The BEST Moving Companies in Chicago, IL

Our Top Pick: If you’re moving locally in Chicago, IL, our top pick is Alliance Moving & Storage. We’ve rated them 4.96 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for an interstate moving company to handle your Illinois move, we recommend Safeway Moving.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

With 2.7 million people living in Chicago, the city sees its fair share of moving trucks. With an average moving cost of $100 per hour in Chicago, finding a moving company that balances cost and quality is key.

Whether your new place is down the road or you’re looking for the best long-distance moving company, we’ve reviewed the best moving companies in Chicago to make your next move a smooth transition.

How we chose the best movers in Chicago

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 63 Illinois movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers for those moving locally in Chicago

Alliance Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 2882675

Years in Business: 8

3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Alliance Moving & Storage has been providing dependable local residential moving services in and around Rolling Meadows, IL, since 2016. With an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 3.8 on Google, they have earned a solid reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, Alliance Moving & Storage stands out with their comprehensive offerings, including packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities to move pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. They accept both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a convenient and flexible choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (847) 378-4949

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • HK & RP, LLC
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New City Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3078026

Years in Business: 16

2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

New City Moving, a reputable moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been providing local residential moving services since 2010. With an impressive 4.7 average rating from 1,096 Yelp reviews and a 4.8 average rating from 2,393 Google reviews, they stand out among nearby movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. Beyond local moves, New City Moving offers office moving, packing, and unpacking services, along with full valuation insurance coverage. They accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring a flexible payment process.

Get a Quote (773) 489-0600

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3078026
  • State license #: 158051

Alternative Business Names

  • Windy City Moving, Inc.
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The Professionals Moving Specialists

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 3383907

Years in Business: 20

3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

The Professionals Moving Specialists, serving Chicago, IL, since 2005, are a highly reputable local moving company specializing in residential relocations. With an impressive 4.6 average rating from 1013 Yelp reviews and a perfect 5.0 from 3993 Google My Business reviews, they stand out as a top choice compared to other area movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company offers a variety of services, including packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing, as well as the ability to move specialized items such as pianos, pool tables, and antiques. Known for their customer satisfaction and comprehensive services, The Professionals Moving Specialists are well-equipped to handle all local moving needs.

Get a Quote (888) 225-7351

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 3383907
  • State license #: 136144

Local Associations

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H2H Movers Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2428328

Years in Business: 9

4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL 60613

H2H Movers Inc, established in 2015, is a highly reputable local moving company serving the Chicago, IL area. Specializing in residential moves, H2H Movers also offers a range of services including office moving, packing and unpacking, as well as specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. With an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 1556 reviews and a solid 4.3 from 371 reviews on Yelp, they outshine many other local competitors. Their A- rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores their reliability. Customers can pay via cash or credit card, and although a deposit is required, full valuation insurance coverage is provided for added peace of mind.

Get a Quote (773) 236-8797

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2428328
  • State license #: 184599

Alternative Business Names

  • H2H Movers, Inc
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Move-tastic

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

Years in Business: 16

3100 N. Tripp Ave., Chicago, IL 60641

Move-tastic, a reputable local moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been delivering exceptional residential moving services since 2009. Comparing favorably to other nearby movers, Move-tastic stands out with over 2,000 positive reviews, boasting an impressive 4.6 Yelp rating and a stellar 4.9 on Google, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their comprehensive service offerings include packing, unpacking, and office moving services, and they also provide labor-only services. Move-tastic secures customer trust by accepting both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a reliable and convenient choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (773) 715-3227

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Hot Tubs
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • State license #: 158678

Local Associations

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Best movers for those moving out of Illinois

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

Alternative Chicago moving options

Moving Containers

  1. U-Pack: 5 out of 5
  2. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices

Labor Only

  1. HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
  2. Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Full DIY

  1. U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
  2. Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

Average cost of movers in Chicago

The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Chicago area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in Illinois for more pricing info.

Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.

You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estim

Local moving costs in Chicago

If you’re moving within 50 miles of Chicago, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Chicago, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.69 per mile to $0.79 per mile.

And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Chicago is $100 per hour.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $353 $140 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $493 $140 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $801 $196 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,857 $274 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,131 $274 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,285 $384 5 movers 10 hours

Interstate moving costs out of Chicago

The cost to move from Chicago to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from Illinois. Here are a few examples:

Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.

How do I find a reputable Chicago mover?

If you’re looking for the best movers in Chicago, here’s what you should look for:

  • A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Chicago or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over Illinois, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
  • Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Chicago has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
  • Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Chicago may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
  • Get multiple estimates: Reputable Chicago movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.

Fortunately, the Chicago movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.

If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in Illinois.

FAQs

Do I need to get a parking permit for movers in Chicago?

For a fee of $25, CDOT will provide ticket and tow enforceable signs to eligible moving companies for the day of the move. This requires 72 hours.

For more info on parking permits in Chicago, visit the local DOT website.

How can I save money when hiring a Chicago moving company?

It’s almost always cheaper to hire a moving company in Chicago outside of their busy season. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.

Now that you know when moving companies in Chicago are less busy, you can use that to negotiate your moving costs.

Do Chicago movers offer storage?

Yes, depending on your storage needs most moving companies in Chicago do offer both short and long-term storage units.

However, while some have their own storage facilities, others don't, in which case they may store your items at a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about storage facilities and getting quotes when screening prospective movers early on in the moving process.

If your Chicago mover doesn’t offer storage - or you need services beyond what they can provide - reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.

Should you use your mover's storage solutions?

What is there to do in Chicago?

Some popular attractions in Chicago include:

  • Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
  • Navy Pier
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Buckingham Fountain
  • Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
  • 360 Chicago and the John Hancock Center
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Field Museum
  • The Magnificent Mile
  • Willis Tower SkyDeck
  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Chicago Cultural Center
  • Wrigley Field
  • Chicago Pizza Tours
  • Oz Park
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Green Mill Jazz Club
  • The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
  • The Chicago Theatre
  • The Second City

How’s the job market in Chicago?

Chicago’s unemployment rate is at 9.0%. Looking for a job in the “Chi-Town”? Let us help you start looking, here’s a list of the top employers in Chicago:

  • U.S. Government
  • Chicago Public Schools
  • City of Chicago
  • Cook County, Illinois
  • Advocate Health System
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • University of Chicago
  • State of Illinois
  • United Continental Holdings
  • AT&T Illinois
  • Walgreens
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Presence Health
  • Chicago Transit Authority
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
  • American Airlines
  • Jewel-Osco
  • Northwestern University
  • Allstate
  • Aon
  • Rush University Medical Center
  • Archdiocese of Chicago
  • Walmart
  • Northern Trust Company

How can I see all moving companies in Illinois?

You can find all moving companies in Illinois by clicking here.

Helpful Chicago Resources

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