Moving from Delaware to Illinois ($1,160-$5,460)
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The cost to move from Delaware to Illinois ranges from $1,160 to $5,460 with full-service movers, based on 834 real quotes from moveBuddha users. Our moving cost calculator weighs your exact distance, home size, and move date together, so your estimate reflects this specific Delaware to Illinois route rather than a flat average.
How much does it cost to move from Delaware to Illinois?
The average cost of moving from Delaware to Illinois with full-service movers typically ranges between $1,160 to $5,460 for a studio to 3-bedroom home. We calculated this average by reviewing 834 real-time quotes provided to moveBuddha users over the past 90 days. The average moving distance quoted was 860 miles.
The final price of your Delaware to Illinois move will be dependent on the type of mover you choose, how much you're moving, time of year, distance, access, and add-on services. Get a free and accurate estimate using our moving cost calculator.
The rates below are for full-service movers, meaning the crew loads, transports, and unloads your belongings for you:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,160 - $4,230 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,250 - $5,460 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,070 - $7,420 |
How much do moving containers cost from Delaware to Illinois?
A moving container from Delaware to Illinois costs between $780 and $3,900, depending on how much you're moving. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect $1,540 to $2,840, roughly 45% less than full-service movers on this route. You pack and load the container yourself; the container company handles the 860-mile drive.
| Move Size | Moving Container Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $780 - $2,040 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,540 - $2,840 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,930 - $3,900 |
11% of movers in Delaware offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
How much does a rental truck cost from Delaware to Illinois?
A rental truck from Delaware to Illinois costs between $610 and $1,740. For a 2-3 bedroom home, budget $660 to $1,350, about 75% less than hiring full-service movers. That figure covers the truck itself; with gas in Delaware averaging $2.91 per gallon, fuel for the 860-mile drive, plus insurance, equipment rental, and lodging, all land on top of the base rate.
| Move Size | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $610 - $1,160 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $660 - $1,350 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $870 - $1,740 |
Add-on costs for a Delaware to Illinois move
Most Delaware to Illinois estimates start as a base transport figure and climb from there as accessorials get attached. Knowing which ones actually apply to a 860-mile move is the difference between a quote that holds and one that moves on delivery day.
At 860 miles, a Delaware to Illinois move is typically a one-to-two-day haul. That's the range where storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start appearing on quotes, since your shipment may sit briefly before a delivery window opens in Illinois. Guaranteed-delivery upgrades are available but uncommon at this distance.
Illinois's cost of living sits roughly 10% below Delaware's, which pulls destination-side fees like shuttle service and storage near Chicago down. Origin-side labor in Delaware stays the expensive half of this route, so packing services and stair carries at pickup deserve the closest scrutiny on your quote.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Delaware to Illinois) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $750 - $1,950 |
| Packing materials only | $150 - $430 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $310 - $860 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $100 - $280 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $230 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $160 - $380 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $180 - $520 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $490 - $740 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item. A 40-pound TV settles at $24. Full-value protection is the line item most worth the money on a 860-mile haul. Our moving cost calculator prices these accessorials into your Delaware to Illinois estimate up front instead of leaving them to surface on moving day.
78% of movers in Delaware handle piano moves, 33% handle pool tables, and 44% handle safes — confirm your mover covers whichever specialty item you're moving before booking. 11% of Delaware movers require a deposit to book, and 44% offer full-value protection as an add-on rather than folding it into every quote.
Our recommended Delaware to Illinois Movers
These movers average a 84% positive review rate among Delaware movers we track.
Compare movers for your Delaware to Illinois move
We've vetted the long-distance movers operating out of Delaware, so you can shortlist a few before requesting quotes for your Illinois move:
56% of Delaware movers we track offer instant online quotes, well above the 45% national average, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
14 Fresconi Ct, New Castle, DE 19720
40 Ridgely St, Dover, DE 19904
Bayshore Transportation System, Inc.
901 Dawson Dr, STE A, Newark, DE 19713
1169 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
213 Remi Drive, New Castle, DE 19720
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Alternate Delaware to Illinois moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a Delaware to Illinois move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 45% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 75% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in Delaware run $61 - $81 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Illinois end. 78% of movers in Delaware offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Delaware on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Illinois for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $318 - $829 to rent in Delaware, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed over 834 real quotes from Delaware to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Illinois to Delaware guide.
Delaware to Illinois cost of living comparison
Cost of living, job markets, housing affordability, and lifestyle tend to drive most state-to-state moves, which is why we track moving trends across every major U.S. route. Here's how Delaware stacks up against Illinois on the factors that matter most for this move:
| Factor | Delaware | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 90 |
| Average household income | $79,325 | $78,433 |
| Median home value | $388,654 | $249,224 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 6.6% | 4.95% |
| Average monthly rent | $1,286 | $1,179 |
| Average sales tax | 0.0% | 8.82% |
| Crime index | 23.48 | 19.7 |
| College graduation rate | 35.62% | 37.14% |
| Population | 1,031,890 | 12,549,689 |
Illinois's cost of living index of 90 is lower than Delaware's 100, making affordability a common driver of this move. Lower housing costs and everyday expenses can offset the upfront cost of a long-distance move within the first 1 - 2 years.
Illinois's largest industries are Manufacturing ($37.6 billion), Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion), and Professional and business services ($22 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Delaware to Illinois
How far in advance should I book an interstate move?
Book 4-8 weeks ahead for off-season moves (October-April), or 8-12 weeks ahead for peak season (mid-May-mid-September). This 860-mile route runs Delaware to Illinois.
What hidden fees should I watch for on an interstate move?
Access fees run $70 - $230, and long carries over 75ft add $110 - $360. Shuttle service costs $180 - $520 if the truck can't reach your home. Fuel surcharges add 10% - 22% (about $120 - $1,200 here), specialty items like pianos run $310 - $860 each, and storage-in-transit is $160 - $380 per month. 11% of Delaware movers also require a deposit.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in Delaware at Delaware's official regulatorandin Illinois at Illinois's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a Delaware to Illinois move?
People making this move are often chasing home of Chicago in Illinois.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 45% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
Should I ship my car when moving from Delaware to Illinois?
Deciding whether to ship or drive your car comes down to distance, timeline, and vehicle count. Auto transport for a Delaware to Illinois move typically costs $600 - $1,500 depending on distance and vehicle type, with open transport cheaper than enclosed. Most people ship when the drive would take more than 2 days, or they're relocating more than 1 vehicle.
Popular Delaware to Illinois moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Delaware to Illinois corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from Delaware to Illinois: the bottom line
The cost to move from Delaware to Illinois ranges from $1,160 - $5,460 for a studio to 3-bedroom home with full-service movers. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 45% - 75% less for the same move. For most people making this 860-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.
