Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Mar, 02 2026
Many people are wary of moving between states because they understand how difficult it may be. Moving across states is a little stressful because it is a long-distance move, but it is also an adventure that will lead to new experiences at your new home or career.
If you want to migrate without stress, there are a few things to bear in mind. Continue reading for a list of points to keep in mind as you relocate from Maine to Illinois:
Average Cost of Moving from Maine to Illinois
It is usually less expensive to relocate inside a state than it is to relocate across state boundaries. For many reasons, interstate migration is more expensive, and the most prominent is distance.
The transportation cost is determined by the length of the move, the size of the origin and destination, the number of items to be moved, and additional services. The client's requirements determine the cost of relocating.
The distance between Maine and Illinois by road is 1,236 miles. Moving from Maine to Illinois will cost between $1,240 and $1,650, based on an anticipated moving cost of $150 to $200 per 150 miles.
| Maine to Illinois | Distance | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Chicago, IL | 888 miles | $3,408 - $4,292 | $5,080 - $6,755 | $6,755 - $9,822 |
| Lewiston, ME to Aurora, IL | 927 miles | $3,483 - $4,390 | $5,198 - $6,915 | $6,915 - $10,062 |
| Bangor, ME to Naperville, IL | 993 miles | $3,556 - $4,485 | $5,312 - $7,070 | $7,070 - $10,292 |
| South Portland, ME to Rockford, IL | 952 miles | $3,560 - $4,490 | $5,318 - $7,079 | $7,079 - $10,306 |
| Auburn, ME to Joliet, IL | 920 miles | $3,483 - $4,390 | $5,198 - $6,915 | $6,915 - $10,062 |
| Biddeford, ME to Springfield, IL | 1020 miles | $3,620 - $4,567 | $5,409 - $7,200 | $7,200 - $10,479 |
| Sanford, ME to Peoria, IL | 981 miles | $3,529 - $4,450 | $5,267 - $7,008 | $7,008 - $10,195 |
| Scarborough, ME to Elgin, IL | 912 miles | $3,483 - $4,390 | $5,198 - $6,915 | $6,915 - $10,062 |
| Brunswick, ME to Champaign, IL | 972 miles | $3,543 - $4,467 | $5,290 - $7,039 | $7,039 - $10,244 |
| Saco, ME to Waukegan, IL | 881 miles | $3,407 - $4,291 | $5,078 - $6,752 | $6,752 - $9,817 |
Best Way to Move From Maine to Illinois
When considering an interstate move, there are several factors to consider. You can move alone or with the help of family or friends. You might also use a professional moving company, such as Three Movers.
While moving on your own may appear to be a cheaper and more convenient alternative, it is not the best. Moving on your own is stressful, and it usually results in the loss of belongings.
The best option for you is to contact a reputable moving company to help you with your relocation. This is due to the fact that they have the most recent trucks as well as the necessary experience. They also know which routes are the most efficient.
Cheapest Moving Options for Interstate Moves
Because not everyone can afford high moving costs, some people may opt to move on a budget. You have a few options if you fall into this category:
Rent a Moving Truck and Do it Yourself
Renting a moving truck and doing your own relocation is a cost-effective way to save money on your move. You can enlist the help of family members or friends. It's now just a matter of sorting and packing your belongings before transporting them to your new home.
If you can't find anybody to help you, you can use manual assistance. If you want to work with them, you'll need to take extra steps to avoid losing or damaging your belongings.
Sell Some of Your Items
The cost of hiring professional movers to transport your possessions from Maine to Illinois is influenced by how many items you have. You can decrease your possessions and save money by selling things you no longer need or use.
You can also give these things as gifts to people you care about by donating them to a charitable organization. Selling your belongings can not only save you money on your relocation, but it will also prevent issues.
Conduct Thorough Research about the Professional Movers You Want to Employ
Before you choose a moving company, get an estimate, so you know how much your relocation will cost. Moving costs are difficult to forecast because they differ from one company to another.
You may need to solicit bids from a number of companies to locate the best solution for you. The majority of movers, such as Three Movers, provide free quotations.
Other Services for Maine to Illinois
People and businesses moving to Illinois from Maine can take advantage of a variety of services provided by Three Movers. Below are the services we provide:
- Movers with a truck
- Military moving
- Furniture moving
- Office moving
- Apartment moving
- International moving
- Residential moving
- Movers and packers
- Moving and storage
- Commercial moving
Moving and Storage
For our customers' belongings, we offer long-term storage. Until you're ready to transport your items, our secure storage facilities will keep them safe. Any amount or size of item can be stored in our storage facilities.
Who Regulates Long-Distance Moving Companies from Maine to Illinois
All interstate moving companies must be FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) registered and have a valid USDOT (United States Department of Transportation) license. The FMCSA is in charge of all long-distance intrastate and interstate relocations.
Get a Free Moving Quote
To learn more about our services and to receive a free quote, contact Three Movers' customer care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Maine to Illinois movers complete delivery in 3 to 7 days, depending on mileage and scheduling. Portland to Chicago is roughly 1,100 to 1,300 miles, which falls under FMCSA interstate delivery guidelines. Transit time depends on move size (studio to 5BR), truck availability, shared vs dedicated trailer space, weather across I-90 or I-80 corridors, and loading logistics. Larger homes and peak summer dates may extend delivery windows slightly.
The average cost with professional Maine to Illinois movers ranges from $2,800 to $6,500 for most households. A 1-bedroom typically runs $2,800 to $3,800, while a 3 to 4-bedroom home may reach $4,500 to $6,500. Pricing reflects weight, total cubic feet, stairs or elevators, long-carry distance, packing services, fuel, and seasonality. Use an interstate moving service like interstate moving company for regulated, state-to-state transport.
Yes. Because this is a state-to-state relocation, movers must be registered with the FMCSA and U.S. DOT. Interstate carriers are required to provide a written estimate, bill of lading, and valuation coverage options. Costs and delivery timing depend on shipment weight, inventory accuracy, truck routing, and consolidated loads. Working with licensed long distance moving companies helps ensure compliance and cargo protection under federal regulations.
The lowest upfront cost is usually a rental truck or container, averaging $1,800 to $3,000, excluding fuel, lodging, and labor. However, full-service Maine to Illinois movers often become cost-effective when factoring fuel for 1,100+ miles, tolls, hotel stays, time off work, and equipment rental. Comparing DIY versus professional long distance movers provides a clearer total-cost picture.
The most affordable window is typically October through April, when demand drops and carrier availability improves. Summer moves from coastal Maine or college towns like Orono often cost 10 to 20 percent more due to peak demand. Pricing and delivery schedules are influenced by crew size (2 to 4 movers), weather conditions, road construction, and building move-in restrictions common in Chicago and larger Illinois cities.
Yes. Most interstate carriers provide partial or full packing and short-term storage. Professional packing adds roughly $400 to $1,200+ depending on home size and fragile items. Storage-in-transit is common if delivery dates do not align. Final pricing reflects box quantity, specialty items like pianos or safes, stair access, loading time windows, and warehouse duration. Explore available options through full service movers for bundled support.
