Moving from Chicago to Florida? Here's What You Need to Know
If you're moving from Chicago to Florida, you're looking at roughly 1,200 miles south—a solid long-distance haul that'll take two to eight days depending on your mover and season. Let me walk you through the movers worth considering, what this move actually costs, and the lifestyle shift you're about to make.
Top Chicago Movers for Florida Relocations
Out of 68 Chicago-based moving companies licensed for interstate work, I've pulled the five with the strongest track records for the Chicago-to-Florida route:
- H2H Movers Inc — 4.72 / 5
- Alliance Moving & Storage — 4.72 / 5
- New City Moving — 4.66 / 5
- The Professionals Moving Specialists — 4.64 / 5
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.72 / 5
H2H Movers Inc
Rating: 4.72 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (412) | Google (1,556) | BBB Grade A+
The short version: 88% positive reviews, efficient crews, professional staff. The most common complaints are surprise fees and occasional damage, but they're infrequent enough that customers still rate the experience well.
H2H analyzed 640+ customer reviews and came out consistently strong on timeliness, care, and accurate pricing. Crews show up on time, finish ahead of schedule, and handle your stuff carefully. The downside: a small percentage report unexpected charges or damage claims that weren't resolved smoothly. But this is par for the course in the moving industry—what matters is that H2H delivers more often than they disappoint.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques), crating, storage, and full-valuation coverage.
Contact: (773) 236-8797
Alliance Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.72 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (25) | Google (33) | BBB Grade A+
The short version: 96% positive reviews. Fast, affordable, transparent pricing, and responsive staff. A few complaints about unexpected charges and damage, but rare.
Out of 247 reviewed moves, Alliance cleared 95.5% positive feedback. Their customers consistently praise speed, professionalism, respect for belongings, and clear communication. Pricing is transparent and scheduling is quick compared to competitors. The trade-off: some report surprise add-ons or last-minute price increases, so it pays to confirm all charges upfront before signing.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques), crating, storage, full-valuation coverage.
Contact: (847) 378-4949
New City Moving
Rating: 4.66 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (1,194) | Google (2,393) | BBB Grade A+
The short version: 92% positive. Efficient, professional, careful. A handful report damage or billing disputes, but most praise quick turnarounds and reliable communication.
New City's 1,451+ reviews paint a picture of a company that prioritizes speed and professionalism. Customers love crews that finish faster than expected and handle belongings carefully. The complaints (6%) center on damage, unexpected charges, or slow claims resolution. That said, 92% of people walk away satisfied—a solid margin above industry average.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.
Contact: (773) 489-0600
The Professionals Moving Specialists
Rating: 4.64 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (1,064) | Google (3,993) | BBB Grade A+
The short version: 93% positive. Reliable, careful crews. Rare damage. Straightforward booking and fair pricing. Some complaints about scratches and higher-than-expected final charges, but uncommon.
With 1,349 reviews analyzed, The Professionals rack up praise for efficiency, care, quick work, and professional teams. People appreciate on-time arrival, speedy completion, and the rarity of damage. Booking is straightforward, pricing is fair, and crews respect your property. Negative feedback is sparse—mostly about minor scratches or add-on fees—but it's there.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, specialty items (pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks), crating, storage, full-valuation coverage.
Contact: (888) 225-7351
STI Moving & Storage Inc.
Rating: 4.72 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (425) | Google (1,080) | BBB Grade A+
The short version: 68% positive. Fast, professional crews. Higher negative feedback (29%) than the others—mostly about damage, delivery delays on long-distance moves, and surprise charges.
STI earns marks for crew attitude and efficiency, but 29% of reviews flag problems: damage, delivery delays (especially on interstate moves), and billing surprises. If you choose STI, read their claims and delivery policies closely, especially since you're moving 1,200+ miles.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, specialty items (pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks), crating, crane vans, storage, full-valuation coverage.
Contact: (847) 675-1223 | Hourly rate: $150/hr
Specialty Services Available in Chicago
Of the 68 licensed movers in the Chicago area, here's what's available:
- Interstate moves: 49 companies (73.5%)
- Antiques and art: 40 companies (58.8%)
- Pianos: 54 companies (79.4%)
- Fragile-only packing: 20 companies (29.4%)
- Custom crating: 46 companies
If you're moving specialty items, you've got options. Ask any mover about crating, padding, and lead times before booking.
What Does a Chicago-to-Florida Move Actually Cost?
Here's the real picture based on a 1,213-mile move:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,050 – $4,535 | $891 – $1,992 | $718 – $1,438 |
| 2–3 beds | $2,444 – $5,497 | $1,519 – $2,987 | $792 – $1,725 |
| 4+ beds | $4,361 – $7,749 | $2,181 – $4,119 | $985 – $1,924 |
What these ranges assume: Standard packing, no specialty items, typical fuel costs, and normal scheduling. Your actual price depends on move date (summer = higher), add-ons (packing, storage), access challenges (elevator, parking), and the mover's overhead.
Use the moving cost calculator to get personalized quotes from multiple movers.
