How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Florida?
Moving from Chicago to Florida can cost as low as $942 for a small DIY move and as much as $9,972 for a large home using full-service movers.
See a full breakdown in the table below:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,561 - $6,168 | $1,470 - $2,872 | $942 - $1,815 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,209 - $7,598 | $2,055 - $4,123 | $1,070 - $2,222 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,723 - $9,972 | $2,566 - $5,196 | $1,255 - $2,605 |
Read our full guide on the cost of Chicago, IL movers.
What does a move from Chicago to Florida actually cost? The quotes below come directly from moveBuddha's verified dataset. Prices shift based on home size, move date, and which services you add.
Best Chicago, IL to Florida Movers
- Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5 stars): Alliance Moving & Storage is the best full-service mover from Chicago to Florida.
- PODS (4.5/5 stars): PODS is best for flexible timelines. You pack on your schedule and PODS handles all the driving.
- U-Haul (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul is best for DIY movers on a budget. Renting a truck and driving yourself is the lowest-cost way to move from Chicago to Florida.
| Mover | Best for | Rating | Avg 2-br quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance Moving & Storage | Full-service moving | 4.76 | $3,209 |
| PODS | Moving containers | 4.5 | $2,055 |
| U-Haul | Rental trucks | 4.2 | $1,070 |
Read our full guide on the best Chicago, IL movers.
Best by use case
- Best full-service experience: Alliance Moving & Storage
- Best value full-service: Reebie Storage and Moving Co.
- Best for large or specialty moves: H2H Movers Inc handles pianos, antiques, and oversized items
- Best for seniors and downsizers: The Professionals Moving Specialists offers dedicated senior move services
- Best flexible timeline: PODS allows you to pack at your own pace, choose your delivery window
- Most budget-friendly: U-Haul: you drive it yourself to keep costs as low as possible
How we rank: Rankings based on moveBuddha's verified-quote data for the Chicago to Florida route, FMCSA complaint history, and services the Chicago movers offer. Updated June 2026. See our full guide to the best interstate moving companies for more options.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
- Comparing movers with our moving cost calculator before booking helps moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average.
- Choose a moveBuddha Certified mover and you'll get $1,000 in added move coverage plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers if something goes wrong, helping you resolve issues and protect your move.
How to move from Chicago to Florida
Use this Chicago-specific checklist to plan your 1,213-mile move to Florida and compare movers with confidence.
- Estimate your Chicago to Florida moving cost — Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a ballpark for your 1,213-mile move from Chicago to Florida. A 2–3 bedroom full-service move on this route typically costs $3,209 to $7,598, with smaller DIY moves starting as low as $942.
- Choose your moving method — Pick the option that fits your budget and how hands-on you want to be: full-service movers (they load, drive, and unload), moving containers (you pack, they haul), or a rental truck (cheapest, but you drive). Containers cost roughly 32% less than full-service on this route; rental trucks save around 60%.
- Compare Chicago interstate movers — Only 50 moving companies licensed for interstate moves operate out of Chicago, so vet each carrier carefully. Verify every company's USDOT number at FMCSA.dot.gov before booking and compare movers using moveBuddha's verified-quote data for the Chicago to Florida corridor.
- Get quotes and book your move — 4 to 6 weeks out is typically enough time to book movers from Chicago to Florida. With 50 interstate-licensed movers operating out of Chicago, availability is generally good — booking earlier still gives you more leverage to compare quotes. Collect at least 3 written quotes, take a room-by-room inventory survey, and confirm whether each estimate is binding or non-binding before you commit.
- Pack for a 1,213-mile move from Chicago — Start packing non-essential rooms 4–6 weeks before pickup. Declutter before you pack to reduce weight-based interstate costs on the 1,213-mile haul from Chicago. Label boxes by room, pack a first-night essentials bag for your car, and confirm your mover's policy on plants and hazardous materials.
- Settle in Florida — After delivery in Florida, update your driver's license and vehicle registration if required, transfer utilities before move-in day, update voter registration, and notify your bank, employer, insurance carriers, and the IRS of your new address within 30 days.
FAQ
How long does a move from Chicago to Florida take?
On average, it takes 2-8 days to make the 1,213-mile move from Chicago to Florida.
What's the cheapest way to move from Chicago to Florida?
Renting a truck and driving yourself is the cheapest way to move from Chicago to Florida. A 2-bedroom move on this route starts around $1,070 with a rental truck company like U-Haul.
How far in advance should I book movers from Chicago to Florida?
4 to 6 weeks out is typically enough time to book movers from Chicago to Florida. With 50 interstate-licensed movers operating out of Chicago, availability on this route is generally good. Booking earlier gives you more leverage to compare quotes and negotiate pricing.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
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