Cheapest Movers in Lake Forest, IL (2025 Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: After reviewing 63 Illinois movers, our top pick for local moves in Lake Forest, IL, is STI Moving & Storage Inc. based on pricing, services, and customer reviews. For long-distance and out-of-state moves from Illinois, we recommend Safeway Moving because they provide a good balance of quality service and affordability.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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10 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Lake Forest, IL
If you are moving within Lake Forest or to a nearby Illinois city like North Chicago or Highland Park within 50 miles of Lake Forest, check out these affordable, top-rated moving companies:
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Mid-West Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- USA Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Elite Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Shur-Way Moving and Cartage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- The New Haven Companies, Inc.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4 out of 5 stars
STI Moving & Storage Inc.
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 1308599
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077STI Moving & Storage Inc., serving Skokie, IL since 2004, has established itself as a reputable choice for local residential moving. Standing out from competitors, STI boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.7 from over 1000 reviews and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized handling for fragile items and antiques. With a competitive rate of $150 per hour and options for full valuation insurance coverage, they cater to a variety of moving needs, ensuring peace of mind for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1308599
- State license #: 139020
Alternative Business Names
- STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Mid-West Moving & Storage
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 294025
Years in Business: 41
1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007Mid-West Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in the Elk Grove Village, IL area since 1984, specializing in local residential moves. While their Yelp reviews average at 2.8 from 77 reviews, their stellar Google My Business rating of 4.7 from 385 reviews and an A+ BBB rating speak volumes about their overall customer satisfaction. Unlike many nearby movers, Mid-West Moving & Storage distinguishes itself with a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moves like pianos and antiques. They also offer full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking for added peace of mind.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- 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
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 294025
- State license #: 75043
- DOD certified
Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 872553
Years in Business: 110
1159 N Ellis St, Bensenville, IL 60106Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc., based in Bensenville, IL, has been providing local residential moving services since 1915, establishing a long-standing presence in the community. While their Google reviews average a respectable 3.7 stars, their Yelp profile suggests room for improvement with a 1.8-star rating. Despite mixed reviews, they hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating a commitment to resolving customer issues. Unlike many nearby movers, Advanced Moving & Storage also offers specialized services such as piano, art, and antique moving, as well as packing and crating services, making them a versatile choice for a variety of moving needs.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 872553
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 14
1350 Tri State Pkwy Ste 114, Gurnee, IL 60031Two Men and a Truck offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Gurnee, IL, having served the community since 2005. While they provide a range of services, including packing, unpacking, and the capability to move pianos and safes, their reputation varies widely. With a commendable 4.2 average rating on Google from 155 reviews, they contrast sharply with a lower 2.4 average on Yelp and an F rating from the Better Business Bureau. Despite these mixed reviews, their long tenure and comprehensive service offerings set them apart from many local competitors.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 464742
Alternative Business Names
- TMT Chicagoland, LLC
Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 504435
Years in Business: 34
3640 Jarvis Ave, Skokie, IL 60076Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc., based in Skokie, IL, has been a staple in the local moving industry since 1992, specializing in residential moves within the area. With a strong reputation backed by 553 Yelp reviews averaging 3.5 stars, and an impressive 4.5-star rating from 556 Google reviews, they stand out among nearby moving companies. They boast an A+ rating from the BBB, underscoring their commitment to customer satisfaction. Offering a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques, Golan's Moving & Storage ensures a smooth and efficient moving experience with full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 504435
- State license #: 93712
Alternative Business Names
- Golan's Moving and Storage, Inc.
USA Moving & Storage
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 622007
Years in Business: 43
7020 N.Ridgeway Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712USA Moving & Storage has been a staple for local residential moving services in and around Lincolnwood, IL since 1983. Known for their reliability and professionalism, they consistently outshine nearby competitors. With an impressive 4.4 average rating from 287 Yelp reviews and a stellar 4.9 average from 957 Google reviews, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their reputation speaks volumes. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos and hot tubs, ensuring your move is handled with care and expertise.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 622007
- State license #: 64325
Alternative Business Names
- U.S.A. Moving and Storage, Inc.
Elite Moving & Storage
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 1567283
Years in Business: 17
7085 Ridgeway Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712Elite Moving & Storage, based in Lincolnwood, IL, has been offering local residential moving services since 2008. With a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a strong 4.6 average rating from over 1,180 Google reviews, they stand out as a reputable choice, although their Yelp profile shows mixed feedback. Elite Moving & Storage also provides packing and unpacking services, and they can handle specialized items like pianos and art. They accept various payment methods but do require a deposit. Overall, Elite Moving & Storage is a reliable option for local moves, with comprehensive services that set them apart from many other local movers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1567283
- State license #: 153937
Alternative Business Names
- Elite Moving and Storage
Local Associations
Shur-Way Moving and Cartage
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 172887
Years in Business: 69
1943 Industrial Dr,, Libertyville, IL 60048Shur-Way Moving and Cartage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Libertyville, IL since 1956. While their Yelp profile shows mixed reviews with an average rating of 3.0, they excel on Google with an impressive 4.5 average rating from 225 reviews and boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating solid customer satisfaction. Unlike many nearby options, Shur-Way not only handles local moves but also offers packing, unpacking, crating, and specialized senior moving services. With no deposit required and credit card acceptance, they provide a seamless and hassle-free moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 172887
- State license #: 18024
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Shur-Way Moving & Cartage Company
- Shurway
- Shurway Van Lines
The New Haven Companies, Inc.
