Best Movers Near Lake Forest, IL (2025 Guide)
Fact Checked by: 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.
Let's get moving.
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STI Moving & Storage Inc.
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STI Moving & Storage Inc.
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Safeway Moving
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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
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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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:
STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Mighty Moving & Storage: 4.72 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 #: 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
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
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 872553
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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
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 | 3074 |
| Unpacking | 65 | 91 | 2974 |
| Packing Materials | 37 | 50 | 1814 |
| Piano | 50 | 70 | 2300 |
| Antiques | 42 | 48 | 1465 |
| Debris Removal | 18 | 28 | 821 |
| Art | 44 | 50 | 1449 |
| Storage | 63 | 89 | 2696 |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 26 | 34 | 1035 |
| Small Moves | 41 | 51 | 1555 |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 20 | 30 | 748 |
| Custom Crating | 47 | 57 | 1929 |
| Grandfather Clock | 13 | 16 | 407 |
| Hot Tub | 16 | 19 | 692 |
| Junk Removal | 29 | 40 | 1153 |
| Office Moves | 60 | 82 | 2710 |
| Pool Table | 24 | 28 | 969 |
| Safe | 28 | 42 | 1155 |
Other local IL movers
While these local Illinois movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.
- Mighty Moving & Storage
- Alliance Moving & Storage
- Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Planes Moving & Storage Company
- New City Moving
- M.K. Movers Inc.
- The Professionals Moving Specialists
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- H2H Movers Inc
- Federal Companies
- Elite Moving & Storage
- Move-tastic
- Del's Moving & Storage
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
- Expert Movers, Inc
- MiniMoves Inc.
- Blankenship Movers, Inc.
- 606 Movers, Inc.
- Mid-West Moving & Storage
- Good Move Movers, Inc.
- Reebie Storage and Moving Co.
- Jay Movers
- ADCO Van & Storage, Inc.
- Stark Moving and Storage
- Amenity Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Straightline Moving, Inc.
- MicroShip, Inc.
- Murphy Family Movers
- Mordue Moving and Storage
- Move4U movers
- Next Door Movers, LLC
- Aaron Bros Moving System, Inc.
- Coffey Bros Moving
- Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc.
- USA Moving & Storage
- Dreiske Moving & Storage
- Wolley Movers, Inc.
- O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.
- Windy City Movers Inc.
- Shur-Way Moving and Cartage
- All My Sons Moving & Storage
- Collins Family Movers, Inc.
- U-Pack
- University Movers, Inc.
- Aaron's Reliable, Inc.
- Quincy Storage & Transfer Co
- Fallen Movers
- Chicagoland Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage
- Midway Moving & Storage, Inc.
- J.C. Movers & Lumper Service Inc.
- Thompson Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Ampol Moving, Inc.
- King David Moving & Storage, Inc.
- PODS Moving & Storage
- The New Haven Companies, Inc.
- All Seasons Movers
- Bloomington Relocation Systems
- MI-Box Moving & Mobile Storage
- Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc
- Drew Transport Servies LLC
- Springfield Van and Storage Co.
- Argo Moving (Illinois)
- Harlow Moving
- Blackhawk Moving And Storage, Inc.
- Bellhop Moving
- Underfanger Moving & Storage
- Moving Mountains
- Universal Moving Solutions
- Father and Son Moving and Hauling
- 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 Movers 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗴𝗼
- Worlds Best Movers Inc
- Wolley Movers Chicago
- Affordable Moving
- Chicago Marathon Movers Inc.
- Prime Moovers
- Affordable City Movers Chicago
- Federal Companies - Peoria IL Movers
- Alliance Movers Peoria
- Total Quality Movers
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.
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
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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.
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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. | 4.8/5 | 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 |
| Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. | 4.7/5 | A+ | 2.1/5 | 3.9/5 |
| 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 |
| Mid-West Moving & Storage | 4.5/5 | A+ | 2.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
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.
Helpful Lake Forest Resources
Lake Forest Moving Services
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