Moving from Fargo, ND to Illinois — Costs, Best Movers & What to Expect

If you're moving from Fargo to Illinois, you're looking at a roughly 700-mile haul that's going to require some real planning. The good news: this route is common enough that you've got solid options for movers, containers, and truck rentals. The less obvious part: figuring out which choice actually makes sense for your situation and budget.

Let me walk you through what this move actually costs, who's reliable in Fargo, and what changes when you land in Illinois.

Best moving companies in Fargo for Illinois moves

Out of the movers in Fargo that handle interstate relocations, here are the five that consistently get the best reviews:

1. Midwest Moving Company — 4.48 / 5
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.44 / 5
3. 5 Star Moving — 4.28 / 5
4. The Apartment Movers — 4.26 / 5
5. Schiele Enterprise — 4.02 / 5

Midwest Moving Company

4.48 out of 5 stars | 430 28th Ct NW, Unit A, West Fargo, ND 58078

Nearly 94% of reviews are positive—well above what you typically see in the moving industry. Customers consistently praise the team for reliability, friendly staff, and moves completed on time or faster. The operation handles everything from local work to interstate hauling, and they offer full-valuation coverage if something goes sideways.

The rare negative feedback mentions property damage or slow claim responses, so make sure you document your belongings and understand the coverage terms before signing.

• Years in business: 6
• DOT #: 3263587
• Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, hot tub relocation, specialty crating, full-valuation coverage
• Contact: (800) 851-8235

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

4.44 out of 5 stars | 3222 4th Ave S, #1, Fargo, ND 58103

About 93% of their 223 reviews are positive. People highlight prompt arrivals, careful handling, and professional crews. Booking feels straightforward, and they protect belongings well. The downside: a small percentage report damaged items or unexpected charges, so confirm your quote thoroughly and ask about any potential add-ons up front.

• Years in business: 24
• DOT #: 2527384
• Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, storage, safe relocation
• Contact: (701) 297-2264

5 Star Moving

4.28 out of 5 stars | 3709 Grandwood Dr, North Fargo, ND 58102

A solid mid-tier option with 22 years in business. They handle both local and interstate work, and they're straightforward about packing and unpacking services.

• Years in business: 22
• DOT #: 1087336
• Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking
• Contact: (701) 356-6683

The Apartment Movers

4.26 out of 5 stars | 541 16th St NE, West Fargo, ND 58078

Nearly 89% positive feedback from customers who praise efficiency and careful handling. They've been in business for 35 years and handle pianos, storage, and full-valuation coverage.

• Years in business: 35
• DOT #: 513176
• Services: Local moves, piano moving, storage, full-valuation coverage
• Contact: (701) 365-8600

Schiele Enterprise

4.02 out of 5 stars | 100 36th Street, South Fargo, ND 58103

A quarter-century in the business. They specialize in specialty moves—pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques—and offer full-valuation coverage.

• Years in business: 25
• DOT #: 125550
• Services: Local moves, specialty items, pianos, antiques, full-valuation coverage
• Contact: (701) 532-1377

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Cost to move from Fargo, ND to Illinois

Here's what you should budget based on the size of your move:

Estimates are based on a 700-mile move and account for average fuel costs. Your actual bill will depend on move size, services, parking access, fuel prices, and season.

Moving company costs

A full-service mover gives you the most control but costs the most. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,362 to $4,208. A two- or three-bedroom move typically runs $2,557 to $6,078. If you're relocating a large four- or five-bedroom home, plan on $4,574 to $8,412.

To get accurate quotes, use our moving cost calculator—it'll help you compare rates from multiple carriers fast.

Moving container costs

Moving containers shift the labor equation. You pack; the container sits in your driveway; they haul it to Illinois on their schedule. This saves money but adds time.

• Studio / 1 bedroom: $674–$1,786
• 2–3 bedrooms: $1,227–$2,577
• 4+ bedrooms: $1,643–$3,154

Truck rental costs

Renting a truck is the cheapest option if you're willing to do all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself:

• Studio / 1 bedroom: $479–$908
• 2–3 bedrooms: $548–$1,068
• 4+ bedrooms: $653–$1,346

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What drives moving costs on this route

Move size — More rooms and heavier volume = higher costs. Straightforward math.

