Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Feb, 04 2026
Are you planning to leave Pennsylvania for Illinois but aren’t sure what to do or how to go about it? You’re not alone because several other migrants also get confused at the early stages of their relocations.
Luckily, Illinois is an excellent state with plenty of outdoor activities, especially for sports enthusiasts. You can also enjoy concerts and other great city life activities when you move to Illinois. Continue reading to learn how much money to save aside and the best moving method that suits your needs.
Average Cost of Moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois
Professional moving companies in Pennsylvania often charge anything from $1,160 to $3,780. But the exact amount it’ll cost you to move depends on the exact location of your new house, and the day you want to transport your things and move your family.
Best Way to Move from Pennsylvania to Illinois
No matter how cost-effective a DIY relocation strategy seems, only individuals with very few valuables to move may benefit from it. In other words, do-it-yourself moves are inefficient for those relocating from large apartments or with their families.
The best option is to hire a moving company to transport your entire family and belongings from your current Pennsylvanian resident to the new apartment. Unlike DIY moves, professional relocation services providers have the technical know-how and the right tools to execute long-distance migrations seamlessly.
One of the most reliable interstates moving companies in the US is Three Movers. We have the best movers and drivers in the interstate moving business. Our drivers and movers undergo regular training to improve their knowledge and skills so that clients can have the best moving experience.
In addition, our moving services are cheap, timely, and efficient. We also have insurance coverage to cover losses or damages that may occur during packing or transporting your valuables.
Cheapest Way to Move from Pennsylvania to Illinois
Most people relocating from one state to another often get discouraged by the expensive nature of interstate moving services. But there are several ways to reduce your expenses. Some of the cheapest ways to migrate from Pennsylvania to Illinois include the following:
Hire a Cheap Moving Company
Although most moving companies charge thousands of dollars for their services, you can get movers around you who only charge a few hundred dollars. However, you must read previous clients’ reviews about the company before engaging them.
Consider Shipping Your Valuables
Shipping is an excellent moving alternative for people who intend to move all their heavy household belongings from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Apart from being a convenient relocation strategy, it is also cheaper than hiring professional moving companies.
However, it might take a few more days or weeks to get your belongings delivered to your new home than when you hire professional moving companies.
Other Services for Moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois
When clients approach us to help them with their relocation, most of them are unclear about the basic services they need. So, we help them choose the best moving service that matches their requirements. Some of our professional relocation services include:
- Residential moving
- Furniture moving
- International moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military moving
- Commercial moving
- Movers and packers
- Moving and storage
- Movers with a truck
Moving and Storage
You can make only one of two choices whenever you're ready to move. Either you move everything and run the risk of damaging your valuables or move just the essentials and store the rest in an off-site storage facility. While the first option means you’ll need to make only one trip from Pennsylvania to Illinois, you’ll likely damage your fragile valuables.
Using a professional storage facility, on the other hand, ensures the protection of your belongings. Storage solutions from Three Movers are unmatched in Pennsylvania. Our premises are guarded round-the-clock by video surveillance systems and a team of on-site security officers. So, there’s no need to worry about theft when you store your things with us.
Who Regulates Long-distance Moving Companies from Pennsylvania to Illinois?
All interstate moving companies in Pennsylvania must meet all requirements and follow all the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations help make interstate moves safe, especially since they involve driving on the highways for several hours.
Since interstate movers must traverse state lines, the FMCSA also issues their cross-country moving licenses. Therefore, we advise clients to desist from hiring any interstate moving firm that doesn’t have a valid interstate moving permit.
Get a Free Moving Quote
Before creating your interstate moving budget, we suggest obtaining an accurate moving estimate from reliable moving companies like Three Movers. Our relocation estimates are correct, understandable, and free of unforeseen fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Pennsylvania to Illinois movers charge between $1,200–$3,500 for a typical 1–3 bedroom interstate move. Pricing is driven by distance (700–900 miles), shipment weight, 2–4 movers, packing needs, stairs or elevators, and long-carry distances. Specialty items like pianos or safes increase cost. Interstate pricing is regulated by the FMCSA and quoted by weight, not hourly. For national pricing context, see our interstate moving service.
Transit time is typically 2–5 days, depending on pickup city, delivery location, and whether the shipment is direct or consolidated. Urban routes like Philadelphia to Chicago often move faster than rural pickups. Weather, Midwest traffic corridors, and DOT driving limits also affect delivery windows. Most long distance carriers provide a spread delivery date rather than a guaranteed arrival unless premium service is selected through a long distance moving service.
This move is classified as interstate, since it crosses state lines, and is federally regulated by the FMCSA. Interstate moves use binding or non-binding weight based estimates rather than hourly rates. Movers must provide a written estimate, inventory, and valuation options. Intrastate rules do not apply. Understanding this distinction helps avoid pricing surprises and is explained further in our state-to-state moving guide.
Yes. Many Pennsylvania to Illinois movers offer storage-in-transit (SIT) for 30–90 days, with options for longer-term storage if needed. Costs are based on weight, duration, and whether climate control is required. Storage is common for delayed closings or apartment availability in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Storage services must remain compliant with interstate regulations and are detailed on our moving and storage service.
No licensed household goods movers are allowed to transport pets. Owners must arrange pet travel separately by car or airline. For long drives, plan secure carriers, scheduled breaks, and health documentation. Airlines and veterinarians can advise on safety requirements. Movers can coordinate timelines so pickup and delivery align smoothly, but pets cannot ride in moving trucks under FMCSA rules. This is a standard limitation for all interstate moves.
The biggest cost drivers are shipment weight, home size (studio–5BR), packing services, stairs or elevator access, parking permits, and delivery distance within Illinois. Seasonal demand peaks from May through September, increasing rates. Urban access restrictions in Chicago, parking logistics, and building management rules also impact labor time and final pricing for this route.
