The Best Long-Distance Movers in Lake Forest, IL
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The best long-distance mover in Lake Forest is The Professionals Moving Specialists (4.76/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Illinois, per moveBuddha's analysis of 99 Illinois movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Lake Forest?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Lake Forest residents moving out of Illinois are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), BLVD Moving (4.3/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Lake Forest for in-state moves?
The Professionals Moving Specialists (4.76/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Lake Forest-based mover for long-distance moves within Illinois, followed by Move-tastic (4.72/5) and Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.62/5). Of the 67 intrastate-capable movers serving Lake Forest, 67 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Lake Forest are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Lake Forest but stay within Illinois:
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Professional and polite staff
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. The Professionals Moving Specialists has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. The Professionals Moving Specialists has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 1349 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from The Professionals Moving Specialists.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. The Professionals Moving Specialists emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The Professionals lived up to their name. They were on time, quick, careful with all my belongings, and cost was under the quote. Stress-free move, would use again!"
"I highly recommend this company. Movers were super fast, professional, and wrapped everything so well. No damages, and the final price was even less than estimated!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Move-tastic has been in business for 17 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Move-tastic has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 1169 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Move-tastic.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Move-tastic emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"This move was an incredible experience. They protected all of our belongings, wrapped every piece of furniture, and finished much quicker than expected. The staff were professional, friendly, and just great to be around. Highly recommend!"
"Movetastic are great - this is the second time we used them. The movers were friendly and professional. They moved us within the agreed time and made sure everything was in place before leaving."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 35 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 70% positive reviews across roughly 814 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc., and Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Golan’s moved us quickly and not a single item was damaged. The crew was polite, professional, and clearly experienced. The price was fair and the process was surprisingly easy. I’d hire them again in a heartbeat!"
"The movers arrived right on time, wrapped my furniture with care, and worked fast. Everything got to my new place without a scratch. Efficient, respectful, and hard-working team. Highly recommend Golan’s."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. New City Moving has been in business for 17 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. New City Moving has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 1451 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from New City Moving, and New City Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. New City Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Best moving experience hands down. The movers took great care of my stuff, finished ahead of schedule, and were super professional. Highly recommend New City Movers for a stress-free move!"
"Efficient, quick, friendly, and professional. My parents recommended them. They wrapped and handled everything carefully. Will hire them for future moves!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 112 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 56% positive reviews across roughly 431 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.1.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc., and Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The Advanced Team was great!! Cedric, Aaron, and Omar were courteous, hard working, and efficient. They were very careful with all our furnishings and went above and beyond in taking care of us and our stuff."
"I am completely satisfied with the tremendous job Sal, Sergio and Alex did while moving all of my belongings. They were punctual, respectful and complete professionals throughout the entire process. They did a phenomenal job! I recommend them without any reservation."
What add-on services do Lake Forest movers offer?
Not every mover in Lake Forest offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 68 Lake Forest movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 64.71% of Lake Forest movers, compared to 50.51% statewide and 45.86% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 42.65% of Lake Forest movers, compared to 40.4% statewide and 36.41% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 30.88% of Lake Forest movers, compared to 31.31% statewide and 23.81% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 94.12% of Lake Forest movers, compared to 89.9% statewide and 84.88% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 23.53% of Lake Forest movers, compared to 19.19% statewide and 21.99% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 73.53% of Lake Forest movers, compared to 70.71% statewide and 72.72% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Lake Forest's cost of living.
Does Lake Forest have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 44 of 68 Lake Forest movers (64.71%), compared to 50.51% statewide and 45.86% nationally. The Professionals Moving Specialists (4.76/5) and Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.62/5) rate highest for art handling in Lake Forest. Per-piece handling runs $49 to $485, with custom crates adding $146 to $194 per item.
| Art handling in Lake Forest | Details |
|---|---|
| Lake Forest movers offering this | 44 of 68 (64.71%) |
| Illinois statewide | 50 of 99 (50.51%) |
| National average | 45.86% |
| Top-rated Lake Forest art movers | The Professionals Moving Specialists, Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $49 to $485 |
| Custom crating per item | $146 to $194 |
Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline for art moving, not an upgrade. Standard blankets protect against surface scratches but offer no defense against UV exposure or humidity shifts that cause paint to crack, canvas to warp, or sculpture finishes to degrade. Before booking, confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium and ask whether crates are built in-house or outsourced to a third party.
Does Lake Forest have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 29 of 68 Lake Forest movers (42.65%), compared to 40.4% statewide and 36.41% nationally. Move-tastic (4.72/5) rate highest for junk removal in Lake Forest. Standalone junk removal typically runs $146 to $485 per load.
| Junk removal in Lake Forest | Details |
|---|---|
| Lake Forest movers offering this | 29 of 68 (42.65%) |
| Illinois statewide | 40 of 99 (40.4%) |
| National average | 36.41% |
| Top-rated Lake Forest junk removal movers | Move-tastic |
| Typical cost per load | $146 to $485 |
| Single large item | $73 to $146 |
Removing items before a weight-based long-distance quote is finalized directly reduces the shipment total and the move cost. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear unwanted furniture and appliances on load day, eliminating a separate scheduling step. Verify the service covers the item types you need removed, since some movers exclude electronics, hazardous materials, and large appliances from standard junk removal pricing.
