Best Movers Near Sterling, IL (2026 Reviews)

O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. is Sterling's top-rated local mover on moveBuddha, earning a 4.34/5 , followed by M.K. Movers Inc. at 4.76/5. moveBuddha scored 1 movers based in Sterling out of 99 reviewed across Illinois, drawing on 97 verified customer reviews across Illinois.

Local movers in Sterling charge by the hour. The IL average is $192/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a fast cost baseline before you collect quotes.

How do Sterling moving companies compare?

Sterling's 1 reviewed moving companies are ranked by moveBuddha score, a composite of verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Sterling, with a market average of 4.34/5, drawing on 97 verified customer reviews across Illinois. The ranked list above also includes movers that serve Sterling from nearby locations, so scores reflect performance across the full local service area, not just companies with a Sterling address.

Proximity to Sterling is a ranking factor, so a mover ranked higher on the list may have a lower score than one ranked below. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.

Company Our rating Positive reviews BBB Quote
O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.
159 years in business
star star star star star
4.34
74% A+
M.K. Movers Inc.
14 years in business
star star star star star
4.76
91% A+
star star star star star
4.42
87% A+
star star star star star
4.38
98% A+
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
16 years in business
star star star star star
4.36
85% A+
Murphy Family Movers
8 years in business
star star star star star
4.56
96% A+
Straightline Moving, Inc.
9 years in business
star star star star star
4.38
88% A+
star star star star star
4.62
66% A+
Mordue Moving and Storage
91 years in business
star star star star star
4.5
76% A+
star star star star star
4.48
88% A+

What are the top-rated moving companies in Sterling?

O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. is Sterling's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.34/5, followed by M.K. Movers Inc. at 4.76/5.

Each review profile below covers pricing transparency, crew quality, and claims handling, the 3 factors most predictive of move-day outcome, alongside each company's BBB grade, years in business, and positive review rate.

moveBuddha scored 1 Sterling movers drawing on 97 verified customer reviews across Illinois, with a market average score of 4.34/5. Rankings include movers based in Sterling and those serving the area from nearby locations. Proximity is a ranking factor, so a mover's position in the list below does not always correspond directly to its score.

  1. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  2. M.K. Movers Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  4. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  5. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
  6. Murphy Family Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
  7. Straightline Moving, Inc.: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  8. Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  9. Mordue Moving and Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  10. Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.48 out of 5 stars
1
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Good communication
checkmark Affordable rates
checkmark Highly recommended
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
74%
Years active
159
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moveBuddha logo
4.3
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Google logo
4.4
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BBB logo
Grade A+
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Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Custom crating
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Antiques moving
  • Grandfather clock moving
  • Piano moves
  • Debris removal
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full valuation coverage
  • International moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. has been in business for 159 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. has about 74% positive reviews across roughly 31 total reviews.

Quote accuracy 4.2

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc..

Customer service 3.5

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.

Recent reviews

"We had O'Mara move us and they did an amazing job. Very professional and communication was excellent. Put everything where you wanted it and put everything back together. Would highly recommend them for your next move."

"I had called several small and large moving companies but O'Mara Moving doesn't have a minimum and has very competitive rates. They picked up my furniture and carefully wrapped it. They were very friendly and professional."

DOT number
144182
Address
1240 S Adams Ave, Freeport, IL, 61032
Payment methods
Cash • Credit Card
State license
5095
2
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
91%
Years active
14
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moveBuddha logo
4.7
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Google logo
4.8
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Yelp logo
4.2
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BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Safe moving
  • Hot tub moving
  • Small moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Available discounts

  • Senior discount

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. M.K. Movers Inc. has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. M.K. Movers Inc. has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 234 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.

Quote accuracy 4.4

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from M.K. Movers Inc.. Discounts may be available for groups like seniors.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. M.K. Movers Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"Extremely polite and helpful! Made our move very easy!"

"The team was prompt and professional. I was thoroughly impressed with how quickly they were able to load and unload our office. The moving team put in 110% and were flexible to our requests. Highly recommend and will use them again."

