Top Port St. Lucie Movers for Your Illinois Move
I've reviewed the movers operating out of the Port St. Lucie area that handle interstate moves to Illinois. Here are the five that consistently deliver the best customer experience:
- A-1 Moving & Storage — 4.76 / 5
- Bald Eagle Moving LLC — 4.64 / 5
- Two Men and a Truck — 4.58 / 5
- Jensen Moving & Storage — 4.38 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.38 / 5
A-1 Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.76 / 5 | Yelp (20 reviews) | Google (264 reviews) | BBB A+
A-1 stands out in a crowded field. Across nearly 240 customer reviews, 96% report satisfaction. What sets them apart isn't just speed—it's the attention to detail. Customers consistently mention that the crew matches or beats their quotes, handles fragile items with real care, and communicates throughout the process.
The rare complaints center on damaged items and slow claims resolution, but these are outliers. For a long-distance move from Port St. Lucie to Illinois, A-1's 52 years in business and DOT certification give you solid footing.
Services: Interstate moves, full-service packing, piano moving, storage, crating, shipment tracking, and full-valuation coverage.
Phone: (561) 625-0600
License: State #139 | DOT #125550
Bald Eagle Moving LLC
Rating: 4.64 / 5 | Yelp (18 reviews) | Google (76 reviews) | BBB A+
Bald Eagle's numbers are striking: 94% positive feedback across 152 reviews. Most reviewers highlight the professionalism, speed, and lack of damage—something genuinely rare in this industry. Pricing is competitive, and they're flexible with scheduling.
The small percentage of complaints focus on property damage and slow responses on insurance claims. Nothing catastrophic, but worth asking about their claims process upfront before you book.
Services: Interstate and international moves, packing, storage, art and antiques handling, crating.
Phone: (561) 531-4627
License: State #2731 | DOT #2987316
Two Men and a Truck
Rating: 4.58 / 5 | Yelp (16 reviews) | Google (471 reviews) | BBB A+
Over 200 pieces of feedback paint a clear picture: polite, professional crews who move fast and don't damage your stuff. Eighty-six percent of reviews praise their communication and careful handling. You won't find a lot of surprises here—what you see in the estimate is what you pay.
The downside: a small slice of customers report damage or unexpected charges. These seem tied to high-value or delicate items, so if you're moving antiques or collectibles, get detailed coverage in writing.
Services: Interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, storage.
Phone: (772) 236-0827
License: DOT #2527384
Jensen Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.38 / 5 | Yelp (28 reviews) | Google (394 reviews) | BBB F
I'll be direct: Jensen's BBB rating is an F, which is a red flag. However, their customer reviews on Yelp and Google tell a different story—88% positive. Customers praise speed, affordable rates, and willingness to accommodate unusual requests. Some mention they came in under budget.
The tension here is real. The BBB complaints likely stem from property damage and billing disputes that went unresolved. If you choose Jensen, get a detailed inventory, document everything before moving day, and don't hesitate to escalate claims issues.
Services: Interstate moves, packing, storage, art and antiques, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage.
Phone: (772) 334-5787
License: State #2401 | DOT #3071625
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Rating: 4.38 / 5 | Yelp (32 reviews) | Google (375 reviews) | BBB C
College Hunks earns strong marks from most customers—93% positive. Their crews are efficient, polite, and book quickly. Estimates are straightforward, and they're transparent about costs in a way many competitors aren't.
The weak spot: 7% of feedback mentions damage and billing surprises. The BBB grade is C, which suggests unresolved complaints. This company works fine for straightforward moves, but for high-value items, I'd get a detailed scope in writing and consider external moving insurance.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage.
Phone: (336) 810-1801
License: State #3399348 | DOT #2378173
Moving Services Available in Port St. Lucie
Here's a snapshot of what local movers in the Port St. Lucie area can handle:
| Service | % of Movers |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 90% |
| Small moves | 60% |
| Antiques | 70% |
| Art handling | 70% |
| Pianos | 80% |
| Fragile-only packing | 20% |
What Does a Move from Port St. Lucie to Illinois Cost?
I've pulled together average pricing based on a 1,238-mile journey. Your actual quote will depend on your stuff, the season, and how much labor you want to offload.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,057–$4,289 | $881–$2,159 | $707–$1,420 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,240–$5,182 | $1,532–$3,110 | $796–$1,688 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,975–$7,109 | $1,992–$4,039 | $962–$2,079 |
Full-Service Moving Costs
A studio or one-bedroom from Port St. Lucie to Illinois runs $1,057 to $4,289 with full-service movers. For a two- to three-bedroom home, expect $2,240 to $5,182. Larger homes typically fall between $3,975 and $7,109.
The range reflects factors like time of year (summer peaks), service level (packing included?), and access challenges at either end.
Moving Container Costs
Moving containers like PODS give you flexibility: load on your timeline, they store it, then deliver it. Expect $881–$2,159 for a small load, $1,532–$3,110 for 2–3 bedrooms, and $1,992–$4,039 for larger moves. You're paying for the container rental and transportation, not labor.
Rental Truck Costs
Truck rentals are the budget option—$707–$1,420 for a studio, $796–$1,688 for 2–3 bedrooms, and $962–$2,079 for larger homes. These figures include estimated fuel. The catch: you're doing all the physical work yourself.
