Moving from Illinois to Delaware ($2,500-$6,500)
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The cost to move from Illinois to Delaware ranges from $2,500 to $6,500 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 personalized quote reflects this specific Illinois to Delaware route, not a flat average. This 853-mile route guide draws on our review of 100 movers based in Illinois.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Delaware?
The average cost of moving from Illinois to Delaware with full-service movers typically ranges between $2,500 to $6,500 for a 2-3 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 853 miles.
The final price of your Illinois to Delaware 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 | $1,250 - $4,500 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,500 - $6,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,250 - $8,500 |
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Delaware?
A moving container from Illinois to Delaware costs between $1,000 and $4,250, depending on how much you're moving. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect $1,500 to $3,250, roughly 50% less than full-service movers on this route. You pack and load the container yourself; the container company handles the 853-mile drive.
| Move Size | Moving Container Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,500 - $3,250 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,000 - $4,250 |
How much does a rental truck cost from Illinois to Delaware?
A rental truck from Illinois to Delaware costs between $650 and $1,775. For a 2-3 bedroom home, budget $750 to $1,575, about 75% less than hiring full-service movers. That figure covers the truck itself; with gas in Illinois averaging $3.19 per gallon, fuel for the 853-mile drive, plus insurance, equipment rental, and lodging, all land on top of the base rate.
| Move Size | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $650 - $1,250 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $750 - $1,575 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $950 - $1,775 |
Add-on costs for an Illinois to Delaware move
Most Illinois to Delaware estimates start as a base transport figure and climb from there as accessorials get attached. Knowing which ones actually apply to a 853-mile move is the difference between a quote that holds and one that moves on delivery day.
At 853 miles, an Illinois to Delaware 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 Delaware. Guaranteed-delivery upgrades are available but uncommon at this distance.
Delaware's cost of living runs about 11% above Illinois's, so destination-side charges on this route price above national averages, including shuttle service, long carries, and storage near Wilmington. Origin-side labor in Illinois is the cheaper end of this move.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Illinois to Delaware) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $950 - $2,500 |
| Packing materials only | $125 - $375 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $300 - $850 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $100 - $250 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $75 - $250 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $175 - $425 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $200 - $575 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $475 - $725 |
| 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 853-mile haul. Our moving cost calculator prices these accessorials into your Illinois to Delaware estimate up front instead of leaving them to surface on moving day.
Our recommended Illinois to Delaware Movers
Compare movers for your Illinois to Delaware move
Here are the top long-distance movers in Illinois we've reviewed that can help with your move to Delaware:
1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL 60103
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
2325 N Clark St #300, Chicago, IL 60614
2627 Kaneville Ct, Geneva, IL 60134
Alternate Illinois to Delaware moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on an Illinois to Delaware move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 50% 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 Illinois run $61 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Delaware end.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Illinois on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Delaware for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $315 - $817 to rent in Illinois, 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 Illinois to Delaware, 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 Delaware to Illinois guide.
Illinois to Delaware cost of living comparison
moveBuddha tracks moving trends across every major U.S. route. Cost of living, job markets, housing affordability, and lifestyle are the top drivers of state-to-state moves. Here's how Illinois and Delaware compare on the factors that most commonly drive this relocation:
| Factor | Illinois | Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 100 |
| Average household income | $78,433 | $79,325 |
| Median home value | $249,224 | $388,654 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 6.6% |
Delaware has a higher cost of living than Illinois, so most people moving in this direction are doing so for career, family, or lifestyle reasons rather than affordability. Budget for higher housing costs and day-to-day expenses compared to what you're used to in Illinois.
Getting to know Delaware
Delaware is nicknamed the First State. People who've made this move point to ample economic opportunity, beautiful beaches, and rich culture as the biggest draws. If you pay attention to the geography of the state, Delaware is 96 miles long and varies from 9 to 35 miles in width.