DOT number
2265788
Address
2627 Kaneville Ct, Geneva, IL, 60134
Payment methods
Cash • Credit Card • Money Order
State license
174972
3
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Helpful movers
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
87%
Years active
9
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moveBuddha logo
4.4
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Google logo
4.7
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Yelp logo
2.3
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BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Estate moves
  • Debris removal
  • Junk removal
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 9 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 240 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.3.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.

Customer service 4.4

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"Chris and Jessie were the most awesome movers I have ever worked with. The people in the office were so helpful and kind. I had to change my move several times because of my job and they couldn’t have been nicer. Highly recommend!!!"

"We made a huge move from the NW suburbs to central IL. Victor was great to work with in prepping us... The three movers... worked fast and very efficiently. They did all the heavy lifting and had a good attitude throughout the process."

DOT number
2378173
Address
6813 N 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL, 61115
Payment methods
Credit Card
4
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
98%
Years active
27
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moveBuddha logo
4.3
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Google logo
4.9
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Yelp logo
4.7
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Hot tub moving
  • Debris removal
  • Junk removal
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • International moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.7

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 232 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.

Quote accuracy 4.2

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage.

Customer service 4.4

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"Kyle and his team did an excellent job. They were on time very organized and kept great communication the whole time. Made stressful move easy. Would recommend the Horizon Movers"

"We moved a month ago using Horizon movers. This was a great company to deal with. They were on time, fast, and very hard-working. They were super careful with our furniture, and around doorways and walls moving things in and out."

DOT number
763103
Address
4726 N Brady St, Davenport, IA, 52806
Payment methods
Cash • Credit Card
5
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Friendly and approachable staff
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
85%
Years active
16
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moveBuddha logo
4.3
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Google logo
4.5
link icon
Yelp logo
2.8
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Piano moves
  • Safe moving
  • Debris removal
  • Junk removal
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 16 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.

Review quality 3.8

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 240 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.

Quote accuracy 3.9

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"Our movers were polite, efficient, and took great care with our things. They finished under the estimated time and saved us money. Highly recommend!"

"The team was cordial and attentive making sure the furniture was well wrapped and transported to their truck. I would highly recommend using their skilled and professional expertise and services when moving."

DOT number
2527384
Address
5000 Tremont Ave Ste 202, Davenport, IA, 52807
Payment methods
Credit Card
6
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Good communication
checkmark Affordable rates
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
96%
Years active
8
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moveBuddha logo
4.5
link icon
Google logo
4.9
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Yelp logo
4.7
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Murphy Family Movers has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Murphy Family Movers has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 254 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Murphy Family Movers.

Customer service 4.1

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Murphy Family Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"The crew was professional, quick, and extremely careful with our belongings. Not a single scratch or broken item. Communication was excellent and pricing was very fair. Will highly recommend to anyone needing movers!"

"Movers were friendly, worked efficiently, wrapped my furniture, and made the process stress-free. Estimate was accurate and Jack responded promptly to all my questions. Fantastic service!"

DOT number
2965334
Address
4N951 Old Lafox Rd Unit C, St. Charles, IL, 60175
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
218566
7
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Transparent pricing
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
88%
Years active
9
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moveBuddha logo
4.3
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Google logo
4.5
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Yelp logo
3.0
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Grandfather clock moving
  • Piano moves
  • Safe moving
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • International moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Straightline Moving, Inc. has been in business for 9 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Straightline Moving, Inc. has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 230 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.0.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Straightline Moving, Inc..

Customer service 4.7

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Straightline Moving, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"The crew was polite, professional and efficient. Couldn’t have asked for a better moving experience."

"Fantastic job. Very polite. Very careful. I am very pleased! Worth the money spent!"

DOT number
3047914
Address
5365 Edith Ln, Roscoe, IL, 61073
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
217042
8
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Good communication
checkmark Highly recommended
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
66%
Years active
40
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moveBuddha logo
4.6
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Google logo
4.1
link icon
Yelp logo
2.6
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 40 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 66% positive reviews across roughly 118 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.6.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc..

Customer service 4.7

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"I had an amazing move experience with Advantage. Carmen and Chuck in the office were very responsive and understanding throughout the entire process. On the day of the move, Patrick and his Chicago team were absolutely amazing. Super communicative about timing and willing to help beyond their job description. All the items in the move arrived safely and nothing was damaged."

