The BEST Moving Companies in Chicago, IL

Our Top Pick: If you’re moving locally in Chicago, our top pick is New City Moving. We’ve rated them 4.9 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for an interstate moving company to handle your Illinois move, we recommend Safeway Moving.

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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

How we chose the best movers in Chicago

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 71 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.

Best movers for those moving locally in Chicago

New City Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3078026

Years in Business: 14

2929 N Campbell Ave,
Chicago, IL 60618

New City Moving is a leading moving company in Chicago, IL, renowned for its superior residential and office moving services. Since their establishment in 2009, they have risen above their nearby competitors, consistently outshining them through diligent service and remarkable customer reviews. Offering both local and long-distance moving services, New City Moving also excels in packing, unpacking, and provision of labor-only services. They offer special care for fragile items while packing, ensuring safe and secure transportation. In terms of payment convenience, they accept both cash and credit card transactions along with a prerequisite deposit. Notably, the company also offers full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their customers throughout the moving process. This commitment to stellar customer service is reflected in their impressive online presence, boasting an average rating of 4.5 from over 1077 Yelp reviews, and a 4.8 average from a whopping 2110 Google My Business reviews. They also hold the highest possible Better Business Bureau rating of A+, proving their reliability and exceptional service in the moving industry.

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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Alliance Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2882675

Years in Business: 8

3201 Tollview Drive,
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Alliance Moving & Storage, a trusted name in the industry since 2015, offers superior local and long-distance residential moving services in and around Chicago, IL. In contrast to other local moving companies, they extend their expertise to office moving, showcasing their flexibility. Besides the standard packing and unpacking services common among their competitors, they also provide specialized crating services, catering to clients' unique needs. They stand out with a rare capability to safely move special items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, and safes. As far as payment methods are concerned, they accept both cash and credit cards, and unlike many businesses, they do not require a deposit, which testifies to their confidence in delivering satisfactory services. To further bolster their customer commitment, they offer full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a peace of mind to their customers. Their impressive customer ratings, with a consistent 4.0 score on Yelp and Google My Business, and their A rating from Better Business Bureau, vouch for their reliability and superior quality services. Overall, Alliance Moving & Storage continues to set the bar high in the moving industry.

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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H2H Movers Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2428328

Years in Business: 9

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

H2H Movers Inc, a reputable moving company since 2014, offers a broad array of moving services in and beyond Chicago. Compared to other local companies, H2H offers not only standard residential local and long-distance moving services, but also specializes in office relocations. They handle all packing and unpacking tasks and even offer a unique 'fragile-only' packing service. Highly specialized crating and labor-only services also set them apart. Uniquely, they provide crane vans and cater to challenging items like pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art pieces, antiques, and safes. For those in need of storage, H2H can accommodate that as well. Payments are flexible with cash and credit cards accepted, although a deposit is required. Full valuation insurance coverage is provided for absolute peace of mind. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A- and impressive ratings on Yelp (4.5 stars from 372 reviews) and Google My Business (4.8 stars from 1,216 reviews), H2H Movers Inc outshines its competitors in customer satisfaction.

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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Moovers Chicago Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

Years in Business: 9

5359 N Kedzie Ave,
Chicago, IL 60625

In the bustling realm of Chicago moving companies, Moovers Chicago Inc. stands out as a truly versatile and customer-centered provider. Operating since 2014, they go beyond the industry standard, offering an expansive repertoire of services encompassing local and long-distance residential moves as well as office relocation. Their extensive list of provisions, rarely matched by neighboring competitors, includes packing, unpacking, crating, and even specialized moving for delicate items like pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, and grandfather clocks. Unique services like provision of crane vans and fragile-only packing set them apart, while labor-only services cater to those seeking extra manpower. This considerate mover accepts cash, credit cards, and forgoes the routine deposit, easing the financial stress often associated with relocation. They boast an impressive online reputation with high ratings on Yelp and Google My Business, as well as an A+ Better Business Bureau rating – a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether your moving needs involve storage, or insurance coverage, Moovers Chicago Inc. ensures every need is met with professional finesse.

Get a Quote (773) 474-2691

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

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

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • State license #: 187592

Local Associations

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Stark Moving and Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 3398778

Pricing: $99/hr

Years in Business: 4

111 W Jackson Blvd Suite 1700,
Chicago, IL 60604

Stark Moving and Storage, based in Chicago, IL, has quickly established a strong reputation since its inception in 2019. The company outshines many of its local competitors by offering a broad range of services, from local and long-distance residential moving to office relocations. Packing, unpacking, and specialized crating services set this company apart and add a level of convenience that busy clients appreciate. Unlike many other movers, Stark Moving and Storage readily accepts a variety of payment methods including cash, credit cards, and money orders, without requiring a deposit. This flexibility makes them a preferred choice for many clients. Moreover, their ability to handle specialized items such as pianos, pool tables, art pieces, antiques, and even grandfather clocks, demonstrates their commitment to versatility and careful handling of valuable possessions. The company provides storage facilities as needed and even offers the use of crane vans for moving bulky or large items. Their fragile-only packing option is a testament to their dedication to customer satisfaction and protection of valuable belongings. In terms of reputation, Stark Moving and Storage garners high praise from its customers, maintaining an impressive average rating of 4.5 from reviews on both Yelp and Google My Business. Their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau further reinforces their credibility and commitment to excellent service. Their full valuation insurance coverage provides added assurance to clients, making Stark Moving and Storage a wise choice for anyone seeking a reliable, customer-focused moving company.

Get a Quote (800) 654-7575

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

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

Additional Information

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Best movers for those moving out of Illinois

Best Overall Value
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
  • Veteran owned
  • Long distance and cross country moves only
  • A portion of every move is donated to charity
read our full review
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

93% of users select this mover

Best industry reputation
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Over 20 years in business
  • Excellent customer service score
  • Best pricing we've seen
  • Can handle last minute moves
read our full review
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

93% of users select this mover

Best Upfront Pricing
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Family owned with locations covering the east coast
  • Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
  • Packing and unpacking services available
  • Handle residential, corporate, and military moves
read our full review
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

93% of users select this mover

Best for complex moves
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Over 74 years in business
  • More than 1,800 trucks in the fleet
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Top major moving company in the U.S.
  • Highest rated agent van line among moveBuddha customers
read our full review
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

93% of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
  • Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
  • Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
  • Over 40k moves in the past 3 years
  • Available Financing as low as 0% Interest for low monthly payments
  • Extremely responsive customer service
read our full review
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

93% of users select this mover

Alternative Chicago moving options

Moving Containers

  1. U-Pack: 5 out of 5
  2. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

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 Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

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 Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Labor Only

  1. HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
  2. Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

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 Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Get A Quote
(866) 774-5063

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • A dedicated concierge specialist to ensure you are set up for success on your move day
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute (you don't pay for time you don't use)
  • Straight forward pricing with no hidden fees. What you see is what you get
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
Get A Quote
(866) 774-5063

93% of users select this mover

Full DIY

  1. U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
  2. Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285

93% of users select this mover

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

93% of users select this mover

Most Reliable
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517

93% of users select this mover

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

93% of users select this mover

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 estimates.

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 $351 $140 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $491 $140 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $799 $196 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,855 $274 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,129 $274 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,283 $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 be clicking here.

Helpful Chicago Resources

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