Best Lake Forest Moving Companies (2023 Review)

In Lake Forest, IL, a successful move starts with choosing the right company. Whether you're relocating within Lake Forest, moving across Illinois, or moving out of state, the support you pick can be a game-changer. That's why we've compiled a reliable list of the best moving companies in Lake Forest, ensuring your move is smooth and hassle-free.

Our Top Pick: If you're moving locally in Lake Forest, our top pick is STI Moving & Storage Inc.. We've rated them 4.9 out of 5 stars. If your relocation plans extend beyond Lake Forest, our well-curated guide on the best movers in Illinois is a valuable resource, helping you navigate the larger moving landscape with ease.

Our Ratings of The Best Movers in Lake Forest, IL

  1. STI Moving & Storage Inc., 4.9 out of 5
  2. Mid-West Moving & Storage, 4.76 out of 5
  3. Two Men and a Truck, 4.72 out of 5
  4. USA Moving & Storage, 4.72 out of 5
  5. Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc., 4.72 out of 5
  6. Elite Moving & Storage, 4.66 out of 5
  7. Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc., 4.66 out of 5
  8. Shur-Way Moving and Cartage, 4.58 out of 5
  9. The New Haven Companies, Inc., 4.14 out of 5

Comparing the Best Local Movers in Lake Forest, IL

Our Reviews of the Best Local Movers in Lake Forest

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1308599

Pricing: $139/hr

Years in Business: 18

7400 Niles Center Rd,
Skokie, IL 60077

Established in 2005, STI Moving & Storage Inc. has made a reputable name for itself within the moving industry of Skokie, IL, and surrounding areas. This company outshines competitors by offering a comprehensive suite of services that extend beyond standard residential moving, including office relocations, packing and unpacking services, crating, and specialized handling of delicate items such as pianos, pool tables, artwork, antiques, and grandfather clocks. Unlike many of its regional competitors, this company provides crane vans and fragile only packing when necessary, catering specifically to the customer's personalized needs. STI Moving & Storage Inc. charges a competitive hourly rate of $139 for local moves, accepts credit cards, and requires a deposit, ensuring security and ease of transactions for its customers. The company further offers the convenience of storage options and labor-only services, highlighting its flexibility. Apart from its extensive service offerings, STI Moving & Storage Inc. stands out in reviews, boasting an impressive 4.7-star rating from over a thousand Google My Business reviewers and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. While their Yelp rating averages 3.0, the sheer breadth of positive reviews across platforms indicates a mostly satisfied clientele. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction is further underscored by its offer of full valuation insurance coverage, providing customers with assurance regarding the safety of their belongings during the moving process. In comparison to nearby moving companies, STI Moving & Storage Inc. consistently showcases its commitment to quality, comprehensive services, and customer satisfaction, making it a premier choice within the Skokie moving market.

Get a Quote (847) 675-1223

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local 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

Alternative Business Names

  • STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
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Mid-West Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 294025

Years in Business: 40

1255 Tonne Rd,
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Mid-West Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in the Elk Grove Village, IL, area since 1984. Unlike other local moving companies, they provide a comprehensive range of services that cover local, long-distance, and even international moving. From residential to office relocations, their skilled team handles it all. Their service package is not only limited to moving; it also includes packing, unpacking, crating, as well as specialized moving of fragile items and valuable possessions such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, artwork, antiques, grandfather clocks, and safes. What sets Mid-West Moving & Storage apart from other movers in the area is their ability to provide specialized moving services catering to military personnel and seniors. They also make the moving process more manageable by accepting credit cards, requiring a deposit, offering full valuation insurance coverage, and providing shipment tracking. Despite the competitive nature of online reviews, Mid-West Moving & Storage has managed to maintain an impressive rating. With an average Yelp rating of 3.0 from 78 reviews, a significant Google My Business rating of 4.7 from 372 reviews, and a high-grade A+ Better Business Bureau rating, they undoubtedly stand out from the crowd. For those in need of storage solutions, they also offer storage options as required, making them a one-stop-shop for all relocation needs.

Get a Quote (847) 593-7201

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 #: 294025
  • DOD certified
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Two Men and a Truck

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 1209512

Years in Business: 20

1111 Tower Rd,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Get a Quote (847) 503-0856

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage

Additional Information

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USA Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 622007

Years in Business: 41

7020 N.Ridgeway Ave,
Lincolnwood, IL 60712

USA Moving & Storage, serving Lincolnwood, IL and beyond since 1982, stands as a pillar in the moving industry. Their comprehensive services exceed mere local and long-distance residential moving, as they also provide office moving, packing, and unpacking. They extend special attention to delicate items, offering fragile packing and labor-only services. Furthermore, they excel in moving large or unusual items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, and grandfather clocks—a capability not all competitors share. Transparency in transactions is their forte, with credit card payments and a necessary deposit system. Full valuation insurance coverage provides peace of mind every move. Their exceptional reputation is vividly reflected in their 4.5-star Yelp rating (from 284 reviews), 4.9-star Google My Business rating (from 957 reviews), and an impressive A+ Better Business Bureau rating. This places them among the top movers in the area, boasting a level of customer satisfaction and reliability that overshadows many nearby moving companies.

