Compare top Jacksonville movers for moves to Illinois. Get costs, reviews, and tips for your long-distance relocation.
Tell us about your move and we'll connect you with vetted, top-rated moving companies.
You're looking at roughly 1,000 miles and a major lifestyle shift—hotter, wetter weather for colder winters and a higher cost of living that might actually work in your favor. I've reviewed the Jacksonville movers who can handle this route, and here's what separates the reliable ones from the rest.
Out of 28 Jacksonville-based movers offering state-to-state service, these five have the best track records for long-distance moves to Illinois:
6580 W 5th St, Jacksonville, FL 32254
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,417 Google reviews, 15 Yelp reviews) | BBB Grade A+
97% of customer reviews are positive. This is the standout here—nearly every customer reports a smooth, fast move with professional crews who actually listen to instructions. Complaints are rare but real: a handful report significant damage, missing items, or trouble with claims. The positive consensus is strong enough that Stewart ranks among the most reliable options for the Jacksonville-to-Illinois route.
What they offer: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, crating, storage, credit card payment, DOD certified.
Company details: 31 years in business | State license #1355 | DOT #1194537
Get a quote: (904) 783-0715
6419 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32216
Rating: 4.58 / 5 (337 Google reviews, 27 Yelp reviews) | BBB Grade A+
Over 80% of 239 reviews praise efficient, courteous service and careful packing. Customers highlight fast moves, attention to detail, and friendly movers who protect belongings. The downside is real: about 16% report damaged items, late arrivals, or unexpected charges that crept above the initial quote. If you want meticulous packing and professional communication, Baymeadows tends to deliver.
What they offer: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, storage, credit card payment.
Company details: 28 years in business | State license #469 | DOT #1040023
Get a quote: (904) 737-3530
6825 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, FL 32211
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,037 Google reviews, 39 Yelp reviews) | BBB Grade A+
84% of 263 reviews highlight fast, professional crews and strong communication. Customers consistently praise responsiveness and safe handling. But 15% flag damage, surprise charges, and higher final bills than quoted. Their speed and courtesy are notable, though final billing needs scrutiny before signing.
What they offer: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, storage, credit card payment.
Company details: 39 years in business | State license #426 | DOT #1472849
Get a quote: (904) 724-6683
9450 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (750 Google reviews, 64 Yelp reviews) | BBB Grade A-
Nearly 85% of 288 reviews report positive experiences—efficient service, careful handling, professional staff, and quick moves. Many customers praise finishing ahead of schedule and under budget. About 15% cite damage as their top complaint, with concerns about insurance reimbursement. Their strength is speed and friendliness; weak point is damage claims.
What they offer: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card payment.
Company details: 27 years in business | DOT #2527384
Get a quote: (904) 263-5523
4720 Salisbury Rd Suite 122, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Rating: 4.4 / 5 (298 Google reviews, 52 Yelp reviews) | BBB Grade B
89% positive feedback highlights polite, efficient staff and affordable rates. Customers appreciate quick moves and careful handling. However, a smaller but vocal group reports damaged items, hidden charges, and poor claims handling. They're solid on cost and friendliness but lag on damage protection.
What they offer: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage, cash and credit card payment.
Company details: 2 years in business | DOT #3610638
Get a quote: (786) 738-9516
Quick look at specialty services available among Jacksonville movers:
| Service | Movers Offering | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 22 | 78.57% |
| Small moves | 16 | 57.14% |
| Pianos | 19 | 67.86% |
| Art | 8 | 28.57% |
| Antiques | 6 | 21.43% |
| Fragile-only packing | 5 | 17.86% |
Here's what you're actually looking at in dollars. These are averages based on a 1,032-mile move using verified quotes from movers, containers, and rental trucks.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $982 – $4,114 | $778 – $1,977 | $617 – $1,256 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,203 – $5,118 | $1,512 – $2,897 | $694 – $1,407 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,628 – $6,397 | $1,904 – $3,626 | $897 – $1,835 |
Note: These are estimates based on move size, optional services, fuel, and timing. Always compare quotes from multiple movers before committing.
A studio or one-bedroom from Jacksonville to Illinois typically runs $982 to $4,114. A two- to three-bedroom move will cost $2,203 to $5,118. For a large four-bedroom-plus home, expect $3,628 to $6,397.
Moving containers are a solid middle ground—you pack at your own pace, they transport. Small loads cost $778 to $1,977. Two to three bedrooms run $1,512 to $2,897. Large moves are $1,904 to $3,626.
Truck rentals are the cheapest option if you're willing to do the heavy lifting yourself. Studio/one-bedroom: $617 to $1,256. Two to three bedrooms: $694 to $1,407. Four-bedroom-plus: $897 to $1,835. These figures include estimated fuel costs.
Jacksonville is pricier than Illinois. That's actually good news for your budget—but let's dig into the numbers.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,520 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $287,628 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,138 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 96 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
What this means for you:
Climate, population, politics, safety—here's what changes when you move north.
| Factor | Jacksonville | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,319 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Democratic (51-47) | Democratic (55-45) |
| Summer high | 91°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 44°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 50" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 22" |
| Crime index | 56.38 | 19.7 |
The practical takeaways:
Don't skip these. A missed permit or unregistered mover can turn moving day into a headache.
You're moving to one of the nation's most culturally rich states. Here's a starting point.
Typically two to eight days, depending on the service type and season. Summer moves take longer due to demand. Confirm delivery timelines with your mover in writing—surprises aren't welcome on moving day.
19 movers in Jacksonville provide custom crating for delicate items like artwork and antiques. If you need specialty crating, confirm your mover can handle your specific items before booking.
Check out car shipping companies that specialize in this route. Look for insurers with strong experience and transparent pricing.
Job opportunities in Chicago, lower cost of living, and access to urban amenities drive most relocations. It's a trade-off: you gain financial breathing room and city access but lose the warm weather.
Start by comparing quotes from long-distance movers. Get at least three estimates, and verify licensing before committing.
Two movers in Jacksonville take cash, but it's rare in the industry. Expect to pay a deposit upfront (usually via card or check) and the balance at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods when booking.
Get accurate quotes from Jacksonville movers by using our calculator. Compare at least three estimates side-by-side, verify each mover's license, and don't skip the fine print on insurance and damage policies. The movers ranked above have solid track records, but your specific move's cost and timeline depend on what you're moving and when.
