Planning Your Interstate Move from Illinois

Interstate removals and storage services are essential for relocating household belongings across state lines, often including secure storage for items during the transition. Key components include professional transportation, expert packing, flexible storage, insurance, and compliance with federal moving laws.

Moving from Illinois to another state is more complex than a local move. The average cost for an interstate move is around $9,060, varying with distance, shipment size, and services. Common challenges include coordinating timelines, managing budgets, and finding reliable movers with storage options.

Starting your planning 8-12 weeks in advance is crucial. This timeframe allows you to research movers, declutter your home, and organize logistics without the last-minute stress.

I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers. Since 1972, our family-owned company has specialized in interstate relocations from our Chicago and Melrose Park locations. With nearly 30 years of personal experience, I’ve seen how proper planning and professional support can make all the difference. We have managed moves across 45 states, giving us the expertise to handle the unique demands of your state-to-state transition.

A Comprehensive Guide to Interstate Removals and Storage

Understanding the Basics: Local vs. Interstate Relocation

Understanding the type of move you’re planning is the first step. From our Illinois service areas like Chicago and Melrose Park, relocations fall into three main categories:

• Local Move: A short-distance move within the same state, like moving from Chicago to Evanston. These are simpler and governed by state rules.
• Intrastate Move: A longer-distance move that stays within Illinois, such as from Chicago to Carbondale.
• Interstate Move: A move that crosses state lines, like relocating from Des Plaines, Illinois, to Florida. This is where interstate removals and storage become critical.

The primary difference is regulation. Interstate moves fall under federal jurisdiction and must be performed by movers registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This oversight protects consumers by enforcing rules on estimates, liability, and service. As a consumer, you have specific rights, and it’s wise to familiarize yourself with them. For official information, we recommend consulting the U.S. Department of Transportation’s guide on your rights and responsibilities.

We handle all regulatory complexities to ensure a smooth transition from your Illinois home. For more details on these distinctions, see our resource on local and interstate removals.

Core Services and Budgeting for Your Move

An interstate move from Illinois requires a suite of services and a clear budget. At Bernard Movers, we offer transparent, full-service options custom to your needs.

What Services Do Interstate Removalists Offer?

• Packing and Unpacking: Our team can expertly pack your entire home with high-quality materials and unpack at your destination. Learn more about our professional packing services.
• Secure Transportation: We provide careful loading, secure transit in dedicated trucks, and efficient unloading of your belongings across state lines.
• Storage Solutions: We offer short-term and long-term storage if your moving timelines don’t align perfectly.
• Insurance Coverage: We provide standard liability coverage as required by law, plus additional valuation options for greater protection.
• Specialty Item Transport: We can arrange for the safe transport of large or delicate items like pianos, antiques, or vehicles.

Understanding the Cost of Interstate Removals and Storage
The average cost of an interstate move is around $9,060, but your final price depends on several factors:

1. Distance: Longer moves cost more due to fuel and labor.
2. Volume and Weight: The more you move, the higher the cost. Decluttering can lead to significant savings.
3. Services Chosen: Full-service packing or specialty transport will add to the total.
4. Time of Year: Peak season (summer) is generally more expensive than the off-season.
5. Accessibility: Difficult access at either location (stairs, long carries) can affect labor costs.

To get an accurate price, a detailed estimate is essential. For a deeper dive into costs, see our Long distance movers cost guide.

Don’t forget our special offer: a 20% additional discount on moves from Illinois to Georgia or Florida, for deliveries booked by March 15, 2025.

How to Choose a Reputable Mover in the Chicago Area

Choosing the right moving company for your interstate move from the Chicago area is the most critical decision you’ll make. Here’s how to vet potential partners:

