Bernard Movers review 2026 (Chicago, IL)
Updated
Bernard Movers, a Chicago, IL moving company, ranks #188 of 314 movers in Illinois, with a moveBuddha rating of 3.34/5.
90% of Bernard Movers' 165 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Bernard Movers measures up
Bernard Movers ranks #188 out of 314 movers in Illinois with a moveBuddha Score of 3.34 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 3.34.
- Review quality
- 3.5
- Brand
- 3.0
- Website
- 3.0
- Customer service
- 3.0
- Industry experience
- 3.0
Is Bernard Movers moveBuddha Certified?
Bernard Movers is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Bernard Movers hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Bernard Movers?
Out of 165 verified reviews, 90% of customers left a positive review about Bernard Movers in Chicago, IL. 7.9% of reviews are negative and 1.8% are neutral. Bernard Movers has a 2% higher positive review percentage than the average Illinois moving company (90% vs the Illinois state average of 88%).
- Positive90.3%(149)
- Neutral1.8%(3)
- Negative7.9%(13)
Based on 165 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Bernard Movers
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Bernard Movers to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Bernard Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that Bernard Movers stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Bernard Movers's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Bernard Movers's attention to detail.
What positive reviewers say
“The Bernard movers are extremely flexible and so professional! They worked around my work schedule/moving times, pricing was upfront, and everything was packed securely and safely while being stored overnight.”
Melanie KruegerVerified ReviewerGoogle“Bernard Movers are the affordable moving company I've been looking for. No hidden fees, just straightforward service. Moving on a budget? They've got you covered.”
Jasmine MorganVerified ReviewerGoogle“I have used this company every time I moved. They are always on time, provide great service, and are reliable. Lynn Bernard is always on top of everything!”
Ersi KouretiVerified ReviewerGoogle“Bernard Movers were great. They were professional, respectful, careful, cautious, and courteous. They went above and beyond to protect our belongings during the interstate move.”
Anthony StedillieVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“I really like Bernard Movers. I have used them twice and remain pleased with the level of service. I left off several stars because the administrative side was not as customer-friendly as I would have liked.”
MahneeVerified ReviewerGoogle“View greek…”
NickVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Bernard Movers
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Unexpected charges
Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Bernard Movers clients.
What negative reviewers say
“I budgeted four hours, but the move took over seven. During a stop to retrieve furniture, the movers shattered a bubble-wrapped desk. Headquarters had to enforce the bedframe reassembly agreement.”
C (ChicagoCoors)Verified ReviewerGoogle“One mover dropped my 55-inch TV, which arrived with a shattered screen. The office did not answer repeated calls, and the replacement process was unclear.”
Ashley ReedVerified ReviewerGoogle“A Cubs coat was missing after the move. The owner said it was misplaced and then stopped taking calls after three days.”
Maureen MasellaVerified ReviewerGoogle“Their truck broke down, causing an hour delay. They charged us $40 for shrink wrap, and the company president was rude and unhelpful.”
Thuy LuuVerified ReviewerGoogle
Bernard Movers
3.34Chicago, IL
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Bernard Movers
3.34
Chicago, IL
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Bernard Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Chicago.
Compare prices side by side
See where Bernard Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Bernard Movers offer?
Bernard Movers offers full-service moving, labor-only loading help, and local moves. It also provides long-distance moves, international moves, and commercial moves.
Services offered
- Full-service moving
- Labor-only / loading help
- Local & in-state moving
- Long-distance moving
- International moving
- Office & commercial moving
- Small moves
- Estate moves
- Senior moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Fragile-only packing
- Packing materials
- Custom crating
- Storage
- Climate-controlled storage
- Piano moving
- Hot tub moving
- Pool table moving
- Fine art
- Antiques
- Safes
- Junk removal
- Debris removal
- Shipment tracking
- Full valuation coverage
Is Bernard Movers licensed and insured?
Registered with the FMCSA
US DOT 1505481. Operating status is not on this profile. Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Bernard Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 1505481. It also holds a Illinois intrastate license, number 137377.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Bernard Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 137377Issued by Illinois. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
How much does Bernard Movers cost?
