Best Moving Companies from Jacksonville to Illinois
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.
Top 5 Movers from Jacksonville to Illinois
Out of 28 Jacksonville-based movers offering state-to-state service, these five have the best track records for long-distance moves to Illinois:
- Stewart Moving & Storage — 4.56 / 5 stars
- Baymeadows Movers — 4.58 / 5 stars
- Royal Moving and Storage — 4.5 / 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage — 4.48 / 5 stars
Stewart Moving & Storage
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
Baymeadows Movers
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
Royal Moving and Storage
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
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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
Flex Moving & Storage
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
Jacksonville Moving Services Overview
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% |
Cost to Move from Jacksonville, FL to Illinois
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.
Cost to Hire Full-Service Movers
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.
Cost of Moving Containers
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.
Cost of Rental Trucks
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.
What Drives the Cost Up (or Down)
- Move size: More stuff = more money. It's straightforward.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season—expect to pay premium rates. Off-season moves (fall, winter, early spring) are cheaper.
- DIY vs. professional: Self-moving saves money but costs time and physical effort. Movers handle it but charge accordingly.
Before You Leave Jacksonville: Cost of Living Breakdown
Jacksonville is pricier than Illinois. That's actually good news for your budget—but let's dig into the numbers.
Jacksonville, FL vs. Illinois
| 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:
- Rent is 22% cheaper in Illinois. Your monthly housing budget just got some breathing room.
- Homes cost roughly 13% less in Illinois. A significant savings on the property side.
- Illinois incomes average 22% higher. More earning potential, though job market competition is tougher.
- Overall cost of living is 6% lower in Illinois. Your dollar stretches further.
- Illinois has state income tax (4.95%), Florida doesn't. This is a real hit to take-home pay—don't ignore it in your planning.
- Illinois unemployment is slightly higher (5.3% vs. 4.9%). Job market is a bit tighter.
How Life Differs: Jacksonville vs. Illinois
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:
- Summers are similarly warm, but not identical. Illinois hits about 86°F; Jacksonville averages 91°F. Humidity and energy costs differ too.
- Winters are substantially colder in Illinois. From 44°F lows to 17°F. You're buying a furnace and snow gear. On the upside: scenic winter days and outdoor activities if you're into that.
- Less rain in Illinois (40" vs. 50"). You'll see brighter skies and fewer interruptions.
- Snow is new. Illinois gets 22 inches annually; Jacksonville gets zero. Shoveling, plowing, and maintenance become real tasks.
- Illinois is significantly safer. Crime index of 19.7 vs. Jacksonville's 56.38. That's a meaningful difference in neighborhood security.
- Both lean Democratic politically, so no shock there.
Logistics & Legal Requirements Before You Move
Don't skip these. A missed permit or unregistered mover can turn moving day into a headache.
Illinois-Specific Rules
- State licensing matters. The Illinois Commerce Commission regulates in-state and intrastate household goods moves. Your mover must have a current Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify this before hiring.
- Check the state regulator's website to confirm your mover's license is valid.
- No moving permit required in Illinois, but check your local city for parking restrictions on moving trucks.
General Moving Logistics
- HOA rules: Confirm your HOA has no restrictions on moving trucks or timing.
- Elevator reservations: If applicable, book your building's elevator in advance.
- Truck parking permits: Some municipalities require these. Call ahead.
- Change of address: File with USPS at least a week before moving. Set your official move date so mail forwards correctly.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound) is standard and free—but basic. For full-value coverage, ask your mover or use a third-party insurer.
- Use a moving checklist to stay organized and catch details you might miss.
What to Do in Illinois
You're moving to one of the nation's most culturally rich states. Here's a starting point.
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks & Outdoor
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities & College Towns
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a Jacksonville-to-Illinois move take?
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.
How many Jacksonville movers offer custom crating for art and antiques?
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.
What's the best way to ship a car from Jacksonville to Illinois?
Check out car shipping companies that specialize in this route. Look for insurers with strong experience and transparent pricing.
Why are people moving from Jacksonville to Illinois?
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.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Jacksonville?
Start by comparing quotes from long-distance movers. Get at least three estimates, and verify licensing before committing.
Do Jacksonville movers accept cash?
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.
Ready to Move?
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.