The temperature gap between Chicago in January and Miami in January is about 70 degrees — and that difference alone moves nearly a thousand households a month down I-75. The 714-mile route takes 1–2 days in transit and costs $2,303–$4,299 with full-service movers.
Delivery Timeline
Most movers quote 1–2 days for the 714-mile route. Chicago pickups typically deliver next-day to northern Florida (Jacksonville, Gainesville) and second-day to South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale). Loading day itself is separate — book your pickup 3–4 weeks ahead.
What You'll Pay
| Move Type | Cost Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Movers | $2,303–$4,299 | Loading, transport, unloading |
| Moving Container | $1,450–$2,700 | Container dropped off, you load |
| Rental Truck | $650–$1,250 | You drive 714 miles + gas, lodging |
Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Full-Service Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | $2,303–$2,700 |
| 2BR | $2,700–$3,200 |
| 3BR | $3,200–$3,800 |
| 4BR+ | $3,800–$4,299 |
City Pairs
- Chicago → Miami (1,380 mi): The longest IL→FL pair — Chicagoans heading to South Florida. Plan for 2 full days in transit.
- Aurora → Tampa (1,150 mi): Western suburbs to the Gulf Coast — I-75 straight down through Kentucky and Georgia.
- Naperville → Orlando (1,150 mi): Suburban families heading to central Florida — popular with families relocating for theme-industry and tech jobs.
What's Different About This Route
I-75 is the main artery — it runs from the Great Lakes all the way to South Florida without a single toll. The drive crosses the Ohio River, the Cumberland Plateau, and the Okefenokee Swamp before reaching Florida. Movers run this route frequently, so availability is generally good year-round.
FAQ
How long does delivery take? 1–2 days for most loads. Chicago to Jacksonville is overnight; Chicago to Miami is two days.
When is the cheapest time to move? September–November offers the best rates — after summer peak but before snowbird season drives prices up in December.