Full-Service Movers: The Most Popular Option
A full-service move—where the company packs, loads, transports, and unloads—ranges from $1,050 for a studio to $7,749 for a four-bedroom home. You're paying for labor and expertise, so prices vary widely based on mover, season, and complexity.
Moving Containers: Flexibility at a Middle Price
Container services like PODS let you load at your own pace, store items if needed, and have the company deliver to Florida. Cost ranges from $891 (studio) to $4,119 (4+ beds). This option works best if you want flexibility without hiring a crew.
Rental Trucks: Cheapest, But It's On You
A U-Haul or similar rental truck is the budget option—$718 to $1,924 depending on size—but you're doing the driving and unloading. The low cost masks the real effort: 16 hours of driving over 2 days, plus physical labor. For most people moving 1,200 miles, a professional mover beats the hassle.
Cost of Living: Chicago vs. Florida
If you're worried about a financial shock in Florida, take a breath. The overall cost of living is nearly identical.
| Category | Chicago, IL | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. rent | $2,045/month | $1,444/month |
| Avg. home cost | $295,743 | $392,176 |
| Per capita income | $71,566 | $67,917 |
| Cost of living index | 106 | 102 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 2.9% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0% |
What this means for you:
- Rent is 29% cheaper in Florida. If you're renting, you'll pocket serious savings.
- Home prices are 33% higher in Florida. If you're buying, expect to pay more upfront.
- No state income tax in Florida means you keep more of your paycheck—a real advantage over Illinois's 4.95% state tax.
- Job market is stronger in Florida. The unemployment rate is 68% lower, so if you're job hunting, Florida's conditions are better.
- Overall cost of living is nearly the same. You won't need to completely rebudget.
Life in Florida vs. Chicago: What Changes?
Weather
Chicago summers hit 84°F with brutal winters at 19°F and 35 inches of snow annually. Florida averages 91°F summers and 49°F winters with zero snow. If you hate shoveling and ice, Florida is a straight upgrade. If you love seasonal change, you'll miss it.
Rain
Florida gets 55 inches of rain per year versus Chicago's 38 inches. Expect a greener landscape and more rainy days—pack an umbrella.
Population & Politics
Chicago's population is 2.7 million in a heavily Democratic city (74-24). Florida is 22.6 million and leans Republican (51-48). The political culture will feel different if this matters to you.
Safety
Florida's crime index is 21.39; Chicago's is 35.19. Florida is materially safer, though crime varies by neighborhood in both states.
Pros and Cons of Florida vs. Chicago
Why move to Florida:
- Fantastic year-round weather
- No snow or brutal cold
- Abundant water activities (beaches, lakes, kayaking)
- No state income tax
- Lower unemployment rate
- Safer (lower crime index)
Why you might regret leaving Chicago:
- Chicago has world-class arts, museums, and entertainment
- Sports culture is intense (Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks)
- Food scene is incredible
- More seasonal variety
- Florida's heat and humidity can be exhausting
- Natural disaster risk (hurricanes, flooding)
- More rain and less predictable weather
What You Need to Handle Before Moving to Florida
State Licensing & Regulations
Any moving company you hire must be licensed with Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Check their official state regulator's website before booking.
Elevator Reservations & Permits
If your building requires elevator reservation, book early—many don't accommodate last-minute requests. Some cities require truck parking permits; call your city's public works department to confirm.
HOA Rules
Some neighborhoods have move-in day restrictions. Verify with your HOA before booking movers.
USPS Change of Address
Fill out your USPS change of address form at least one week before moving. Set your official move date so mail forwarding starts smoothly.
Moving Insurance
Released Value Protection is standard and included at no cost—but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. For full-value coverage, ask your mover about additional options or third-party insurance.
Moving Checklist
Use our moving checklist to make sure you've covered everything before departure.
Things to Do in Florida
Once you land, Florida has plenty to explore:
Museums: Wynwood Halls, The Ringling, Edison and Ford Winter Estates, The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, The Dali Museum
Parks: Dry Tortugas National Park, Everglades National Park, De Soto National Memorial, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Ocala National Forest
Sports: Miami Heat and Orlando Magic (NBA), Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
Universities: University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, Florida International University
Common Questions About Moving from Chicago to Florida
How long does the move take?
Two to eight days, depending on the mover and season. Summer moves are slower due to demand. Ask about delivery timeframe before booking.
Can I find movers who do custom crating?
Yes—46 Chicago movers offer crating. Ask about padding, materials, and lead times when requesting a quote.
Can I pay with cash?
29 Chicago movers accept cash, but it's not common. Most prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check for documentation. You'll typically pay a deposit upfront and the balance at pickup or after delivery.
What about shipping a car?
If you need to ship your car from Illinois to Florida, hire professionals. Use the car shipping calculator to compare carriers.
Next Steps
You've got solid movers to choose from in Chicago. Get quotes from at least three companies—use the moving cost calculator to see personalized estimates. Compare pricing, services, and reviews, then book the one that fits your timeline and budget.
Moving 1,200 miles is a big step. Spend 30 minutes now getting quotes, and you'll save thousands and avoid a lot of stress.