Find the best moving companies for Baltimore to Illinois relocations. Compare costs, movers, and what to expect before your move.
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If you're leaving Baltimore for Illinois, you've got real choices. Out of 58 movers in the Baltimore area that handle interstate work, here are the five that consistently deliver solid results.
1. Advance Relocation Systems — 4.64 / 5
2. Von Paris Moving & Storage — 4.64 / 5
3. Bellhop Moving — 4.50 / 5
4. Orly Moving Systems, Inc. — 4.50 / 5
5. All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.42 / 5
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Phone: (410) 574-8900
93% of their 229 reviews are positive. Customers praise Advance for efficient service, professional staff, and careful handling. Most moves finish on schedule with belongings arriving intact. The company handles local, interstate, and international relocations, plus specialty services like piano moving, art crating, and full-valuation coverage.
Standout: Repeat customers report responsive support and open communication.
Watch out: A small share mention damaged items or higher-than-expected costs.
Company info:
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Phone: (410) 826-4824
83% of 268 reviews are positive. Von Paris earns trust through professional crews who communicate well and handle items with impressive care. Moves often finish faster than expected, and most customers report undamaged deliveries. The company has 133 years in business and offers extensive services—local, interstate, international, piano moving, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, and grandfather clock crating.
Standout: Attentive staff and reliability stand out against typical movers.
Watch out: 15% of reviews cite damaged furniture, delayed arrivals, or slow claims resolution.
Company info:
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Phone: (443) 957-4287
55% of 55 reviews are positive. Bellhop appeals to budget-conscious movers—friendly staff, fast service, and affordable rates. Customers praise polite teams who work efficiently and maintain positive energy. However, 42% of reviews report issues: damaged items, late arrivals, and communication gaps when problems arise.
Standout: Best value if you prioritize cost and friendliness.
Watch out: Not ideal if timing precision or worry-free handling is mission-critical.
Company info:
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Phone: (866) 786-0223
93% of 251 reviews are positive. Orly's crews arrive on time, work efficiently, and show genuine care for belongings. Booking and communication are straightforward, and customers often praise staff by name. Pricing is transparent and competitive. The company has 32 years of experience and handles local, interstate, and international moves with specialty services like piano and antique moving.
Standout: Exceptional low complaint rate; most moves are smooth and satisfactory.
Watch out: Small share report damaged or missing items and difficult claims.
Company info:
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Phone: (410) 705-2365
57% of 377 reviews are positive. More than half praise fast, efficient moves, professional staff, and careful handling. Customers appreciate friendly attitudes, transparent rates, and timely completion. However, 41% report recurring problems: property damage, surprise costs not mentioned at booking, and late or unprepared crews.
Standout: Movers earn high marks for care and diligence.
Watch out: Focus on the written estimate and watch for hidden fees to avoid surprises.
Company info:
At a glance, specialty services available among Baltimore moving companies:
Here's what you can expect to pay for a 781-mile move from Baltimore to Illinois, depending on your home size and service type:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,041 – $3,588 | $711 – $1,707 | $529 – $1,007 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,069 – $5,164 | $1,240 – $2,670 | $544 – $1,160 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,434 – $6,877 | $1,716 – $3,515 | $673 – $1,407 |
Get a personalized quote: Use our moving cost calculator to account for your specific move date, load size, and services.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom from Baltimore to Illinois typically runs $1,041 to $3,588. Two to three bedrooms? Expect $2,069 to $5,164. For a larger home (four or five bedrooms), budget $3,434 to $6,877.
These estimates account for labor, transportation, and basic handling. Specialty services like crating, storage, or expedited delivery will add to the total.
If you prefer moving containers for flexibility—pack on your schedule, move at your pace—costs break down like this:
Containers work well if you need time between pickup and delivery, or if you're downsizing and need temporary storage. Be aware that you'll still need to load and unload yourself.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly option, but you handle all packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself:
Estimated fuel costs are included. This is ideal only if you're willing to do the physical work and have time to make the drive without rushing.
Several factors will shift the final price:
Before you move, understand how your finances will shift. Here's how Baltimore compares to Illinois:
| Metric | Baltimore | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. rent | $1,600 | $1,179 | 26% lower in IL |
| Avg. home cost | $180,790 | $249,224 | 38% higher in IL |
| Avg. income | $58,349 | $78,433 | 34% higher in IL |
| Cost of living index | 93 | 90 | Roughly equal |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.3% | 33% lower in IL |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.95% | 14% lower in IL |
The takeaway:
When you leave Baltimore for Illinois, expect climate shifts, different community vibes, and a new political landscape. Here's the reality:
| Factor | Baltimore | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 585,708 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Democratic (51–46) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 88°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 27°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 42″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 19″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 72.72 | 19.7 |
Climate: Summers are nearly identical. Winters in Illinois are significantly colder—expect lows around 17°F versus Baltimore's 27°F. That means higher heating bills but also unique winter activities. Rainfall and snowfall are comparable, so no major weather surprises.
Politics: Both lean Democratic, so political culture will feel familiar.
Safety: Illinois's crime index (19.7) is dramatically lower than Baltimore's (72.72)—a major shift toward safer neighborhoods.
Population: Illinois has 20× the population. If you're moving to Chicago, expect big-city energy and density. If you're moving elsewhere in the state, you'll find smaller towns and more rural areas.
Moving interstate isn't just about hiring movers and packing boxes. Here's what Illinois requires:
Regulations & Licensing:
Parking & Permits:
Building Access:
Address Change:
Moving Insurance:
Stay organized: Use our moving checklist to track every detail and reduce stress.
Illinois—and Chicago especially—draws people for economic opportunity, cultural attractions, and strong job markets. The state has world-class museums, parks, sports teams, and universities.
Museums worth visiting:
Outdoor spaces:
Sports:
Higher education:
How long does a Baltimore to Illinois move take?
Expect 2–7 days, depending on your chosen method. Full-service movers typically deliver faster than container services or truck rentals. Summer moves take longer due to higher demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.
Do Baltimore movers offer custom crating?
Yes. 39 Baltimore moving companies list custom crating as a service, ideal for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items like artwork, antiques, or pianos. Ask your mover about crate specifications and whether they can customize the build for your needs.
What's the best way to ship a car from Baltimore to Illinois?
Choose an auto transport company with a proven track record and serious attention to vehicle care. Check out our guide to car shipping for top options.
Can I pay a Baltimore mover in cash?
24 Baltimore moving companies accept cash, but it's the exception rather than the rule. Most carriers require traceable payments (credit card, bank transfer) and digital receipts. Standard process: pay a deposit to secure your crew and date, then settle the balance at pickup or after delivery. Verify exact payment terms and timing before signing.
Moving guides:
Popular routes from Baltimore:
Other moving options:
Get quotes from multiple movers, compare costs, and read recent reviews before booking. Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your total, then contact movers directly for binding estimates.
