Moving from Orlando to Illinois: Costs, Companies & What to Expect
If you're moving from Orlando to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 1,124 miles—a solid cross-country haul that'll take anywhere from two to eight days depending on the season and your moving method. The good news: I've analyzed 41 movers in the Orlando area that handle interstate moves, and narrowed it down to the five that stack up best for this route.
Before you dial, though, let's walk through what this move actually costs, which companies deliver, and whether Illinois makes financial sense for your situation.
Top 5 Moving Companies for Orlando to Illinois
Based on customer reviews, licensing, and interstate experience, here are your best options:
- 1776 Moving and Storage, Inc. — 4.7 / 5 stars (283 reviews)
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.64 / 5 stars (402 reviews)
- Cento Family Moving & Storage — 4.64 / 5 stars (40 reviews)
- Flex Moving & Storage — 4.56 / 5 stars (255 reviews)
- 1st Class Moving and Storage — 4.58 / 5 stars (193 reviews)
1776 Moving and Storage, Inc.
Rating: 4.7 / 5 | BBB Grade: A+ | Reviews: Yelp (51) | Google (438)
Address: 4210 L B McLeod Rd #109, Orlando, FL 32811
1776's crews come across as methodical and genuinely careful. Among 283 reviews, 71% highlighted on-time arrivals, professional staff, and attention to fragile items. Customers report moves finishing ahead of schedule with transparent pricing. The downsides are real though: about 26% of reviews mention property damage, higher-than-quoted final bills, and slow claims resolution.
What they offer: Local and interstate moves, full packing/unpacking, piano moving, art and antiques handling, crating, storage, and specialty items like safes.
Contact: (407) 251-4770 | License: 2303737 | DOT: 2303737 | Years in business: 13
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Rating: 4.64 / 5 | BBB Grade: A+ | Reviews: Yelp (198) | Google (9,002)
Address: 6105 Cyril Ave, Orlando, FL 32809
College Hunks stands out for speed and friendliness. Out of 402 reviews, 77% were positive, with most customers praising quick completion times and polite crews. Communication stays solid throughout. The catch: 22% report damage, unexpected charges, or follow-up issues. If you're moving straightforward items without high-value antiques, they're reliable; if you're nervous about claims, ask hard questions upfront.
What they offer: Local moves, packing/unpacking, office relocations, storage.
Contact: (336) 810-1801 | License: 2631 | DOT: 2378173 | Years in business: 14
Cento Family Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.64 / 5 | BBB Grade: A+ | Reviews: Yelp (25) | Google (327)
Address: 405 Sunport Ln # 450, Orlando, FL 32809
Cento draws praise for professional handling and quick moves. Among 40 reviews, 68% were positive, highlighting efficient crews and careful service. The problem: 33% note damaged goods or lost items, plus complaints about unclear claims processes. They're decent for straightforward moves but watch your coverage options carefully.
What they offer: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Contact: (407) 265-6683 | License: 2436294 | DOT: 2436294 | Years in business: 11
Flex Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.56 / 5 | BBB Grade: B | Reviews: Yelp (52) | Google (298)
Address: 1600 E Amelia St Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32803
Flex has strong positive momentum—93% of 255 reviews highlight courteous staff and fast, damage-free moves. The trade-off: they're newer (only 2 years in business), and a small fraction report significant damage, inflated charges, or communication gaps. Good bet for a straightforward move, but build in extra time for problem resolution if needed.
What they offer: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, storage.
Contact: (786) 738-9516 | DOT: 3610638 | Years in business: 2
1st Class Moving and Storage
Rating: 4.58 / 5 | BBB Grade: A+ | Reviews: Yelp (19) | Google (193)
Address: 2149 Viscount Row, Orlando, FL 32809
1st Class earns consistent praise for efficiency and polite service. Over 91% of 193 reviews highlight smooth booking, quick moves, and affordability. The gap: some customers report damage and struggle to get resolutions or follow-up on claims. They're solid for no-frills moves but not your first pick if you're shipping high-value items.
What they offer: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, storage.
Contact: (407) 338-3524 | License: IM2357 | DOT: 1731789 | Years in business: 10
What Moving Services Are Available in Orlando?
