The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Lake Forest, IL

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: May 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

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.

4.9
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best Lake Forest-based mover:

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

4.9
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

HireAHelper

4.5
Best rental truck:

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	4.9 / 5
Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	4.76 / 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

Best long-distance movers in Lake Forest for those moving out of state

If you’re leaving Lake Forest and crossing state lines for a new home outside of Illinois, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

At A Glance

GPS tracking en route
Veteran-owned
Dedicated move coordinator
Flat-rate pricing
Donates a portion of moves to charity

read our full review

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

At A Glance

Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
Hands-on customer service
24/7 support
Price-matching policy

read our full review

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

At A Glance

Experienced & fully trained moving crews
Specializes in moving art & antiques
Competitive pricing
Can handle last-minute moves
Climate-controlled storage

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

At A Glance

Custom crates for electronics & art
Satellite shipment tracking
1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
Self-packing option
No deposit required

read our full review

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Best long-distance movers in Lake Forest for those staying in state

Are you moving from Lake Forest but staying in Illinois? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within Illinois is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top Lake Forest, IL, movers:

Preferred Partner

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

Other top partners:

Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Mid-West Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Elite Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (36%)
Professional and polite staff (32%)
Good communication (29%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (38%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
Unexpected charges (28%)

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

Bellhop Moving

4916 Lemans Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (26%)
Professional and polite staff (24%)
Good communication (21%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (30%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
Lack of communication (21%)

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Mid-West Moving & Storage

1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Professional and polite staff (28%)
Good communication (25%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (32%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (27%)
Unexpected charges (23%)

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

Elite Moving & Storage

7085 Ridgeway Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (45%)
Professional and polite staff (40%)
Careful handling (35%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (50%)
Lack of communication (45%)
Unexpected charges (40%)

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (312) 313-4042

Company Info

State license #: 153937

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 1567283

Alternate Names: Elite Moving and Storage

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.

3640 Jarvis Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 US

Customer Praise

Professional Service
Excellent Moving Experience
Responsiveness

Customer Complaints

Minor Damage Reported
No Other Items Relatable
Doesn't Overshadow Positives

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

Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.

1159 N Ellis St, Bensenville, IL 60106 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (21%)
Efficient service (19%)
Careful handling (16%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (27%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
Lack of communication (19%)

Review Analysis

Feedback on Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. stands out for its sharp contrasts. Of 414 reviews, 54% are positive and center on efficiency, friendly and professional movers, careful handling, and jobs finished ahead of schedule. Many people mention hardworking, polite staff who move quickly, protect belongings, and ease stress on moving day. Customers value organized operations and a helpful team. On the flip side, 44% report serious problems—damaged items, sudden extra charges, and late arrivals. Numerous customers describe property loss, hostage payments, ruined furniture, delayed deliveries, and a lack of accountability for damage or missing items. Neutral input notes incomplete jobs or occasional lapses between satisfactory moves. Compared to similar companies, Advanced shows a greater divide between high-quality hands-on moving crews and problematic company policies. Booking is easy and staff can be accommodating, but recurring issues like property damage and shifting costs reduce trust. Consumers seeking reliable and stress-free moves with respectful handling may find strong crews here, but transparent communication and guarantees may be better elsewhere.

Get a Quote (800) 394-4462

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

Best long-distance movers in Lake Forest, IL, for small moves

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Lake Forest, check out these suggestions:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

No minimum size
Top-quality materials
Full-service packing

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.7 / 5

Check prices 800-626-1257

At A Glance

Specializes in small moves
Guaranteed delivery date
Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
Car shipping services
Gives back with charitable donations

read our full review

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Lake Forest, IL

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Lake Forest at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Lake Forest include:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Get A Quote

At A Glance

30 days storage included
Local and long distance moving options
Unlimited loading/unloading time
Store on property or at a facility

read our full review

Get A Quote

Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

Long distance moves only
Only pay for the space you use
No deposit or initial fees
Fast delivery time frames

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Rental trucks in Lake Forest, IL for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Lake Forest, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.15 / 5

Check prices (800) 468-4285

At A Glance

More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive

read our full review

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Licensed

Insured

Price

4 / 5

Check prices (844) 847-9517

At A Glance

Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool

read our full review

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Lake Forest, IL

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from Lake Forest, IL:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
$1,000 money-back service guarantee
Fast and accurate delivery times
Free damage coverage with additional coverage options

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.3 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

At A Glance

Quick and easy booking process
National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
Dedicated move concierge specialist
Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them

read our full review

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Lake Forest, IL

Company	Our Rating	Quote
Safeway Moving	4.85 overall rating	Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation	4.9 overall rating	Get A Quote
American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote
Allied Van Lines	4.75 overall rating	Get A Quote
North American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Lake Forest, IL

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%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Lake Forest, IL

The average cost for professional movers in Illinois is $97 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Here’s the average long-distance move cost from Lake Forest, IL to popular cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Waterbury, CT	893 miles	3 bedroom	$4,121 - $6,976
Sioux Falls, SD	557 miles	2 bedroom	$2,540 - $5,362
Virginia Beach, VA	930 miles	1 bedroom	$2,680 - $5,688

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Lake Forest, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in Illinois.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

A moving company helping you move out of Illinois must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the Lake Forest movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Lake Forest?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Lake Forest is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of Illinois, using a national moving company like Safeway Moving comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Lake Forest?

Moving companies in Lake Forest are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Lake Forest?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Lake Forest. The cheapest options for moving out of Lake Forest are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.