Moving from New Orleans to Illinois: Top Movers & Costs in 2025

Moving from New Orleans to Illinois: What You Need to Know

If you're moving from New Orleans to Illinois, you're already dealing with a long haul—839 miles, to be exact. That's a multi-day move with real logistics to sort through. I've put together what you actually need to know: which movers have solid track records in New Orleans, what this move costs, and what life looks like on the other side.

Top 5 Movers for New Orleans to Illinois Moves

Of the movers based in New Orleans who handle interstate relocations, here are the ones with the strongest ratings and customer feedback:

1. Atmosphere Movers — 4.62 / 5 stars
2. Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. — 4.38 / 5 stars
3. AD Movers — 4.28 / 5 stars
4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.3 / 5 stars
5. All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.34 / 5 stars

Let me walk you through each one, because ratings alone won't tell you the full story.

Atmosphere Movers

Rating: 4.62 / 5 (116 reviews)

1615 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

91% positive feedback here is backed by solid praise for professionalism, careful handling, and efficiency. Customers consistently mention polite staff and swift moves—the kind of crew that actually respects your stuff. The downside: a small but real chunk of complaints about damaged items and weak claims resolution. That's worth knowing if you've got anything fragile.

License #: 6892 | DOT #: 1043891 | Years in Business: 25

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, piano moving, crating, storage

Contact: (504) 566-1919

Lee Moving & Storage, Inc.

Rating: 4.38 / 5 (166 reviews)

13100 Carrere Ct, New Orleans, LA 70129

93% of reviews are positive, and this one's backed by 70 years in business. The feedback centers on reliability—customers rave about courteous movers, meticulous care with belongings, and proactive problem-solving. Even with complex moves or fragile items, people report smooth experiences. Negatives do pop up (damage, delays on long distances), but they're the exception, not the rule.

License #: 5382-D | DOT #: 3372702 | Years in Business: 70

Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, shipment tracking

Contact: (504) 254-2950

AD Movers

Rating: 4.28 / 5 (81 reviews)

3411 Coliseum Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

93% positive reviews with an emphasis on efficiency and care. Customers highlight punctuality, organized crews, and careful handling at reasonable prices. Communication is solid, and staff tends to go beyond expectations. Complaints are rare and mostly center on broken items or non-refundable deposits, with some noting poor follow-up from management on issues.

Years in Business: 10

Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, piano moving, art, antiques, crating

Contact: (504) 237-0855

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (61 reviews, but with a catch)

1430 N Collins Blvd, Covington, LA 70433

Here's where you need to pay attention: only 20% of reviews are positive, while 77% report serious issues. That's a huge red flag. When things go right, customers praise efficiency and professionalism. But frequent complaints center on damage, unexpected price increases, and poor claim handling. This location's got a weak track record compared to the others on this list.

License #: 7718 | DOT #: 2527384 | Years in Business: 38

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, storage

Contact: (504) 345-1247

All My Sons Moving & Storage

Rating: 4.34 / 5 (263 reviews)

150 James Dr E Suite 100, Saint Rose, LA 70087

About 65% positive feedback from a large pool of reviews. Satisfied customers praise hard-working crews, careful handling, and efficiency. The flip side: 35% report damage, lost items, surprise charges, and final bills that don't match quotes. That gap between promised and delivered is worth factoring in if you're considering them.

License #: 8348 | DOT #: 902281 | Years in Business: 26

Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, piano moving, antiques, crating, storage

Contact: (504) 732-1601

Specialty Services Available in New Orleans

Here's a quick snapshot of what movers in the area can actually do:

• Interstate moves: 75% of movers
• Piano moving: 87.5% of movers
• Antiques handling: 37.5% of movers
• Art handling: 25% of movers
• Small moves: 50% of movers

What Does This Move Cost?

The price depends on three things: how much you're moving, which service you choose, and how flexible you are on timing.

Full-Service Moving Company Costs

These are estimates for an 839-mile move based on verified pricing data. Your final bill depends on move size, added services (like packing), access challenges, fuel rates, and when you book. Always get quotes from multiple movers to see what you'll actually pay.

Moving Container Costs (PODS-style)

Moving containers let you pack on your own schedule and have the container shipped. Slower but cheaper than full-service movers if you've got time.

DIY Truck Rental Costs

Rental trucks are the cheapest option upfront, but you're doing all the labor and driving an 839-mile haul yourself. The math changes fast if you value your time.

What Affects Moving Costs

Three main variables will shift your quote:

1. Move size: A studio costs half what a 4-bedroom costs. Obvious, but it matters.
2. Season: Summer moves cost 20–30% more than off-season moves. Demand drives prices.
3. Service level: DIY is cheap; full-service with packing costs more but saves your back.

The Real Picture: New Orleans vs. Illinois

Before you commit, know what you're trading. New Orleans and Illinois are genuinely different places—financially and otherwise.

Cost of Living Breakdown

What this means in practice:

• Rent drops roughly a third in Illinois—real monthly savings if you're renting.
• Mortgage payments run about 8% higher, but higher salaries offset that.
• Salaries in Illinois are 53% higher on average, which makes a tangible difference.
• The overall cost of living is 12% cheaper, though income taxes eat into your paycheck a bit more.
• Job opportunities are better; Illinois's unemployment rate is half that of New Orleans.

Climate and Weather

What this actually feels like:

• Summers in Illinois are milder—less brutal heat, lower AC bills.
• Winters are genuinely cold (17°F lows). You'll need heating bills, snow gear, and a shovel.
• Illinois gets less rain but actual snow, which is beautiful until you're clearing your driveway.
• Crime rates are significantly lower in Illinois. That's not trivial.
• Both regions lean Democratic politically, so expect similar urban values.

Before You Move: Important Logistics

Don't just book movers and call it done. A few things will matter:

State licensing: Illinois requires movers to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Make sure your mover has one—it's not optional.

Parking permits: Some municipalities require permits if you're parking a moving truck. Check your specific city before move day.

Elevator access: Many apartment buildings require advance elevator reservations. Book this early.

HOA rules: Some neighborhoods restrict move-in days or times. Confirm with your HOA if you're subject to one.

Mail forwarding: File your USPS change of address at least a week out. Don't let your mail pile up in Louisiana.

Moving insurance: Standard Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound) is free but limited. For full-value coverage, ask your mover about options or consider a third-party provider.

Truck parking permits: Check local ordinances before booking a truck—some cities require advance permits.

Use our moving checklist to make sure you're not missing anything.

What to Expect in Illinois

You're moving to a state with serious urban culture and outdoor options.

Museums & culture:

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

Parks & outdoors:

• Starved Rock State Park
• Matthiessen State Park
• Illinois Beach State Park

Sports (if you care):

• Chicago Cubs & White Sox (MLB)
• Chicago Bulls (NBA)
• Chicago Bears (NFL)
• Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Universities:

• University of Chicago
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Northwestern University

Common Questions About This Move

How long will the move take?

Typically 2–7 days for a New Orleans-to-Illinois interstate move, depending on whether you hire movers or drive a rental truck. Summer moves can run longer due to scheduling bottlenecks.

What if I need custom crating?

Six movers in the New Orleans area offer custom crating for art, antiques, and fragile pieces. Ask about padding, lead times, and cost when you request a quote.

Can I ship my car too?

Yes. You'll want to hire a professional auto transport company rather than tow it yourself. Separate service from your household move.

What payment methods do movers accept?

Most accept credit card or ACH transfer. Cash is rare (only 1 mover in the area accepts it). You'll typically pay a deposit to secure your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery.

Why are people moving to Illinois anyway?

Chicago, job market, lower cost of living, and better economic opportunity draw most people. If you're already in New Orleans, the financial upside is real.

Get Your Moving Quotes Now

You've got names, you know the costs, and you understand what you're trading. Now it's time to get real numbers. Use our moving cost calculator to pull quotes from multiple movers and see what actually applies to your move.

Don't overthink this part—the time you spend comparing quotes pays for itself in avoided surprises.

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Need to move a different route? Browse popular routes from Louisiana or compare prices using the moving calculator.