Coming from Illinois, where winters average 17°F, expect winters in Delaware to run about 8° milder. Almost all of Delaware is a part of the Atlantic coastal plain, the effects of the ocean moderate its climate. The southern portion of the state has a milder climate than the northern portion of the state.
And in case you're feeling nostalgic once you're settled: The University of Illinois Conservatory is 37 feet high at its apex.
Moving from Illinois to Delaware FAQs
How does the cost of living in Delaware compare to Illinois?
The cost of living in Delaware is higher than in Illinois. Illinois has a cost of living index of 90 compared to 100 in Delaware. Expect to budget for higher rates on everyday expenses like groceries, gas, utilities, and housing once you move. Reviewing your monthly spending plan before relocating helps avoid sticker shock on essentials.
The cost of living index measures how each state stacks up against the national average (baseline of 100). For example, a state with a score of 83 has costs that are 17% lower than the national average, while a score of 115 means costs are 15% higher than the national average.
What's the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Delaware?
At 853 miles, driving a rental truck yourself takes about 2 days behind the wheel — still manageable over a long weekend.
The cheapest way to move from Illinois to Delaware is to rent a truck and handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. Rental trucks cost $750 - $1,575 for a 2-3 bedroom move, roughly 75% less than full-service movers, though fuel, insurance, lodging, and equipment rental fees add to the base rate on a long-distance route.
Moving containers ($1,500 - $3,250 for 2-3 bedrooms) cost about 50% less than full-service and let you skip the long drive. Labor-only crews fall in the middle: you hire local crews to handle the loading and unloading at both ends while you cover the truck and the drive between Illinois and Delaware. Use our moveBuddha moving cost calculator to compare all 3 options side by side for your specific move size.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves (any move that crosses state lines, like an Illinois to Delaware relocation) are regulated federally by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Every interstate mover needs a valid USDOT number — verify one for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool, and report violations to FMCSA at 1-888-368-7238.
In Illinois: 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. In Delaware: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety.
Are full-service movers worth it for an Illinois to Delaware move?
People making the Illinois to Delaware move are often chasing bountiful recreational opportunities in Delaware — the kind of move worth protecting with professional handling rather than risking on a DIY haul.
Full-service movers are worth it for an Illinois to Delaware move when any of the following apply: you're moving a large home (3+ bedrooms), your timeline is tight, you have high-value or fragile items that need professional handling, or you can't take time away from work to manage the logistics of a multi-day drive across state lines.
DIY options make more sense when you're moving a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms), cost is the primary constraint, and you have the time and physical capacity to handle loading, driving, and unloading yourself. Moving containers, about 50% less than full-service, are the best middle-ground for people who want to skip the drive but still save significantly over full-service pricing.
What are the best ways to lower my full-service moving bill?
The best ways to lower your Illinois to Delaware moving bill are decluttering before the move, moving outside peak season, and scheduling a Tuesday - Thursday pickup mid-month. Each lever saves a meaningful amount on its own, and combining all 3 produces the biggest reduction.
- Declutter before the move: Removing 500 pounds (roughly a bedroom's worth of furniture and boxes) saves about $150 - $725 on a move at this route's price level, since long-distance moves are priced by weight. Read our guide on decluttering before your move for room-by-room tips.
- Move outside peak season: Off-season pricing (October - April) runs 20% - 30% below peak season (mid-May - mid-September) on a route this length, since demand is lower.
- Schedule mid-week, mid-month: Tuesday - Thursday pickups run 10% - 30% cheaper than weekends, and mid-month dates run 15% - 30% cheaper than the start or end of the month.
Beyond timing and inventory, get at least 3 quotes from comparable Illinois to Delaware movers and ask if any will price-match a competitor's lower quote.
Popular Illinois to Delaware moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Illinois to Delaware 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 Illinois to Delaware: the bottom line
The cost to move from Illinois to Delaware ranges from $2,500 - $6,500 for a 2-3 bedroom home with full-service movers. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 50% - 75% less for the same move. For most people making this 853-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.
