Local moving companies in St. Petersburg

  1. First Class Moving Systems, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Sunshine Movers of Sarasota, LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. Big Man's Moving Company, LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/FirstClassMoving/, https://twitter.com/MoveWithClass
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
First Class Moving Systems, Inc. consistently stands out for professionalism, fast-moving crews, careful packing, and courteous behavior, as highlighted by 65.5% of 174 customer reviews. Customers often describe staff as efficient, attentive, and protective of their belongings, and many praise timely updates and clear communication. Most report a quick, stress-free process and careful handling of fragile items, with prompt bookings and follow-through reminiscent of top-tier moving companies. Yet, 32.8% of feedback highlights repeated issues: property damage during moves, poor communication about delays or missing items, and unexpected charges. Negative input frequently points to a lack of follow-up on claims and insufficient support when things go wrong, especially with larger or longer-distance moves. Compared to industry peers, First Class earns high marks for service quality when things go well but falters on reliability and transparency under stress. For customers prioritizing safe, efficient, and polite movers, First Class delivers; for those needing flawless logistics and consistent support, caution is warranted.
Get a Quote (813) 576-4043

Company Info

State license #: 651

Years in Business: 24

DOT #: 944759


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/bigmansmoving/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Big Man’s Moving Company stands out for its hands-on, efficient crews and friendly, attentive service. After evaluating 336 pieces of customer feedback, 83% praised the professionalism, communication, care in handling, swift service, and overall reliability. Most respondents noted moves were completed quickly yet with caution, often at reasonable or transparent prices. Positive feedback highlights the staff’s politeness, strong communication before and during moves, and genuine effort to keep belongings safe. On the flip side, about 15% of reviews mentioned unresolved damage to items, dissatisfaction with price estimates versus final costs, and unexpected charges. Customers shared concerns about damage claims being denied or ignored and misleading estimates that resulted in significantly higher bills. A handful of respondents flagged late arrivals or difficult communication after problems arose. Compared to typical moving companies, Big Man’s draws more consistent praise for care and professionalism, but those booking should clarify all terms in advance to avoid confusion or additional expenses. For clear communication, efficiency, and respectful staff, this company often excels, though damage resolution and pricing transparency are areas for improvement.
Get a Quote (727) 772-3458

Company Info

State license #: 2951960

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2951960


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/allmysonssarasota/, https://twitter.com/allmysonsmoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving day made easier—customers report All My Sons Moving & Storage delivers fast, careful, and professional service. After analyzing 264 feedback entries, 73% are positive, spotlighting the team’s efficiency, polite attitude, attention to detail, and helpful approach. Many describe movers as hardworking, quick, and skillful at keeping items damage-free. Yet, a quarter of all input documents frustration with unexpected charges, uncommunicated pricing, and some reports of property damage. Users often felt the actual cost significantly exceeded initial quotes, and complaints around contact issues or insurance settlements are common. While the company excels at friendly, competent moving staff, its business transparency, billing practices, and claim handling lag behind what is expected from reputable competitors.
Get a Quote (813) 688-0125

Company Info

Years in Business: 24

DOT #: 902281

Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Dallas, LLC, All My Sons Moving & Storage, Inc, All My Sons Moving & Storage, Inc., AMS Group Holdco, LLC, All My Sons Moving & Storage of Little Rock, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/2collegebros/, https://twitter.com/2collegebros
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unreliable timing
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Moving made easy: 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage stands out with a stellar 92.5% positive feedback from 268 customer reviews. Customers consistently highlight efficient service, professionalism, careful handling of belongings, quick and stress-free moves, and clear communication—qualities that place 2 College Brothers above many other movers. Movers arrive punctually, work with speed, and keep clients informed throughout, earning praise for both small local relocations and complex long-distance jobs. Negative feedback, though rare, points most often to damage to items, unreliable scheduling, or challenges in complaint resolution. While some experienced mishandling or delayed responses on claims, these issues are much less frequent than the positive results. With most feedback reflecting stress-free, respectful, and meticulous moves at fair rates, 2 College Brothers consistently outperforms typical moving companies and comes widely recommended.
Get a Quote (813) 364-0752

Company Info

State license #: 2106

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2787568

Alternate Names: Smarter Moving Solutions LLC, 2 College Brothers, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Factors that influence moving costs from St. Petersburg to Chicagotoggle

The cost of St. Petersburg movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from St. Petersburg to Chicago might cost as little as $1,383, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,499.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in St. Petersburg, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $954 to $2,342 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from St. Petersburg to Chicago

Moving from St. Petersburg to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than St. Petersburg, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

St. Petersburg Chicago
Average rent cost $2,075 $2,045
Average home value $360,584 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $64,374 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $2,642 $3,648
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,178 $9,266
Unemployment rate 4.6% 9.0%
Sales tax 7.0% 10.25%
State income tax 0.0% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 1% lower than in St. Petersburg, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
    Home prices in Chicago are 18.0% lower than in St. Petersburg.
  • You’re likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 11.2% higher than in St. Petersburg. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 38.1% higher than in St. Petersburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 50.0% higher than in St. Petersburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 95.65% higher than in St. Petersburg.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 46.43% higher than what you are paying in St. Petersburg.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 4.95% higher than in St. Petersburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,142.32 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Petersburg.

How life is different in St. Petersburg vs. Chicago

Chicago St. Petersburg
Population 2,746,388 259,343
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 6
Walkability score 77 43
Bike friendliness score 72 59
Crime Index 35.19 39.54
Safety Index 33.87 60.46
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Chicago is about 959% greater than St. Petersburg, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Chicago offers better access to buses and trains than St. Petersburg, based on public transportation ratings. Chicago has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 6 in St. Petersburg. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Chicago means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in St. Petersburg. Chicago is considered more walkable than St. Petersburg, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 43 out of 100 in St. Petersburg. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Chicago is considered more bike-friendly than St. Petersburg in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while St. Petersburg is rated as 59 out of 100.
  • Chicago has a lower crime rate than St. Petersburg based on scores of 35.19 and St. Petersburg's 39.54, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Chicago. With a crime index of 33.87, Chicago ranks lower in overall safety than St. Petersburg, whose index is 60.46. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Chicago and St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg vs. Chicago move

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Chicago

Ready to relocate to Chi-Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Near North Side
  • West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Beverly
  • Edison Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • North Center
  • West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

Now that you've made the move to Illinois it's the perfect time to explore Chicago From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from St. Petersburg to Chicago?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from St. Petersburg to Chicago?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from St. Petersburg to Chicago moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from St. Petersburg to Chicago take?

Covering 1,194 miles, the move from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL typically takes two to eight days. Some St. Petersburg movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chicago can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources