If you're moving from Fort Worth to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 818 miles and a real shift in climate, tax burden, and cost of living. The route itself is straightforward enough. What matters is choosing the right mover and knowing what's waiting for you when you get there.
Use our moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate before you dig into the numbers below. The ranges here are solid averages — your situation will move them.
Local Moving Companies in Fort Worth
Out of 62 Fort Worth movers tracked for state-to-state moves, here are the five I'd look at first for this route:
- Olde World Movers — 4.62 / 5
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage — 4.62 / 5
- All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.56 / 5
- Element Moving and Storage — 4.86 / 5
- Simple Moving Labor — 4.52 / 5
Aggregate ratings don't always tell you what you need to know. Here's what the actual review data shows for each.
Olde World Movers
420 Throckmorton St #200, Fort Worth, TX 76102 4.62 / 5 | 93% positive | 5% negative Yelp (86 reviews) · Google (238 reviews) · BBB: A+
In business: 36 years | DOT #: 1844729 | TX License: 006273576c
Ninety-three percent positive across 290+ reviews is a strong signal. Customers consistently call out fast crews, careful handling, and minimal damage claims. Communication from booking through delivery gets specific praise — people describe the process as organized and transparent. The weak spot: when something does go wrong, the follow-up and claims resolution process has frustrated some customers. For an interstate haul to Illinois, that's worth knowing before you commit.
Services: Local, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage. Credit card accepted; deposit required.
Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage
3101 Reagan Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76116 4.62 / 5 | 85% positive | 14% negative Yelp (126 reviews) · Google (1,348 reviews) · BBB: A+
In business: 23 years | DOT #: 2783472 | TX License: 006279747C
One of the most-reviewed movers on this list. Of 341 reviews analyzed, 84.5% are positive — efficiency, careful handling, and crew professionalism are the recurring themes. The 14% negative feedback concentrates on damaged items, final bills higher than expected, and difficulty resolving claims afterward. For most moves, Firefighting's Finest delivers. But if you're shipping anything fragile or high-value across 800 miles, ask specifically about their claims process before signing.
Services: Local, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. DOD certified; cash, money order, and credit card accepted; deposit required.
All My Sons Moving & Storage
600 Railhead Rd., Suite 220, Fort Worth, TX 76106 4.56 / 5 | 38% positive | 60% negative Yelp (369 reviews) · Google (4,063 reviews) · BBB: A
In business: 26 years | DOT #: 902281 | TX License: 006677527C
The star rating doesn't match the review breakdown. Of 575 reviews, 60% are negative — and the dominant complaints aren't minor: final charges significantly higher than quoted prices, damaged belongings, and unresponsive communication after problems arise. The front-line crews get genuine praise for efficiency and friendliness, so when things go right they go right. But recurring billing surprises mean you should get everything in writing before the truck rolls. Scope, fees, and payment timing — all of it confirmed before you sign.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, antiques, crating, storage, safes. Credit card accepted; deposit required.
Element Moving and Storage
12011 Denton Dr., Dallas, TX 75234 4.86 / 5 | 92% positive | 7% negative Yelp (17 reviews) · Google (945 reviews) · BBB: A+
In business: 14 years | DOT #: 2038052 | TX License: 006519926C
The strongest performer on this list — and the review data backs that up. At 92% positive across 251 reviews, customers consistently cite organized crews, clear communication, competitive pricing, and careful handling. Things go according to plan here more often than not. The negatives that do appear cluster around damage claims on longer hauls and responsiveness after delivery, which matters for an interstate move. If you're looking for a full-service mover for this route, Element is where I'd start.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes. Cash, money order, and credit card accepted.
Simple Moving Labor
3700 Rufe Snow Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76180 4.52 / 5 | 37% positive | 61% negative Yelp (248 reviews) · Google (1,902 reviews) · BBB: A+
In business: 17 years | TX License: 009367518C
That aggregate rating is misleading. Of 446 reviews analyzed, 61% are negative — property damage, late or missing crews, and poor follow-up after problems are the recurring themes. When things go well, customers praise the professionalism and speed. But the consistency isn't there for a move of this distance. I'd treat Simple Moving Labor as a backup option, not a first call.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage, safes. DOD certified; cash and credit card accepted.
Local Moving Services in Fort Worth, TX
A quick look at specialty capabilities across Fort Worth's interstate-capable movers:
| Service | # of Movers | % Available |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 43 | 69.35% |
| Small moves | 42 | 67.74% |
| Antiques | 34 | 54.84% |
| Art | 31 | 50.0% |
| Pianos | 40 | 64.52% |
| Fragile-only packing | 15 | 24.19% |
Cost to Move from Fort Worth, TX to Illinois
Based on an 818-mile move, here are realistic cost ranges by home size and moving method.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,153 – $4,051 | $756 – $1,779 | $520 – $1,041 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,332 – $5,418 | $1,253 – $2,676 | $555 – $1,177 |
| 4+ BR | $3,744 – $7,387 | $1,753 – $3,492 | $725 – $1,500 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary with load size, additional services, access and parking challenges, fuel prices, and move date. Get multiple quotes to validate.
Cost to Hire Movers from Fort Worth to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, professional movers typically run $1,153 to $4,051 on this route. A two- or three-bedroom home lands in the $2,332–$5,418 range. Four or more bedrooms: $3,744–$7,387. The wide ranges reflect the gap between crew-only service and full pack-and-move. Know what you're asking for before you compare bids.
Cost of Moving Containers from Fort Worth to Illinois
Moving containers are worth considering if you want to skip the 800-mile drive but don't need a crew to pack for you. A small move runs $756–$1,779. Two to three bedrooms: $1,253–$2,676. Four bedrooms or more: $1,753–$3,492. The trade-off is delivery flexibility — most container companies give you a window, not a specific day.
Cost of Renting a Moving Truck from Fort Worth to Illinois
Truck rentals are the cheapest option on paper. Studio or one-bedroom: $520–$1,041. Two to three bedrooms: $555–$1,177. Four or more bedrooms: $725–$1,500. Fuel is generally factored into these estimates — confirm with your rental company. The real cost is the 800-mile drive and all the loading you'll handle yourself.
Factors That Affect Moving Costs from Fort Worth to Illinois
Three things move the price more than anything else:
- Move size: More furniture and square footage means more truck space, more time, and more labor. That's straightforward.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season across Texas, and rates reflect it. Moving in fall or winter typically means better pricing and more mover availability.
- DIY vs. professional: Doing it yourself cuts upfront costs but adds real effort and risk over 800+ miles. Professional movers cost more but absorb the logistics and the liability.
What to Know Before Moving from Fort Worth to Illinois
On balance, this move will likely leave more money in your pocket — but not across every line item. Here's the honest breakdown.
Cost of Living: Fort Worth vs. Illinois
| Fort Worth, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,773 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $298,372 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,237 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 102 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
Fort Worth sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
What these numbers actually mean for your finances:
- Rent is about 34% lower in Illinois. You'll feel that difference every month.
- Home prices run roughly 16% lower — meaningful purchasing power if you're buying.
- Per capita income is about 20% higher in Illinois, though how much applies to your specific field depends on your industry and employer.
- Cost of living overall is around 12% lower in Illinois. Real breathing room on everyday expenses.
- Unemployment is notably higher in Illinois — 5.3% vs. 3.6% in Fort Worth. If you're moving without a job lined up, that gap matters more than it looks.
- State income tax: Texas has none. Illinois charges 4.95%. That chips away at the wage differential more than most people account for when they're running the numbers.
How Life Changes: Fort Worth vs. Illinois
| Fort Worth, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 918,915 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56–42 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 96°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 35°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 37″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 43.19 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia.
A few things worth flagging here:
- Summers drop about 10 degrees. Illinois averages 86°F at peak summer versus Fort Worth's 96°F. Lower A/C costs and more time outdoors without heatstroke are real benefits.
- Winters are a genuine adjustment if you've spent your life in North Texas. Illinois lows average 17°F, and you'll see roughly 22 inches of snow versus the 1 inch Fort Worth typically gets. Budget for winter gear, snow removal, and higher heating bills — all of them.
- Rainfall is nearly identical, around 37–40 inches annually. The seasonal distribution differs, but total precipitation won't feel dramatically different.
- Crime index is substantially lower in Illinois at 19.7 vs. Fort Worth's 43.19. That's a meaningful difference across many neighborhoods, though Chicago-area statistics vary considerably by location.
- Politics: Fort Worth leans Republican; Illinois leans Democratic. Worth factoring in if community fit matters to your decision.
Comparing the Pros of Fort Worth vs. Illinois
Reasons people stay in Fort Worth:
- No state income tax
- Strong and growing economy
- Quality educational institutions
- Vibrant festival culture
- Friendly, accessible communities
Reasons people make the move to Illinois:
- Home of Chicago — a world-class city with genuine cultural depth
- Higher average incomes
- Lower overall cost of living
- Extensive recreational opportunities
- World-class sports culture
Comparing the Cons of Fort Worth vs. Illinois
What you leave behind in Fort Worth:
- Tornado and severe weather exposure
- Brutal summer heat
- High pollen seasons
- Rising cost of living
- Heavy traffic
What you walk into in Illinois:
- Harsh winters with significant snow
- State income tax
- A more competitive job market
- Traffic, especially in Chicagoland
- Some areas with elevated crime rates
- Strict local regulations
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
There's more to sort out than just hiring a mover. Before moving day, work through this list:
- HOA rules: Check with any homeowner's association at your new address about move-in restrictions — some communities limit hours or require advance notice.
- Elevator reservation: If you're moving into a building with an elevator, reserve it in advance. In many Chicago-area buildings, this is required, not optional.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require parking permits for moving trucks. Check with the city or village you're moving to before your move date.
- State licensing: Illinois requires movers to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission to handle local and intrastate moves. Verify your mover's certificate is current before signing anything.
- State regulator: You can verify an Illinois moving company's license through the Illinois Commerce Commission's official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require specific statewide moving permits, but check local parking ordinances at your new address.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move. Set the official move date so your mail forwards to Illinois on the right day.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection is included at no charge but only covers 60 cents per pound — not much if a mover damages a sofa or a piece of furniture worth several hundred dollars. Ask about full-value protection, or look into a third-party moving insurance policy.
- Moving checklist: Use the MoveFinders moving checklist to stay organized and catch the details that tend to slip through during a long-distance move.
Things to Do in Illinois
There's more here than Chicago alone, though Chicago could fill a year's worth of weekends on its own.
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 Fort Worth to Illinois take?
Two to seven days is the realistic range, depending on your moving method and how the carrier structures delivery. Full-service movers typically quote toward the longer end of that window, and summer moves push it further. Get a specific delivery estimate in writing before you book — don't accept vague timelines.
Do Fort Worth movers offer custom crating?
37 of the Fort Worth movers tracked for interstate moves list custom crating as a service — useful for fragile items, oversized furniture, or anything with an awkward shape. Before booking, ask what "crating" actually means for that company. Some build custom-sized boxes; others use standard sizes. The distinction matters when you're shipping something valuable.
What's the best way to ship a car from Fort Worth to Illinois?
Don't put 800+ miles on your car unnecessarily. Use a licensed auto transport company, get at least three quotes, and verify FMCSA registration before committing. Door-to-door is more convenient; terminal-to-terminal is usually less expensive. Our car shipping calculator can help you estimate costs for this route.
Why are people moving from Fort Worth to Illinois?
Most people making this move cite two things: Chicago's job market and the lower overall cost of living — particularly on rent and home prices. People leaving Fort Worth most often point to the extreme summer heat, tornado exposure, and, increasingly, the rising cost of living in the DFW area.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Fort Worth?
Browse our long-distance movers guide for vetted carriers that handle routes like this one. For a quick pricing benchmark before you start calling, the moving cost calculator gives you a usable ballpark in about two minutes.
Can I pay for my move in cash?
16 of the Fort Worth movers tracked here accept cash. That's the exception, not the rule — most carriers prefer traceable payment methods. Standard practice is a deposit upfront to hold your date and crew, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Confirm payment timing and accepted methods before you sign anything.