Quick answer:
After comparing 63 moving companies in Illinois,
our recommended local mover in Lake Forest, 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.
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.
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.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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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:
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.
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.
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.
Moving made easy—USA Moving & Storage receives high praise in 509 customer reviews, with 92% positive feedback. Customers frequently report efficient moves, careful handling of items, and professional, polite crews. The booking process is described as simple and customer support as responsive and reliable. Movers consistently arrive early or on time and work quickly while protecting furniture and property. Organized packing and extra care during moves stand out, and many customers mention stress-free experiences with no damage to possessions. On the downside, some customers cite unexpectedly high final costs, mainly due to extra charges for tape, packing supplies, and travel. Complaints about excessive packing material costs and, less often, minor damages also arise. Delays, communication issues, or rude staff are occasionally mentioned but are rare compared to other moving companies. Compared to industry standards, USA Moving & Storage stands out for efficiency, reliability, and careful handling, although customers should clarify all potential extra fees in advance.
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.
Moving with Elite Moving & Storage means things get packed quickly by a polite, professional crew who treat furniture and homes with real care. Most customer feedback praised the team's speed, careful handling, and clear communications. People liked the easy booking and accurate, upfront pricing, often paying exactly what was quoted or less. Yet, substantial customer input points out serious issues such as frequent damage to possessions, unexpected extra charges, and delays in arrival or delivery. Disappointed customers described broken or missing items and bills far higher than quoted. Out of 610 reviews analyzed, about 65% expressed satisfaction, which is notably better than many moving companies. The impressive efficiency, genuine courtesy, and transparency set Elite apart, but watch for problems with damaged items and surprise fees on moving day.
A full-service mover can make your Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest.
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.
Use the pricing table below to get a general sense of what local moving costs look like in and around Lake Forest.
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
$410
$127
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$531
$127
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$833
$178
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$1,775
$254
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$2,087
$249
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$3,103
$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.
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 Lake Forest?
Searching for a reputable Lake Forest mover can feel overwhelming,
but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints.
Every Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest offer long-distance services?
Many Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest.
What day is usually the least expensive to move in Lake Forest, IL?
The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest.
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 Lake Forest, IL to another state?
Renting a truck is typically
the cheapest option for moving out of state
or around Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest?
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 Lake Forest?
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 Lake Forest movers?
Most moving companies in Lake Forest 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.
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