The BEST Moving Companies in Chicago, IL
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Chicago, IL, is The Professionals Moving Specialists, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service and specialized handling of pianos and antiques. If you’re moving out of Illinois to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Chicago-based mover: The Professionals Moving Specialists
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Our track record
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, IL
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Wolley Movers, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Amazing Experience
- Efficient Team
- Customer Satisfaction
- Higher Price
- Limited Discounts
- Physically Demanding
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service (29%)
- Friendly and professional staff (26%)
- Careful handling of belongings (25%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
- Damage to items (17%)
- Lack of communication (16%)
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff (30%)
- Efficient service (28%)
- Careful handling (25%)
- Damage to items (20%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
- Lack of communication (10%)
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service (30%)
- Professional and polite staff (25%)
- Careful handling (22%)
- Unexpected charges (18%)
- Damage to items (15%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (12%)
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service (23%)
- Professional and polite staff (19%)
- Good communication (17%)
- Damage to items (24%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
- Lack of communication (18%)
Company Info
State license #: 119878
Years in Business: 22
Wolley Movers, Inc. is a reputable local moving company serving the Chicago, IL area since 2002. Known for their top-rated local residential moving services, they stand out for their packing, crating, and specialized fragile-only packing options, ensuring the safe transport of delicate items such as art and antiques. With 300 Yelp reviews averaging 3.8 stars and 562 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars, they come highly rated compared to nearby movers. Additionally, their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores their reliable service. Conveniently, they accept money orders, cash, and credit cards, with no deposit required, making them a flexible and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Best movers for those moving out of Illinois
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving Illinois for a new state:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- 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
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best moving containers in Chicago, IL
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Chicago vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best rental trucks for your Chicago, IL move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Chicago, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in Illinois costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.79 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
- 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
- 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
Labor-only movers in Chicago, IL
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Chicago:
- 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
- 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
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
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.
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.
Average cost of movers in Chicago, Illinois
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 estimate.
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 | $349 | $140 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $489 | $140 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $797 | $196 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,853 | $274 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,127 | $274 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,281 | $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:
- Chicago to California Movers: $1,305 to $7,004
- Chicago to New York Movers: $594 to $5,581
- Chicago to New York Movers: $594 to $5,581
- Chicago to New York Movers: $594 to $5,581
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Chicago will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Chicago will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across Illinois state lines.
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Chicago, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
- Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
- Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for local 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?
You can save money when hiring a Chicago mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.
Do Chicago movers offer storage?
Yes, many Chicago movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.
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.
How can I see all moving companies in Illinois?
You can see all moving companies in Illinois by taking a look at our full list of Illinois movers.
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