Local moving companies in Chicago

  1. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  2. New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/stimovingandstorage, https://twitter.com/stimovers?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
High marks for speed, professionalism, and careful handling set STI Moving & Storage apart from most competitors. In an analysis of 538 reviews, 68% reflect satisfied customers who consistently praise the efficient crews, friendly staff, and reliable communication. Many detail moves finished faster than expected, with careful packing and respect for belongings. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage to items, delays in delivery—especially for long-distance moves—and surprise or higher-than-expected charges. Customers also note issues with complex claims for damage resolution. Neutral feedback highlights occasional late arrivals and some pricing misalignments, but still mentions professionalism from staff. Compared to industry standards, STI earns stronger praise for crew attitude and efficiency but faces similar criticism to peers regarding damage claims and delivery timelines. Most customers find their moves easier and less stressful thanks to STI's organized and diligent teams, though potential clients should review policies closely for long-distance or specialty needs.
Get a Quote (847) 675-1223

Company Info

State license #: 139020

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1308599

Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/NewCityMoving, https://twitter.com/newcitymoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Moving magic happens when speed meets service—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 company’s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaround—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 company’s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.
Get a Quote (773) 489-0600

Company Info

State license #: 158051

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 3078026

Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.


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
https://www.facebook.com/h2hmovingcompany/, https://twitter.com/h2hmoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
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 company’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 crews—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

Company Info

State license #: 184599

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2428328

Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc


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
https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoMover, https://twitter.com/TheProMove1
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
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

Company Info

State license #: 136144

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 3383907


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
https://www.facebook.com/AllianceMovingTeam/, https://twitter.com/alliance_moving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
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

Company Info

State license #: 214845

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2882675

Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC


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

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to New York

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The number of belongings you’re moving will directly affect your overall moving costs, along with your home’s size and layout.
  • Time of year: Moving prices usually go up in the summer, which is peak moving season in Chicago.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: Choosing to move yourself is typically less expensive, but it also means more effort and hassle than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to New York

Leaving Chicago for New York means embracing a new lifestyle—and likely saving some cash. Living in Chicago typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.

Take a look at the cost of living breakdown below to see exactly how Chicago and New York stack up so you’ll be ready for what’s ahead.

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. New York

Chicago, IL New York
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,507
Average home cost $295,743 $482,742
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $81,386
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.4%
State income tax 4.95% 10.9%
  • Rent is around 26% cheaper in New York compared to Chicago, so you can pocket some extra cash each month.
  • Thinking about buying a home? Expect prices in New York to be 63.2% higher than in Chicago, so budget accordingly.
  • On average, income is 13.7% higher in New York than in Chicago.
  • You’ll find a 51.1% lower unemployment rate in New York than in Chicago.
  • Brace yourself for steeper income taxes in New York— 120.20% higher than what you’re used to in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from New York

From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in New York stacks up against what you’re used to in the Chi-Town.

Chicago, IL New York
Population 19,571,216 2,746,388
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic 60-40
Summer high 81ºF 84ºF
Winter low 16ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 44" 38"
Annual snow 62" 35"
Crime index 21.51 35.19
  • In the latest presidential election, New York voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • No need to buy new summer clothes. Average highs in New York hit 81°F, which is right around the same as 84°F back in Chicago.
  • During the coldest months, temperatures in New York can dip as low as 16°F, compared to 19°F in Chicago. You might want to grab a warmer coat before settling into the Empire State.
  • When you’re planning a move from Chicago to New York, you’d better pack a raincoat. New York gets about 44 inches of rain annually, more than the 38 inches you're used to in Chicago.
  • In New York, you can expect about 62 inches of snow annually, compared to Chicago, which gets around 35 inches. If you’re making the move, get ready for colder temperatures and more snow.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. New York:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs New York side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in New York
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Natural beauty
Delicious food Arts
Abundant entertainment Ample economic opportunity
Intense sports culture Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities
Ample economic opportunity Distinct seasons

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. New York:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for New York.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in New York
High crime rate High tax burden
Temperamental weather Rough winter weather
Terrible traffic High cost of living
High taxes Poor quality healthcare
Pollution Populous

Other considerations when moving to New York from Chicago

When moving from Chicago to New York, think beyond just hiring movers and boxing up your stuff to keep things running smoothly. Don’t forget to check local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could affect your move.

  • Weather: The climate of New York state is generally has warm to hot summers and cold winters. In the farther southeastern portion of the state (New York City and Long Island area) hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. Winter temperatures average below freezing during January and February in much of New York state, but several degrees above freezing along the Atlantic coastline, including New York City..
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in New York

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in New York.

Museums in New Yorktoggle

  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • The Strong National Museum of Play
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • New York State Museum
  • Erie Canal Museum
  • Brooklyn Museum
  • Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
  • Snug Harbor Cultural Center
  • Boldt Castle and Yacht House
  • USS Slater DE-766

Parks in New Yorktoggle

  • Brooklyn Bridge Park
  • Central Park
  • Flushing Meadows Corona Park
  • Gantry Plaza State Park
  • Robert Moses State Park
  • Prospect Park
  • Mohonk Preserve
  • Caumsett State Park
  • Cunningham Park
  • Seneca Lake State Park

Sports Teams in New Yorktoggle

  • Brooklyn Nets Basketball (NBA)
  • Buffalo Bills (NFL)
  • Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
  • New York City FC (MLS)
  • New York Islanders (NHL)
  • New York Knicks (NBA)
  • New York Liberty (WNBA)
  • New York Mets (MLB)
  • New York Rangers (NHL)
  • New York Yankees (MLB)

Universities in New Yorktoggle

  • Cornell University
  • Columbia University in the City of New York
  • New York University
  • University of Rochester
  • University at Buffalo, State University of New York
  • Syracuse University
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Fordham University
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Stony Brook University

FAQs

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

How long will your move from Chicago, IL to New York take? It depends on the type of service you pick, but you can usually expect it to take two to seven days. Just keep in mind that moves during the busy summer season may take a bit longer.

To get your move done as quickly as possible, ask for a delivery timeframe before you book your moving company.

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to New York?

Looking to move your car from Chicago to New York? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from Chicago to New York.

Why are people moving from Chicago to New York?

Many people are moving to New York because of its natural beauty and arts. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago .

Helpful moving resources