Bernard Movers lists an hourly rate of $54, below the Illinois average of $122/hr. At that rate, a studio or 1-bedroom move (3–5 hours with 2 movers) would come to about $150–$250. Larger homes need more movers and hours: totals from similar movers typically run $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Illinois moving companies similar to Bernard Movers typically bill the amounts below using a $122/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Bernard Movers offers interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Illinois moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Bernard Movers offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Required to book
- Discounts
- Mover’s own offer
Bernard Movers accepts credit cards. A deposit is required to book. Bernard Movers's terms: A small deposit secures the moving date and is applied toward the final invoice.
Bernard Movers also offers discounts on request. It also lists: Seasonal and weekday discounts; 20% discount on moves to Georgia or Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025; three free rental wardrobe cartons on local moves. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How Bernard Movers compares with the top 10 Chicago movers
Bernard Movers's moveBuddha score of 3.34 out of 5 places it #38, outside the top 10 movers in Chicago, 1.18 points behind Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc., the tenth-placed mover. Bernard Movers's score rests on 165 reviews, fewer than any of the ten. Where Bernard Movers falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Chicago, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New City MovingChicago | 4.70 | 1,451 | 4.8 | 4.5 | — |
| 2 | STI Moving & Storage Inc.Skokie | 4.64 | 1,590 | 4.7 | 2.9 | A+ |
| 3 | Alliance Moving & StorageRolling Meadows | 4.64 | 896 | 4.8 | 3.8 | A+ |
| 4 | The Professionals Moving SpecialistsChicago | 4.58 | 5,591 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 5 | Windy City Movers Inc.Chicago | 4.58 | 789 | 4.6 | 4.0 | A+ |
| 6 | MiniMoves Inc.Hillside | 4.58 | 516 | 4.4 | 3.0 | A+ |
| 7 | H2H Movers IncChicago | 4.56 | 4,892 | 4.9 | 4.2 | A+ |
| 8 | Jay MoversChicago | 4.56 | 514 | 4.1 | 3.9 | B- |
| 9 | Elite Moving & StorageLincolnwood | 4.52 | 2,057 | 4.7 | 2.8 | A+ |
| 10 | Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.Skokie | 4.52 | 1,571 | 4.6 | 3.3 | A+ |
| 38 | Bernard MoversThis mover · ranks #38 | 3.34 | 165 | — | — | — |
How does Bernard Movers compare to other Illinois movers?
- moveBuddha score#188 of 314(worse than average)
3.34vs 3.69 avg
Bernard Movers scores 3.34, below the Illinois average of 3.69, and ranks #188 of 314 Illinois movers.
- Positive reviews#171 of 314(better than average)
90%vs 88% avg
Bernard Movers has 90% positive reviews, above the Illinois average of 88%, and ranks #171 of 314 Illinois movers.
- Negative reviews#163 of 314(better than average)
8%vs 11% avg
Bernard Movers has 8% negative reviews, below the Illinois average of 11%, and ranks #163 of 314 Illinois movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#142 of 314(worse than average)
165vs 374 avg
Bernard Movers has 165 reviews analyzed, below the Illinois average of 374, and ranks #142 of 314 Illinois movers.
| Metric | This moverBernard Movers | Illinois avg | Illinois rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#188 of 314 in Illinois | 3.34 | 3.69 | #188 of 314 | −0.35(worse than average) |
| Positive reviews#171 of 314 in Illinois | 90% | 88% | #171 of 314 | +2 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#163 of 314 in Illinois | 8% | 11% | #163 of 314 | −3 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#142 of 314 in Illinois | 165 | 374 | #142 of 314 | −209(worse than average) |
Compared with 314 Illinois movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Illinois.
Bernard Movers
3.34Chicago, IL
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Bernard Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Chicago.
Compare prices side by side
See where Bernard Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Bernard Movers
3.34
Chicago, IL
Final verdict: Bernard Movers
Bernard Movers earns a 3.34/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #38 among Chicago movers, with 90% positive feedback across 165 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and flexibility. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.
The most common complaint is damage to items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Bernard Movers
3.34
Chicago, IL
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Illinois moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.