Moving from Fontana to Illinois means covering roughly 1,913 miles — a genuine cross-country move that rewards early planning. The upside: moving from one of California's more expensive inland cities to Illinois tends to make strong financial sense. Lower rent, lower home prices, and a tax structure that doesn't take nearly as big a bite.
I've looked at 52 Fontana-area movers that handle interstate work and narrowed it to five I'd actually recommend for this specific route. Below that you'll find real cost ranges by move size and service type, a straight comparison of what life looks like on the other side, and the logistics you'll need to handle before moving day.
Top Moving Companies for the Fontana to Illinois Route
Out of 52 Fontana movers that can handle state-to-state moves, these five stand out:
- VIP Transport, Inc. — 4.62 / 5
- Trek Movers — 4.38 / 5
- Big Deahl's Movers — 4.42 / 5
- Golden West Moving Systems, Inc. — 4.38 / 5
- Burgess Moving and Storage — 4.42 / 5
Each of these has been evaluated specifically for how they perform on long-distance moves — not just local reputation.
VIP Transport, Inc.
2703 Wardlow Rd, Corona, CA 92882 | (951) 272-3700
- Rating: 4.6 / 5
- Yelp reviews (95 reviews) | Google reviews (80 reviews) | BBB profile — Grade A+
- 89% positive | 9% negative
VIP Transport operates as an agent for both Mayflower and United Van Lines — that carrier network gives them real infrastructure for a nearly 2,000-mile move. Out of 244 reviews analyzed, 88.5% are positive. The recurring themes: professional crews, reliable communication, and careful handling. Customers consistently describe the office and field staff as organized and attentive, which matters when you're coordinating a long-haul.
The 9% negative reviews center on damaged items and slow claims resolution. Not unusual at this distance, but if you're shipping high-value pieces, make sure you understand their valuation options before signing.
Company Info
- State license #: 0137029 | DOT #: 125563 | 43 years in business
- Alternate names: Mayflower Transit, VIP Transport East Inc., VIP Transport – United Van Lines
Services Offered
Local, interstate, international moves · Packing & unpacking · Pianos, art, antiques, crating · Shipment tracking · Full-valuation coverage · Storage · Cash and credit card accepted
Trek Movers
16212 Foothill Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335 | (800) 298-0044
- Rating: 4.3 / 5
- Yelp reviews (446 reviews) | BBB profile — Grade A+
- 96% positive | 4% negative
A 95.6% positive rate across 1,378 analyzed reviews is hard to dismiss. Trek earns consistent marks for speed, punctuality, and transparent pricing — a combination that's rarer than it should be. When negative reviews do show up, they involve timing overruns and final costs that came in higher than the original quote. Before you commit, ask them to walk through their billing structure specifically. Know whether you're getting a binding or non-binding estimate.
Company Info
- State license #: 0191956 | DOT #: 3256910 | ~$120/hr | 8 years in business
- Alternate names: Trek Solutions LLC, Trek Movers Inc
Services Offered
Local, interstate moves · Packing & unpacking · Pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, crane vans · Full-valuation coverage · Storage · Fragile-only packing · Safes · Credit card accepted
Big Deahl's Movers
10808 E Foothill Blvd Ste 160-467, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 | (909) 328-8894
- Rating: 4.4 / 5
- Yelp reviews (122 reviews) | Google reviews (142 reviews) | BBB profile — Grade A+
Big Deahl's handles a wide range of specialty items — pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, grandfather clocks — which is worth knowing if your move includes anything awkward or oversized. Solid review profile at 4.4/5 across a reasonable sample size. If you've got tricky pieces heading to Illinois, they're worth a call.
Company Info
- State license #: 0191969 | DOT #: 3295324 | 10 years in business
- Alternate names: People Trusted Company Group
Services Offered
Local, interstate, international moves · Packing & unpacking · Pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating · Shipment tracking · Storage · Fragile-only packing · Safes · Cash and credit card accepted
Golden West Moving Systems, Inc.
5455 24th St, Riverside, CA 92509 | (800) 548-2400
- Rating: 4.3 / 5
- Yelp reviews (12 reviews) | Google reviews (7 reviews) | BBB profile — Grade A+
- 88% positive | 13% negative
Six decades in the business and DOD certification — Golden West's longevity alone sets it apart from most Inland Empire movers. Customer feedback is mostly positive at 88%, with consistent praise for accurate estimates and careful handling on both residential and commercial work. The 13% negative reviews center on occasional property damage and rare conduct issues. The review sample is small (19 total), so treat that ratio carefully — but the licensing history and 61-year track record are genuinely reassuring.