Get a Quote (800) 626-4474

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • U.S.A. Moving and Storage, Inc.
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Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 504435

Years in Business: 32

3640 Jarvis Ave,
Skokie, IL 60076

Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. is a seasoned moving company that's been serving the Skokie, IL area since 1991. With a capacity to handle both local and long-distance residential moves, they also cater to office relocations, setting them apart from local competitors. Their comprehensive suite of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, ensures a hassle-free moving experience. What really sets Golan's Moving apart, however, is their expertise in moving special items such as pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, and safes, an uncommon offering among other moving providers in the region. They accept money orders, cash, and credit cards, with a deposit required for their full-valuation insurance coverage. With over a thousand reviews across Yelp and Google My Business, they boast an impressive average rating of 4 stars. Their dedication to customer satisfaction has also garnered them an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, asserting their reliability in a competitive industry.

Get a Quote (847) 262-9778

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 #: 504435

Alternative Business Names

  • Golan's Moving and Storage, Inc.
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Elite Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 1567283

Years in Business: 16

7085 Ridgeway Ave,
Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Elite Moving & Storage has been serving the residents and businesses of Lincolnwood, IL and beyond since 2007, offering an array of moving services that rivals local competition. They provide local and long distance residential moving, office moving, and specialized services for items such as pianos and art. Beyond the moving itself, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, including the provision of crating services and fragile-only packing when necessary. The company offers various payment methods including cash, credit cards and money orders, though a deposit is required. The safety of your belongings is guaranteed by their provision of full valuation insurance coverage and their shipment tracking feature. Despite a mixed review profile, with a 2.8 average rating on Yelp from 352 reviews and a 4.6 average rating on Google My Business from 1153 reviewers, Elite Moving & Storage maintains a strong reputation in the industry with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Get a Quote (312) 313-4042

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

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Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 872553

Years in Business: 109

1159 N Ellis St,
Bensenville, IL 60106

Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. has firmly established itself as a trusted provider of moving services in the Bensenville, IL area. With over a century's experience dating back to 1914, they've solidified their reputation as a moving company that is unfalteringly reliable. They offer a comprehensive suite of services that extends from local to international residential moves, office relocations, and the provision of packing, unpacking and crating services. Compared to other local movers, Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. stands out for their specialization in handling unique objects like pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, and safes. They accept a variety of payment options, from cash and credit cards to money orders. A deposit is required but is balanced with a full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind. Despite mixed reviews on Yelp (169 reviews with a 2-star average) and Google My Business (344 reviews with a 3.7-star average), they maintain an excellent A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, illustrating their commitment to resolving customer complaints and maintaining high-quality service.

Get a Quote (800) 394-4462

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
  • State license #: 872553
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Shur-Way Moving and Cartage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 172887

Years in Business: 68

1943 Industrial Dr,,
Libertyville, IL 60048

Shur-Way Moving and Cartage, an expert in the moving industry since 1955, operates in and around Libertyville, IL. They outstrip nearby moving companies with their comprehensive range of services, which includes local, long distance, and international residential moving services, as well as office relocations. They also cater to specific moving needs such as military and senior moving services. Unique to Shur-Way is their ability to safely transport special items like pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art and antiques. Their services extend beyond just moving; they also offer packing, unpacking, and crating services. Payment is convenient with the acceptance of credit cards, and a distinct advantage is their no-deposit policy. Even though their Yelp reviews average at a 3.0 rating from 50 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts a high 4.5 average rating from 225 reviews. They are endorsed by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, attesting to their credibility and high-quality service in the moving industry.

Get a Quote (847) 362-2976

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

Alternative Business Names

  • Shur-Way Moving & Cartage Company
  • Shurway
  • Shurway Van Lines
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The New Haven Companies, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.14 / 5

DOT #: 2375022

Years in Business: 78

3971 S Lakeside Dr,
Waukegan, IL 60085
Get a Quote (630) 948-4477

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

Alternative Business Names

  • New Haven Community Development Corp.
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Average Cost of Movers in Lake Forest

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.

Please note that the prices 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 $416 $129 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $534 $127 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $839 $178 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,809 $249 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,000 $246 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,068 $345 5 movers 10 hours

FAQs for Lake Forest movers

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 top 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 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.

Our moveBuddha list of Lake Forest movers has been hand-picked by our experts and meets all of these criteria.

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 are 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?

The earlier you book your move, 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.

Learn more: The cheapest time to move

Do Lake Forest movers offer storage?

Most Lake Forest moving companies offer short and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some 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?

How we chose the best moving companies in Lake Forest

Over the past 10 years, we've developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

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, expedited delivery, and more.

Helpful Lake Forest Resources

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