Best Movers Near Lake Forest, IL (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Dec 20, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Out of 100 moving companies reviewed in Illinois, STI Moving & Storage Inc. came out ahead as the leading choice for local moves in Lake Forest, IL. With 538 total reviews and a 68.4% positive rating, they’re a standout among the competition.

For cross-country or out-of-state moves, Safeway Moving delivers on both quality and cost-effectiveness.

Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.

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.

4.72
Best local IL mover:

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

4.72
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	Get A Quote	4.72 / 5
Mighty Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.72 / 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 Lake Forest, IL

Whether you're moving within Lake Forest, relocating to nearby Lake Bluff or Highwood, 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.: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Mid-West Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Mighty Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077 US

68% of all reviews were positive

29% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.

3640 Jarvis Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 US

70% of all reviews were positive

29% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving with Golan’s is a tale of standout efficiency and careful handling, backed by a team known for their professionalism and great communication. Nearly 70% of the 814 customer experiences highlighted fast moves, respect for customers’ belongings, and crews who made even complex moves feel smooth. People mention polite staff, careful packing, and transparency more often than with other moving companies. On the other hand, almost a third encountered problems such as damaged items, higher-than-expected final bills, or delays on moving day. Some also point out that resolving claims and unexpected charges can be frustrating. Compared to similar companies, Golan’s receives more repeat business for their fast, careful service but also faces more complaints about damages or billing than some direct competitors. Golan’s consistently delivers safe, efficient moves with friendly crews, but be sure to clarify all charges and ask about insurance and delivery timing before booking.

Get a Quote (847) 262-9778

Company Info

State license #: 93712

Years in Business: 34

DOT #: 504435

Alternate Names: Golan's Moving and Storage, Inc.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Alliance Moving & Storage

3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 US

96% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving with Alliance Moving & Storage feels like a breath of fresh air: 247 customer feedback entries were analyzed, with a remarkable 95.5% being positive. Most people describe the company as efficient, careful with belongings, highly professional, and quick. Customers consistently mention respectful staff and clear, reliable communication throughout the process. Affordable, transparent pricing and rapid scheduling compared favorably versus rival companies. On the downside, a minority report unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, or trouble reaching someone after problems arose. Issues like last-minute price increases or lack of follow-up were sometimes cited by dissatisfied customers. Negative experiences remain much less common than positive ones. Compared with typical moving companies, Alliance stands out for speed, professionalism, and care, though some customers recommend confirming all charges up front to prevent misunderstandings.

Get a Quote (847) 378-4949

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

Mid-West Moving & Storage

1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US

75% of all reviews were positive

23% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

New City Moving

2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

92% of all reviews were positive

6% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving magic happens when speed meets service—New City Moving delivers exactly that, according to 1,451 pieces of customer feedback analyzed. With 92.4% positive reviews, most customers rave about the company’s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaround—which set them apart from many competitors. A high number praised clear communication throughout the move. While affordability and responsiveness also stood out, some reported problems. About 6% said their main issue was damage to their belongings, unexpected charges, or struggles resolving complaints when things went wrong. Only 1.8% of feedback landed in the neutral zone, typically due to minor organizational or packing concerns rather than major failures. New City Moving earns above-average praise for efficiency and professionalism compared to other moving services, but a handful of customers cite billing, compensation, or damage disputes where they wanted swifter or better follow-up. For most, the company’s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.

Get a Quote (773) 489-0600

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

Mighty Moving & Storage

1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL 60103 US

93% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers rave about Mighty Moving & Storage for their professional, efficient, and friendly crews. Out of 70 reviews, 93% are positive, with many highlighting careful handling, quick moves, and affordable rates. Movers consistently receive praise for their politeness and attention to detail, making stressful moves easier. Some feedback points to issues with damaged or lost items and unexpected charges, but these are rare compared to the volume of positive input. Compared to other moving companies, Mighty Moving & Storage stands out for reliability and customer satisfaction, though a few customers experienced problems with item care and billing transparency.

Get a Quote (855) 699-8999

Company Info

Years in Business: 3

DOT #: 3788656

Alternate Names: Heroic Moving & Storage Experts

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Local moving services in Lake Forest

Specialized moving services aren’t guaranteed no matter where you are. Some cities have greater access than others.

In the chart below, you’ll see how Lake Forest, IL, compares to broader trends in your state and nationwide. It’s a useful snapshot for understanding the local landscape before you book a mover.

