Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 13 2025
Moving the Company From Florida To Chicago
If you are one of the three million Americans moving between states this year, you may wonder how to find the right moving company to help you with your process. Shifting from your Florida home to Chicago—the Windy City—aligns your move with the average interstate relocation of around 1,200 miles. You can expect the expenses to total around an average of $4,100. But that means some people pay more, and some people pay less. What’s important is not only what you pay but hiring professional movers so your relocation is excellent—no headaches.
If you're looking for top-rated shifters, you can't go wrong with our team of professionals at Three Movers. We're a full-service moving company with years of experience in the industry, and we're proud to offer our clients unbeatable rates and corporate relocating services. No matter what kind of move you're planning - local, long-distance, or corporate - we have the expertise and resources to make it happen. Plus, we offer a wide range of additional haulers to meet your specific needs. From packing and shipping to storage and cleanup, we can handle everything for you. Don't take chances with your next move - call our professionals today!
How do I find the best Shifters from Florida to Chicago?
Maybe you have moved before, and perhaps this is your first time. Whether you are a rookie or an old pro, it can be a little daunting to figure out what all those moving industry slang words mean. Here’s a helpful cheat sheet to give you the inside scoop on what the industry experts are talking about:
There are many businesses in Florida. So, you must select the best shipment companies in Pensacola, FL.
Accessorial Charges
Extra charges from a moving company for packing, unpacking, crating, or appliance disconnection. These fees are added to the baseline cost.
Agent
A organization affiliated with a van line.
AMSA
American Hauling and Storage Association, an industry professional organization.
Bill of Lading
A sheet of information that outlines the details of the move. It is a legally binding contract. A bill of lading is similar to an order for service but presented on the loading day. It also includes the terms and conditions for payment of the total charges, including notice of any minimum charges, evidence of any insurance coverage purchased on your behalf, including the amount paid by the mover, and copies of your estimate, your inventory, your order for service, and your liability coverage selection.
Estimate, Binding
A binding estimate is an agreement for a price that will not change. It is based on the physical survey of household items, converted into the anticipated weight, plus accessorial service costs. Moving companies are permitted to charge a fee for preparing a binding estimate. The company must deliver your shipment if you pay 100% of the amount of a binding estimate plus the cost of impracticable operations in an amount not greater than 15% of the total bill.
Estimate, Non-Binding
A non-binding estimate of the moving cost based on the estimated weight of household items and any requested accessorial services. The correct weight and any added services determine the final bill. A visual inspection of the household goods is the basis for the estimate. The mover must deliver the shipment if the customer pays a maximum of 110% of the non-binding estimate and any charges for impracticable operations (subject to the 15% limit of the total invoice.)
Inventory
A list of goods to be moved. This list is the basis for the weight estimate. The cube sheet or inventory should be compiled based on a physical survey of the household items designated to move.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, is an agency within the Department of Transportation that regulates removalists.
Full-Value Protection Insurance:
Insurance that covers an item’s price or the cost to repair an item if it’s damaged or lost by a moving company. This is not included in the price of the move but is available for an additional fee.
Hazard Insurance
Insurance protects against damage to household goods from fire, floods, wind, and other natural events. It is not included in the carrier's full value or default insurance coverage.
Impracticable Operations
Conditions that prohibit a moving firm from completing loading or delivery with its usual equipment or that require additional labor are delineated in a hauling company’s tariff. Additional charges may be added to the final invoice.
High-Value Articles
Household items that have a value of more than $100 per pound. These must be noted expressly for valid insurance coverage.
Household goods
Contents of a residence, items to be moved.
Long Carry Charge
An extra fee is applied when a mover carries goods a long distance from a residence to the truck or portable moving container and vice versa. The applicable length and the charge are identified on the tariff.
PBO
The owner packs them. Designates when a customer packs goods, which can affect liability.
Quote
The price of services offered to a moving customer.
Peak Season Rates
Local or long-distance relocating costs for moves are requested during high-demand times for shifters, usually during the summer.