Time of year — Summer is peak season in Fargo. If you move June through August, expect higher quotes. Winter moves are cheaper but harder on your belongings and the movers.

Service level — Full-service moves cost more than containers, which cost more than renting a truck yourself. Trade money for convenience.

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Cost of living: Fargo vs. Illinois

Before you move, understand how your finances will shift. Here's the real comparison:

Rent is about 12% higher in Illinois, so expect to pay more monthly if you're renting. That said, homes are roughly 13% cheaper, which could ease your mortgage if you're buying.

Income in Illinois runs about 32% higher on average, which gives you more financial flexibility—but only if you land a job quickly.

The cost of living is nearly identical, so you won't see a dramatic shock to your wallet in most categories.

Unemployment in Illinois is 47% higher than in Fargo, so the job market is tighter. Plan accordingly if you're relocating for work.

Income taxes in Illinois are roughly 71% steeper (4.95% vs. 2.9%), so factor that into your long-term planning.

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How life in Illinois differs from Fargo

Politics — Illinois skews Democratic; Fargo is Republican-leaning. If local politics matter to you, that's a meaningful shift.

Summer temperatures — Nearly identical. You'll barely notice a difference, though Illinois tends to be more humid.

Winter is genuinely warmer — Lows around 17°F in Illinois vs. 0°F in Fargo. Less shoveling, lower heating bills, and fewer brutal days. This alone makes a real quality-of-life difference.

Expect far more rain — 40 inches annually in Illinois vs. 24 in Fargo. That means greener landscapes but also wetter weather. Invest in good rain gear.

Snow drops dramatically — 22 inches per year in Illinois vs. 49 in Fargo. Winter maintenance becomes much simpler.

Crime rates are higher — Illinois scores 19.7 vs. Fargo's 8.0. Research neighborhoods carefully. Some areas are perfectly safe; others require more caution. Don't assume the whole state is dangerous, but don't ignore the numbers either.

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Before you hire movers: licensing and logistics

Illinois regulations

Illinois requires moving companies operating intrastate to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify this before you book. Interstate carriers need a USDOT number (which all legitimate long-distance movers carry).

Parking permits

Some Illinois cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Check your specific city or neighborhood before moving day so you're not scrambling last-minute.

Elevator reservation

If your building has an elevator, reserve it in advance. Moving companies need time to load, and you don't want conflicts with other residents.

HOA rules

Read your community's move-in rules ahead of time. Some buildings have specific windows or require advance notice.

Insurance

Every mover provides Released Value Protection at 60 cents per pound at no cost—but that's bare-bones coverage. If your belongings are worth more, negotiate full-value coverage or buy third-party moving insurance. Ask your mover about options before you commit.

Change of address

File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving. You can do this online and choose your official move date.

Moving checklist

Use a moving checklist to stay organized. Missing one step can cascade into headaches down the road.

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Things to do in Illinois

Museums

• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
• Caterpillar Visitors Center
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site
• 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

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FAQ

How long does this move take?

Most moves from Fargo to Illinois take one to six days depending on service type and distance to your exact destination. Summer moves can face delays if movers are booked solid, so book early if you're moving June through August.

What if I need custom crating for art or antiques?

Only one mover in Fargo currently offers custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. If you have artwork, antiques, or electronics that need special handling, confirm capabilities with your mover before booking.

How do I ship my car?

Use an auto transport company with solid reviews and verifiable credentials. Request an enclosed carrier if your vehicle is valuable or vintage.

Why do people move from Fargo to Illinois?

Job opportunities in Chicago and elsewhere, lower home costs, and warmer winters are the big draws. The trade-off: higher cost of living in some categories, tighter job market, and more urban density.

Can I pay in cash?

Six movers in Fargo accept cash, but it's not standard industry practice. Most require a deposit to lock in your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods and timing directly with your mover.

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Next steps

You've got solid movers to choose from in Fargo, and the move itself is straightforward logistically. Get quotes from at least three companies so you can compare pricing and service terms side by side. Don't just pick the cheapest—read reviews, verify licensing, and ask about insurance options.

Compare moving quotes to lock in your best rate. Then book early if you're moving in summer, and confirm all logistics at least two weeks before your move date.

Good luck with the transition to Illinois.