Service	Lake Forest	IL	National
Packing	66	95	3073
Unpacking	65	91	2973
Packing Materials	37	50	1813
Piano	50	70	2299
Antiques	42	48	1464
Debris Removal	18	28	821
Art	44	50	1448
Storage	63	89	2695
Climate-Controlled Storage	26	34	1034
Small Moves	41	51	1554
Fragile-Only Packing	20	30	747
Custom Crating	47	57	1928
Grandfather Clock	13	16	406
Hot Tub	16	19	691
Junk Removal	29	40	1153
Office Moves	60	82	2709
Pool Table	24	28	968
Safe	28	42	1154

Other local IL movers

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

Top-rated movers in other nearby Illinois cities

If you need something local Lake Forest movers don’t offer, consider checking out other trusted companies in IL cities. You might find a better fit just a short drive away.

See less

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

(855) 394-4102

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 Lake Forest, IL

Choosing a full-service mover for your Lake Forest, Illinois move is definitely the most convenient option, but it’s also usually the priciest. If you’re looking to cut costs, consider going with one of the top moving container companies. Or, check out moving truck rental companies in Lake Forest instead.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

(855) 394-4102

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices (844) 362-5303

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Get A Quote

(866) 586-5970

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Skip the strain without skipping the savings. If you’re planning a DIY move in Lake Forest, you’ve got 42 labor-only services to choose from — a great solution for getting help when you need it most.

How we chose the best movers in Lake Forest, IL

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.

Average cost of movers in Lake Forest, IL

Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Lake Forest area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in Illinois.

Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$383	$127	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$510	$127	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$789	$178	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,748	$249	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$1,997	$249	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$3,044	$348	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Lake Forest, IL movers

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

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	4.7/5	A+	3.1/5	4.7/5
Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.7/5	A+	3.3/5	4.5/5
Alliance Moving & Storage	4.7/5	A+	4/5	3.8/5
Mid-West Moving & Storage	4.6/5	A+	2.7/5	4.7/5
New City Moving	4.7/5	A+	4.6/5	4.8/5
Mighty Moving & Storage	4.7/5	A+	4.5/5	4.8/5
Elite Moving & Storage	4.6/5	A+	2.8/5	4.6/5
The Professionals Moving Specialists	4.6/5	A+	4.5/5	5/5
H2H Movers Inc	4.6/5	A+	4.3/5	4.9/5
Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.6/5	A+	2.1/5	3.9/5

FAQs

How many movers in Lake Forest offer discounts?

Not every moving company posts their discounts online, but many still offer them — especially for those in qualifying groups. It’s worth asking about current promotions during the quote process.

1 movers offer discounted rates for seniors. Details may vary by company, so don’t forget to ask for a complete breakdown of available deals.

How can I verify if my mover is legally 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.

Every mover featured in our guide is fully licensed. Check out our best movers in Illinois page for top picks.

What should I look for in a reputable Lake Forest mover?

Choosing a reputable Lake Forest moving company doesn’t have to be hard if you focus on a few key considerations:

Reputation: Whether it's a family-run business or a major van lines provider, their reputation tells you a lot about what to expect.
Dispute resolution: Companies with many unresolved issues are red flags. Even top Lake Forest movers have occasional hiccups— it’s how they handle them that matters.
Move-specific experience: Just because a mover is great for local jobs doesn't mean they’re ready for your long-distance move. Ask about their experience with moves like yours.

What options do you have for long-distance moves from Lake Forest?

While many movers stick to local service areas, 48 companies in Lake Forest offer support for cross-state or nationwide moves. To compare trusted long-distance options, check out our list of out-of-state movers in Lake Forest.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in Lake Forest, IL?

The cheapest day to hire a mover in Lake Forest, Illinois, will typically be a weekday, since weekends are typically busier times for moving. In general, the cheapest time to move is between October and April. The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.

The earlier you book your move from Lake Forest, the better. Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money. Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote, as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state from Lake Forest, IL?

Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within Lake Forest, Illinois. Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and driving.

Are moving containers a good idea for my move from Lake Forest?

Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Once you’re loaded up and ready to move, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.

Do movers in Lake Forest provide storage options?

63 moving companies in Lake Forest can help with both short- and long-term storage needs, while 26 also offer climate-controlled facilities to keep temperature-sensitive items safe.

Keep in mind that some movers may use third-party providers. It’s worth confirming where your items will be stored and how much it will cost before booking.

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