The Best Long-Distance Movers in Lake Forest, IL

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Nov 4, 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.

Best local mover:

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

4.78
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Preferred partner:

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

4.78
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

4.78
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	4.78 / 5
Mighty Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.72 / 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

Relocating from Lake Forest to a new state is a big step. We've selected the top interstate movers to help make that transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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

4.5 / 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

4.5 / 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

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

4.9 / 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

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.: 4.78 out of 5 stars

Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Shur-Way Moving and Cartage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077 US

68% of all reviews were positive

29% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

Alliance Moving & Storage

3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 US

96% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving with Alliance Moving & Storage feels like a breath of fresh air: 247 customer feedback entries were analyzed, with a remarkable 95.5% being positive. Most people describe the company as efficient, careful with belongings, highly professional, and quick. Customers consistently mention respectful staff and clear, reliable communication throughout the process.

Affordable, transparent pricing and rapid scheduling compared favorably versus rival companies. On the downside, a minority report unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, or trouble reaching someone after problems arose. Issues like last-minute price increases or lack of follow-up were sometimes cited by dissatisfied customers. Negative experiences remain much less common than positive ones. Compared with typical moving companies, Alliance stands out for speed, professionalism, and care, though some customers recommend confirming all charges up front to prevent misunderstandings.

Get a Quote (847) 378-4949

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

Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.

3640 Jarvis Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 US

70% of all reviews were positive

29% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

New City Moving

2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

92% of all reviews were positive

6% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving magic happens when speed meets service—New City Moving delivers exactly that, according to 1,451 pieces of customer feedback analyzed. With 92.4% positive reviews, most customers rave about the company’s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaround—which set them apart from many competitors. A high number praised clear communication throughout the move.

While affordability and responsiveness also stood out, some reported problems. About 6% said their main issue was damage to their belongings, unexpected charges, or struggles resolving complaints when things went wrong. Only 1.8% of feedback landed in the neutral zone, typically due to minor organizational or packing concerns rather than major failures. New City Moving earns above-average praise for efficiency and professionalism compared to other moving services, but a handful of customers cite billing, compensation, or damage disputes where they wanted swifter or better follow-up. For most, the company’s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.

Get a Quote (773) 489-0600

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

Shur-Way Moving and Cartage

1943 Industrial Dr,, Libertyville, IL 60048 US

79% of all reviews were positive

20% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Shur-Way Moving and Cartage stands out for its consistently high-quality service, analyzed across 274 customer reviews. About 79% of feedback is positive, which sets Shur-Way apart from many competitors. Customers repeatedly highlight professional and polite staff, careful handling of items, efficient service, quick moving processes, and a strong track record of recommendations.

Many clients report smooth relocations, accurate estimates, and respectful teams who treat belongings with care. Negative feedback makes up about 20%, with some customers experiencing damaged or lost items and difficulty resolving complaints—issues often tied to moves involving unique or high-value possessions. A few note slow resolution or unprofessional claim responses. Neutral feedback is rare, with just 0.7% expressing mixed experiences involving delivery delays or inconsistent service levels. Across hundreds of moves, Shur-Way earns praise for reliable support and a service-oriented culture, while maintaining a reputation that consistently outshines the typical moving company experience.

Get a Quote (847) 362-2976

Company Info

State license #: 18024

Years in Business: 69

DOT #: 172887

Alternate Names: Shur-Way Moving & Cartage Company, Shurway, Shurway Van Lines

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.

1159 N Ellis St, Bensenville, IL 60106 US

54% of all reviews were positive

44% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

Top Lake Forest fragile-only packing movers

Company	Quote	Rating
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	Get A Quote	4.78 / 5
Alliance Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.76 / 5
New City Moving	Get A Quote	4.72 / 5
Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.64 / 5
The Professionals Moving Specialists	Get A Quote	4.66 / 5

Specialty art handling

Comparing Lake Forest, IL, & national movers

Lake Forest

35 (72.92%)

out of 48 total movers

Illinois

41 (52.56%)

out of 78 total movers

Nationwide

1,319 (50.04%)

out of 2,636 total movers

Top Lake Forest art movers

Company	Quote	Rating
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	Get A Quote	4.78 / 5
Alliance Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.76 / 5
Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.64 / 5
Shur-Way Moving and Cartage	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5
Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.64 / 5

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

Most professional moving companies won’t take on moves below a certain weight limit. That means small relocations often don’t qualify for their services.

The good news? Some movers specialize in small moves. So if you're heading out of Lake Forest with only a few items or a studio’s worth of furniture, check out these recommendations:

MiniMoves

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

No minimum move size
Full-service packing
Short-term storage

Check prices Visit Website

Transit Systems Inc (TSI)

rating

4.7 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

34+ yrs experience
Online chatbot
Car shipping

Check prices 800-626-1257

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

If you're moving from Lake Forest and want more control over your schedule, moving containers are a smart choice. You take care of the packing and loading on your own time, and the container company manages storage and delivery to your next home.

Below are our recommended container movers for long-distance relocations from Lake Forest:

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

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

Rental trucks often come with the lowest base price for long-distance moves from Lake Forest, but they also require the most effort. From packing to driving, you’ll be in charge every step of the way. Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs like fuel, mileage, and tolls—they can make a bigger dent in your budget than expected.

These are our recommended rental truck companies for long-distance relocations:

U-Haul Truck Rental

rating

4.15 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Greatest coverage
7 truck sizes
One way rentals

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Penske Truck Rental

rating

4 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Most expensive
4 truck sizes
Unlimited mileage

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Lake Forest, IL

Hiring labor-only movers means you take care of the truck and materials, and they take care of the muscle. From loading and unloading to assembling your furniture, it’s a streamlined way to get professional support without the full moving package.

These are some of the best labor-only moving companies for long-distance relocations from Lake Forest, IL:

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

rating

4.78 / 5

Years in Business: 20
Yelp: 2.9 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(847) 675-1223

Alliance Moving & Storage

rating

4.76 / 5

Years in Business: 9
Yelp: 4 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(847) 378-4949

Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.

rating

4.64 / 5

Years in Business: 34
Yelp: 3.3 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(847) 262-9778

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

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

On average, movers in Illinois charge about $97 per hour. That said, final pricing depends on more than just hourly rates—factors like distance and shipment size still play a big role, even when working with the top interstate movers.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a long-distance move from Lake Forest, IL to some of the most common destinations:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Billings, MT	1,230 miles	3 bedroom	$3,682 - $5,925
Charleston, SC	941 miles	2 bedroom	$2,332 - $5,378
Milwaukee, WI	59 miles	1 bedroom	$578 - $2,360

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?

Movers helping you relocate from Illinois must carry proper licensing and a USDOT number. All Lake Forest movers on our list meet these standards, but you can confirm this info yourself via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

Don’t forget to check out the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet before your interstate move.

Is it better to use local or national movers to relocate from Lake Forest?

Lake Forest offers a manageable 10 movers, compared with 78 across Illinois. For local or in-state moves, that’s usually plenty to find a reliable local moving company — and we’ve highlighted the standout ones.

If you’re going further than Illinois, Safeway Moving is our preferred choice for long-distance relocations.

Discount opportunities from movers in Lake Forest

If you’re hoping to save money, some movers in Lake Forest extend discounts to certain groups: 1 movers pass along savings to seniors.

Availability can vary throughout the year, so it pays to ask movers about any ongoing or temporary promotions before booking.

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

Since demand for movers in Lake Forest drops in November and December — thanks to the holiday season and school commitments — you’ll have more room to negotiate with moving companies and potentially lock in lower prices.

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

If you're staying within 50 miles of Lake Forest, doing the move yourself is usually the most affordable option. That includes renting a truck from companies like U-Haul or going with a moving container service such as PODS. Read our full breakdown of the cheapest ways to move out of state.