If you're moving from Tallahassee to Illinois, you're dealing with a roughly 930-mile interstate haul — long enough that the mover you pick matters a lot more than people realize. Below I've laid out the top Tallahassee companies for this route, what the move will realistically cost, and what to know before you land.
Local Moving Companies in Tallahassee
Six Tallahassee movers handle state-to-state moves. Here are the five I'd put in front of you for a Tallahassee-to-Illinois trip:
- Browning Moving & Storage — 4.56 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.44 / 5
- Community Moving & Storage — 4.30 / 5
- Pinky's Moving Service — 4.26 / 5
- Mike's Moving — 4.16 / 5
If none of these feel like the right fit after reading through the profiles below, Safe Ship Moving is a national interstate carrier I've seen perform consistently well on long routes like this one.
Browning Moving & Storage
3965 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, FL 32304 91% positive | Yelp (9 reviews) | Google (123 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
State license #41 | 37 years in business | DOT #077949 | Also operates as Fister Moving & Storage, Inc.
Browning leads this list for good reason. Thirty-seven years in the business, a solid DOT number, and 91% positive reviews out of 138. Customers point to careful handling, professional crews, and communication that doesn't go dark once the truck leaves. The minority of negative reviews cite damaged or lost items and delivery delays — not trivial on a 930-mile move. My advice: photograph and inventory everything before they load up.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves | Packing & unpacking | Offices | Crating | Storage | Fragile-only packing | Credit card accepted
Phone: (850) 576-1231
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
130 4 Points Way, Tallahassee, FL 32305 96% positive | Yelp (24 reviews) | Google (621 reviews) | BBB: Grade A
State license #2068 | 34 years in business | DOT #2527384 | Also operates as Black Wolf Moving Florida, LLC
Six hundred twenty-one Google reviews at a 96% positive rate is hard to ignore — that's real volume, not a handful of five-stars from friends. Reviewers regularly mention crews finishing ahead of schedule and final bills coming in under the quoted amount, which is the opposite of what usually happens. When things go wrong, the complaints are familiar: damage to belongings, pricing that shifted from the original estimate. Push for a binding quote if you go this route, and get all expectations in writing.
Services: Local and interstate moves | Packing & unpacking | Pianos | Storage | Safes | Credit card accepted
Phone: (850) 629-0098
Community Moving & Storage
3965 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303 94% positive | Google (12 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
14 years in business | DOT #125563
Seventeen reviews isn't a huge sample, but the feedback is consistently clean: organized packing, careful handling, professional crews, no drama. The one area flagged in neutral reviews is proactive communication on delivery timing — if you need tight delivery windows, bring that up when you call. They also handle an unusually wide range of specialty items, including pianos, pool tables, antiques, and grandfather clocks, so if you're moving anything delicate, they're worth a serious look.
Services: Local and interstate moves | Packing & unpacking | Offices | Pianos | Pool tables | Art | Antiques | Grandfather clocks | Crating | Storage | Fragile-only packing | Credit card accepted
Phone: (850) 576-1017
Pinky's Moving Service
1500 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, FL 32301 79% positive | Yelp (33 reviews) | Google (283 reviews) | BBB: Grade B-
State license #2100 | 13 years in business | DOT #2356292
The crews themselves earn good marks — fast, careful, willing to problem-solve under pressure. The issue is what happens when something goes wrong. About one in five reviewers describes real trouble: confrontational behavior from ownership, damage claims that go nowhere, and charges that weren't quoted upfront. The B- from the BBB reinforces those patterns. If you use Pinky's, document everything, get terms confirmed in writing, and go in with eyes open.
Services: Local and interstate moves | Packing & unpacking | Offices | Shipment tracking | Fragile-only packing | Credit card accepted
Phone: (850) 212-4627
Mike's Moving
3109 W Tennessee St., Tallahassee, FL 32304 72% positive | Yelp (16 reviews) | Google (109 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
33 years in business | DOT #799596 | Also operates as Tallahassee Motor Coach, Go Mini Storage Tallahassee, Mike's Limousine Luxury
The lowest positive rate on this list at 72%, with 26% of reviewers citing unreturned calls, disputed charges, and management that's hard to reach once a problem surfaces. The moves themselves tend to go fine — the crew is fast, friendly, and reasonably priced. The post-move experience is where it falls apart. For a local job with no complications, they're worth considering. For an interstate move to Illinois, I'd start higher up on this list.
Services: Local and interstate moves | Packing & unpacking | Offices | Pianos | Art | Antiques | Crating | Full-valuation coverage | Fragile-only packing | Cash and credit card accepted
Phone: (850) 545-3737
Local Moving Services in Tallahassee, FL
A quick look at specialty services across all six Tallahassee interstate movers:
| Service | Available | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 6 | 100% |
| Small moves | 3 | 50% |
| Antiques | 3 | 50% |
| Art | 3 | 50% |
| Pianos | 4 | 67% |
| Fragile-only packing | 5 | 83% |
Cost to Move from Tallahassee to Illinois
Use the moving cost calculator for a personalized estimate. Here's the broad range by home size and method:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $996 – $3,898 | $757 – $1,803 | $619 – $1,070 |
| 2–3 Bedrooms | $2,122 – $5,191 | $1,414 – $2,775 | $655 – $1,339 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $3,423 – $6,529 | $1,941 – $3,749 | $766 – $1,611 |
Estimates based on a ~930-mile move from Tallahassee, FL, to Illinois. Final quotes vary based on home size, timing, access, optional services, and fuel. Always compare at least three estimates before booking.