Quick snapshot of specialties among the 41 movers we tracked:
- Interstate moves: 82.93%
- Pianos: 80.49%
- Antiques: 48.78%
- Art: 48.78%
- Custom crating: 70.73%
- Small moves: 53.66%
Moving Costs: Orlando to Illinois
Here's what you're looking at depending on your home size and moving method. These estimates are based on a 1,124-mile move and updated monthly to reflect market rates.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $957 – $4,037 | $818 – $1,917 | $644 – $1,328 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,172 – $5,410 | $1,496 – $3,107 | $762 – $1,594 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,773 – $6,929 | $2,061 – $4,063 | $930 – $1,866 |
What drives these numbers? Load size, season (summer peaks at 15–20% premium), access issues, fuel prices, and your specific move date. Get multiple quotes to lock in real pricing.
Full-Service Movers: Orlando to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom typically runs $957–$4,037. Two to three bedrooms? Budget $2,172–$5,410. A four-bedroom or larger move lands in the $3,773–$6,929 range. These prices assume standard service—add packing, specialty items, or rush delivery and costs climb fast.
Moving Containers: Orlando to Illinois
Containers like PODS give you flexibility: you pack, they haul. Studio moves run $818–$1,917. Two to three bedrooms: $1,496–$3,107. Larger homes: $2,061–$4,063. Container moves suit people who need time or want to avoid movers handling their stuff, but they're often slower than truck-based service.
Truck Rentals: Orlando to Illinois
If you're willing to drive and pack yourself, rentals are cheapest: $644–$1,328 for a studio, $762–$1,594 for a two to three-bedroom, $930–$1,866 for four-plus bedrooms. Fuel is baked in. The catch: you're responsible for heavy lifting, packing, driving 1,124 miles in a box truck, and unloading at the other end.
What Affects Your Moving Cost
Several factors swing prices up or down:
- Load size: Bigger homes = higher costs, but also economies of scale (a 4-bedroom isn't 4× the cost of a studio).
- Season: Summer (May–September) is peak. Winter moves save 15–25%.
- DIY vs. full-service: Truck rentals are cheaper upfront but cost time and energy. Movers cost more but you avoid burnout.
- Special items: Pianos, hot tubs, art, and antiques add labor and equipment costs.
- Distance and fuel: At 1,124 miles, fuel is a real line item. Gas spikes year-to-year.
Should You Move? Cost of Living Breakdown
Here's the real question: will Illinois save you money?
| Factor | Orlando, FL | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Rent | $1,943 | $1,179 | 39% lower in Illinois |
| Avg. Home Price | $377,005 | $249,224 | 34% lower in Illinois |
| Avg. Per Capita Income | $58,968 | $78,433 | 33% higher in Illinois |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 90 | 15% lower in Illinois |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.8% | 5.3% | 9% lower in Illinois |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 4.95% | Illinois taxes your income |
The short version: Illinois is cheaper on rent (39%), housing (34%), and overall living (15%). Your income potential is higher, and jobs are steadier. But Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax while Florida has none, so your take-home shrinks a bit. If you're earning a solid salary, the move pays off.
Life Changes: Orlando vs. Illinois
Beyond dollars, you're trading climate, community size, and seasons.
| Factor | Orlando, FL | Illinois | The Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,573 | 12,549,689 | Much larger state |
| Summer High | 92°F | 86°F | Cooler by 6° |
| Winter Low | 49°F | 17°F | Much colder winters |
| Annual Rain | 52″ | 40″ | Less rain, more sun |
| Annual Snow | 0″ | 22″ | Four to six months of snow |
| Crime Index | 49.57 | 19.7 | Safer neighborhoods |
| Political Lean | Democratic | Democratic | Both lean left |
What this means:
- Winters are real. If you've never shoveled, now's the time to learn. Heating bills spike November–March. On the bright side: winter sports, snow days, and seasonal charm are legit.
- Summers are milder. A 6-degree drop might not sound like much, but it cuts AC costs and makes outdoor time more pleasant June–August.
- You'll get four distinct seasons. Orlando's rainy summers and mild winters blur together. Illinois offers fall foliage, spring blooms, hot summers, and snowy winters—a rhythm some people crave.
