Top Moving Companies in Baton Rouge for Moves to Illinois
If you're moving from Louisiana to Illinois, you've got options—but not all of them handle interstate work equally. I've looked at six Baton Rouge movers who can take you state-to-state, and here are the five worth considering.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.5 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.42 / 5
- David Moving Company — 4.16 / 5
- Fast Affordable College Student Movers — 3.92 / 5
- A & L Movers — 4.42 / 5
All My Sons Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Reviews: 117 on Yelp, 1,965 on Google | BBB Grade: A
10444 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: (225) 263-6913
Here's the story with All My Sons: their crews genuinely care about how your stuff gets handled. About 57% of reviews praise professional packing, careful handling, and movers who actually seem invested in making your move smooth. The staffs are friendly, items come wrapped tight, and you'll stay in the loop during the process.
That said—and this matters—nearly 42% of reviews flag billing as a real problem. Customers report surprise fees that aren't explained upfront, charges that don't match the initial quote, and frustration sorting it all out. Damaged items and late arrivals also pop up in negative feedback more often than you'd want to see.
My take: if you value responsive, personable crews and careful handling, All My Sons delivers. But get a detailed written estimate, review every line item in your contract, and don't accept vague language about potential additional charges.
License #: 7508-A | Years in Business: 26 | DOT #: 902281
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, antiques, crating, storage, safes, credit card payments.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Rating: 4.42 / 5 | Reviews: 39 on Yelp, 585 on Google | BBB Grade: A
11818 South Harrell's Ferry Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: (225) 347-0567
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK stands out for reliability. From 265 reviews, 69% highlight fast, professional crews who communicate well and treat your belongings like their own. Most customers say their moves finished without damage and with minimal stress.
But here's the flip side: 30% of reviews surface serious complaints. Damaged furniture, unexpected charges after the fact, and trouble getting damage claims resolved are recurring issues. Some customers describe lengthy battles just to get a callback about problems. A small chunk of neutral reviews mention the cost felt high relative to what they got.
The pattern is clear—most people get solid, quick service. A meaningful minority, though, deal with damage or billing disputes that take real effort to resolve.
License #: 7644 | Years in Business: 13 | DOT #: 2527384
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card payments.
David Moving Company
Rating: 4.16 / 5 | Reviews: 7 on Yelp, 40 on Google | BBB Grade: A+
13455 South Harrell's Ferry Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: (225) 753-3240
David Moving Company lands above typical industry satisfaction levels. Of 46 reviews, 85% are positive—customers consistently praise careful item handling, professional staff, upfront pricing, and fast turnarounds. This is the company people recommend to friends.
The downside: negative reviews, though rare, are severe. A few customers report significant property damage, unprofessional behavior (including worker conflicts on-site), and real difficulty getting damage claims resolved. These are the kinds of issues that matter a lot when they happen to you.
Overall, David earns higher marks than peers for professionalism and care. But they need to tighten up how they handle the rare claim.
Years in Business: 71 | DOT #: 1291881
Note: David operates as an agent for North American Van Lines.
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, art, antiques, storage, fragile-only packing, credit card payments.
Fast Affordable College Student Movers
Rating: 3.92 / 5 | BBB Grade: F
7575 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (800) 605-2136
Skip this one if you're moving to Illinois. Fast Affordable is limited to local moves only—they don't handle interstate relocations. And the BBB grade and limited positive reviews signal real issues. Look elsewhere for an interstate provider.
License #: 7823 | Services: Local moves only.
A & L Movers
Rating: 4.42 / 5 | Reviews: 6 on Yelp, 133 on Google | BBB Grade: A+
110 Pine Park Drive, Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: (337) 335-0921
A & L Movers earns strong marks—84% of 144 reviews are positive. Customers appreciate polite, professional staff, careful handling, transparent pricing, and efficient work. Fast moves and smooth coordination come up frequently.
A small portion report damage to items, late arrivals, and weak complaint resolution. When something goes wrong, getting a response can be difficult.