Cost to Hire Movers from Tallahassee to Illinois
Full-service is the most hands-off option. For a studio or one-bedroom, that's $996 to $3,898. Two to three bedrooms runs $2,122 to $5,191. A four-bedroom-or-larger home will land between $3,423 and $6,529. The wide range reflects real differences in what you're getting — binding vs. non-binding quotes, packing included or not, time of year. Summer moves almost always hit the higher end.
Cost of Moving Containers from Tallahassee to Illinois
Moving containers give you flexibility: the company delivers a portable unit, you pack it on your own timeline, they drive it to Illinois. For a small load, expect $757 to $1,803. Two to three bedrooms: $1,414 to $2,775. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,941 to $3,749. Pricing varies significantly between providers, so it's worth comparing a few before committing.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Tallahassee to Illinois
A rental truck is your lowest-cost option — but you're behind the wheel for a 930-mile drive and handling all the loading yourself. Studio or one-bedroom: $619 to $1,070. Two to three bedrooms: $655 to $1,339. Four-plus bedrooms: $766 to $1,611. Fuel is factored into these ranges. Keep in mind that one-way rentals during peak season can push those numbers higher.
Factors That Affect Moving Costs from Tallahassee to IL
- Move size: More square footage means more weight, a larger truck, and a higher bill. Decluttering before you book can meaningfully lower your cost.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Florida. If you can schedule your move for fall or early spring, you'll likely have more leverage on price.
- DIY vs. full-service: Renting saves money up front, but factor in your time, effort, and the reality of driving a box truck from Tallahassee to Chicago.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Tallahassee to IL
Compare Cost of Living: Tallahassee vs. Illinois
| Tallahassee, FL | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,410 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $283,504 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,077 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 91 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
Here's what the numbers actually mean for your day-to-day:
- Rent runs about 16% lower in Illinois — that frees up real budget each month.
- Home prices are roughly 12% cheaper, which matters if you're looking to buy.
- Per-capita income in Illinois is about 60% higher than in Tallahassee, which goes a long way toward offsetting other cost differences.
- The cost of living index is nearly identical (91 vs. 90), so your overall spending shouldn't shift dramatically.
- Unemployment is comparable — 5.1% in Tallahassee vs. 5.3% in Illinois — so the job market is roughly equivalent in terms of availability.
- State income tax is the item that will catch most Florida transplants off guard. Florida has none. Illinois charges 4.95% flat. That's a real reduction in take-home pay you should plan for before you relocate.
How Life Is Different in Tallahassee vs. Illinois
| Tallahassee, FL | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,731 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 92°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 39°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 59" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 22" |
| Crime index | 58.35 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
The practical things to prepare for:
- Both areas lean Democratic, so politically it won't feel like a different world.
- Summers are noticeably cooler — Illinois peaks around 86°F vs. Tallahassee's 92°F. Less AC cost, more time outdoors without melting.
- Winters are a legitimate adjustment. Illinois can drop to 17°F. If you've spent your whole life in North Florida, that's a different kind of cold. Budget for heating costs and gear.
- You'll get roughly 19 fewer inches of rain per year — but you'll gain 22 inches of snow. Make peace with that trade before you sign the lease.
- Crime: Illinois has a significantly lower crime index (19.7 vs. 58.35 in Tallahassee). Depending on where in Illinois you're landing, that's a tangible quality-of-life difference.
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
Beyond booking the truck, a few logistics that often get skipped:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into an HOA-governed community, check whether there are restrictions on moving hours, elevator use, or truck access before you schedule.
- Elevator reservation: In multi-story buildings, most require you to reserve the freight elevator ahead of time. Don't assume it'll be available.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for moving trucks parked on public streets. Check with the local municipality before move day.
- State licensing: Illinois movers handling intrastate jobs need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify that your mover holds a current one before you pay a deposit.
- License verification: You can look up a mover's Illinois license on the state's official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a general moving permit, but city-level parking rules vary — confirm locally.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least one week before your move date. You can set a future start date so forwarding kicks in automatically.
- Moving insurance: Movers are required to offer Released Value Protection at no charge — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item, which doesn't go far. For full-value protection, ask your mover or get a quote from a third-party provider.
- Moving checklist: Don't try to track everything in your head. A solid moving checklist is one of the simplest ways to avoid the scrambles that cost you money and time.
Things to Do in Illinois
Once the boxes are unpacked, there's a lot to dig into.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports Teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Tallahassee to Illinois take?
Expect two to seven days depending on the company, route, and time of year. Summer moves trend toward the longer end because of demand volume. Get your expected delivery window confirmed in writing — not just a verbal estimate on the phone.
How many Tallahassee movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Four of the movers listed here offer custom crating for specialty items including artwork, antiques, and electronics. Call and ask specifically what they can handle — not all crating services are equal.
What's the best way to ship a car from Tallahassee to Illinois?
Use a dedicated auto transport company rather than trying to tack it onto your moving contract. Look for carriers with verified insurance and reviews from Florida-to-Illinois routes specifically, not just generic five-stars.
Why are people moving from Tallahassee to Illinois?
Chicago is the main draw — one of the country's biggest economic centers with strong job markets in finance, healthcare, tech, and professional services. The lower housing costs relative to Tallahassee, combined with higher median incomes, make the math work for a lot of people despite the state income tax.
Where do I find the best long-distance movers for this route?
Start with the five companies profiled above. For a broader comparison of nationally operating carriers, see our guide to top long-distance movers.
Do movers in Tallahassee accept cash?
One of the six Tallahassee interstate movers listed here accepts cash. It's the exception, not the rule — traceable payment methods are standard in the industry. Expect a deposit upfront and the remaining balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods before you book.
Ready to get real numbers for your move? Run your details through the moving cost calculator, then reach out to at least three companies for actual quotes before you commit to anyone.