Cross country relocation: 8-Week Easy Guide

Your Guide to a Smooth Move from Illinois to the Sunshine State

A cross country relocation is a move across state lines, usually over 1,000 miles. It requires careful planning and working with licensed interstate moving companies.

Key Steps for Cross Country Relocation:

1. Planning Timeline – Start 8-12 weeks before your move date
2. Get Multiple Quotes – Compare services from FMCSA-registered movers
3. Choose Services – Full-service, container-based, or DIY options
4. Budget Preparation – Costs range from $2,000-$10,000 depending on distance and services
5. Documentation – Update address, transfer utilities, gather important papers
6. Insurance Options – Basic liability or full-value protection coverage

Moving from Chicago to Florida is a 1,200-mile journey that needs professional expertise. Costs are higher in the peak summer season, with better rates often available in the winter. Professional movers must hold proper FMCSA licensing for interstate transport.

As Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers with nearly 30 years of experience, I’ve helped countless Illinois families successfully complete their cross country relocation to Florida. Our team knows the logistics of moving from the Chicago area and ensures a smooth transition.

Choosing Your Cross Country Relocation Method: Professional Services vs. DIY

When planning a cross country relocation from Illinois to Florida, you have three main options: professional movers, container services, or a DIY approach. Each has different costs, effort levels, and services.

1. Professional Full-Service Movers (Like Us!)

Choosing a professional mover like us means convenience and peace of mind. We handle every aspect of your cross country relocation from Illinois to Florida, including:

• Packing and Unpacking: Our trained crews use quality materials to protect your items for the long journey.
• Loading and Unloading: We do all the heavy lifting, using proper equipment to prevent damage.
• Transportation: We manage the logistics of driving your belongings over 1,200 miles, adhering to all federal regulations.
• Disassembly and Reassembly: We handle standard furniture disassembly and reassembly.
• Storage Solutions: We can arrange secure storage if your new Florida home isn’t ready.

While the upfront cost is higher, a full-service move saves you time, stress, and potential hidden expenses, making it ideal for most families.

2. Container-Based Services

Container services are a middle-ground option. A container is delivered to your home, you load it, and the company transports it to Florida. This requires you to do the packing and loading but saves you from driving the long distance. It’s more affordable than full-service movers and offers flexible scheduling.

3. DIY Truck Rental

The DIY approach involves renting a truck and doing everything yourself—packing, loading, driving, and unloading. While it’s the cheapest option upfront, it’s physically demanding and has hidden costs like fuel, insurance, and lodging. This is best for small moves on a very tight budget.

Moving Method	Typical Cost Range	Effort Level	Services Included	Best For
Full-Service Movers	Higher (e.g., $2,000 – $10,000+)	Minimal	Packing, loading, transport, unloading, (dis)assembly, potential storage	Busy individuals, large households, those seeking maximum convenience
Container Services	Moderate	Moderate (self-pack/load)	Container delivery, transport, pick-up, storage options	Flexible timelines, smaller moves, budget-conscious but don’t want to drive
DIY Truck Rental	Lower (variable with fuel/mileage)	High	Truck rental, basic equipment (dollies, blankets usually extra)	Very tight budgets, small moves, those who enjoy hands-on work

To learn more about your options, explore our guides on An Essential Guide To Out Of State Moving Options and Professional Movers Long Distance.

Budgeting for Your Move: Understanding the Costs

Budgeting is key for a cross country relocation from Illinois to Florida. Costs can range from $2,000 to over $10,000. Understanding the factors that influence the price is the first step to creating a realistic budget.

Key cost factors for your cross country relocation include:

1. Moving Distance: The 1,200+ mile trip from Illinois to Florida is a primary cost driver.
2. Shipment Weight/Volume: Movers base quotes on the weight or volume of your items. Decluttering before you move is a great way to save money.
3. Time of Year: Peak season (late spring and summer) is more expensive due to high demand. Moving in the off-season, like winter, can offer better rates.
4. Packing Services: Opting for our professional packing services adds to the cost but saves you time and ensures items are packed securely.
5. Additional Services: Costs can increase with services like crating for specialty items, appliance servicing, shuttle services for locations with difficult access, or temporary storage.

To get an accurate estimate, we recommend getting a detailed quote from us. We’ll provide a transparent price based on all these factors.

For more detailed insights, check out our resources on Cost To Relocate To Another State and Moving Out Of State Budget.

The Ultimate Pre-Move Checklist for a Cross Country Relocation

A successful cross country relocation requires planning. We recommend starting 8-12 weeks before your move from Illinois to Florida. Here’s a checklist to guide you:

8-12 Weeks Before the Move:

• Research & Budget: Get quotes from licensed movers, create a moving budget, and start an inventory list.
• Declutter: Go through your home and decide what to keep, sell, or donate. Less stuff means lower moving costs.

