The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Charleston, IL

Quick answer: Our top pick for the best long-distance moving company in Charleston, IL, is Safeway Moving. We like Safeway Moving for its overall value. The company provides high-quality service without the high price tag.

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We know that every move is different. Jump to a mover that fits your unique needs:
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

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

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Best long-distance movers in Charleston for those moving out of state

If you’re leaving Charleston and crossing state lines for a new home outside of Illinois, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers:

Best Overall Value
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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
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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) 825-0554
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) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
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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

Best long-distance movers in Charleston for those staying in state

Are you moving from Charleston but staying in Illinois? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within Illinois is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top Charleston, IL, movers:

https://www.facebook.com/Bellhops-Moving-106135414112443/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (26%)
  • Professional and polite staff (24%)
  • Good communication (21%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
  • Lack of communication (21%)
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving has 115 customer reviews, with 54% being positive. Many customers praised the efficient service and friendly staff, highlighting their punctuality and hard work. However, several complaints arose regarding damage to items and poor communication, leading to frustration for some customers. Overall, while many appreciated the affordable rates and helpful movers, others experienced issues with the reliability of the service and unexpected costs.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Bellhop Moving, founded in 2012, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Indianapolis, IN. While their Yelp and Google My Business profiles boast impressive average ratings of 4.0 and 4.4 respectively, their BBB rating of F may give potential clients pause. In comparison to other nearby moving companies, Bellhop stands out by providing versatile services including packing, unpacking, and labor only options, but a deposit is unfortunately required. For those seeking reliable and well-reviewed local movers, Bellhop Moving presents a worthy choice.

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 (35%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Good communication (27%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Unexpected charges (16%)
Review Analysis
Planes Moving & Storage Company has 232 online customer reviews, 76% of which are positive. Customers praised the company's professional and efficient staff, highlighting their careful handling of belongings and excellent communication throughout the moving process. Many appreciated the timely service and friendly attitude of the movers. However, some negative feedback pointed to issues such as damaged items, unexpected charges, and a lack of clear communication during the delivery process. Overall, while many customers had a positive experience, some faced challenges that impacted their satisfaction with the service.
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.


Planes Moving & Storage Company, established in 1921, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Aurora, IL. With a strong reputation built over a century, the company also provides packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring valuable items like pianos and antiques are handled with care. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a 4.7 average rating from 320 Google reviews, and a solid consumer satisfaction. While their Yelp reviews show mixed feedback with a 3.1 average rating, their long-standing presence and comprehensive service offerings make them a trustworthy choice compared to other local movers.

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/pages/category/Home-Mover/Leaders-Moving-Storage-Co-Indianapolis-866369596746908/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (80%)
  • Professional and polite staff (75%)
  • Good communication (70%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (45%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (35%)
  • Lack of communication (30%)
Review Analysis
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. has 239 online customer reviews, 80% of which are positive. Many customers praised the company's efficient service, with several noting how quickly and carefully their belongings were handled. Reviewers also appreciated the professional and friendly staff who made the moving process easier. On the downside, some customers reported issues with damaged items and poor communication regarding scheduling. Overall, Leaders Moving & Storage Co. stands out for its excellent customer service, though it faces challenges in consistency and damage control.
Get a Quote (317) 280-3385

Company Info

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1237577

Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co., Leaders Moving and Storage Company, Hilling Moving & Storage


Leaders Moving & Storage Co., based in Indianapolis, IN, has been a trusted local residential mover since 1995. Known for their comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, they stand out by accepting credit cards and not requiring deposits. Their reputation shines with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a stellar 4.7 average rating from over 550 reviews on Google, although their Yelp reviews are more modest at 3.3 from 24 reviews. Compared to other nearby moving companies, Leaders Moving & Storage Co. offers a reliable and customer-focused experience for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/TwoMenChampaign/, https://twitter.com/TwoMenAndATruck
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (29%)
  • Efficient service (26%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (20%)
  • Higher-than-expected costs (18%)
  • Lack of communication (17%)
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck has 255 online customer reviews, 74% of which are positive. Customers praise the movers for their professionalism, efficiency, and friendly demeanor. Many reviews highlight that the staff took great care in handling belongings, leading to a smooth moving experience. On the downside, some customers reported issues with hidden fees, damaged items, and a lack of communication from the office staff. Despite these negative experiences, the overall sentiment leans towards satisfaction, especially compared to other moving companies.
Get a Quote (217) 583-4036

Company Info

State license #: 113793

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Shunk Corporation


Two Men and a Truck has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Champaign, IL since 2010. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they can handle specialty items like pianos and safes without requiring a deposit. The company enjoys a strong reputation with a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and a high Google rating of 4.5 from 246 reviewers, although its Yelp average is lower at 2.6 from 38 reviews. For those seeking trusted and versatile local movers, Two Men and a Truck stands out in the Champaign area.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/federalcos, https://twitter.com/federalcos
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Efficient service (27%)
  • Good communication (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (29%)
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
  • Lack of communication (21%)
Review Analysis
Federal Companies has 109 online customer reviews, 80% of which are positive. Many customers praise the company for its friendly and professional staff, efficient service, and good communication throughout the moving process. However, some feedback highlights issues such as damage to items, unexpected charges, and lack of communication during scheduling. While many appreciate the care taken with their belongings, others report dissatisfaction with the overall handling of their moves, particularly regarding pricing and service reliability.
Get a Quote (217) 393-8224

Company Info

State license #: 4588

Years in Business: 111

DOT #: 642945

Alternate Names: Federal O'Byrne Moving & Storage, Federal/O'Byrne Moving & Storage, LLC, Allied Van Lines, Federal, Federal Brokerage, LLC


Federal Companies has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Champaign, IL since 1914. Known for their extensive service offerings, they specialize in packing, unpacking, and crating services, and are adept at handling fragile items, antiques, and art pieces. While their Yelp profile shows a 2.1-star average from 11 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts a more favorable 4.3-star average from 69 reviews, and they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other local movers, Federal Companies stands out for their century-long experience and comprehensive service options.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified

Best long-distance movers in Charleston, IL, for small moves

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Charleston, check out these suggestions:

Best for Small Moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for small moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Check prices 800-626-1257
At A Glance
  • Specializes in small moves
  • Guaranteed delivery date
  • Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
  • Car shipping services
  • Gives back with charitable donations
read our full review
Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Charleston, IL

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Charleston at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Charleston include:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
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Rental trucks in Charleston, IL for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Charleston, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Charleston, IL

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from Charleston, IL:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Charleston, IL

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Charleston, ILtoggle

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
  • Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Charleston, IL

The average cost for professional movers in Illinois is $97 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Here’s the average long-distance move cost from Charleston, IL to popular cities:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
Columbus, OH 295 miles 3 bedroom $2,068 - $5,051
Charleston, SC 843 miles 2 bedroom $2,663 - $5,766
Virginia Beach, VA 853 miles 1 bedroom $2,255 - $4,877

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Charleston, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in Illinois.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?toggle

A moving company helping you move out of Illinois must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the Charleston movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Charleston?toggle

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Charleston is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of Illinois, using a national moving company like Safeway Moving comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Charleston?toggle

Moving companies in Charleston are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Charleston?toggle

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Charleston. The cheapest options for moving out of Charleston are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.

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