What Drives Your Moving Cost
Several factors will push your quote up or down:
- Move size. More stuff = higher cost. A one-bedroom costs less than a four-bedroom.
- Time of year. Summer is peak season in Florida. Moving in June through August will cost more than moving in January or February.
- Professional vs. DIY. Hiring movers costs more but saves your back and your sanity.
Life After the Move: Port St. Lucie vs. Illinois
If you're moving north from Port St. Lucie to Illinois, you're in for some financial and lifestyle shifts. Let me break it down.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Metric | Port St. Lucie | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,630 | $1,179 | 55% less in IL |
| Average home | $391,763 | $249,224 | 36% less in IL |
| Per capita income | $68,647 | $78,433 | 14% higher in IL |
| Cost of living index | 99 | 90 | 9% lower in IL |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.3% | Slightly higher in IL |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% | Tax added in IL |
The takeaway: Illinois is measurably cheaper. Rent drops by more than half, and housing costs are 36% lower. You'll take home higher nominal income, but Illinois's state income tax (4.95%) will eat into it. Unemployment is slightly higher in Illinois, so the job market is more competitive—but Chicago's economic ecosystem is strong.
Climate & Lifestyle Differences
| Factor | Port St. Lucie | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 90°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 53°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 58″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Political lean | Republican (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Population | 204,851 | 12.5M |
| Crime index | 35.03 | 19.73 |
You're trading warm winters for harsh cold. Illinois winters bottom out at 17°F—that's a 36-degree drop from Port St. Lucie's 53°F. You'll get 22 inches of snow annually, versus zero in Port St. Lucie. Rain actually decreases (58″ to 40″), so you'll see more sunny days, though winters will be dark and long.
Illinois is more densely populated and more Democratic-leaning than Port St. Lucie. Crime rates are lower in Illinois (19.73 vs. 35.03), which is a meaningful safety advantage. If you're moving to Chicago, you're entering a major urban center with all the amenities and chaos that entails.
Practical Things to Handle Before Your Move
Don't just book a truck and leave. Illinois has specific rules and moving mechanics worth knowing.
State licensing and regulations. Illinois movers handling local or intrastate moves must have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify your moving company has a current license before signing anything. You can check the state's regulatory database online.
Elevator reservations. If you're moving from or to a building with an elevator, book it in advance. Move day is not the time to discover you can't access it.
Truck parking permits. Some Illinois municipalities require permits for moving trucks. Check with your city or building before moving day—surprise tickets are no fun.
HOA rules. If your current or new home is in an HOA, confirm there are no moving restrictions or paperwork required.
Change of address. File your USPS change of address at least a week before you move. You can set your official move date and have mail forwarded to Illinois automatically.
Moving insurance. Most movers offer Released Value Protection for free (60 cents per pound). That's basic coverage. For full-value protection matching your items' actual worth, ask about optional coverage or buy a third-party policy. This matters if you have expensive furniture, electronics, or artwork.
Use a checklist. Check out our moving checklist to stay organized. It sounds obvious, but the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic one often comes down to having a plan written down.
What to Do and See in Illinois
Moving to a new state is a chance to explore. Illinois has plenty to offer beyond Chicago.
Museums: The Art Institute of Chicago is world-class. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is excellent if you're into history. The Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria is surprisingly engaging.
Parks: Starved Rock State Park is stunning, especially in fall. Matthiessen State Park nearby offers great hiking. Illinois Beach State Park is the closest thing to a beach if you're missing the ocean.
Sports: Chicago is a sports town. The Cubs and White Sox play baseball, the Bears play football, and the Bulls and Sky play basketball. Even if you're not a fan, the energy is worth experiencing.
Universities: University of Chicago, Northwestern, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign all shape the state's culture and draw smart people.
Common Questions
How long does the move take?
A move from Port St. Lucie to Illinois typically takes 2–8 days, depending on the service. Summer moves often take longer due to demand. Confirm delivery timelines with your mover upfront so you're not blindsided by delays.
Which movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Seven movers in the Port St. Lucie area offer custom crating for art, antiques, and other delicate items. If you have specialized items, ask your potential mover if they've handled similar pieces and request references.
How do I ship my car to Illinois?
You'll want an auto transport company that prioritizes professionalism and vehicle care. They'll pick up from Port St. Lucie and deliver to Illinois. Check out our guide on auto shipping for your best options.
Why are people moving from Port St. Lucie to Illinois?
Economic opportunity (especially in Chicago), lower cost of living, and job growth draw people north. Some are moving for work; others are relocating to be near family. Illinois's job market is competitive but robust.
Do Port St. Lucie movers accept cash?
Three movers in the Port St. Lucie area take cash, but it's uncommon in the moving industry. Most companies require a traceable deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Confirm payment methods with your mover before you commit.
Next Steps
Start by using our moving cost calculator to get personalized estimates based on your specific belongings and move date. Then compare quotes from at least three of the companies listed above. A-1 Moving & Storage is my top pick based on longevity and customer satisfaction, but Bald Eagle and Two Men and a Truck are solid alternatives.
If you're doing a DIY move or considering containers, get quotes for those options too. Summer is approaching, so book sooner rather than later if you're planning a peak-season move.