6-8 Weeks Before the Move:

• Book Your Mover: Finalize your contract and confirm your moving date.
• Gather Supplies: If packing yourself, get boxes, tape, and other packing materials.
• Start Packing: Begin packing non-essential items like seasonal decor, books, and guest room contents.

4 Weeks Before the Move:

• Arrange Utilities: Schedule disconnection of services in Illinois and connection at your new Florida home.
• Change of Address: File your official change of address with the USPS online. Update your address with banks, credit card companies, and subscriptions.
• Gather Documents: Collect important records (birth certificates, passports, medical records) and keep them in a secure box to travel with you.

2 Weeks Before the Move:

• Continue Packing: Focus on packing remaining items, leaving only daily essentials.
• Pack an “Essentials Box”: Prepare a box with items for your first 24 hours in Florida (toiletries, medications, clothes, tools).
• Handle Restricted Items: Dispose of hazardous materials (flammables, corrosives) and perishable food that can’t be transported on the moving truck.

1 Week Before the Move:

• Final Confirmation: Double-check all logistics with your moving company.
• Clean Your Home: Thoroughly clean your old residence.
• Prepare for Travel: Pack personal bags and get your vehicle serviced if you’re driving.

For detailed guidance, explore our advice on Moving Out Of State Checklist and Pack Fragile Items For Long Distance Move.

Navigating the Journey and Arrival

Moving Day, Insurance, and Common Problems

Knowing what to expect on moving day can ease any anxiety about your cross country relocation.

Your Moving Day Experience

On moving day, our crew will arrive at your Illinois home, conduct a walk-through, and protect your property by padding floors and doorways. We will then carefully wrap your furniture and load the truck, creating a detailed inventory list called the Bill of Lading. This is your official record of everything being moved. Review this document carefully before signing. We maintain clear communication throughout the process.

Protecting Your Belongings: Understanding Insurance Options

Protecting your belongings during a cross country relocation is crucial. Federal law requires movers to offer two coverage options:

• Basic Liability Coverage: This is included at no extra cost but provides minimal protection at 60 cents per pound per item. For example, a damaged 50-pound TV would only be covered for $30.
• Full Value Protection: We highly recommend this option. It ensures that if an item is lost or damaged, we will repair it, replace it with a similar item, or compensate you for its full replacement value. The peace of mind is worth the additional cost.

When Things Don’t Go According to Plan

While we strive for perfection, challenges can arise during a cross country relocation.

• Delays: We’ll notify you immediately about any delays due to weather or road conditions. Your essentials box will be invaluable in these situations.
• Damaged or Missing Items: Note any issues on the Bill of Lading upon delivery and contact us right away to start a claim.
• Unexpected Costs: We believe in transparency and will always discuss potential extra charges with you upfront, such as if a shipment is heavier than estimated.

Our commitment as Reliable Long Distance Movers means we work to resolve any issues quickly and fairly.

Welcome to the Sunshine State: Essential Post-Move Tasks

Congratulations on your move to Florida! Once your cross country relocation is complete, a few key tasks will help you settle in smoothly.

• Unpack Strategically: Locate your “essentials box” first for immediate needs. Then, unpack one room at a time, starting with bedrooms and the kitchen, to make your new home livable quickly.
• Establish Residency: Ensure all utilities are active. In Florida, you have 30 days to get a new driver’s license and only 10 days to register your vehicle after becoming a resident. Don’t forget to register to vote.
• Find Local Services: Locate new healthcare providers and transfer your medical records from Illinois. If you have children, complete their school registration with the necessary documents as soon as possible.
• Explore and Connect: Get to know your new neighborhood, find local stores, and consider joining community groups. Remember to update your shipping address for online services and subscriptions.

Tackling these post-move tasks systematically will help you establish your new life with confidence. We’re proud to have made the physical part of your move as smooth as possible, giving you more energy to focus on these important next steps.

For additional guidance, check out our resources on If I Move To A Different State and Moving From Chicago To Florida.

Start Your Chicago to Florida Move with Confidence

A cross country relocation from Illinois to Florida is a major undertaking, and that’s where Bernard Movers comes in. For nearly 30 years, we’ve helped families from Chicago and Melrose Park make this journey. We know a move is about more than just boxes; it’s about relocating your life.

Our commitment to care, transparent pricing, and meticulous planning sets us apart. Our professional team understands the challenges of a 1,200+ mile move and is dedicated to providing exceptional service.

We’ve seen how the right professional support can transform a potentially stressful cross country relocation into an exciting new chapter. Let our three decades of experience handle the logistics so you can focus on starting your new life in the Sunshine State.

Ready to get started? Plan your residential move with us and find why so many Illinois families trust Bernard Movers with their most important relocations.