Whether you're relocating for work, family, or just a new adventure, American Van Lines is here to make your move from Illinois to California smooth and stress-free. With decades of experience and a team that's known for reliability and professionalism, American Van Lines is ready to handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on what's next.
John P
"Richard P was very helpful in getting me not only a great deal, but helped me with further explan..." Read More
Cody Bess
"No problems with the move. These folks were careful with your stuff and did not waste your time. ..." Read More
Kafka Tamura
"Fabians crew was on point! Showed up on time and had everything packed in very quickly. This is ..." Read More
Andrew Petrakis
"My stepfather used American Van Lines and Jeffrey was the driver who loaded everything in Arizona..." Read More
Domenica Vale
"American Van Lines** moved me from TAO HI-RISE in Sunrise to house in Coral Springs. I was worrie..." Read More
Moving costs can vary based on how much you're moving, the exact distance between your current home and your new one, and any extra services you might need (like packing or storage). On average, a move from Illinois to California might range from $3,586–$12,678.
Here's a quick look at estimated costs based on home size:
| Home Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,586 - $6,375 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,893 - $7,287 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,457 - $9,101 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,675 - $12,572 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $9,048 - $12,678 |
California is gaining popularity for good reason.
With average summer highs of 86°F in Illinois and 87°F in California, you're headed for warmer weather. Many people enjoy the longer summers and abundant sunshine, especially if you're a fan of outdoor living, pools, or escaping colder climates.
California is home to industries in real estate and rental and leasing ($504 billion), professional and business services ($397.3 billion), and manufacturing ($320.7 billion), which means lots of job opportunities if you work in one of those fields.
The average income in California is $91,905, so you might earn a higher salary than in Illinois, which has an average income of $78,433.
The average college graduation rate is 36.19%.
Illinois a population of 39,029,342, with 49.9% of the state's population being male, and the other 50.1% female. California has a crime index of 28.43. The index represents the number of crimes per 1,000 residents in California.
There's lots to do in California, including outdoor recreation opportunities at La Jolla Cove, Heisler Park, and Sonoma Plaza. For the arts and culture enthusiasts, California has plenty of spots like The Getty Center, USS Midway Museum, and Hess Persson Estates.
Sports enthusiasts can cheer on Anaheim Ducks (NHL), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), and San Jose Sharks (NHL), and families and single people alike can get to know the state by visiting Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, and Disneyland Park.
Moving across state lines isn’t just about distance. It’s all about details. From route planning to timing, our team is trained to handle the logistics that long-distance moves demand. We bring precision, preparation, and peace of mind to every out-of-state move, no matter how far you're going.
Moving should come with momentum, not mystery charges. That’s why we build your quote with real numbers, not rough guesses. Our flat-rate pricing means no upcharges, no surprises, and no second-guessing. Just one clear number, so you can budget smart and move confidently.
You’ll never have to chase down answers. From the day you book to the moment your last box is delivered, your dedicated move coordinator will keep you informed, updated, and prepared. Questions, timing, last-minute changes? One call, one person, every time.
Need us to pack every dish or just the fragile stuff? Want short-term storage or help with a piano? We offer flexible options you can mix and match, so your move feels tailored, not templated. You decide how hands-on (or hands-off) you want to be.
Some movers vanish the second the truck pulls away — not us. We stay in touch, follow up, and make sure your move ends as strong as it started. Whether you’re on call with a question or need a quick post-move check-in, our team is here and ready to help.
American Van Lines moves people all over the country, but our approach is always personal. You’ll get the strength of a national network — with crews, trucks, and coverage from coast to coast — and the warmth of a team that treats your move like it’s their own.
Here's what our moving process looks like from start to finish:
In the days before your move, we'll send helpful reminders and checklists. You'll know exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and what our team will take care of on arrival.
On moving day, our professional crew will handle all the heavy lifting and secure loading. Then, your items hit the road to California, with tracking and status updates along the way.
Once we arrive, we'll unload your belongings with care and place everything where it belongs. After the move, your coordinator will check in to make sure you're happy and fully settled in.
Start by reaching out for a free, no-obligation quote. We'll ask a few quick questions about your inventory, schedule, and destination to provide a detailed, flat-rate estimate.
Once you book, you'll be paired with a move coordinator who will guide you through every phase of your move — from paperwork and logistics to any last-minute questions or changes.
Need packing help? Temporary storage? Specialty item handling? We'll tailor your move to match your needs and budget, ensuring you only pay for what you actually need.
Definitely! We provide both full and partial packing services, based on your preferences.
If you opt for a packing service, materials like boxes, tape, and padding can be included. If not, you’re welcome to buy them through AVL or use your own. We’ll go over all the options when we plan your move.
Yes, it’s best to be there for both pickup and delivery to keep an eye on things and ask any questions that come up.
Absolutely! American Van Lines is experienced with large and delicate items, including pool tables, fitness gear, and pianos and antiques. Just let us know about any specialty items when you request your quote so we can prepare properly.
We provide both short- and long-term storage options. Just mention it when you book so we can make the right arrangements.
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