Local moving companies in Chicago

  1. New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. Collins Family Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars

New City Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3078026

Years in Business: 16

2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Moving magic happens when speed meets serviceโ€”New City Moving delivers exactly that, according to 1,451 pieces of customer feedback analyzed. With 92.4% positive reviews, most customers rave about the companyโ€™s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaroundโ€”which set them apart from many competitors. A high number praised clear communication throughout the move. While affordability and responsiveness also stood out, some reported problems. About 6% said their main issue was damage to their belongings, unexpected charges, or struggles resolving complaints when things went wrong. Only 1.8% of feedback landed in the neutral zone, typically due to minor organizational or packing concerns rather than major failures. New City Moving earns above-average praise for efficiency and professionalism compared to other moving services, but a handful of customers cite billing, compensation, or damage disputes where they wanted swifter or better follow-up. For most, the companyโ€™s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.

Get a Quote (773) 489-0600

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3078026
  • State license #: 158051

Alternative Business Names

  • Windy City Moving, Inc.
Back to Top movebuddha icon

H2H Movers Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2428328

Years in Business: 10

4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL 60613 US

Moving day just got easier for H2H customers. Out of 640 real customer reviews analyzed, a remarkable 88% delivered positive feedback, placing H2H Movers above most competitors in the moving industry. Clients most frequently highlighted the companyโ€™s efficient service, careful handling of possessions, professional and polite staff, great communication, and a quick moving process. People appreciated teams who arrived on time, completed moves ahead of schedule, and made stressful relocations feel manageable, often noting that quoted prices were accurate or even lower than expected. On the other hand, the most common complaints were unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, and delays in arrival or delivery. A few customers reported being billed more than their estimates due to extra fees or poor packing, and some faced slow resolution for claims or communication gaps after their move. While some neutral reviews cited problems with lost items or payment methods, these were far less frequent than the praise received. H2H Movers stands out with efficient, reliable, and friendly crewsโ€”a reputation that exceeds the service level of many moving companies, though attention to transparent billing and timeliness could make experiences even better.

Get a Quote (773) 236-8797

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2428328
  • State license #: 184599

Alternative Business Names

  • H2H Movers, Inc
Back to Top movebuddha icon

The Professionals Moving Specialists

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3383907

Years in Business: 20

3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Word travels fast when a moving company makes relocations easier than expected. After analyzing 1,349 reviews, 92.5% of feedback for The Professionals Moving Specialists is positive. Customers routinely highlight efficient service, careful handling of belongings, moving crews that work quickly, a professional attitude, and clear communication. People appreciate arriving on time, speedy completion, and the rare occurrence of damage compared to other movers. The overwhelming majority find the booking process straightforward, pricing fair, and the teams respectful of property and special requests. Some input does point to a few drawbacks: complaints about items being scratched or dented, final charges being higher than expected due to extra materials or time, and unexpected add-ons. These issues are reported far less often than praise for skilled, polite, and diligent crews. Compared to most moving companies, The Professionals stand out with stronger reliability and care for customer property. If dependability, efficiency, and peace of mind are top priorities, this company outperforms many local competitors.

Get a Quote (888) 225-7351

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 3383907
  • State license #: 136144

Local Associations

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Alliance Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2882675

Years in Business: 9

3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 US

Moving with Alliance Moving & Storage feels like a breath of fresh air: 247 customer feedback entries were analyzed, with a remarkable 95.5% being positive. Most people describe the company as efficient, careful with belongings, highly professional, and quick. Customers consistently mention respectful staff and clear, reliable communication throughout the process. Affordable, transparent pricing and rapid scheduling compared favorably versus rival companies. On the downside, a minority report unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, or trouble reaching someone after problems arose. Issues like last-minute price increases or lack of follow-up were sometimes cited by dissatisfied customers. Negative experiences remain much less common than positive ones. Compared with typical moving companies, Alliance stands out for speed, professionalism, and care, though some customers recommend confirming all charges up front to prevent misunderstandings.

Get a Quote (847) 378-4949

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • HK & RP, LLC
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Collins Family Movers, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

Years in Business: 16

2742 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Rave reviews set Collins Family Movers apart in Chicago. Out of 856 customer feedback items analyzed, 91.5% praised the companyโ€”one of the highest satisfaction rates among moving services. Clients consistently highlight the crewโ€™s efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, fast moving, and clear communication. Many emphasize how staff made moving less stressful and more affordable than competitors. Multiple customers have relied on Collins for years and recommend them to family and friends. On the downside, some input describes issues like damaged items, late arrivals, and higher costs than quotedโ€”mostly resulting from complex situations or communication lapses. Negative experiences are rare but involve property damage or delays, issues not uncommon in the industry but less frequent here than average. Few neutral reviews focus on minor miscommunications or unmet expectations. Collins Family Movers outperforms typical movers by delivering speed, reliability, and positive attitudes nearly every time, though customers with valuable or sensitive items should still clarify expectations and coverage in advance.

Get a Quote (773) 942-7400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • State license #: 215646
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Key factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Tampatoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Chicago to Tampa might cost just $1,475 for a one-bedroom, but up to $8,357 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $876 and $2,210, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Tampa

Moving from Chicago to Tampa means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Tampa, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chicago compares to Tampa so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chicago Tampa
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,930
Average home value $295,743 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $3,648 $3,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,266 $8,108
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.0%
Sales tax 10.25% 6.5%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 6% lower than in Chicago, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
    Home prices in Tampa are 25.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Tampa is 6.7% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa include Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 11.4% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 12.5% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tampa are 36.59% lower than in Chicago.
  • One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,657.89 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Tampa

Tampa Chicago
Population 403,364 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 51 77
Bike friendliness score 51 72
Crime Index 46.15 35.19
Safety Index 53.85 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tampa might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 85% less than Chicago.
  • Getting around Tampa without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. Tampa has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Tampa neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Chicago. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, Tampa isnโ€™t as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Tampa, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Tampa earned a 51. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • The crime rate in Tampa is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 46.15 in Tampa, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tampa than in Chicago, based on Tampaโ€™s safety index of 53.85 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Tampa and Chicago is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Tampa move

  • Weather: Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ€“ Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tampa. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Tampa

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Big Guava", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tampa.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Channel District
  • Courier City-Oscawana
  • Downtown
  • Historic Ybor
  • North Hyde Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bayshore Beautiful
  • Bayshore Gardens
  • Beach Park
  • Oakford Park
  • Sunset Park

Things to do in Tampa

After settling into your new Florida home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tampa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Glazer Children's Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, Museum of Science and Industry, and SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), or Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Tampa?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Tampa. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Tampa?

Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Tampa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Chicago to Tampa take?

Covering 1,171 miles, the move from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL typically takes two to eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources