Local moving companies in Chicago

  1. New City Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. H2H Movers Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. Collins Family Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars

New City Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 3078026

Years in Business: 16

2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Moving magic happens when speed meets serviceโ€”New City Moving delivers exactly that, according to 1,451 pieces of customer feedback analyzed. With 92.4% positive reviews, most customers rave about the companyโ€™s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaroundโ€”which set them apart from many competitors. A high number praised clear communication throughout the move. While affordability and responsiveness also stood out, some reported problems. About 6% said their main issue was damage to their belongings, unexpected charges, or struggles resolving complaints when things went wrong. Only 1.8% of feedback landed in the neutral zone, typically due to minor organizational or packing concerns rather than major failures. New City Moving earns above-average praise for efficiency and professionalism compared to other moving services, but a handful of customers cite billing, compensation, or damage disputes where they wanted swifter or better follow-up. For most, the companyโ€™s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.

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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H2H Movers Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 2428328

Years in Business: 10

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

Moving day just got easier for H2H customers. Out of 640 real customer reviews analyzed, a remarkable 88% delivered positive feedback, placing H2H Movers above most competitors in the moving industry. Clients most frequently highlighted the companyโ€™s efficient service, careful handling of possessions, professional and polite staff, great communication, and a quick moving process. People appreciated teams who arrived on time, completed moves ahead of schedule, and made stressful relocations feel manageable, often noting that quoted prices were accurate or even lower than expected. On the other hand, the most common complaints were unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, and delays in arrival or delivery. A few customers reported being billed more than their estimates due to extra fees or poor packing, and some faced slow resolution for claims or communication gaps after their move. While some neutral reviews cited problems with lost items or payment methods, these were far less frequent than the praise received. H2H Movers stands out with efficient, reliable, and friendly crewsโ€”a reputation that exceeds the service level of many moving companies, though attention to transparent billing and timeliness could make experiences even better.

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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The Professionals Moving Specialists

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 3383907

Years in Business: 20

3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Word travels fast when a moving company makes relocations easier than expected. After analyzing 1,349 reviews, 92.5% of feedback for The Professionals Moving Specialists is positive. Customers routinely highlight efficient service, careful handling of belongings, moving crews that work quickly, a professional attitude, and clear communication. People appreciate arriving on time, speedy completion, and the rare occurrence of damage compared to other movers. The overwhelming majority find the booking process straightforward, pricing fair, and the teams respectful of property and special requests. Some input does point to a few drawbacks: complaints about items being scratched or dented, final charges being higher than expected due to extra materials or time, and unexpected add-ons. These issues are reported far less often than praise for skilled, polite, and diligent crews. Compared to most moving companies, The Professionals stand out with stronger reliability and care for customer property. If dependability, efficiency, and peace of mind are top priorities, this company outperforms many local competitors.

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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Alliance Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2882675

Years in Business: 9

3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 US

Moving with Alliance Moving & Storage feels like a breath of fresh air: 247 customer feedback entries were analyzed, with a remarkable 95.5% being positive. Most people describe the company as efficient, careful with belongings, highly professional, and quick. Customers consistently mention respectful staff and clear, reliable communication throughout the process. Affordable, transparent pricing and rapid scheduling compared favorably versus rival companies. On the downside, a minority report unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, or trouble reaching someone after problems arose. Issues like last-minute price increases or lack of follow-up were sometimes cited by dissatisfied customers. Negative experiences remain much less common than positive ones. Compared with typical moving companies, Alliance stands out for speed, professionalism, and care, though some customers recommend confirming all charges up front to prevent misunderstandings.

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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Collins Family Movers, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

Years in Business: 16

2742 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Rave reviews set Collins Family Movers apart in Chicago. Out of 856 customer feedback items analyzed, 91.5% praised the companyโ€”one of the highest satisfaction rates among moving services. Clients consistently highlight the crewโ€™s efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, fast moving, and clear communication. Many emphasize how staff made moving less stressful and more affordable than competitors. Multiple customers have relied on Collins for years and recommend them to family and friends. On the downside, some input describes issues like damaged items, late arrivals, and higher costs than quotedโ€”mostly resulting from complex situations or communication lapses. Negative experiences are rare but involve property damage or delays, issues not uncommon in the industry but less frequent here than average. Few neutral reviews focus on minor miscommunications or unmet expectations. Collins Family Movers outperforms typical movers by delivering speed, reliability, and positive attitudes nearly every time, though customers with valuable or sensitive items should still clarify expectations and coverage in advance.

Get a Quote (773) 942-7400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • State license #: 215646
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Key factors that impact the cost of your Chicago to New York City movetoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Chicago to New York City (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,383, while larger moves may reach $7,685 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Chicago.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $661 to $1,728, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to New York City

Moving from Chicago to New York City comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since New York City is generally more expensive than Chicago, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chicago New York City
Average rent cost $2,045 $4,340
Average home value $295,743 $752,778
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $78,058
Cost of living (single person) $3,648 $5,683
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,266 $15,081
Unemployment rate 9.0% 11.2%
Sales tax 10.25% 8.0%
State income tax 4.95% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in New York City are 112% higher than in Chicago, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
    Home prices in New York City are 154.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in New York City is 9.1% higher than in Chicago, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in New York City include IBM, PepsiCo, and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co..
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in New York City, since the cost of living for a single person in New York City is 55.8% higher than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to New York City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in New York City is 62.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in New York City is 24.44% higher than in Chicago.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in New York City, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in New York City are 21.95% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in New York City are 120.20% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,673.52 in New York City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. New York City

New York City Chicago
Population 8,258,035 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 9
Walkability score 88 77
Bike friendliness score 69 72
Crime Index 50.83 35.19
Safety Index 49.17 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of New York City is about 201% greater than Chicago, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • New York City offers better access to buses and trains than Chicago, based on public transportation ratings. New York City has a transit score of 10 out of 10 compared to 9 in Chicago. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in New York City means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chicago. New York City is considered more walkable than Chicago, with a score of 88 out of 100 versus 77 out of 100 in Chicago. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • New York City and Chicago are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 69 and 72 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • The crime rate in New York City is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 50.83 in New York City, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in New York City than in Chicago, based on New York Cityโ€™s safety index of 49.17 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in New York City and Chicago is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. New York City move

  • Weather: New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26ยฐF to 87ยฐF. Temps are rarely below 10ยฐF or above 95ยฐF.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to New York City. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in New York City

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Big Apple", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in New York City.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Astoria, Queens
  • Lower East Side, Manhattan
  • Murray Hill, Manhattan
  • Upper East Side, Manhattan
  • Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Battery Park City, Manhattan
  • Forest Hills, Queens
  • Great Kills, Staten Island
  • Park Slope, Brooklyn
  • Riverdale, Bronx

Things to do in New York City

After settling into your new New York home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, New York City has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: New York City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, New York Public Library, and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, and Washington Square Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Brooklyn Nets (NBA), Long Island Nets (NBA G League), New York City FC (MLS), or New York Giants (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to New York City?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to New York City are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to New York City?

With many people choosing to move from Chicago to New York City in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Chicago to New York City take?

Moving from Chicago, IL to New York City, NY covers 790 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in New York City.

Helpful moving resources