Compared to other operators, A & L typically delivers quicker, more personable service. Just know that if damage happens, follow-up might take effort.
License #: 8056 | Years in Business: 9
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage, credit card payments.
Specialty Services Available in Baton Rouge
Quick snapshot of what these five movers actually offer:
- Interstate moves: 4 out of 5 (80%)
- Piano moving: 3 out of 5 (60%)
- Antiques: 3 out of 5 (60%)
- Art handling: 2 out of 5 (40%)
- Fragile-only packing: 1 out of 5 (20%)
If you need custom crating for art or antiques, David Moving Company and All My Sons are your best bets.
What It Actually Costs to Move from Baton Rouge to Illinois
Here's what you're looking at for an 828-mile move, broken down by home size and method.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,156 – $4,012 | $733 – $1,853 | $553 – $1,085 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,334 – $5,455 | $1,372 – $2,681 | $622 – $1,253 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,801 – $7,691 | $1,718 – $3,605 | $778 – $1,490 |
Note: These are estimates based on current market data. Your actual quote depends on move size, optional services, parking or access complications, fuel surcharges, timing, and the individual mover. Always compare quotes from multiple companies before deciding.
Full-Service Moving Companies
Hiring professional movers for a studio or one-bedroom from Baton Rouge to Illinois runs $1,156 to $4,012. A two- to three-bedroom move costs $2,334 to $5,455. For a large, four-bedroom-plus move, budget $3,801 to $7,691.
Prices vary based on how much you own, whether you need packing services, the specific destination in Illinois, and seasonal demand.
Moving Container Services
If you want more control over timing but less hands-on work than a rental truck, moving containers are middle ground. Small loads (studio/one-bedroom) run $733 to $1,853. Two- to three-bedroom homes typically fall in the $1,372 to $2,681 range. Larger moves hit $1,718 to $3,605.
Rental Truck (DIY Option)
Going the truck rental route is usually cheapest—$553 to $1,085 for a small move, $622 to $1,253 for mid-size, $778 to $1,490 for large—but you're handling loading, unloading, and driving yourself. These estimates include fuel. Factor in time, physical labor, and wear on a rental vehicle.
What Drives Your Moving Cost
Several factors push prices up or down:
- Move size. The more stuff you have, the more it costs. Simple math.
- Time of year. Summer is peak season in Baton Rouge. Prices spike, crews book fast, and timelines slip. Moving in fall or winter is typically cheaper and less competitive.
- DIY vs. professional. Renting a truck costs less upfront but demands serious elbow grease. Professional movers cost more but handle all the heavy lifting.
- Services added. Packing, unpacking, storage, specialty handling—each adds to the bill.
- Distance and route. 828 miles from Baton Rouge to Illinois is a standard interstate haul. Direct routes are cheaper than circuitous ones.
Cost of Living: Baton Rouge vs. Illinois
Before you pack, here's how the financial picture stacks up.
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,179 | 6% cheaper in Illinois |
| Average home cost | $213,584 | $249,224 | 17% more in Illinois |
| Per capita income | $60,369 | $78,433 | 30% higher in Illinois |
| Cost of living index | 93 | 90 | Nearly identical |
| Unemployment rate | 7.5% | 5.3% | 29% lower in Illinois |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.95% | 16% higher in Illinois |
What this means:
- Rent is slightly lower in Illinois—you'll have a little more monthly flexibility.
- Home prices are notably higher. If you're buying, expect a bigger mortgage payment.
- Incomes in Illinois average 30% higher, giving you more earning potential and saving room.
- Cost of living is nearly flat, so your overall budget shouldn't shock you.
- Job market is healthier in Illinois with lower unemployment—good news if you're job hunting.
- Taxes on income are higher in Illinois. Factor that into your take-home math.
