Whether you’re heading for warmer weather, a new job, or a fresh start, moving out of Illinois is a big deal. And the experience can look very different depending on where you’re starting from.
Are you packing up a walk-up apartment in Wicker Park? Or rolling down a gravel drive near Effingham? Illinois is the Land of Lincoln, and within its borders comes some pretty huge contrasts throughout the state.
That’s why no two long distance moves out of this state ever look quite the same.
At National Van Lines, we’ve seen it all: Families leaving Chicago high-rises, retirees downsizing from Peoria, and students heading back home from attending school in Carbondale. We’re here to walk you through what to expect when it comes to moving out of Illinois— no matter where your Illinois journey begins.
What If I’m Starting in Chicago or the Suburbs?
From city streets to cornfields, Illinois offers just about every kind of starting point, and each comes with its own quirks.
Chicago and the collar counties like Cook, DuPage, and Lake are often the busiest areas for moves out of state. This is certainly caused by the population, but it also comes down to logistics, too. In downtown neighborhoods like the Loop, Lincoln Park, or River North, you may need to reserve building elevators and loading docks days or weeks in advance.
In some areas, you’ll even need temporary no-parking permits for the moving truck. Urban congestion also limits how close a truck can park, and large moving vehicles may need to stage several blocks away. This can add loading time and labor cost if your movers have to walk long distances with your items.
In the suburbs, like Naperville, Evanston, Aurora, or Oak Park, you’ll have more space but still face potential access issues, especially in planned communities with HOA rules or gated entries. Wide streets and driveways are a plus, but movers will still need to know about stairs, basement access, and whether your neighborhood allows overnight parking if your truck can’t depart the same day.
Central Illinois offers a much smoother experience in many ways. Cities like Springfield, Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, and Bloomington-Normal have lower traffic volume, easier parking, and more direct truck access. Still, older homes, narrow alleys, or steep basement stairs can be challenging, especially in historic districts. College towns also tend to have seasonal rushes around May and August, when university students and staff are moving in or out.
Downstate Illinois is a different story altogether. Smaller towns like Marion, Alton, Mount Vernon, and Effingham offer the most space but the fewest local mover options. If you live on the edge of farmland or in a remote area, your move may start with a smaller shuttle truck that brings your items to a main highway for transfer. This can add time to your overall move window. Limited road access, gravel drives, or tight rural turns can also require special equipment.
Your home’s location and layout directly affect your quote, schedule, and move-day plan. The more your mover knows upfront, the better they can prepare.
What Counts as “Long Distance” Anyway?
In the moving world, long distance generally means:
- Any move over 100 miles
- Any move that crosses state lines
Even if you’re just moving from Quincy, Illinois to Hannibal, Missouri (about 20 miles apart), that would still qualify as a long distance move under federal law because it crosses a state boundary. That means your mover must have USDOT licensing and follow FMCSA regulations designed to protect consumers.
You’ll receive a written estimate, a bill of lading (BOL), and other documents you won’t get with a local move. There are also rules about how your items are weighed, how damage claims are filed, and how many days a mover has to deliver your goods.
This is why it’s so important to choose a licensed interstate mover, not a broker or unlicensed contractor. If something goes wrong, only registered carriers are held to federal safety and accountability standards.
Looking for a mover? You can verify credentials at the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move website.
Timing Is Everything, Especially in Illinois
When you move out of Illinois matters just as much as where you’re going. And with our state’s unpredictable weather and seasonal swings, timing can make or break your experience.
Winter moves, especially from cities like Rockford, Joliet, or Elgin, can be tough. Snow, ice, and freezing temps create serious hazards for movers and trucks alike. Delays are more common in January and February, and certain areas may be harder to access altogether. On the upside, winter is the industry’s off-season, so you may get better availability and lower pricing.
Summer moves are by far the most common in Illinois. School is out, homes are selling, and leases turn over in major cities. This makes June through August the busiest time for movers and the most expensive. You’ll want to book your move at least six to eight weeks in advance if you want your preferred dates.
Spring and fall tend to offer the best balance. Mild weather, fewer scheduling conflicts, and more reasonable pricing all work in your favor.
Don’t forget about local events and restrictions:
- Chicago’s marathon, Taste of Chicago, and other large events can block access to entire neighborhoods for days at a time.
- Smaller towns and villages may have street closures during county fairs or festivals that affect your route.
We recommend checking your city or town’s official website for their calendar of events— that way, you can avoid any big surprises on moving day.
Plan early, ask questions, and always check the forecast. Flexibility is your best friend.
Budgeting for an Illinois Exit
Long distance moving costs are based on a few key factors:
- Weight of your items
- Distance to your new home
- Timing of your move
- Access at both ends (stairs, parking, elevators, etc.)
- Any specialty services you need
This means your price can vary wildly depending on whether you’re moving from a small bungalow in Galesburg or a three-bedroom apartment in downtown Chicago. While we can’t give an exact quote here, you can always request a free, custom estimate from National Van Lines.
Be sure to ask your mover:
- Will my items be weighed before and after loading?
- Are there extra fees for long carries or staircases?
- What’s included in packing services?
- Is shuttle service needed due to limited access?
The more details you give your mover, the more accurate your estimate will be.
Where You’re Going Shapes the Journey
Your destination state plays a huge role in planning your move. Some states have higher demand, longer transit times, or special regulations.
Popular destinations from Illinois include:
- Indiana: Fast and close. Many Illinois families move just over the state line to take advantage of lower housing costs and shorter commutes.
- Texas and Florida: Sunbelt states are magnets for retirees, job seekers and families. These long-haul moves require careful packing for heat, humidity, and sometimes storage-in-transit.
- North Carolina and Georgia: Rapid population growth and job opportunities make these top picks, especially for people leaving central Illinois.
- California and Arizona: Whether for career moves or a lifestyle change, these states come with unique challenges including longer timelines, potential tolls, and multi-day shipping routes.
Each state has its own quirks, laws, and terrain. Your mover will need to plan accordingly.
Ready to Start Your New Chapter?
You might be trading cornfields for coastlines or city lights for quiet nights. No matter where you go, moving out of Illinois means leaving behind a truly one-of-a-kind place and stepping into something new. Now that you know what to expect, you’re better prepared to plan smartly, ask the right questions, and move forward with confidence.
You just learned about the different unique factors that shape a long distance move from Illinois. Now, you’re probably wondering about what kinds of moving companies in Chicago you can select from. Keep exploring your Chicagoland resources in our
dedicated article.
