Local moving companies in Chicago

  1. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  2. New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/stimovingandstorage, https://twitter.com/stimovers?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
High marks for speed, professionalism, and careful handling set STI Moving & Storage apart from most competitors. In an analysis of 538 reviews, 68% reflect satisfied customers who consistently praise the efficient crews, friendly staff, and reliable communication. Many detail moves finished faster than expected, with careful packing and respect for belongings. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage to items, delays in delivery—especially for long-distance moves—and surprise or higher-than-expected charges. Customers also note issues with complex claims for damage resolution. Neutral feedback highlights occasional late arrivals and some pricing misalignments, but still mentions professionalism from staff. Compared to industry standards, STI earns stronger praise for crew attitude and efficiency but faces similar criticism to peers regarding damage claims and delivery timelines. Most customers find their moves easier and less stressful thanks to STI's organized and diligent teams, though potential clients should review policies closely for long-distance or specialty needs.
Get a Quote (847) 675-1223

Company Info

State license #: 139020

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1308599

Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/NewCityMoving, https://twitter.com/newcitymoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Moving magic happens when speed meets service—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 company’s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaround—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 company’s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.
Get a Quote (773) 489-0600

Company Info

State license #: 158051

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 3078026

Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/h2hmovingcompany/, https://twitter.com/h2hmoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
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 company’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 crews—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

Company Info

State license #: 184599

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2428328

Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoMover, https://twitter.com/TheProMove1
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
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

Company Info

State license #: 136144

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 3383907


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/AllianceMovingTeam/, https://twitter.com/alliance_moving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
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

Company Info

State license #: 214845

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2882675

Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Tampatoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Tampa might cost as little as $1,418, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,531.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chicago, 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 $921 to $2,165 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Tampa

Moving from Chicago to Tampa means adjusting to a different pace of life — 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 you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • The home prices in Tampa are 25.5% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • 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 — including Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Tampa. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 11.4% lower than in Chicago.
  • A move to Tampa can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 12.5% less than what it costs in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the city'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's population is about 85% less than Chicago.
  • Tampa's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
  • Tampa is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Tampa has a bike-friendliness score 51 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • Tampa's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 46.15 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Tampa is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 53.85 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Tampa is good, and in Chicago it's good.

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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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 – Division of Consumer Services. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Florida, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Tampa Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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 getting comfortable in your new Florida home, it's time to see what Tampa is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tampa, such as 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 city's Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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?

The best time to move from Chicago to Tampa is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

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

With many people choosing to move from Chicago to Tampa in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Chicago to Tampa take?

The 1,171-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Tampa, FL, takes two to eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tampa.

Helpful moving resources