Planning a move from Georgia to Chicago? Real cost estimates ($1,157–$7,383), top movers reviewed, and an honest look at Chicago vs. Georgia life.
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If you're moving from Georgia to Chicago, you're already dealing with an 873-mile long-distance move that crosses climates, time zones, and a noticeable cost-of-living gap. The good news: this route is well-traveled, which means there are movers who know it cold and pricing data you can actually trust.
Here's what I've put together: the five best-reviewed Georgia-based movers for this specific run, real cost estimates broken down by home size and method, and a straight look at what life in Chicago actually looks like compared to Georgia.
Out of the Georgia movers that handle interstate work, these five consistently earn strong marks on the Georgia-to-Chicago route.
2340 Chamblee Tucker Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
4.4 / 5 | Google reviews | BBB: A+
93% positive | 7% negative | 14 years in business | DOT #: 2161279
Furniture Taxi earns genuinely good marks — 93% positive out of 215 reviews is a number most movers in this industry would envy. Customers consistently point to professional crews, fast execution, careful handling, and clear communication from estimate through delivery. Where they stumble: a meaningful minority reports item damage, unexpected cost additions, and slow complaint resolution. Those issues aren't unique to this company, but they're worth knowing before you hand over your furniture.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos; hot tubs; pool tables; art; antiques; grandfather clocks; crating; crane vans; full-valuation coverage; storage.
Payment: Credit card, cash, money order. Deposit required.
Phone: (404) 228-7404
1372 Peachtree St NE, Suite 121, Atlanta, GA 30309
4.3 / 5 | Yelp reviews | BBB: Not rated
98% positive | 2% negative | 3 years in business | DOT #: 3610638 (also: Flex Storage Inc)
Nearly every customer Flex has worked with came away happy — speed, professionalism, and careful item handling are the recurring themes. The catch: they're only three years old with 41 reviews total. That sample size means one or two rough experiences can swing the numbers fast, and there is one notable negative review citing rude staff and unexpected charges. Worth getting a quote for comparison purposes, but I'd want more data on their long-haul performance specifically before calling them a top pick on a nearly 900-mile run.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; offices; storage.
Payment: Credit card, cash.
Phone: (786) 738-9516
1700 Oakbrook Dr, Suite A, Norcross, GA 30093
4.76 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
86% positive | 14% negative | 9 years in business | State license #: 8948 | DOT #: 3306591 | ~$125/hr
Zip has the highest rating in this group and the most meaningful data — 437 reviews is a real sample. Customers describe fast, damage-free moves with transparent pricing and crews that communicate well from estimate through final delivery. The 14% negative rate is where I slow down. At 437 reviews, that's roughly 60 customers with serious complaints, most of them centered on damaged items, surprise fees, and slow claims handling. Zip is a strong option, but document your belongings before the truck arrives and read every line of the contract.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing.
Payment: Credit card, cash, money order. Deposit required.
Phone: (770) 799-2596
1470 Field Park Circle NW, Marietta, GA 30066
4.66 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
94% positive | 6% negative | 17 years in business | State license #: 500873 | DOT #: 1942465
Wirks has earned their numbers: 17 years in the business, 293 reviews, and 94% positive is hard to argue with. What stands out to me is what customers specifically praise — accurate estimates, no surprise fees, and efficient crews. That trifecta matters a lot on a long haul like moving from Georgia to Chicago. Negative reviews are rare and mostly focus on item damage and claims handling, which is consistent with most movers in this price tier.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos; pool tables; art; antiques; grandfather clocks; crating; storage; safes.
Payment: Credit card, money order. (No cash.)
Phone: (470) 264-8248
6950 Business Court, Atlanta, GA 30340
4.64 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
77% positive | 21% negative | 39 years in business | State license #: 206366 | DOT #: 1170867 (also: Armstrong Relocation, Armstrong Companies)
Nearly four decades in the business, an A+ BBB rating, and strong marks for communication and organized crews — on paper, Armstrong looks solid. But 21% negative reviews is the highest rate on this list and those complaints aren't minor: damaged and missing items, delayed deliveries, and slow claims resolution. About 2% of reviews land in neutral territory, reflecting a mixed experience rather than an outright bad one. If you're moving specialty items or anything irreplaceable, weigh that risk carefully before booking.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; storage; fragile-only packing.
