The Best Long-Distance Movers in Chicago, IL
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The best long-distance mover in Chicago, IL is Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Illinois, per moveBuddha's analysis of 99 Illinois movers and 27,776 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Chicago average $113/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across Illinois range from $798 for a 1-bedroom to $3,951 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Chicago right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Chicago, IL?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 63 full-service interstate movers serving Chicago, drawing on 27,776 verified customer reviews across Chicago.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Chicago based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Chicago, IL for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 67 local movers serving Chicago licensed for long-distance moves within Illinois, drawing on 27,776 verified customer reviews across Chicago. Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) was named the top-rated Chicago-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 67 of the 68 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Chicago are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Chicago but stay within Illinois:
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Reebie Storage and Moving Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Alliance Moving & Storage has been in business for 11 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Alliance Moving & Storage has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 247 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Alliance Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Alliance Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Alliance Moving exceeded our expectations! Our move went smoothly and on time. We never experienced a delay and were constantly updated. The four movers did an awesome job disassembling and assembling our furniture! Very friendly, fast and efficient service! Highly recommend!"
"Movers were professional and super quick! Would use again for future moves."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Move-tastic has been in business for 17 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Move-tastic has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 1169 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Move-tastic.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Move-tastic emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"This move was an incredible experience. They protected all of our belongings, wrapped every piece of furniture, and finished much quicker than expected. The staff were professional, friendly, and just great to be around. Highly recommend!"
"Movetastic are great - this is the second time we used them. The movers were friendly and professional. They moved us within the agreed time and made sure everything was in place before leaving."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. H2H Movers Inc has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and office moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. H2H Movers Inc has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 640 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from H2H Movers Inc, and H2H Movers Inc makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. H2H Movers Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The moving team was professional, efficient, and made the entire process stress-free. They handled everything with care and attention to detail. The staff was friendly and punctual. Highly recommend this company!"
"Great experience working with H2H Movers! Everything was wrapped neatly, stacked carefully in the truck, and moved quickly. Very friendly and accommodating. Would definitely recommend H2H to anyone looking to move!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Reebie Storage and Moving Co. has been in business for 145 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Reebie Storage and Moving Co. has about 73% positive reviews across roughly 386 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Reebie Storage and Moving Co..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Reebie Storage and Moving Co. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The crew was professional and efficient. They packed everything carefully and stayed in constant communication. Highly recommend for a stress-free move!"
"Everything went as planned. Movers were on time, polite, and handled all possessions with great care. Would absolutely use them again!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. STI Moving & Storage Inc. has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. STI Moving & Storage Inc. has about 68% positive reviews across roughly 538 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 STI Moving & Storage Inc., and STI Moving & Storage Inc. makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. STI Moving & Storage Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The team was professional, friendly, and very careful with all of my belongings. They made my move so much easier, and I will definitely use them again in the future."
"Their team was professional, fast, and handled all my belongings with care. I was particularly impressed with how well-organized and punctual they were. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a smooth, stress-free move!"
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 99 Illinois moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Illinois. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Chicago, IL movers offer?
Not every mover in Chicago offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 68 Chicago movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 62% of Chicago movers, compared to 51% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
- Junk removal: offered by 44% of Chicago movers, compared to 40% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Move-tastic.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 31% of Chicago movers, compared to 31% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
- Storage: offered by 93% of Chicago movers, compared to 90% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 25% of Chicago movers, compared to 19% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
- Piano moving: offered by 79% of Chicago movers, compared to 71% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
Does Chicago have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 42 of 68 Chicago movers (61.76%), compared to 50.51% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and H2H Movers Inc (4.7/5) rate highest for art handling in Chicago.
| Art handling in Chicago | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Chicago providers |
Alliance Moving & Storage
H2H Movers Inc |
| Per-piece handling fee | $53 to $530 |
| Custom crating per item | $159 to $212 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Custom crates and archival packing guard against UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard blankets cannot prevent. Verify the mover has documented experience with your specific media type before booking.
Does Chicago have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 30 of 68 Chicago movers (44.12%). Move-tastic (4.7/5) and 606 Movers, Inc. (4.52/5) rate highest in Chicago.
| Junk removal in Chicago | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Chicago providers | Move-tastic 606 Movers, Inc. |
| Typical cost per load | $159 to $530 |
| Single large item | $80 to $159 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Junk removal tip: Removing items before a weight-based quote is finalized lowers your shipment total. Bundled junk removal handles load day without a separate crew. Confirm the mover covers electronics and appliances before booking.
Does Chicago have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 21 of 68 Chicago movers (30.88%). Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and Move-tastic (4.7/5) rate highest in Chicago.
| Fragile-only packing in Chicago | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Chicago providers | Alliance Moving & Storage Move-tastic |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps cost down while protecting the items most likely to break in transit. See moveBuddha's guide on how to pack breakables for material and technique tips.
Does Chicago have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 63 of 68 Chicago movers (92.65%). Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and Move-tastic (4.7/5) rate highest in Chicago.
| Storage in Chicago | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Chicago providers | Alliance Moving & Storage Move-tastic |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $272 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $530 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit pricing: About $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $272/month for a 1-bedroom load. Ask how the mover calculates the billing start date before committing.