"The movers were respectful of my belongings and apartment. They were very professional and courteous. This was the most efficient moving company I have dealt with. The moving coordinator was outstanding and very responsive. Accidents can happen but my move was without incident."

DOT number
70851
Address
2641 Corporate Pkwy, Algonquin, IL, 60102
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
80163
9
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
76%
Years active
91
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.5
link icon
Google logo
4.3
link icon
Yelp logo
2.2
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Safe moving
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • International moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Available discounts

  • Senior discount
  • Military discount
  • AAA discount

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Mordue Moving and Storage has been in business for 91 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.

Review quality 3.8

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Mordue Moving and Storage has about 76% positive reviews across roughly 98 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.2.

Quote accuracy 4.4

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Mordue Moving and Storage. Discounts may be available for groups like military, seniors, AAA members.

Customer service 3.8

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Mordue Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"Movers were very professional and nice. I noticed that they were not rough with any of my boxes. It was a fast and easy process."

"Leo & Jarvis were exceptional movers: careful, friendly, and efficient. They explained everything in clear terms and documented all of my items precisely. This is the second time our family has used Mordue Moving & Storage."

DOT number
70719
Address
9011 N University St, Peoria, IL, 61615
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
10316
10
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
88%
Years active
27
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.4
link icon
Yelp logo
3.1
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Debris removal
  • Junk removal
  • Storage available
  • Shipment tracking
  • International moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Planes Moving & Storage Company has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.

Review quality 3.8

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Planes Moving & Storage Company has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 232 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Planes Moving & Storage Company.

Customer service 4.4

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Planes Moving & Storage Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.

Recent reviews

"The entire process from estimation to moving was convenient and seamless. Movers were professional, respectful, hard working and friendly. Price was reasonable for the quality. Highly recommend Planes Moving & Storage."

"Movers were on time and precise. They took great care of everything. All items placed in marked rooms, even in the basement. Everything was perfect. Would recommend Planes for your move."

DOT number
1458935
Address
1100 Bilter Road, Aurora , IL, 60504
Payment methods
Credit Card

Which Sterling movers offer specialty services?

Specialty moving services are not standard across every Sterling mover. Based on moveBuddha's review of 1 Sterling moving companies, here is what is available, how common each service is in this market, and which movers lead each category:

  • Piano moving: 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%) offer it, vs. 72.52% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5) is Sterling's top-rated piano mover.
  • Antique handling: 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%) offer it, vs. 46.24% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5) rates highest for antique care in Sterling.
  • Art packing: 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%) offer it, vs. 45.76% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5) rates highest for art packing in Sterling.
  • Climate-controlled storage: 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%) offer it, vs. 33.2% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5) is Sterling's top-rated provider.
  • Fragile-only packing: 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%) offer it, vs. 23.83% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5) rates highest for fragile-only packing in Sterling.

How much does piano moving cost in Sterling?

Piano moving is available from 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%), compared to 72.52% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. leads Sterling piano movers with a 4.34/5 moveBuddha score, followed by M.K. Movers Inc. at 4.76/5. A standalone piano move in Sterling typically costs $592 to $2,590, depending on instrument type.

Piano moving in Sterling Details
Sterling movers offering this 1 of 1 (100.0%)
National average 72.52%
Top-rated Sterling piano movers O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc., M.K. Movers Inc.
Upright piano $592 to $1,110
Baby grand piano $888 to $1,850
Grand piano $1,332 to $2,590

Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.

How much does antique handling cost in Sterling?

Antique handling is available from 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%), compared to 46.24% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5) and M.K. Movers Inc. (4.76/5) rate highest for antique care in Sterling. Adding antique handling to a household move adds $740 to $1,850 to the total cost.

Antique handling in Sterling Details
Sterling movers offering this 1 of 1 (100.0%)
National average 46.24%
Top-rated Sterling antique movers O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc., M.K. Movers Inc.
Added cost to a household move $740 to $1,850
Per-piece handling fee $37 to $370
Custom crating per item $111 to $148

Custom crating and acid-free padding protect pieces that standard released-value coverage at $0.60/lb cannot adequately cover. A 50-lb antique valued at $5,000 receives only $30 under default protection, making full-value coverage the standard choice for heirloom and high-value items.