Company Info
- State license #: 0190351 | DOT #: 70719 | 61 years in business | DOD certified
Services Offered
Local, interstate, international moves · Packing & unpacking · Pianos, art, antiques, crating · Full-valuation coverage · Storage · Fragile-only packing · Safes · Deposit required · DOD certified
Burgess Moving and Storage
1625 Iowa Ave., Riverside, CA 92507 | (951) 682-4300
- Rating: 4.4 / 5
- Yelp reviews (62 reviews) | BBB profile — Grade A+
- 86% positive | 11% negative
Burgess operates as an agent for North American Van Lines and has been doing it for nearly eight decades. That carrier connection matters on a cross-country move — it brings more accountability and resources than most independent operators can offer. Customer feedback highlights professional crews, careful packing, and attentive communication (86% positive across 100 reviews). The 11% negative reviews cite damage claims, unexpected charges, and slow post-move follow-up — standard risks on long hauls, but worth discussing before you sign anything.
Company Info
- State license #: 0056647 | DOT #: 070851 | 78 years in business
- Alternate names: Burgess North America, North American Moving & Storage, Inland Moving & Storage Company
Services Offered
Local, interstate, international moves · Packing & unpacking · Pianos, art, crating · Shipment tracking · Full-valuation coverage · Storage · Fragile-only packing · Credit card accepted
Local Moving Services in Fontana, CA
Of the 52 Fontana-area movers with interstate capability, here's how specialty services break down:
| Service | Movers Offering | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 49 | 94% |
| Pianos | 40 | 77% |
| Art | 32 | 62% |
| Antiques | 31 | 60% |
| Small moves | 19 | 37% |
| Fragile-only packing | 19 | 37% |
Cost to Move from Fontana, CA to Illinois
Use the MoveFinders moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate. The table below covers approximate ranges based on a 1,913-mile move across three service types.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,208 – $4,718 | $1,052 – $2,706 | $1,097 – $2,134 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,281 – $6,983 | $1,854 – $3,962 | $1,153 – $2,370 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,088 – $10,309 | $2,720 – $5,547 | $1,426 – $3,050 |
Estimates based on a ~1,913-mile move from Fontana, CA to Illinois using verified rate data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on move size, services added, fuel prices, access conditions, and time of year. Get quotes from multiple carriers before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Fontana to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers on this route typically run $1,208 to $4,718. A two- or three-bedroom move lands in the $3,281 to $6,983 range. A large four-bedroom home will likely fall somewhere between $6,088 and $10,309.
Those ranges reflect real variation in carrier quality, seasonal pricing, and how much actually needs to be packed. Summer rates will sit toward the top of these bands.
Cost of Moving Containers from Fontana to Illinois
Moving containers offer a middle ground — you pack on your own schedule, they handle transport. For a small move, expect $1,052 to $2,706. Two to three bedrooms: $1,854 to $3,962. Four-plus bedrooms: $2,720 to $5,547. Containers tend to work well on this route if your Illinois destination has accessible space for the unit while you unload.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Fontana to Illinois
Rental trucks are the cheapest option on paper, but you're personally driving nearly 2,000 miles and doing all the heavy lifting. A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,097 to $2,134. Two to three bedrooms: $1,153 to $2,370. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,426 to $3,050. These figures include average fuel costs — fuel prices can swing your actual total noticeably depending on when you travel.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Fontana to IL
Three variables move the needle most on a haul this long:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings is still the single biggest cost driver, even on cross-country routes.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. Moving in fall or early spring will generally get you better rates and more carrier flexibility.
- DIY vs. full-service: Full-service movers cost more upfront but eliminate execution risk. Renting a truck saves money but puts the driving, loading, and logistics entirely on you.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Fontana to IL
Compare Cost of Living: Fontana vs. Illinois
| Fontana, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $3,000/mo | $1,179/mo |
| Average home price | $631,669 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $72,918 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 119 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
Here's what the numbers actually mean:
- Rent in Illinois runs about 61% lower than in Fontana. That's a real shift in monthly cash flow, not a marginal one.