1. Verify FMCSA Registration: Interstate movers must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify a mover’s license and safety record on the FMCSA website. This step is crucial to avoid rogue operators.
2. Read Customer Reviews: Look for consistent feedback on professionalism, punctuality, and care for belongings. Websites like the Better Business Bureau are valuable resources for checking a company’s reputation.
3. Choose a Carrier, Not a Broker: It’s vital to understand the difference. A moving carrier (like Bernard Movers) owns and operates its own trucks and employs its own moving crews. This means you have a single point of contact and clear accountability from start to finish. A moving broker, on the other hand, is a salesperson who arranges for transportation by subcontracting your move to an actual moving company. While some brokers are reputable, this model can lead to communication gaps, inconsistent service quality, and less control over who is handling your belongings. Working directly with a carrier ensures the team that provides your estimate is the same one managing your move, leading to greater reliability and peace of mind.
4. Understand Your Estimate Options: A reputable mover will provide a detailed, in-home or virtual survey to create an accurate inventory. Based on this, they should offer clear estimate options. A binding estimate guarantees your total cost based on the agreed-upon inventory and services, protecting you from surprise fees. A non-binding estimate is the mover’s best guess of the cost, and the final price could be higher if your shipment is heavier than anticipated. A binding-not-to-exceed estimate is often the best option for consumers; it means the final cost will not go above the estimate, but it could be lower if your shipment weighs less than expected. Always get your estimate in writing and ensure it lists all services to be performed.
5. Inquire About Insurance: Discuss valuation options beyond the basic required coverage to ensure your belongings are adequately protected.
6. Assess Customer Service: A reliable mover communicates clearly and patiently answers your questions. Good communication is vital during a long-distance move.
7. Look for Experience: Longevity in the industry is a good sign. Bernard Movers has been managing interstate removals and storage since 1972.

Following these steps will help you find a trustworthy partner. For more guidance, read our Tips for finding reliable long distance movers.

Preparing Your Home for Interstate Removals and Storage

A smooth interstate move starts with proper preparation in your Illinois home. Here’s our expert advice:

1. Declutter: This is the most effective way to save money and simplify your move. Go through your belongings and donate, sell, or discard what you no longer need. The less you move, the less it costs.
2. Create a Home Inventory: Make a list or take photos of your items. This is useful for insurance purposes and helps ensure everything arrives safely.
3. Pack Strategically: Start packing non-essentials early. Use sturdy boxes and quality packing materials. Pack room by room, distribute weight evenly, and protect fragile items well. Keep hardware from disassembled furniture in labeled bags attached to the piece.
4. Label Everything Clearly: Label each box with its destination room (e.g., “Kitchen”), a brief list of contents, and a “FRAGILE” warning if needed. A numbering system can help with tracking.
5. Prepare an Essentials Box: This is your survival kit for the first 24-48 hours. Pack it with medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers, basic tools, snacks, and pet supplies. Keep this box with you.

These steps lay the groundwork for a much smoother unpacking experience. For a complete guide, check out our Moving out of state checklist.

The Role of Secure Storage in Interstate Removals and Storage

In interstate removals and storage, temporary storage is often a crucial component. Moving timelines don’t always align, and a secure storage solution provides flexibility and peace of mind.

When is Storage Necessary?

• Housing Gaps: Bridge the time between moving out of your Illinois home and into your new one.
• Downsizing: Store items while you decide what to keep, sell, or donate after moving to a smaller space.
• Staggered Moves: Accommodate different moving schedules for family members or belongings.
• Home Staging or Renovations: Keep items safe and out of the way while preparing your old home for sale or your new home for move-in.

Storage Options from Bernard Movers
We offer flexible solutions that can be bundled with your move:

• Storage-in-Transit (SIT): A short-term option (up to 90 days) directly associated with your move, perfect for minor delays.
• Long-Term Storage: Secure facilities to protect your items for as long as you need.
• Climate-Controlled Units: Maintain a stable temperature and humidity to protect sensitive items like wood furniture, electronics, and artwork from damage.
• High Security: Our facilities feature surveillance systems and controlled access to ensure your belongings are safe.

Bundling moving and storage with one company simplifies logistics and communication. To learn more, explore our Affordable moving and storage solutions.

Conclusion: Your Seamless Transition Awaits

Moving across state lines from Illinois can be an exciting new beginning, not a stressful ordeal. With careful planning and a trusted partner, your transition can be seamless. The key is to start early, understand that interstate moves are federally regulated, and choose a mover that offers the comprehensive services you need, from expert packing to secure storage solutions.

Professional services simplify the complexities of a long-distance move, protecting your belongings and your peace of mind. Flexible storage options are invaluable for bridging housing gaps or accommodating downsizing, ensuring you’re never left in a lurch.

At Bernard Movers, we have guided Illinois families through interstate removals and storage since 1972. From our hubs in Chicago and Melrose Park, we’ve managed relocations to 45 states, building a reputation for care, communication, and reliability. We treat your belongings as our own and support you at every step.

To make your move more affordable, we are offering a 20% additional discount on moves from Illinois to Georgia or Florida for deliveries booked by March 15, 2025.

Your new chapter awaits. Let’s make it a great one. We invite you to explore our low-cost moving and storage options and see how we can tailor our services to your needs.