Moving to Illinois

Moving to Illinois

Illinois is home to our nation’s third-largest city, Chicago, and so much more beyond the shore of Lake Michigan. Illinois is a commercial, cultural, and industrial hub of the Midwestern U.S. There are many fantastic reasons to move to Illinois, whether you’re relocating to the Chicago area, or moving to Springfield or another of the state’s other great towns and cities. As you prepare to move, take advantage of the great tools available from SmartMove to plan and execute your relocation with ease.

Regardless of whether you’ll be renting an apartment, or purchasing a new home in the Prairie State, you’ll want to make sure to plan out as much of the move as possible. SmartMove has some great tools and deals that can help you plan your move, while allowing you to save money on several of the costs that go along with moving. This guide is here to help you get ready for your upcoming move to Illinois.

If you're moving to Illinois, the first thing you'll need to do is get connected with the right cable TV, Internet or phone provider for your needs. Depending on where you're moving from, you may be able to keep your current provider. But if you're moving to a whole new state, you'll need to research your options a bit more thoroughly.

The best way to start your research is by using our zip code search tool. Just enter your new address and we'll show you the providers available in your area.

From there, you can compare plans and prices to find the perfect fit for your household and your budget. And once you've made your decision, we'll help you get set up with the right provider.

In Illinois, you have many options when it comes to cable TV, mobile phone, and Internet providers. The following guide provides an overview of the largest providers in each category, as well as some smaller regional providers that may be a good fit for your needs.

Through easy tools and resources, SmartMove links people to the most cutting-edge Internet, TV, and Smart Home technology. We can help you keep your life in check.

Internet Service Providers

When searching for an Internet service provider in Illinois, it is important that it has a strong Internet connection and WiFi, fast download speeds and upload speeds, no data caps, no binding contracts, and that it comes at an affordable rate.

• Cable Internet is a good option for people who live in urban or suburban areas. It uses cables to deliver Internet signals to your home.

• Fiber Internet is a good option for people who want the fastest download and upload speeds. It uses fiber-optic cables to deliver Internet signals to your home.

Telecommunications

Broadband, wireless, and cable providers are all types of telecommunications providers. Broadband providers offer high-speed Internet, phone, and TV services. 

Wireless providers offer cell phone service using 4G LTE technology. Cable providers offer cable TV service. Each type of telecommunications provider usually offers a variety of plan options to choose from.

Check Out Illinois Internet Providers by City

• Arlington heights
• Aurora
• Belleville
• Belvidere
• Benton
• Berwyn
• Bloomington
• Bolingbrook
• Carbondale
• Champaign
• Chicago
• Chicago heights
• Cicero
• Collinsville
• Crystal lake
• Decatur
• Des plaines
• Downers grove
• East moline
• East st louis
• Elgin
• Evanston
• Freeport
• Harvard
• Herrin
• Jacksonville
• Joliet
• Loves park
• Machesney park
• Marion
• Mchenry
• Moline
• Naperville
• Normal
• Ottawa
• Palatine
• Pekin
• Peoria
• Plainfield
• Rock island
• Rockford
• Round lake
• Schaumburg
• Springfield
• Urbana
• Waukegan
• West frankfort
• Woodstock

Cable Providers Serving Illinois

Some features to look for when looking for cable services in Illinois are the number of channels that are included in the package, DVR service, On Demand movie and TV show selection, and the price.

When it comes to mobile phone plans, many offer unlimited data packages so you can access streaming services such as HBO, and Netflix on the go.

There are several reputable TV, Internet, and phone providers operating throughout the state of Illinois, including Optimum, Mediacom, Charter, and Comcast.Depending on where your new home in the state will be located, you may have a choice between operators. To learn which cable service providers are offering TV, Internet, and phone packages in your new area, just check out SmartMove. 

We all know how stressful moving can be. Setting up your cable service in advance gives you the opportunity to check one more thing off your moving to-do list prior to moving day. Use SmartMove to move your cable service if your current provider also offers service in your new area of Illinois or set up new service prior to your move.

Our Service Providers

• Xfinity
• Spectrum
• Cox
• Optimum
• Xtream
• Sparklight
• GCI
• Fidelity
• Armstrong
• ​MCTV

Mobile Providers in Illinois

Last but not least, Illinois has a variety of mobile providers to pick from. Whether you're switching services or checking that your current plan will work in your new location, you'll want a provider that offers a diverse range of plans with varying data amounts, as well as responsive and helpful customer care if you run into any issues.

Family plans with several lines and pooled data allotment are available from some providers. Others offer unlimited data plans, which can be beneficial if you use a lot of data per month.

Moving to Illinois Tips

You'll also need to transfer from your current location to your new one, in addition to getting your digital life in order. Here are some pointers on how to move to a new location in Illinois.

Selecting a Relocation Firm

If you've decided to engage a moving company, do some preliminary research so you can book their services. Start researching what companies are available in both your present and new locations six months before your relocation date. SmartMove is a free online resource that can assist you in finding and comparing movers in Illinois.

Once you've determined which organizations are capable of moving you, use reviews to limit down your list. Excellent customer service, reasonable pricing, and dependability are all things to look for. Book their services once you've made your decision. Complete SmartMove's free moving checklist to prepare for the rest of your trip to Illinois!

Self-Moving Suggestions

Moving yourself is a fantastic alternative whether you want to save money on your Illinois move or simply love the sensation of having complete control over your stuff from point A to point B. Before deciding to migrate, consider the following factors:

• Do you want your family and friends to assist you with the moving of boxes and furniture?
• Are you, your friends, or your family physically able to relocate?
• What contingency preparations do you have in place in case of inclement weather or an accident?

You can always employ local movers to assist you at the beginning and/or end of your journey. Keep your receipts for your tax preparer whether you relocate yourself or hire a professional moving company. Check with your company to see if they would cover your relocation charges if you are relocating for a job.

After reading our Moving to Idaho guide, you should have all of the tools and knowledge you need to make the transfer — and your arrival — as seamless as possible.