How Life Changes: Baton Rouge vs. Illinois
Moving isn't just about numbers. Here's what daily life actually feels like.
| Factor | Baton Rouge, LA | Illinois | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 222,191 | 12,549,689 | Illinois is vastly larger and more urban |
| Political lean | Democratic (56–43) | Democratic (55–45) | Both lean left; similar vibe |
| Summer high | 92°F | 86°F | Illinois summers are cooler—less AC strain |
| Winter low | 40°F | 17°F | Illinois winters are brutal—prepare for cold |
| Annual rain | 63″ | 40″ | Illinois gets less rain; more sunny days |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ | Illinois gets real snow; Baton Rouge rarely does |
| Crime index | 2.0 | 9.7 | Illinois has a higher crime rate—choose neighborhoods carefully |
The shifts:
- Weather: Illinois summers are milder (nice), but winters are properly cold—think heating bills, snow removal, and seasonal gear. Baton Rouge stays warm and humid year-round.
- Seasons: You'll actually experience winter in Illinois, complete with snow and shorter days. It's beautiful but demands preparation.
- Rain: Illinois gets noticeably less rain overall, so expect more dry days and outdoor time.
- Population: Illinois is massive, especially around Chicago. You'll feel the density if you're used to Baton Rouge's smaller scale.
- Crime: Illinois has higher crime rates. Research specific neighborhoods before you move—where you land matters.
Before You Move: Logistics & Regulations
Moving to Illinois involves some practical steps. Don't skip these:
- Check HOA rules. Some HOAs restrict moving times or require advance notice. Confirm before booking your crew.
- Reserve elevators. If your building has one, lock in your move-day slot early.
- Parking permits. Some Illinois cities require permits for moving trucks. Check your city's parking rules.
- Moving company licensing. Illinois requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to license intrastate and local movers. They need a current Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify this before hiring. You can check license status on the ICC's website.
- Moving permits. You don't need a moving permit in Illinois, but confirm local parking regs with your city.
- Change of address. Submit a USPS change of address at least a week before moving. This forwards mail and ensures you don't miss important stuff.
- Moving insurance. Standard Released Value Protection costs nothing but covers only 60 cents per pound. For full-value coverage matching your items' actual worth, ask your mover about options or get third-party insurance.
- Preparation checklist. Use a moving checklist to stay organized. It keeps you on track and ensures nothing important falls through the cracks.
Things to Do in Illinois
Once you're settled, Illinois has plenty to explore.
Museums:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Museum of Hummels
Parks:
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports:
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities:
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQs
How long does a move from Baton Rouge to Illinois take?
Typically two to seven days, depending on your service type. Full-service movers usually take 3–5 days for pickup and delivery. Summer moves may stretch longer due to high demand. Confirm delivery windows with your mover ahead of time—it helps you plan unpacking and time off work.
How many Baton Rouge movers handle custom crating for art or antiques?
Two of the five movers I reviewed offer custom crating: David Moving Company and All My Sons Moving & Storage. If you have delicate or high-value items, confirm their capabilities in writing before booking.
What's the best way to ship a car from Baton Rouge to Illinois?
Look for an auto transport service with solid reviews and verifiable experience. Choose a company that insures vehicles during transit and provides tracking. Compare a few quotes to make sure you're not overpaying.
Why are people moving from Baton Rouge to Illinois?
Chicago's job market and cultural scene attract a lot of people. The Illinois economy is strong, and cost of living is comparable to Baton Rouge, so the financial leap isn't huge. Some move for work; others for the energy and opportunity.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Baton Rouge?
Start by getting quotes from the five companies I've reviewed above. Then use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates from additional operators. Always get at least three quotes before deciding.
Do Baton Rouge movers accept cash?
No. Most moving companies now require credit cards, ACH transfers, or certified checks. Cash is hard to track and creates liability issues. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to secure your date and crew, then settle the remaining balance at pickup or delivery depending on the company's policy.
Related Resources
Long-distance movers — Our top picks nationwide.
Moving containers — If you want flexible timing.
Truck rentals — For the DIY approach.
Cost of living guide — Understand financial impact before you move.
Moving checklist — Stay organized from start to finish.
Ready to move? Get moving quotes from multiple companies to compare prices, timelines, and services. The more information you gather upfront, the better your move will go.