Best Illinois to Michigan Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IL to MI Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another is not just a change of address, it's embarking on an exciting chapter in your life. Leaving behind Illinois, The Land of Lincoln, with its majestic skyscrapers and hearty comfort food, for Michigan, The Great Lakes State, where untouched natural beauty and vibrant cities await, symbolizes a significant transition. It's essential, then, to ensure this considerable leap is as smooth as possible by entrusting your move to trusted and reliable professional movers, a standard we uphold at Great Guys Moving.

Illinois iconArrow iconMichigan icon

Best Illinois to Michigan Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pro-Low Moving9.68A+Authorized For HHGContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.43A+ActiveContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
Murphy Family Movers9.29A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery 9.06A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Michigan to Illinois guide.

6 Best IL to MI Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pro-Low Moving Logo
Exceptional9.68/10
based on 1,255+ data points

About Pro-Low Moving

Pro-Low Moving is a trusted moving company located in Holland, MI, with services available in Grand Haven and surrounding areas. Its license...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3508434 / 1160481

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved105,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
based on 1,118+ data points

About Happ Movers, Inc.

Happ Movers, Inc. has provided residential and commercial moving services in Chicago’s North Shore area for more than half a century. Locate...Read More >>

Services

  • Professional Moving Services
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/24/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2970282 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
2
606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly movi...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving c...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers26
Total Annual Miles Moved86,474 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Murphy Family Movers Logo
Exceptional9.29/10
based on 1,271+ data points

About Murphy Family Movers

Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest level o...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Interstate Moving
  • Professional Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2965334 / 7122

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  Logo
Exceptional9.06/10
based on 898+ data points

About Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

Our company, Handle With Care Moving & Delivery, aims to provide you with professional, courteous, and helpful movers at an affordable r...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

808976 / 359936

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Michigan

Moving can be a significant life event, filled with both excitement and trepidation. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Illinois to Michigan . By examining the pros and cons side by side, you can make a more informed decision about whether this move aligns with your personal and professional goals.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher taxes
  • Flat landscape
  • Cold winters
  • Less lake access
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Lower property taxes
  • Varied terrain
  • Similar climate
  • Great Lakes access
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Smaller cities
  • Different vibe
  • Economic adjustment
  • More car dependent
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Vibrant Chicago
  • Rich culture
  • Economic diversity
  • Better public transport

When considering the move from Illinois to Michigan, there's a lot to unpack beyond simple pros and cons. For instance, Illinois offers the architectural marvel and historical depth of Chicago, a city teeming with cultural institutions, diverse restaurants, and robust public transportation. On the flip side, Michigan presents a different spatial experience with its stunning Great Lakes shorelines and the charm of local communities like Traverse City and Mackinac Island. Michigan's varied terrain, from its sand dunes to forested areas, provides a plethora of outdoor activities throughout the year. Though the transition might involve adapting to a more car-dependent lifestyle outside of Michigan's cities, the natural beauty, and generally lower cost of living could make Michigan an attractive new home.

Illinois vs. Michigan Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Michigan, highlighting how food plays a crucial role in understanding the culture and lifestyle of an area. Drawing insights into the food scene of both states will ensure you're well-informed before making your move.

IllinoisMichigan
Most iconic local food itemChicago Deep Dish PizzaDetroit-style Pizza
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefPasties
Most popular street food itemHot DogsConey Dogs
Most popular vegan foodSeitanTempeh
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
  • Bell's Eccentric Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Illinois, especially in Chicago, the deep dish pizza at places like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is a must-try, representing a cornerstone of the city's culinary identity. Similarly, Michigan offers its unique twist on pizza with the Detroit-style pizza, found in many local establishments. For a taste of Michigan's local cuisine, Zingerman's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor is highly recommended, offering a variety of local dishes with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients. Whether you're craving the savory Italian beef and loaded hot dogs of Illinois or the comforting pasties and Coney dogs of Michigan, each state offers rich and diverse dining experiences that reflect their unique food scenes.

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Illinois vs. Michigan Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering relocating, understanding the real estate market is pivotal in making an informed decision. This comparison between Illinois and Michigan aims to provide a snapshot of each state's housing scene, focusing on cost, architecture, and lifestyle measures to better guide your move.

ComparisonIllinoisMichigan
Typical Architecture StylePrairie SchoolBungalow and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, Stainless steel appliancesLakefront, Garage

While both states offer unique attributes to prospective homeowners or renters, each has its distinctive flair. Illinois, with its slightly higher living costs, boasts the Prairie School architecture prominent in cities like Chicago, reflecting a rich historical tapestry. Conversely, Michigan presents a more affordable housing market coupled with the charm of bungalow and ranch-style homes, often located within proximity to the state's abundant lakes and natural beauty. The urban lifestyle in Illinois is noted to be more vibrant, partly due to the higher walkability and bikeability scores in major cities, which could appeal to those seeking a busy city life. On the other hand, Michigan's appeal lies in its serene landscapes and access to outdoor recreational activities, making it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter but engaging lifestyle.

