Best Movers Near Chicago, IL (2025 Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: We reviewed 100 movers across Illinois, and STI Moving & Storage Inc. takes the top spot for local moves in Chicago, IL. They impressed us with their fair prices, extensive service menu, and fantastic feedback from customers. Planning a move out of state from Chicago? Go with Safeway Moving. They’re known for dependable service and budget-friendly prices.
Let's get moving.
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STI Moving & Storage Inc.
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Alliance Moving & Storage
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Safeway Moving
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PODS
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HireAHelper
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Budget Truck Rental
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in Chicago, IL
If you’re moving within Chicago or heading to a nearby Illinois town like Cicero or Oak Park, within 50 miles, these local movers should be on your radar. They excel at offering reliable service and low prices.
STI Moving & Storage Inc.
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
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
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
Best movers for those moving out of Illinois
Planning a move to a new state? Make sure you choose a moving company with the proper federal license for interstate relocations. For a hassle-free move from Chicago, IL, check out these top-rated interstate moving companies.
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
rating
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
Best moving containers in Chicago, IL
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Chicago vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these top-tier moving container companies:
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Best rental trucks for your Chicago, IL move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Chicago, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in Illinois costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.79 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
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Labor-only movers in Chicago, IL
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you’re using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, along with disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Chicago:
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How we chose the best movers in Chicago
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 82 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.
How do I find a reputable Chicago mover?
When you’re searching for top-notch movers in Chicago, keep an eye out for these key qualities:
- A good reputation: A solid reputation is a must, whether you're hiring a family-run newcomer in Chicago or a seasoned national van lines company serving all of Illinois. Stay alert for red flags and beware of common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: Every company runs into the occasional bump in the road — what really matters is how they handle it. If a moving company in Chicago has a track record of ignoring complaints, you’re better off considering other options.
- Make sure they have the right experience: Just because a mover has great reviews for local moves in Chicago doesn’t mean they’re the right choice for a cross-country relocation. Make sure you pick a company with proven experience handling the specific type of move you need.
- Get multiple estimates: Trustworthy Chicago movers will offer you a free moving estimate. Be sure to get quotes from several companies so you can compare prices and find the best deal for your move.
Luckily, every Chicago moving company featured here meets our high standards. They’ve all been carefully picked by the moveBuddha team for their top-notch service.
Looking for movers across the entire state? Explore our picks for the top moving companies in Illinois.
Average cost of movers in Chicago, Illinois
Check out the table below for estimated local moving rates in and around Chicago. Want a deeper dive into moving expenses? Head over to our full guide on moving costs in Illinois.
These are only average price ranges — what you actually pay can vary a lot based on the details of your move. For a more accurate estimate, use our moving cost calculator.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
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 | $353 | $140 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $493 | $140 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $801 | $196 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,857 | $274 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,131 | $274 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,285 | $384 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of Chicago
Your moving costs from Chicago to another state will depend on how much you’re bringing and how far you’re going. Here are some examples to give you a clearer picture:
- Chicago to New York Movers: $583 to $5,265
- Chicago to California Movers: $1,294 to $6,945
- Chicago to Texas Movers: $806 to $5,980
- Chicago to Arizona Movers: $1,121 to $6,820
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: How much you’ll pay to move in Chicago mostly depends on how far you’re going. Moves within 50 miles of Chicago are usually cheaper, while relocating your stuff 450 miles across Illinois will be pricier.
- Move size: The more stuff you pack, the more your move will cost—bigger loads require bigger trucks, which means a higher price tag. For a long-distance or interstate move from Chicago, movers usually base their rates on the total weight and size of your belongings. Want to keep moving costs down? Check out our tips on decluttering and downsizing to make your move lighter and your wallet fuller.
- Moving method: Full-service movers are more expensive, but they take care of every detail for you. If you’re looking to save money, renting a truck is the most budget-friendly choice. Just make sure you don’t sacrifice peace of mind—no amount of savings is worth the stress of being short-handed on moving day.
- Additional services: No matter which moving service you pick, remember that extras like packing assistance, heavy lifting, or full insurance usually come with added charges.
- The time of the year: If you want better deals and more options, try to plan your move between October and April. Moving during the busy May-to-September season usually means higher costs and less flexibility.
FAQs
Should I arrange for a parking permit when moving locally 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 information about parking permits in Chicago, visit the local DOT website.
What are some ways to save money on a move with a Chicago mover?
If you are looking to save on your Chicago move, book your move during the off-season, between October and April, and aim for a weekday to score the lowest rates. You can also trim costs by negotiating with your moving company and checking for any special deals or discounts you might be eligible for.
Is storage available through Chicago movers?
Absolutely! Most moving companies in Chicago offer both short-term and long-term storage options. Some have their own secure facilities, while others work with trusted third-party warehouses. Ask about available storage services and request quotes for any additional fees. If your Chicago movers don’t provide the storage you need, reach out to at least three top-rated self-storage companies to compare. Reviewing all storage costs upfront will help you find the right fit for your move.
Is there a directory of moving companies in Illinois?
Discover all your moving options in Illinois with our complete directory of Illinois movers.
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