Cheapest Movers in Elgin, IL (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After comparing 63 moving companies in Illinois, our recommended local mover in Elgin, IL, is STI Moving & Storage Inc. thanks to their pricing, variety of moving solutions, and great customer reviews. Safeway Moving earns our top pick for out-of-state or long-distance moves from Illinois because they are affordable without cutting corners on service.

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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.

Preferred partner:

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

4.86
Best local IL mover:

Planes Moving & Storage Company

4.9
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

Get Quote

Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	Get A Quote	4.86 / 5
Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	4.76 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5

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

6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Elgin, IL

Whether you're moving within Elgin, relocating to nearby South Elgin or Sleepy Hollow, or heading to another Illinois city less than 50 miles away, here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

Preferred Partner

STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Mid-West Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
ADCO Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (36%)
Professional and polite staff (32%)
Good communication (29%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (38%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
Unexpected charges (28%)

Review Analysis

High marks for speed, professionalism, and careful handling set STI Moving & Storage apart from most competitors. In an analysis of 538 reviews, 68% reflect satisfied customers who consistently praise the efficient crews, friendly staff, and reliable communication. Many detail moves finished faster than expected, with careful packing and respect for belongings. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage to items, delays in delivery—especially for long-distance moves—and surprise or higher-than-expected charges. Customers also note issues with complex claims for damage resolution. Neutral feedback highlights occasional late arrivals and some pricing misalignments, but still mentions professionalism from staff. Compared to industry standards, STI earns stronger praise for crew attitude and efficiency but faces similar criticism to peers regarding damage claims and delivery timelines. Most customers find their moves easier and less stressful thanks to STI's organized and diligent teams, though potential clients should review policies closely for long-distance or specialty needs.

Get a Quote (847) 675-1223

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

Bellhop Moving

4916 Lemans Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (26%)
Professional and polite staff (24%)
Good communication (21%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (30%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
Lack of communication (21%)

Review Analysis

Customers rave about Bellhop Moving’s speed, efficiency, and friendly approach. Out of 115 reviews, nearly 70% share positive input, highlighting fast-moving crews, affordable prices, clear communication, and respectful service. Many describe the process as easy and stress-free. On the downside, about a quarter of feedback points to problems like late arrivals, damaged belongings, and a lack of follow-through from customer service. Complaints focus on delayed service, unwrapped or mishandled items, and poor responsiveness when issues arise. Compared to traditional movers, Bellhop often wins on price and flexibility but loses ground on reliability during peak times. Most customers praise the courteous staff and quick booking, yet a minority experienced significant disruptions or property damage. While Bellhop is often a cost-effective and efficient choice, those with high-value or complex moves may want to weigh the risk of potential delays or mishandling before booking.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Planes Moving & Storage Company

1100 Bilter Road, Aurora , IL 60504 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (35%)
Efficient service (30%)
Good communication (27%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (22%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
Unexpected charges (16%)

Review Analysis

Moving reliability makes all the difference, and Planes Moving & Storage stands out in customer feedback. 232 reviews were analyzed, with nearly nine out of ten customers satisfied. Customers rave about Planes’ professional and polite teams, efficient moving processes, careful handling of items, fast service, and consistent communication. Many moves finished ahead of schedule without hidden costs. On the downside, a few reported item damage, inaccurate cost estimates, and occasional lost belongings, which affected their trust in the process. Some also flagged issues when delivery or claims didn't match their expectations. Compared to similar companies, Planes earns stronger praise for staff professionalism and handling but loses ground with damage and claim resolution concerns. This feedback points to a moving company that gets high marks for speed, courtesy, and organization, though some clients face setbacks with damage and missed estimates.

Get a Quote (630) 381-6952

Company Info

State license #: 7545

Years in Business: 104

DOT #: 1458935

Alternate Names: Planes Moving & Storage of Chicago, L.L.C.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Storage
Pay by credit card

Mid-West Moving & Storage

1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Professional and polite staff (28%)
Good communication (25%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (32%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (27%)
Unexpected charges (23%)

Review Analysis

Customers point to Mid-West Moving & Storage’s efficient service and professional staff as major strengths, with nearly 75% leaving positive feedback from 299 reviews analyzed. Movers often work quickly, communicate well, and take great care of belongings, making many clients feel at ease during stressful moves. Many highlight helpful crews, organized processes, and affordable, transparent rates—qualities not easily found with many competitors. In contrast, some feedback reveals concerns about damage to items, surprise charges, and missing belongings. These are the leading drawbacks and stand out among negative reviews, where clients report issues with insurance claims, billing, or lack of follow-up when problems arise. The majority, however, favorably compare their experiences here to other moving companies, finding Mid-West more reliable and service-minded.

Get a Quote (847) 593-7201

Company Info

State license #: 75043

Years in Business: 41

DOT #: 294025

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Crane vans
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required
DOD certified

ADCO Van & Storage, Inc.