Illinois vs. Michigan Weather Considerations

If you're planning a big move, understanding how the weather will change is crucial. Moving from Illinois to Michigan presents variations in climate that could impact your daily life. By comparing weather patterns, you can better prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
85/65

Illinois

81/59

Michigan

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/18

Illinois

31/17

Michigan

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

32

Michigan

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

60

Michigan

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisMichigan
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersTornados, stormsSnowstorms, some tornados
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Illinois to Michigan, you can expect cooler summers and harsher winters in Michigan, highlighting a need for a more versatile wardrobe. Michigan's greater annual snowfall, averaging about 60 inches, suggests a readiness for snow removal and winter driving conditions. Despite similar air quality levels, the higher average humidity in Michigan, combined with the prevalent pollen, could impact those with allergies differently. The adjustment to fewer sunny days might also be noticeable, truly bringing the seasons to life in your new Michigan home.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Michigan

When planning your move from Illinois to Michigan, it's crucial to grasp how your expenses might shift. This comparison delves into the financial aspects that influence your daily life, from taxes to the cost of living, ensuring you're well-prepared for this transition.

ComparisonIllinoisMichigan
Avg. Household Income$76,708$66,986
Cost of Living Index94.2591.2
State Income Tax4.954.25
Avg. Property Tax2.161.54
Avg. Sales Tax8.86.0
Top 3 IndustriesTrade, Transportation, UtilitiesManufacturing, Education and Health Services, Trade, Transportation, Utilities
AffluenceModerateModerate to High
PovertyNoticeableNoticeable
HomelessnessConcerningModerate

When comparing the financial landscapes of Illinois and Michigan, a few points stand out. The average household income in Illinois is higher, which might relate to its slightly higher cost of living index. However, Michigan's overall lower taxes, including state income and sales taxes, can contribute to a more affordable living situation for many. It’s also worth noting that while both states face issues with poverty and homelessness, these challenges manifest differently across locales. Taking a closer look at the predominant industries can also provide insights on job opportunities that align with your career path as you make your move.

Illinois vs. Michigan Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Illinois to Michigan, it's useful to get a quick glimpse into the communities you're about to join. This comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Michigan . Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the cultural landscape you're moving into.

IllinoisMichigan
Political Make-upLean DemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsModerate to liberal urban areasMixed, with liberal cities and conservative rural areas
ReligionChristian, Non-religious, Jewish, MuslimChristian, Non-religious, smaller Jewish and Muslim communities

In both Illinois and Michigan, the political and religious landscapes are diverse, shaping the local cultures in unique ways. Illinois often leans Democratic, especially in its urban centers like Chicago, which influences local policies and community projects. Michigan, as a swing state, showcases a vibrant mix of political views, with liberal cities such as Ann Arbor and conservative rural areas adding to the state's diverse dialogue. On the religious front, both states share a predominance of Christian and non-religious residents, but Illinois typically presents a slightly more varied religious makeup with its larger Jewish and Muslim communities. Understanding these dynamics can significantly enhance your adjustment process as you move.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Michigan

Moving from Illinois to Michigan brings about many changes, but perhaps none so important as the adjustments in educational opportunities for you and your family. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Michigan , ensuring you make the best decision for your educational needs.

IllinoisMichigan

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary School
Chicago; South Loop Elementary School
Chicago; River Woods Elementary School
Naperville
Bates Academy
Detroit; Wealthy Elementary School
East Grand Rapids; Spring Lake Intermediate School
Spring Lake

Top 3 Middle Schools

Payton College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Kennedy Junior High School
Lisle; Marie Murphy School
Wilmette
Boulan Park Middle School
Troy; Mill Creek Middle School
Dexter; East Middle School
Grand Blanc

Top 3 High Schools

Payton College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
International Academy
Bloomfield Hills; City High Middle School
Grand Rapids; Troy High School
Troy

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago; Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Latin School of Chicago
Chicago; Elgin Academy
Elgin; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Cranbrook Kingswood School
Bloomfield Hills; Roeper School
Birmingham; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District
Northfield; Community High School District 128
Vernon Hills; Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
East Grand Rapids; Bloomfield Hills Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Okemos Public Schools
Okemos

Both Illinois and Michigan boast strong educational infrastructures, but with nuanced differences that could significantly impact your decision. For instance, Illinois is home to high-caliber institutions such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, which are popular among the state’s high school seniors. In contrast, Michigan's top choices include the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, emphasizing a strong local preference. When it comes to K-12 education, both states offer exceptional public and private schools. Illinois’ Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Michigan’s Bloomfield Hills Schools are often cited for their excellence, reflecting their investment in quality education. Making a move between these states requires a careful evaluation of these educational landscapes to ensure the best fit for your family's needs and aspirations.

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