- Crime is lower. Illinois (index 19.7) has a better safety profile than Orlando (49.57), though it varies block-to-block.
Before You Move: Illinois Regulations & Logistics
Don't overlook these details—they'll save you headaches on moving day and after.
State Licensing
Illinois requires movers handling household goods intrastate to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Before booking, verify your mover's license on the ICC's official site. It takes two minutes and gives you confidence they're legitimate.
Moving Permits
Illinois doesn't require moving permits statewide, but some municipalities have local parking restrictions for oversized vehicles. Call your new city's public works department to ask if you need a truck-parking permit. Better safe than towed.
Elevator Reservation
If you're moving into a building with an elevator, reserve it early. Many complexes book weeks out during peak season. Check with your landlord or HOA immediately.
HOA & Building Rules
Confirm moving windows, hallway protections, and any restrictions. Some buildings require damage deposits or limit move times to weekdays. It's bureaucratic but worth 10 minutes of calls.
Change of Address
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before you leave. Select your official move date to keep mail flowing. It's free and prevents missed bills or documents.
Moving Insurance
Florida and Illinois have different insurance rules. Standard movers offer Released Value Protection at 60 cents per pound—basically free coverage but minimal payout. For full-value protection matching your belongings' actual worth, ask your mover about add-on insurance or third-party providers. The difference isn't huge but covers peace of mind.
Moving Checklist
Use our moving checklist to stay organized. It covers address changes, utility transfers, packing timelines, and post-move tasks so you don't scramble at the last minute.
What to Do in Illinois
Once you arrive, Illinois has plenty to explore.
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago (world-class paintings and sculpture)
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield)
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
Parks & Outdoors
- Starved Rock State Park (canyons and waterfalls)
- Matthiessen State Park (hiking and picnics)
- Illinois Beach State Park (Lake Michigan shoreline)
- Pere Marquette State Park (scenic views)
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports
- Chicago Cubs (MLB) at Wrigley Field—historic ballpark
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities
- University of Chicago (prestigious research hub)
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Big Ten athletics)
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois Chicago
Common Questions
How long does the move take?
Door-to-door, expect two to eight days depending on the mover, season, and whether they make other stops. Summer moves tend to take longer because companies are backed up. Ask for a delivery window estimate before you book.
Do Orlando movers offer custom crating?
Yes. About 70% of the 41 movers we tracked offer custom crating—useful for art, antiques, and oddly shaped items. Ask about specs and turnaround time before committing.
Can I ship a car from Orlando to Illinois?
You can. Look for an auto transport company with proven experience, positive reviews, and insurance. The cost typically runs $800–$1,400 depending on the car and season.
Why are people moving to Illinois?
Chicago is the draw—job market, culture, sports, food scene. Plus, housing and rent are genuinely cheaper. People also move for family, education, or to escape Florida's humidity and hurricanes.
Can I pay in cash?
About 13 movers in the Orlando area accept cash, but it's the exception. Most want traceable payments (check, card, bank transfer) and digital receipts. Standard: you pay a deposit to secure the date, then the balance at pickup or after delivery. Confirm the exact terms before signing.
Key Takeaways
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Top movers for this route are 1776 Moving and Storage (4.7 stars), College Hunks (4.64), and Cento (4.64). All handle interstate moves professionally, though watch for damage claims if you're shipping valuables.
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Budget $957–$4,037 for a studio move, $2,172–$5,410 for two to three bedrooms, or $3,773–$6,929 for four-plus bedrooms. Truck rentals are cheapest but require effort; containers offer flexibility; full-service costs more but saves time.
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Illinois is 15% cheaper to live in, with 39% lower rent and 34% lower home prices. Your income potential is higher, but you'll owe 4.95% state income tax (Florida has none).
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Winters are cold and snowy (22 inches annually). Summers are mild and pleasant. Crime is lower. It's a real change if you've only lived in Florida's year-round heat.
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Don't skip licensing checks—verify your mover's ICC certificate, check for parking permits, reserve elevators early, and submit your USPS change of address at least a week out.
Get moving quotes from multiple companies to lock in real pricing. The difference between low and high bids on this route can top $2,000, so shop around.