Released Value Insurance
A basic moving insurance policy is required by federal law (for interstate moves) and is provided at no cost to the consumer. This policy covers your belongings for 60 cents per pound per item, no matter what the article is truly worth.
Storage-In-Transit (SIT)
You may need to temporarily store your shipment using moving containers before delivery for a variety of reasons. This can result in additional charges.
Survey
The corporate relocation manager's visual inspection of items to be moved is the basis of the inventory and estimate. FMCSA requires it to be conducted in person in most circumstances.
Tariff
List of all fees and rules a moving company observes. All accessorial services should be listed, and restrictions should be placed on what the enterprise will transport and what it includes in impracticable operations charges.
Valuation
A valuation is the declared value of a customer’s belongings. Before the Bill of Lading is signed, a customer declares the worth of all the items included in their move. This amount limits the removalist's liability.
Get A Quote To Move
Fill out the fast quote form to contact an agent, and use our price calculator to start your next move today!
How Do I Use This To Find A Good Moving Company?
Use your new knowledge to help research reputable moving companies. One of the essential qualifications for long-distance movers is registering with the FMCSA and having a DOT Motor Carrier number. The FMCSA maintains a database with information about haulers’ safety records and customer complaints. You can explore that data on their website. You can also find helpful resources, including their publication about interstate moves, called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Are Moving. When you meet to discuss the move project, your mover will also supply you with a copy of the pamphlet.
Reputable long-distance carriers aren’t going to fool you, but it is up to you to educate yourself on your rights and understand your role. Don’t expect the professional moving firm to know which insurance valuation is best for you—read the descriptions of your options to save money and consider what suits your circumstances. Never agree to sign anything that is blank or that you don’t understand. Ask questions, and as you spend time with the companies you are considering to handle your move from Florida to Chicago, remember that while the expenses are essential, it isn’t the only factor to consider for your upcoming move. You are hiring a company to load up your most priceless possessions—your household goods and sentimental memories—and transport them to your new home. It’s a critical job, so choose the right full-service movers to carry it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost of moving from Florida to Chicago ranges from $2,300 to $5,000 for a full-service move, depending on the size of your home, distance (about 1,150 miles), and moving date. One-bedroom moves typically cost $2,300–$3,000, while 3–4-bedroom homes can exceed $4,500. Pricing varies based on weight, fuel surcharges, and whether packing or storage is included. Learn more about rates on our long distance moving service.
Delivery from Florida to Chicago usually takes 3–6 days. The time frame depends on your starting city, shipment size, and whether your items are part of a shared truck or dedicated move. Moves from southern cities like Miami or Naples can take slightly longer than from northern Florida. Route conditions on I-75 and I-65 also impact delivery timing. See more details on our moving services page.
Key cost factors include move size, distance, packing services, stair access, and fuel rates. Seasonal demand and weather delays especially during hurricane or winter storm periods—can raise prices. Extra fees may apply for long carries or elevator restrictions in high-rise buildings. Using a licensed interstate carrier helps ensure transparent pricing. Read about required credentials on our interstate movers page.
Yes, most professional movers offer packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly for interstate routes. They can also provide specialty crating for electronics, artwork, or fragile items. These services reduce risk and save time during your long-distance move. You can combine these with storage or white-glove delivery. Explore full options on our full-service movers page.
Choose movers with valid USDOT and FMCSA registrations for interstate authority, transparent pricing, and strong customer reviews. Always confirm insurance coverage and written estimates before booking. Avoid brokers that outsource shipments without accountability. Learn how to compare trusted carriers on our best long distance moving companies page.
The lowest-cost methods include partial DIY options like renting a truck, using a moving container, or choosing consolidated freight service. These range from $1,000 to $2,200, depending on weight and distance. Hiring movers only for loading and unloading can further reduce total expenses. Find affordable solutions on our cheap moving companies page.
Yes. Any move that crosses state lines is classified as an interstate move, regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Movers must carry active USDOT numbers and follow federal consumer protection rules. Check credentials before booking to ensure compliance and avoid scams. For details, visit our state-to-state moving company page.