Payment: Credit card only.
Phone: (770) 368-0368
Here are the actual cost ranges you're working with on an 873-mile move, broken down by home size and method. These figures are based on pricing data updated through early 2026 — use the moving cost calculator to plug in your specific situation.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,157 – $4,003 | $734 – $1,783 | $582 – $1,046 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,381 – $5,656 | $1,373 – $2,790 | $599 – $1,193 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,740 – $7,383 | $1,809 – $3,512 | $720 – $1,525 |
Final pricing varies by shipment weight, access and parking conditions, timing, and added services. Fuel is factored into the truck rental estimates.
Full-service movers handle the loading, transport, and unloading — and the price reflects that. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,157 to $4,003. A two- or three-bedroom home typically runs $2,381 to $5,656. Moving a four-plus bedroom home will likely land you between $3,740 and $7,383.
That's a wide range. The single most effective way to narrow it down is getting at least three quotes — the spread between bids on this route can be significant.
Moving containers let you pack on your own schedule, which is a genuine advantage when your move-out and move-in dates don't line up cleanly. For a small move, expect $734 to $1,783. A two- to three-bedroom move runs $1,373 to $2,790. Four bedrooms or more will cost $1,809 to $3,512.
Renting a truck costs the least, but you're doing the heavy lifting and driving 873 miles yourself. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $582 to $1,046. Two to three bedrooms runs $599 to $1,193. A large home will cost $720 to $1,525, fuel included. If you're physically up for it and comfortable behind the wheel of a large vehicle, it's a legitimate way to keep costs down.
Here's a quick reference on where the top five stand on key services and discounts:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta's Furniture Taxi Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Flex Moving & Storage | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wirks Moving & Storage, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| The Armstrong Company | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
Georgia movers overall offer full service at a 98% rate — slightly above the national average of 96%. Antiques handling matches the national average (45–46%). Military and senior discounts are available from select providers but not standard across the board.
Before you pack the first box, it's worth being clear-eyed about what you're trading. Here's how Georgia and Chicago compare on the things that actually affect day-to-day life.
| Georgia | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,221/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Average home cost | $326,617 | $295,743 |
| Per capita income | $71,355 | $71,566 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
Here's what those numbers actually mean in practice:
| Chicago | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 11,029,227 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74–24 | Democrat 51–49 |
| Summer high | 84°F | 90°F |
| Winter low | 19°F | 33°F |
| Annual rain | 38" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 35" | 1" |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 20.58 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, AirNow
The city earns its reputation. Here's what you'll have access to once you're settled.
Museums
Parks
Sports Teams
Universities
Loading typically takes a day or less regardless of method. If you're renting a truck and driving yourself, budget one to two days for the 873-mile haul depending on your starting point in Georgia and how many stops you make. For professional movers or moving containers, transit usually runs anywhere from a few days to about two weeks. Always ask for a specific delivery window estimate before you sign — don't assume.
Two to three months out is the right target, especially for spring and fall moves. The earlier you lock in a date, the better your shot at your preferred schedule and pre-peak pricing. Waiting until six weeks out — particularly in summer — can mean limited availability and higher rates from whoever's still open.
Spring and fall are peak season on this route. If you want to save money on your move, consider scheduling in late summer or winter instead. The tradeoff is real — Chicago winters are no joke — but off-peak pricing can be meaningfully lower and movers are far more available. If you're facing a Chicago winter regardless, arriving in January costs less than arriving in May.
Compare at least three quotes before committing to anyone on this route. The range between bids is wide enough that shopping around makes a real difference. Use our moving cost calculator to get a baseline, then go from there.
