Top movers, pricing for 1–5+ bedrooms, cost of living comparison, and what to know before moving from St. Petersburg, FL to Illinois.
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I've reviewed 41 interstate movers operating out of St. Petersburg, and here are the five I'd actually recommend if you're heading to Illinois.
4.7 / 5 | Yelp (112 reviews) | Google (727 reviews) | BBB Grade A−
4860 E Bay Dr, Clearwater, FL 33764
Review breakdown: 83% positive, 15% negative
Big Man's stands out for hands-on, efficient crews and genuine attention to detail. After analyzing 336 reviews, I found that 83% of customers praised the professionalism, clear communication, and careful handling—especially the speed without cutting corners. Most noted transparent pricing and respectful staff.
The downsides: about 15% reported damage to items, higher-than-quoted final bills, and difficulty getting damage claims resolved. A few mentioned late arrivals or poor follow-up after problems.
Bottom line: Big Man's excels at the actual move itself. If you lock down your estimate terms upfront and document everything, you'll likely have a smooth experience.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes. Cash and credit card payments accepted.
License #: 2951960 | DOT #: 2951960 | Years in business: 8
Get a Quote: (727) 772-3458
4.6 / 5 | Yelp (30 reviews) | Google (383 reviews) | BBB Grade A+
6599 Haines Rd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Review breakdown: 96% positive, 4% negative
Let's Get Moving is the standout on this list. Out of 243 reviews, 233 were positive—that's nearly 96% satisfaction. Customers consistently rave about speed, professionalism, and careful handling. Punctuality and damage-free deliveries are the norm. Staff are honest and approachable.
Only about 4% reported problems: mainly damaged items or unexpected charges. Given the volume of positive feedback, that's minimal.
Bottom line: If you want the most reliable crew on this route, Let's Get Moving delivers.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage. Cash and credit card payments accepted.
License #: 2270761 | DOT #: 2270761 | Years in business: 20
Get a Quote: (727) 532-9080
4.4 / 5 | Yelp (1 review) | Google (54 reviews) | BBB Grade A+
3125 Moorings Drive South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Review breakdown: 97% positive, 3% negative
This outfit delivers exceptional professionalism and efficiency. With a 97% positive rating across reviews, customers highlight polite movers, careful handling, and quick processes. Prompt arrivals, clear communication, and transparent pricing set them apart.
Only one review flagged inexperienced staff and damage—a rarity compared to the typical moving company.
Bottom line: Consistent, superior service that typically exceeds expectations.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, crating, storage. Credit card payments accepted.
License #: 2106 | DOT #: 2787568 | Years in business: 11
Get a Quote: (727) 291-1631
4.4 / 5 | Yelp (86 reviews) | Google (1,356 reviews) | BBB Grade A−
13801 66th St N, Largo, FL 33771
Review breakdown: 82% positive, 18% negative
Most customers praise professionalism, efficiency, and speed. Staff are polite, respectful, and go out of their way to prevent damage. Quick booking, timely arrivals, and transparent cost explanations are strengths.
The catch: about 17% reported damaged items and trouble getting management to respond or resolve claims. Some cited costs exceeding their quotes. Management follow-up is the weak spot.
Bottom line: Expect a courteous, efficient crew. Just double-check your quote in writing and keep photos of your items before loading.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage. Credit card payments accepted.
DOT #: 2378173 | Years in business: 8
Get a Quote: (336) 810-1801
4.6 / 5 | Google (456 reviews) | BBB Grade B−
7851 US-301, Riverview, FL 33578
Review breakdown: 86% positive, 12% negative
Brothers EZ Moving earns strong marks for careful handling, professionalism, and fair pricing. Out of 213 reviews analyzed, 86% praised their speed, respect for property, and friendly crews. Punctual arrivals and lower-than-expected bills are common positives.
The 12% negative feedback centers on property damage, unexpected overages, and weak claim handling. A few mentioned scratched furniture or inadequate wrapping.
Bottom line: Good option if you value transparent rates and satisfied repeat clients, but damage resolution isn't their strength.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage. Cash, money order, and credit card payments accepted.
DOT #: 2349033 | Years in business: 13
Get a Quote: (813) 299-2907
At a glance, here's what specialty services are available among local operators:
Here's what you can expect to pay for a 1,165-mile move from St. Petersburg, FL to Illinois, based on home size and service type.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $961–$3,958 | $875–$2,016 | $702–$1,362 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,321–$5,258 | $1,492–$3,049 | $736–$1,524 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,568–$6,847 | $2,080–$4,113 | $971–$1,993 |
These ranges reflect pricing data as of January 2026, compiled from thousands of verified moving company quotes nationwide. Actual costs vary based on exact move scope, add-on services, parking constraints, fuel fluctuations, and timing. I always recommend getting multiple quotes for accuracy.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom from St. Petersburg to Illinois typically runs $961 to $3,958. If you've got two or three bedrooms, expect $2,321 to $5,258. For a four- or five-bedroom home, plan on $3,568 to $6,847.
