth $750 and weighing 12 pounds would only be covered for $7.20 ($0.60 x 12). For peace of mind, ask your mover or home insurer about full-value protection based on your belongings' actual worth.
  • Have documentation ready. You might need to show proof of insurance or elevator reservations when moving in or out of an apartment. This info is usually outlined in your moving contract, so gather it before the big day arrives.
  • Don’t forget about parking. Visit the Sterling website for more details on parking regulations.

Helpful Sterling Resources

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