What to Know About Moving to and From Illinois

Thinking about relocating to or from the Prairie State? Whether heading to Chicago’s big city lights or waving goodbye to the Champaign cornfields, moving is an exciting adventure. But it’s not all roadtrip playlists and packing montages. Planning a move takes patience, strategy and a deep-dish pizza or two for fuel. 

So settle down with a slice while we walk through everything you need to know about moving to or out of Illinois.

Planning Your Perfect Illinois Move

The smoothest moves come from detailed planning. Weather conditions, building regulations and local laws contribute to a seamless transition. A comprehensive timeline can make or break your move. The earlier you start, the better. 

A successful moving roadmap looks something like this:

• 12 weeks before: Create a budget. Factor in expenses like the moving company, supplies, cleaning and utility fees. Now is also a good time to start decluttering. Keep what you want and donate or sell the rest.
• 8 weeks before: Find a trusted moving company in Illinois. Schedules can fill quickly, especially in peak moving season, so book well in advance.
• 4 weeks before: Forward your mail and inform providers about your upcoming move. Disconnect utilities at your current house and set them up at your new address. Tie up any loose ends, like travel or pet care.
• 1 week before: Clean your home, arrange a final walk-through and confirm the moving day arrangements.

How to Choose a Reliable Illinois Moving Company 

Choosing the right moving company takes your Illinois move from stressful to stress-free. Follow these tips to find your perfect moving partner:

1. Research, Research, Research

Look for a moving company with a long history and a trusted reputation. If you want to know more about the company, ask its customers! 

Check out reviews and testimonials. Choose movers with experience handling your type of move, such as local, long-distance or interstate. An established provider will have a clear service list on their website. 

2. Ask the Right Questions

Once you have a mover shortlist, ask these questions to separate the pros from the pretenders:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How long have you been in business?
• What services do you offer?
• Will you provide a binding estimate?
• Are you available on my preferred dates?
• Do you provide other services, like storage or packing?
• How will you protect my belongings?
• What happens if my items become damaged or lost in transit?
• Are there any extra fees?

A trustworthy moving company will happily answer your questions. Clear communication is a hallmark of a professional business that operates with integrity.

3. Check Credentials

Reputable companies must have licensing and insurance. In Illinois, movers must hold a Household Goods License from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). These movers must meet strict ICC standards for handling, tariffs and timelines. Hiring a licensed moving company protects you against property loss or damage. 

Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Services

Moving within Illinois or to a different state can affect your move planning. Here’s a breakdown of typical moving services:

• Local: A local move means relocating in the same city or state. Movers usually charge by the hour for this type of move, since it takes less than a day.
• Long-distance: Moving several hours away or crossing state lines is often considered a long-distance move. The cost for this type of move depends on distance, fuel costs and how much your belongings weigh. 
• Interstate: All interstate moves are long-distance and involve crossing state lines. Interstate movers must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Any commercial company that hauls cargo across states must have a USDOT number.

Packing Your Precious Belongings

DIY packing may seem like a good way to save a few bucks, but the risk is often not worth the reward. 

Packing is labor-intensive. You need boxes, tape, Bubble Wrap and lots of energy. Consider investing in a professional packing service. Moving experts have the equipment, training and patience to protect your belongings. They can also handle specialty items, like pianos or antiques.

Choose between whole-home and partial packing. The right choice depends on your budget, schedule and tolerance for cardboard paper cuts.

Understanding Moving Rates

Getting to grips with moving costs makes budgeting easier. A few factors can influence the total expense of hiring professional movers:

• Move distance: Relocating within the same city costs less than moving across state lines. Labor, fuel and tolls increase the expense.
• Time of year: Summer is the peak moving season in Illinois. Expect to pay more for high-demand moving services during this time. Winter or fall moves are more budget-friendly but come with weather considerations.
• Insurance coverage: Most reputable movers include valuation coverage in their estimate. For extra peace of mind, consider upgrading to full-value protection. 
• Load size: The weight and volume of your belongings affect the price. Moving a large home costs more than moving a small apartment because the items take up more space on the truck. 
• Extra services: Adding crating, storage, or furniture disassembly increases move prices. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To and From Illinois

Whether you’re moving to Illinois or out of it, you will have some questions. Here are answers to the most common ones:

How Far in Advance Should I Book a Moving Company?

The answer depends on seasonal availability, distance and move complexity. Book at least eight weeks in advance for long-distance or peak-season summer moves. For local moves, four to six weeks should give you enough time.  

What Items Are Movers Unable to Transport?

Moving companies have certain prohibited items they can’t include in your shipment. These include:

• Batteries
• Household cleaning products
• Corrosive or garden chemicals
• Aerosol spray cans
• Flammable or explosive items
• Wax candles
• Illegal substances
• Ammunition
• Oil and gas products
• Live animals or plants

Ask your movers for a full list of restricted items before you get packing. 

Can I Move During the Winter in Illinois?

Yes, you can. Moves during winter are lower in demand, saving you the costs of a peak season move. Just remember to factor in the elements. Freezing temperatures, snow and storms make winter moves a little trickier. Preparation is the key to success. Build contingencies into your moving plan for unexpected weather.

Partner With the Illinois Moving Experts

For over 95 years, Corrigan Moving Systems has perfected the art of seamless moves. To us, it’s more than loading trucks. We appreciate that moving is a significant life change and treat it with the respect it deserves. Our trained crew handles your precious possessions with the greatest care. Plus, they have local expertise to make moving from Illinois as stress-free as possible. 

Take advantage of our other services for a smooth relocation. We take care of every detail from packing to storage to piano shipping. Enjoy peace of mind with a trusted moving company dedicated to service excellence.

We’d love to be part of your adventure! Call us at 1-800-267-7442 or request your free moving estimate online. Our relocation experts will provide you with a quote tailored to your needs and budget.