Does Lake Forest have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 21 of 68 Lake Forest movers (30.88%), compared to 31.31% statewide and 23.81% nationally. The Professionals Moving Specialists (4.76/5) and Move-tastic (4.72/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Lake Forest. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Lake Forest | Details |
|---|---|
| Lake Forest movers offering this | 21 of 68 (30.88%) |
| Illinois statewide | 31 of 99 (31.31%) |
| National average | 23.81% |
| Top-rated Lake Forest providers | The Professionals Moving Specialists, Move-tastic |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.
Does Lake Forest have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 64 of 68 Lake Forest movers (94.12%), compared to 89.9% statewide and 84.88% nationally. The Professionals Moving Specialists (4.76/5) and Move-tastic (4.72/5) rate highest for storage in Lake Forest. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $249/month.
| Storage in Lake Forest | Details |
|---|---|
| Lake Forest movers offering this | 64 of 68 (94.12%) |
| Illinois statewide | 89 of 99 (89.9%) |
| National average | 84.88% |
| Top-rated Lake Forest storage movers | The Professionals Moving Specialists, Move-tastic |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $249 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $485 |
Movers that offer storage-in-transit hold belongings in their warehouse between pickup and delivery. The standard rate is approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. For a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft), that is roughly $249 per month. Ask how the mover calculates the billing start date before committing to a storage window longer than 30 days.
Does Lake Forest have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 16 of 68 Lake Forest movers (23.53%), compared to 19.19% statewide and 21.99% nationally. Move-tastic (4.72/5) and Alliance Moving & Storage (4.64/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Lake Forest. Hot tub moves typically run $146 to $388 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Lake Forest | Details |
|---|---|
| Lake Forest movers offering this | 16 of 68 (23.53%) |
| Illinois statewide | 19 of 99 (19.19%) |
| National average | 21.99% |
| Top-rated Lake Forest hot tub movers | Move-tastic, Alliance Moving & Storage |
| Bundled with full-service move | $146 to $388 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $291 to $776 |
Hot tubs are heavy, fragile, and access-dependent. Empty weight runs 500 to 1,000 lbs. Full drainage is required before any move. Tight backyard access may require a crane or a shuttle relay, both of which add to the final cost. Confirm the mover has moved hot tubs specifically, not just bulky items, before booking, since the shell and plumbing require different handling than furniture.
Does Lake Forest have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 50 of 68 Lake Forest movers (73.53%), compared to 70.71% statewide and 72.72% nationally. The Professionals Moving Specialists (4.76/5) and Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.62/5) rate highest for piano moving in Lake Forest. A standalone piano move typically costs $776 to $3,395, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Lake Forest | Details |
|---|---|
| Lake Forest movers offering this | 50 of 68 (73.53%) |
| Illinois statewide | 70 of 99 (70.71%) |
| National average | 72.72% |
| Top-rated Lake Forest piano movers | The Professionals Moving Specialists, Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. |
| Upright piano | $776 to $1,455 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,164 to $2,425 |
| Grand piano | $1,746 to $3,395 |
The weight range for upright pianos is 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Neither can be safely moved with standard furniture dollies or blankets. Crews certified for piano moving carry piano boards, rigging straps, and padded blankets designed for the instrument's weight distribution and finish. Adding a piano to a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than contracting a piano-only specialist.
Who are the best movers in Lake Forest for small long-distance moves?
The Professionals Moving Specialists leads Lake Forest's small-move providers with a 4.76/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Move-tastic at 4.72/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Lake Forest?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Lake Forest. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Lake Forest residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Lake Forest?
42 of 68 Lake Forest movers (61.76%) offer labor-only services, compared to 58.59% statewide and 54.58% nationally. The Professionals Moving Specialists (4.76/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Lake Forest, followed by Move-tastic (4.72/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Lake Forest residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Lake Forest moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Lake Forest. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Lake Forest?
Moving costs across Illinois range from $524 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $269/hour) to $6,160 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Illinois mover quotes. The table below shows Illinois statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Lake Forest will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Illinois* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $524 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $793 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,385 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,418 |
| 4-bedroom home | $3,946 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $6,160 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Illinois. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Illinois statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Lake Forest?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Lake Forest move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Lake Forest, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Lake Forest
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Lake Forest?
Any moving company transporting goods from Lake Forest to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 49 of the 68 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Lake Forest meet that standard — and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Lake Forest relocation?
For moves within Illinois, a local mover in Lake Forest is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 68 movers in the area, averaging $101/hour, with 67 licensed for intrastate routes and 49 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Illinois, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Lake Forest?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Lake Forest. Winter lows average 16°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity — all of which create real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Lake Forest?
Budget-friendly moves from Lake Forest almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