- Home prices follow the same pattern — roughly 61% lower, which changes what's achievable if you're buying rather than renting.
- Per capita income in Illinois runs about 8% above Fontana, meaning you may earn more and spend less simultaneously.
- The overall cost of living index is roughly 24% lower in Illinois.
- Illinois's unemployment rate (5.3%) is meaningfully lower than Fontana's (7.6%).
- California's 13.3% top income tax rate is one of the highest in the country. Illinois's flat 4.95% rate means a noticeably larger paycheck starting on day one.
How Life is Different in Fontana, CA from Illinois
| Fontana, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,704 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 94°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 43°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 14″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 31.65 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AirNow
A few things worth preparing for:
- Illinois summers peak around 86°F — cooler than Fontana's 94°F average highs. Not dramatic, but noticeable.
- Winters are a different story. Illinois lows hit around 17°F compared to Fontana's 43°F. If you've never dealt with real winter, start budgeting for it: snow tires, winter gear, heating bills, and a snow shovel you'll actually use.
- Illinois gets about 40 inches of rain annually versus 14 in Fontana. More green, more umbrellas.
- About 22 inches of snow per year. Beautiful in December; considerably less charming come February. Plan accordingly.
- Illinois records a lower crime index (19.7) than Fontana (31.65) — a meaningful difference for day-to-day peace of mind.
- Both Fontana and Illinois leaned Democratic in the last presidential election, though Illinois's margin is wider.
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
Don't let paperwork sneak up on you. Here's what to sort before loading day:
- Illinois mover licensing: In-state movers must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify any company's license is current before signing a contract.
- State regulator: You can confirm Illinois moving licenses directly through the state regulator's official site.
- Moving permits: No statewide moving permit is required in Illinois, but check local parking rules — especially in Chicago, where restrictions vary by neighborhood.
- HOA rules: If you're moving into an HOA community, check their move-in procedures before booking movers.
- Elevator reservation: Many Illinois apartment buildings, particularly in Chicago, require advance elevator booking for move-in days. Confirm this early.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require permits for large vehicles on the street. Find out before moving day, not during it.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week out so your mail follows you.
- Moving insurance: Basic released value protection covers 60 cents per pound — minimal coverage if anything gets damaged. Ask your mover about full-value protection, or look at third-party coverage options for high-value items.
- Stay organized: A solid moving checklist is worth setting up early. There are more moving parts than most people expect on a cross-country relocation.
Things to Do in Illinois
Once you're settled in, Illinois — especially the Chicago area — has a lot to explore.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports Teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Fontana to Illinois take?
Most carriers quote five to 16 days on this route depending on your service tier. Summer moves tend to land at the longer end of that window. Before you book, ask specifically about the delivery window and get it in writing — vague "estimated delivery" language in a contract is worth pushing back on before you sign.
How many movers in Fontana provide custom crating for art or antiques?
About 40 Fontana-area movers offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped items — artwork, antiques, electronics. If you have specialty pieces, confirm that capability explicitly before committing. "We can arrange crating" and "we handle it in-house" are meaningfully different things.
What is the best way to get a car from Fontana to Illinois?
Driving it yourself is an option, but at nearly 2,000 miles you're already managing a significant move. A dedicated auto transport company is often the smarter call. Look for carriers with verified insurance, real shipment tracking, and experience specifically on California-to-Midwest routes.
Why are people moving from Fontana to Illinois?
The economics drive most of it — lower housing costs, a dramatically lower tax burden, and in many cases comparable or higher incomes. Chicago in particular draws California transplants looking for real urban economic opportunity in finance, healthcare, tech, and manufacturing without the California price tag attached to it.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Fontana?
The five companies above are my top picks for this specific route. For a broader look at national carriers that handle interstate moves, see the MoveFinders interstate movers guide.
Can I pay for my move from Fontana, CA, with cash?
About 19 of the 52 Fontana movers accept cash. That said, it isn't the norm — most carriers prefer traceable payment for obvious reasons. If you do pay cash, get a receipt for every transaction. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to lock your date, with the balance typically due at pickup or delivery. Confirm both the timing and accepted payment methods with your mover before moving day.
Get at least three written quotes before you commit to any carrier. Use the MoveFinders cost calculator to build a baseline, then use that number to pressure-test what movers are actually quoting you.