Local moving companies in Irvine
Out of 86 Irvine movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Local moving services in Irvine, CA
Quick breakdown of Irvine movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from Irvine, CA to Illinois
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from Irvine to Illinois, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,283 – $5,044 | $1,129 – $2,710 | $1,164 – $2,243 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,217 – $7,239 | $1,951 – $4,257 | $1,248 – $2,490 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,493 – $11,173 | $2,671 – $5,515 | $1,452 – $3,301 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,961-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from Irvine to Illinois
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Irvine to Illinois will cost between $1,283 and $5,044. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,217 to $7,239, and a large move will cost from $6,493 to $11,173.
Cost of moving containers from Irvine to Illinois
If you’re moving from Irvine to Illinois, expect to pay between $1,129 and $2,710 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,951 up to $4,257. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,671 and $5,515. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Irvine.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Irvine to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck from Irvine to Illinois, expect to spend between $1,164 and $2,243. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,248 and $2,490. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,452 up to $3,301 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Irvine to IL
When calculating the price of Irvine movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Irvine, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from Irvine to IL
Leaving Irvine for Illinois means embracing a new lifestyle — and likely saving some cash. Living in Irvine typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.
Check out the cost of living comparison below to understand how Irvine and Illinois measure up, helping you to prepare for the future.
Compare cost of living: Irvine vs. Illinois
| Irvine, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $4,000 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $1,561,760 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 165 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 71% less expensive in Illinois compared to Irvine, leaving you more flexibility with your income.
- You’ll pay roughly 84% less for housing in Illinois compared to Irvine, saving you money each month.
- The average income is about 31% lower in Illinois than in Irvine, so you may need to adjust your budget accordingly.
- You’ll spend roughly 45% less on the cost of living in Illinois compared to Irvine, a boost for your budget.
- Job availability and competition should be about the same in Illinois and Irvine, as the unemployment rate doesn’t differ much between them.
- Illinois has income taxes about 63% lower than California, giving you more breathing room in your budget.
How life is different in Irvine, CA from Illinois
When relocating from Irvine to Illinois, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in Illinois stacks up against life in the Irvine.
| Irvine, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 13″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Irvine and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Comparable summer highs of about 86ºF in Illinois match those of 82ºF in Irvine. With similarly warm temperatures, adjusting to your new climate might prove easy. Consider examining humidity, climate patterns, and energy demands for a full representation of how summers will unfold in your new home.
- Winter lows in Illinois can drop to 17ºF, colder than Irvine at 46ºF. Moving here means preparing for chillier winters, higher heating costs, and more intense seasonal weather — but also scenic snowy days and winter activities.
- Expect about 40 inches of rain per year in Illinois, a clear jump from 13 inches in Irvine. Be ready for more frequent wet days and plan accordingly with waterproof gear.
- Illinois gets about 22 inches of snow each year, while Irvine sees none. Moving to Illinois means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
- Illinois has a lower crime rate than Irvine, with indexes at 19.7 vs 31.01. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
If you’re moving from Irvine to Illinois, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a Illinois moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in Illinois
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—Illinois is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Irvine to Illinois take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Irvine, CA to Illinois? Typically, the process takes about five to 16 days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many Irvine movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 63 movers in Irvine that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a Irvine moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from Irvine to Illinois?
Looking to move your car from Irvine to Illinois? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from California to Illinois.
Why are people moving from Irvine to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Irvine?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Irvine.
Do movers in Irvine, CA, accept cash?
Yes, 37 movers in Irvine accept cash. However, cash is uncommon in the moving space, where traceable payment types are standard. You’ll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking before moving day. The rest of the total is due at pickup or post-delivery—confirm the schedule and permitted payment methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
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