Does Chicago have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 17 of 68 Chicago movers (25.0%). Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and Move-tastic (4.7/5) rate highest in Chicago.
| Hot tub relocation in Chicago | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Chicago providers | Alliance Moving & Storage Move-tastic |
| Bundled with full-service move | $159 to $424 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $318 to $848 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Before booking a hot tub move: Empty weight runs 500 to 1,000 lbs; full drainage is required before pickup. Tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Confirm the mover has hot tub experience specifically; the shell and plumbing require different handling than furniture. See moveBuddha's hot tub moving guide for a full checklist.
Does Chicago have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 54 of 68 Chicago movers (79.41%). Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and H2H Movers Inc (4.7/5) rate highest in Chicago.
| Piano moving in Chicago | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Chicago providers | Alliance Moving & Storage H2H Movers Inc |
| Upright piano | $848 to $1,590 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,272 to $2,650 |
| Grand piano | $1,908 to $3,710 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Before booking a piano move: Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands exceed 1,200 lbs. Standard dollies and blankets aren't built for either. Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps. See moveBuddha's best piano movers guide for vetted options.
Who are the best movers in Chicago, IL for small long-distance moves?
Alliance Moving & Storage leads Chicago's small-move providers with a 4.76/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Move-tastic at 4.7/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
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DIY options for your Chicago, IL long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Chicago residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Chicago?
44 of 68 Chicago movers (64.71%) offer labor-only services, compared to 58.59% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Chicago, followed by H2H Movers Inc (4.7/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Chicago residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Chicago moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Chicago. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose.
Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Chicago, IL?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Chicago. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Chicago residents who can handle their own loading and unloading.
Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What to know before booking a long-distance mover in Chicago, IL
- Pricing model: Full-service interstate moves price by weight and mileage. In-state long-distance moves typically price hourly; movers in Chicago average $113/hour.
- Book early: Summer moves (May–September) fill fast. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks out to lock in availability and avoid peak-season surcharges.
- COI requirements: If your building requires a certificate of insurance from the moving company, request it at least 2 weeks before move day. Most interstate carriers provide this, but turnaround takes time.
- Verify credentials: Before signing with any interstate mover, confirm their USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Chicago, IL?
Moving costs across Illinois range from $529 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $269/hour) to $6,165 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Illinois mover quotes. The table below shows Illinois statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Chicago. Your actual cost will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Illinois* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $529 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $798 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,390 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,423 |
| 4-bedroom home | $3,951 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $6,165 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Illinois. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Illinois statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Chicago?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Chicago move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Chicago, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Chicago, IL
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Illinois | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | 4.76/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Move-tastic | 4.7/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | 4.76/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Chicago, IL
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Chicago, IL.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 68 movers moveBuddha tracks in Chicago, 50 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Chicago against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Illinois.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Chicago, IL move. Interstate costs from Illinois range from $529 for a studio to $6,165 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance mover questions for Chicago, IL residents
What should I know about mover licensing before leaving Chicago?
Interstate movers in Chicago are required to hold a USDOT number and maintain active FMCSA registration before hauling goods across state lines. Of the 68 movers moveBuddha tracks in Chicago, 50 carry that federal authorization. All companies recommended on this page are fully licensed. Verify any mover's credentials in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database before signing a contract.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move outlines the consumer protections and mover obligations that govern every interstate shipment.
Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of Chicago?
For moves within Illinois, a local moving company in Chicago is the more budget-friendly option. moveBuddha has reviewed 68 movers in Chicago, averaging $113/hour, with 50 licensed for interstate routes. The standout options are highlighted on this page.
If the destination is outside Illinois, national movers cost more but bring proven cross-state logistics, an advantage that matters most when route complexity and distance are both high.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Chicago?
Late fall and early winter are the lowest-demand months for movers in Chicago, with average winter lows around 19°F keeping demand low. Fewer residents choose to move, mover capacity is higher, and quote flexibility increases. That is the best window to negotiate your rate. Booking in November or December typically means shorter lead times and more pricing flexibility than peak-season summer moves.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Chicago?
For most people leaving the Chi-Town, a DIY approach is the most cost-effective option, particularly for moves within 50 miles. moveBuddha's data shows that rental trucks and moving containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers on comparable routes. The go-to choices are a rental truck like U-Haul or a moving container such as PODS. See our full breakdown in the guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Does my Chicago building need proof of insurance from the moving company?
Many Chicago residential buildings require a certificate of insurance (COI) from the moving company before the crew can start. Confirm with your building office what the minimum coverage amounts are and whether they need to be named as an additional insured. Pass this information to your mover when booking so the COI is ready before move day.
How do Chicago movers handle high-rise buildings and gated communities?
For high-rise buildings, reserve your building service elevator and loading dock early; buildings often limit moving windows to weekday daytime hours. Provide COI requirements to your mover at booking. For gated communities, arrange access for move day and confirm the gate can accommodate a large truck. Both situations require advance planning: a mover who learns about these conditions at the door may not have the right equipment and your move date could be delayed.
The best long-distance movers in Chicago, IL: bottom line
For moves within Illinois, Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Chicago option. For interstate moves leaving Illinois, Safeway Moving (4.9/5) leads among the 50 FMCSA-authorized carriers serving Chicago. Compare at least 3 quotes using the moveBuddha cost calculator, confirm your mover's USDOT number, and book early, as summer availability fills fast.