820 Tek Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (45%)
Professional and polite staff (40%)
Good communication (35%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (30%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
Lack of communication (20%)

Review Analysis

Moving experiences with ADCO Van & Storage, Inc. often run smoothly, with 77.5% of customer input highlighting professional, friendly staff, strong communication, careful handling, and efficient service. Many people specifically recommend the company, praising its attentive teams and consistent updates. Yet, some feedback mentions damaged items and unresolved claims, with a few reports of staff acting unprofessionally and insurance delays. Concerns also include alleged unsafe driving and mishandling of property. Compared to other movers, ADCO receives stronger approval for courteous service and communication but faces criticism for how it handles problems and claims. Among 40 reviews, most are positive, but negative input centers on damage, attitude, and difficulty resolving insurance issues.

Get a Quote (815) 455-6640

Company Info

State license #: 16484

Years in Business: 67

DOT #: 077949

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by credit card

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

370 Smoketree Business Park, North Aurora, IL 60542 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (32%)
Efficient service (29%)
Careful handling (28%)

Customer Complaints

Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
Lack of communication (18%)
Unexpected charges (15%)

Review Analysis

Customers say Two Men and a Truck stands out for its efficient moves, professional and courteous teams, helpful attitude, quick process, and careful handling of belongings. Most input highlights friendly crews who make moving easy, often coming in under time and budget estimates. Many repeat clients appreciate accurate quotes and communicative staff. Some drawbacks include a handful of cases where staff acted unprofessionally, furniture was damaged, or arrival was delayed—concerns that rarely appeared compared to the high satisfaction rate. With 287 reviews analyzed and 92% reporting positive experiences, this location ranks among the top choices for dependable, stress-free moves.

Get a Quote (224) 358-3453

Company Info

State license #: 52649

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Apex of Michigan, LLC, Two Men and A Truck

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Other local IL movers

While these local Illinois movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of Illinois

Making a move from Illinois to another state? You'll want a reliable interstate moving company to handle the journey. Check out our top picks

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Elgin, IL

A full-service mover can make your Elgin, Illinois relocation stress-free, but it often comes with a higher price tag. To save a bit, you might want to look into the best moving container companies or explore rental truck options available in Elgin.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby Illinois cities

See less

How we chose the best movers in Elgin, IL

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 63 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.

Average cost of movers in Elgin, IL

Use the pricing table below to get a general sense of what local moving costs look like in and around Elgin. If you want more in-depth info, check out our full guide on moving costs in Illinois.

Keep in mind that the moving quotes provided are just rough estimates. Your actual cost will depend on the specifics of your move. For a more accurate estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$492	$378	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$859	$390	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,699	$551	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$4,725	$740	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$5,274	$740	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$8,562	$1,036	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Elgin, IL movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Elgin, IL stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Planes Moving & Storage Company	4.9/5	A+	3.1/5	4.7/5
Mid-West Moving & Storage	4.9/5	A+	2.8/5	4.7/5
ADCO Van & Storage, Inc.	4.8/5	A+	3.7/5	4.7/5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK	4.8/5	A+	4.4/5	4.9/5
Good Move Movers, Inc.	4.8/5	A+	4.5/5	/5
Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.7/5	A+	2/5	3.9/5
Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.6/5	A+	2.5/5	4/5
Murphy Family Movers	4.6/5	A+	4.8/5	4.8/5
M.K. Movers Inc.	4.6/5	A+	4.4/5	4.7/5
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving	4.6/5	F	3.6/5	4.9/5

FAQs

How can I tell if a moving company is licensed?

In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.

All movers included in our listings hold the proper licenses. Visit our best movers in Illinois roundup for suggestions.

How can I choose a reliable mover in Elgin?

Searching for a reputable Elgin mover can feel overwhelming, but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:

Reputation: Whether it’s a local startup or a national van lines company, their track record matters.
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints. Every Elgin mover will face customer feedback— the best ones respond quickly and fairly.
Specialized experience: Not all movers are equipped for every job. A company great at local moves might not be ideal for a cross-country relocation. Make sure they’ve done moves like yours.

Do movers in Elgin offer long-distance services?

Many Elgin moving companies handle long-distance relocations, though some focus solely on local moves. For out-of-state moves, we’ve compiled the best long distance movers in Elgin.

What day is usually the least expensive to move in Elgin, IL?

The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Elgin, Illinois, are weekdays, since demand tends to be higher on weekends. Generally, the least expensive time to move is during the off-season from October to April. Expect higher rates from May through September due to peak demand.

Booking early is key if you’re planning a move from Elgin. For the best deal, steer clear of weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months. Be cautious with quotes that seem too low—some movers may hike the price significantly on moving day.

What’s the most cost-effective way to move from Elgin, IL to another state?

Renting a truck is typically the cheapest option for moving out of state or around Elgin, Illinois. Just keep in mind that it's a no-frills option. You’ll need to take care of all the packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

Should I consider a moving container for my move from Elgin?

Moving containers are a convenient option if you prefer a flexible schedule. Just be ready to handle the loading and unloading yourself. Once you're packed up, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place — no need to worry about driving.

Can I get help loading my moving container in Elgin?

Yes! Labor-only movers can be a smart add-on if you're using a rental truck or moving container. They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, making your move smoother and more efficient without breaking the bank.

Are storage options available through Elgin movers?

Most moving companies in Elgin provide storage solutions, whether you need something for a few days or indefinitely. Some movers, however, work with third-party storage providers. Always ask for details about storage services and fees when talking to movers.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?