rating
4.34 / 5
DOT #: 2375022
Years in Business: 79
3971 S Lakeside Dr, Waukegan, IL 60085The New Haven Companies, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Waukegan, IL since 1946. With a stellar BBB rating of A+ and an impressive average rating of 4.6 from 55 Google reviews, the company stands out for its professionalism. While Yelp reviews are more mixed, New Haven offers a range of specialized services including packing, unpacking, and the expertise to move delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and reputable choice for your local moving needs.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2375022
- State license #: 2375022
Alternative Business Names
- New Haven Community Development Corp.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
rating
4 / 5
DOT #: 2378173
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Libertyville, IL. They stand out from other nearby moving companies with their extensive range of services, including office moving, packing and unpacking, and labor-only options. Customers appreciate the company's flexibility, as they accept credit cards and require no deposit. With an impressive 4.8 average rating from 420 Google reviews, they outshine their competition, despite having a more moderate 3.3 average from 50 Yelp reviews. Trust College Hunks for a reliable and comprehensive moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2378173
Other local IL movers
While these local Illinois movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:
- New City Moving
- Planes Moving & Storage Company
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
- Alliance Moving & Storage
- Reebie Storage and Moving Co.
- Move-tastic
- H2H Movers Inc
- The Professionals Moving Specialists
- MiniMoves Inc.
- Del's Moving & Storage
- M.K. Movers Inc.
- Murphy Family Movers
- Collins Family Movers, Inc.
- Good Move Movers, Inc.
- Amenity Moving & Storage, Inc.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- King David Moving & Storage, Inc.
- ADCO Van & Storage, Inc.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage
- Expert Movers, Inc
- Thompson Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Federal Companies
- Stark Moving and Storage
- MicroShip, Inc.
- Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Mordue Moving and Storage
- Coffey Bros Moving
- University Movers, Inc.
- Dreiske Moving & Storage
- 606 Movers, Inc.
- Blankenship Movers, Inc.
- Wolley Movers, Inc.
- Ampol Moving, Inc.
- Next Door Movers, LLC
- Jay Movers
- Windy City Movers Inc.
- Move4U movers
- Aaron Bros Moving System, Inc.
- Aaron's Reliable, Inc.
- Fallen Movers
- O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.
- Chicagoland Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Quincy Storage & Transfer Co
- Straightline Moving, Inc.
- J.C. Movers & Lumper Service Inc.
- All Seasons Movers
- MI-Box Moving & Mobile Storage
- Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage
- Midway Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Bloomington Relocation Systems
- Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc
- Drew Transport Servies LLC
- Springfield Van and Storage Co.
- Bellhop Moving
- Father and Son Moving and Hauling
Cheapest movers when moving out of Illinois
Relocating from Illinois to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:
- 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
While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your Lake Forest, Illinois relocation, it will also likely be the most expensive route. To save some money, you may want to consider using one of the top moving container companies, or moving truck rental companies in Lake Forest instead.
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Top-rated movers in other nearby Illinois cities
How we chose the best movers in Lake Forest, 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 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 | $396 | $131 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $540 | $129 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $819 | $181 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,817 | $249 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,989 | $249 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,089 | $359 | 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. | 4.9/5 | A+ | 2.9/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Mid-West Moving & Storage | 4.8/5 | A+ | 2.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. | 4.8/5 | A+ | 2/5 | 3.9/5 |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | 4.7/5 | A+ | 2.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. | 4.7/5 | A+ | 3.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| USA Moving & Storage | 4.7/5 | A+ | 4.4/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Elite Moving & Storage | 4.7/5 | A+ | 2.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Shur-Way Moving and Cartage | 4.6/5 | A+ | 3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| The New Haven Companies, Inc. | 4.3/5 | A+ | 2.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 4/5 | 3.4/5 | 4.8/5 |
FAQs
How do I know if my mover is properly 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 of the movers on our list are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in Illinois list for more recommendations.
How do I find a reputable Lake Forest mover?
Looking for a reliable Lake Forest moving company can be difficult, but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:
- Reputation: A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a seasoned van lines company.
- Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints. Every Lake Forest moving company will face customer issues. The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
- Experience for your move: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves, they may not have the experience needed to handle a cross-country move. Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.
Do Lake Forest moving companies handle long-distance moves?
Some of the moving companies that service Lake Forest can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services. If you're moving out of state, see our list of the best long distance 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.
What if I need help loading my moving container in Lake Forest?
Labor-only moving companies can be a great addition to a more DIY move done with a rental moving truck or moving container. Hiring third-party assistance with loading and unloading can help cut down on the workload and make your move quicker and more efficient.
Do Lake Forest movers offer storage?
Most Lake Forest moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some Lake Forest movers use third-party warehouses to store your items. It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.
Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?
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