The wide range reflects differences in crew experience, timing (peak vs. off-season), and whether you're packing yourself or hiring packers.
Containers like PODS give you flexibility—load at your pace, have it shipped when ready. For a small load (studio/1-bed), expect $875 to $2,016. Two or three bedrooms run $1,492 to $3,049. Larger homes (4+) fall between $2,080 and $4,113.
Containers work well if you need extra time packing or want to avoid the pressure of a fixed moving day.
Renting a truck is the cheapest route—$702 to $1,362 for a studio or one-bedroom (including fuel)—but you're doing all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. Two- or three-bedroom moves run $736 to $1,524. Four-plus bedrooms, $971 to $1,993.
This option makes sense if you have help, aren't moving valuables that need professional care, and have time on your hands.
Move size: Larger homes mean more items, heavier loads, and more crew hours.
Seasonality: Summer (May–September) is peak moving season. You'll pay premium rates. Moving in fall or winter saves money, though weather can create delays.
DIY vs. professional: Renting a truck costs less upfront, but labor-intensive moves can eat your time and risk damage. Professional movers charge more but shoulder the risk and work efficiently.
Distance and route: A 1,165-mile haul from St. Petersburg to Illinois isn't as brutal as cross-country, but it's far enough that costs add up. Fuel, crew hours, and overnight stops all factor in.
Rent: Illinois is about 43% cheaper. St. Petersburg averages $2,075/month; Illinois, $1,179.
Home prices: Illinois homes run about 31% less. St. Petersburg average: $360,584; Illinois: $249,224.
Income: Illinois wages are roughly 22% higher. St. Petersburg per capita: $64,374; Illinois: $78,433.
Overall cost of living: Illinois is about 13% cheaper (index: 90 vs. 103 in St. Petersburg), leaving room in your budget.
Taxes: Here's the catch—Florida has no state income tax, but Illinois collects 4.95%. This eats into that higher wage advantage.
Jobs: Unemployment in Illinois runs 15% higher (5.3% vs. 4.6%), so expect more competition for roles.
St. Petersburg summers hit 90°F; Illinois hits 86°F. Both are warm, though humidity differs.
Winters are where you'll feel the shift: St. Petersburg bottoms out around 53°F, while Illinois drops to 17°F. You'll need heating gear, and your heating bills will rise.
St. Petersburg gets 51 inches of rain annually and zero snow. Illinois averages 40 inches of rain and 22 inches of snow. Expect winter scenery and seasonal activities—plus shoveling and upkeep.
St. Petersburg: 259,343 residents, leans Democratic (49.8% vs. 48.3% Republican).
Illinois: 12.5 million residents, leans Democratic (55% vs. 45% Republican).
Both skew left, so political culture won't shock you. But Illinois is far more populous and urban-centered around Chicago.
Crime index in Illinois: 19.7. St. Petersburg: 39.54.
Illinois has notably lower crime, which generally translates to safer neighborhoods and greater sense of security.
State regulations: Illinois movers handling interstate and intrastate moves must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify your mover's license on the state regulator's site before booking.
Parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for large moving trucks. Check your destination city's parking rules ahead of time.
Elevator reservation: If you're in a multi-unit building, reserve the elevator for moving day.
HOA rules: Check your new community's policies on moving trucks, timing, and access.
Address change: File a USPS change of address form at least one week before your move at usps.com. You can choose your official move date to ensure seamless mail forwarding.
Moving insurance: Florida and Illinois have different liability standards. Released Value Protection (basic coverage) is free but only covers 60 cents per pound. For full-value coverage matching your items' actual worth, ask your mover about options or consider a third-party provider.
Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a moving permit, but always confirm local parking policies with your city.
Use our moving checklist to stay organized and catch the details before moving day.
A St. Petersburg–to–Illinois move typically takes 2 to 8 days, depending on service type and exact destination. Summer peak season may add a few days. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.
Yes. I track 27 movers in St. Petersburg offering custom crating for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm that your mover's materials and dimensions match your item's requirements.
For auto transport from St. Petersburg to Illinois, hire specialists who treat vehicles with care and handle every step professionally. Compare car shipping quotes to find the right fit.
Chicago's economic opportunities, cultural attractions, and job market drive relocations. The lower cost of living and safer communities also appeal, though winters are a real adjustment.
Start by comparing quotes to see what's available on your route. The movers ranked above are solid starting points, but always get 3–5 estimates.
About 12 movers in St. Petersburg accept cash, though it's not common industry-wide. Most require a deposit upfront (traceable methods preferred), with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment terms and schedule with your mover before signing.
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