How much does art packing cost in Sterling?

Art packing is available from 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%), compared to 45.76% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5) and M.K. Movers Inc. (4.76/5) rate highest for art packing in Sterling. Per-piece art handling in Sterling runs $37 to $370, with custom crates adding $111 to $148 per item.

Art packing in Sterling Details
Sterling movers offering this 1 of 1 (100.0%)
National average 45.76%
Top-rated Sterling art movers O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc., M.K. Movers Inc.
Per-piece handling fee $37 to $370
Custom crating per item $111 to $148

Archival materials and custom crates prevent UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard moving blankets cannot guard against for framed artwork and sculpture. Confirm the mover has direct experience with similar media before booking.

How much does climate-controlled storage cost in Sterling?

Climate-controlled storage is available from 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%), compared to 33.2% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5) and M.K. Movers Inc. (4.76/5) rate highest for climate-controlled storage in Sterling. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $190/month in Sterling.

Climate-controlled storage in Sterling Details
Sterling movers offering this 1 of 1 (100.0%)
National average 33.2%
Top-rated Sterling providers O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc., M.K. Movers Inc.
Storage-in-transit rate About $0.50 per cubic foot per month
1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) $190

Climate-controlled units regulate both temperature and humidity, preventing warping, cracking, and mold in wood furniture, vinyl records, and electronics that temperature-only storage cannot protect. This matters most for storage gaps longer than 30 days or for moves that span seasonal humidity swings.

How much does fragile-only packing cost in Sterling?

Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 1 Sterling movers (100.0%), compared to 23.83% nationally. O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5) and Mordue Moving and Storage (4.5/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Sterling. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.

Fragile-only packing in Sterling Details
Sterling movers offering this 1 of 1 (100.0%)
National average 23.83%
Top-rated Sterling providers O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc., Mordue Moving and Storage
Full professional packing rate $0.15 to $0.21 per pound

Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.

What is the top-rated moving company in Sterling?

O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.34/5 on moveBuddha) is the highest-rated moving company in Sterling, drawing on 97 verified customer reviews across Illinois. The Sterling market averages 4.34/5 across 1 reviewed companies. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a cost baseline before collecting quotes.

Frequently asked questions: moving in Sterling, IL

How much do movers cost in Sterling, IL?

Local movers in Sterling, IL charge by the hour. The IL average is $192/hour for a 2-person crew. Sterling's top-rated mover is O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc., earning a 4.34/5 on moveBuddha, drawing on 97 verified customer reviews across Illinois.

Key cost factors for a Sterling move, based on moveBuddha's review data:

  • Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
  • Deposit requirement: many Sterling movers require a deposit to secure your booking. Confirm refund terms before paying.
  • Full valuation coverage: 100.0% of Sterling movers (1.0 companies) offer it. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
  • Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
  • Long-distance pricing: moves leaving Sterling across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 100.0% of Sterling movers (1.0 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%-15% to transportation charges.
  • Packing services: 100.0% of Sterling movers (1.0 companies) offer full packing. Professional packing adds $0.15-$0.21 per pound on average.

DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.

What do full-service movers in Sterling include, and what costs extra?

A standard full-service move in Sterling, IL includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what Sterling movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.

Add-on service % of Sterling movers Typical cost impact
Full packing 100.0% (1.0 companies) +$0.15-$0.21 per pound on average
Storage 100.0% ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$190/month
Full valuation coverage 100.0% (1.0 companies) 1%-2% of declared shipment value (~$300-$600 on a $30,000 shipment); default released-value protection pays only $0.60/lb
Crating (fragile/high-value items) 100.0% (1.0 companies) $150-$200 per item for antiques and artwork; $150-$400 for oversized pieces (safes, sectionals, appliances)
Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle) Situational $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08-$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200

Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.

Do movers in Sterling offer senior, military, or other discounts?

moveBuddha found no confirmed senior, military, AAA, student, teacher, or law enforcement discounts among the Sterling movers in its database. That does not mean discounts are unavailable. Ask each mover directly at the quote stage, since some companies offer unpublished rates for eligible groups. Confirm any discount in writing before signing.

How we chose the best moving companies in Sterling

moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 99 Illinois moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%).

That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
  • Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
  • Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
  • Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.

Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.