Cheapest Movers in River Forest, IL (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: We evaluated 63 Illinois movers, and STI Moving & Storage Inc. rose to the top for local moves in River Forest, IL, due to their competitive pricing, range of options, and positive customer feedback. Our choice for long-distance or out-of-state relocations from Illinois, is Safeway Moving. We like that they maintain reasonable rates without skimping on service quality.

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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 local IL mover:

The Professionals Moving Specialists

4.96
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

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

6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in River Forest, IL

If you're planning a move within River Forest or to a nearby Illinois city no more than 50 miles away like Forest Park or Maywood, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

Preferred Partner

STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.96 out of 5 stars
MiniMoves Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
New City Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Move-tastic: 4.8 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

The Professionals Moving Specialists

3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Customer Praise

Amazing Experience
Efficient Team
Customer Satisfaction

Customer Complaints

Higher Price
Limited Discounts
Physically Demanding

Review Analysis

Word travels fast when a moving company makes relocations easier than expected. After analyzing 1,349 reviews, 92.5% of feedback for The Professionals Moving Specialists is positive. Customers routinely highlight efficient service, careful handling of belongings, moving crews that work quickly, a professional attitude, and clear communication. People appreciate arriving on time, speedy completion, and the rare occurrence of damage compared to other movers. The overwhelming majority find the booking process straightforward, pricing fair, and the teams respectful of property and special requests. Some input does point to a few drawbacks: complaints about items being scratched or dented, final charges being higher than expected due to extra materials or time, and unexpected add-ons. These issues are reported far less often than praise for skilled, polite, and diligent crews. Compared to most moving companies, The Professionals stand out with stronger reliability and care for customer property. If dependability, efficiency, and peace of mind are top priorities, this company outperforms many local competitors.

Get a Quote (888) 225-7351

Company Info

State license #: 136144

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 3383907

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

MiniMoves Inc.

4413 Roosevelt Rd Suite 103, Hillside, IL 60162 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (23%)
Professional and polite staff (21%)
Good communication (18%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (35%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (28%)
Lack of communication (20%)

Review Analysis

High marks for professionalism and careful service set MiniMoves Inc. apart, with nearly 70% of 380 customer reviews expressing satisfaction. Customers highlight the company’s polite, attentive staff, strong communication, and consistently smooth move experiences—unique advantages compared to larger carriers that often overlook small moves. Many also commend their efficient process and proper handling of delicate items. A sizable portion of feedback, though, points to issues such as damaged belongings, cost overruns beyond initial estimates, and difficulty reaching support during challenges. Complaints of price hikes and unresponsive communication are more frequent here than with other companies. Neutral feedback commonly centers on delivery delays and coordination problems with partner companies. MiniMoves offers standout service for small moves, but buyers should carefully review terms and prepare for additional fees or potential damage claims.

Get a Quote (800) 300-6683

Company Info

State license #: 107443

Years in Business: 33

DOT #: 526036

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Art
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required
DOD certified

New City Moving

2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (30%)
Efficient service (28%)
Careful handling (25%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (20%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Lack of communication (10%)

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

Move-tastic

3100 N. Tripp Ave., Chicago, IL 60641 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (29%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Good communication (23%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (18%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Higher-than-expected costs (12%)

Review Analysis

Move-tastic moves customers with speed, skill, and care that set the standard for Chicago moving companies. After reviewing 1,169 pieces of feedback, 91% praised their efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moves, and friendly staff—qualities mentioned far more than in most moving company reviews. Customers frequently highlight how the moving teams are not only fast and organized, but also protect homes and belongings with diligence and respect, often completing jobs ahead of schedule and below the original estimate. The booking process and communication draw special mention for ease and transparency. Conversely, 7% of customers cite issues such as damage to items, unexpected costs, or delayed arrival, reflecting the main patterns among negative input. Some report furniture scratches or losses, with a few noting the claims process or repair follow-up as challenging; a handful mentioned bills far exceeding quoted rates or frustration over slow moves. Neutral feedback—just under 2%—pointed to sporadic minor mishaps, price increases, or items misplaced and later returned. Move-tastic’s positive feedback dominates, and problems are less common than with most regional competitors, though the risk of damage or extra fees still exists. When compared to others, it's the combination of outstanding efficiency, careful work, and friendly attitude that keeps so many customers recommending Move-tastic again and again.

Get a Quote (773) 715-3227

Company Info

State license #: 158678

Years in Business: 16

Services Offered

Local moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Hot Tubs
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Other local IL movers

While these local Illinois movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of Illinois

Making a move from Illinois to another state? You'll want a reliable interstate moving company to handle the journey. Check out our top picks

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

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in River Forest, IL

Going with a full-service mover for your River Forest, Illinois move is the easiest way to go. That convenience can be costly, however. To keep moving costs lower, consider using one of the leading moving container companies, or a rental truck provider in River 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

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby Illinois cities

See less

How we chose the best movers in River 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 River 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 River 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	$360	$134	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$496	$134	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$803	$190	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,781	$269	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,063	$263	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$3,138	$376	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top River Forest, IL movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in River Forest, IL stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
The Professionals Moving Specialists	5/5	A+	4.5/5	5/5
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	4.9/5	A+	2.9/5	4.7/5
MiniMoves Inc.	4.9/5	A+	3.1/5	4.1/5
New City Moving	4.9/5	A+	4.6/5	4.8/5
Move-tastic	4.8/5	C	4.6/5	4.9/5
Reebie Storage and Moving Co.	4.8/5	A+	3.3/5	4.7/5
Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.8/5	A+	3.4/5	4.5/5
Good Move Movers, Inc.	4.8/5	A+	4.5/5	/5
Alliance Moving & Storage	4.8/5	A+	4.2/5	3.8/5
Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.8/5	A+	2/5	3.9/5

FAQs

How can I tell if a moving company is 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.

We only feature movers that are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in Illinois list to find vetted options.

What should I look for in a reputable River Forest mover?

Choosing a reputable River Forest moving company doesn’t have to be hard if you focus on a few key considerations:

Reputation: Whether it's a family-run business or a major van lines provider, their reputation tells you a lot about what to expect.
Dispute resolution: Companies with many unresolved issues are red flags. Even top River Forest movers have occasional hiccups— it’s how they handle them that matters.
Move-specific experience: Just because a mover is great for local jobs doesn't mean they’re ready for your long-distance move. Ask about their experience with moves like yours.

Are long-distance moves available through River Forest moving companies?

While some River Forest movers specialize in local jobs, others are equipped for long-distance moves, too. If you’re relocating out of state, browse our picks for the best long distance movers in River Forest.

Which day of the week is cheapest for hiring movers in River Forest, IL?

Movers in River Forest, Illinois, are often cheaper to hire on weekdays, as weekends see higher demand and pricing. According to our research, the cheapest moving period is from October through April—outside the peak May to September season.

To cut costs, book your River Forest move as early as possible. Avoid high-demand days like weekends, holidays, and summer months. And be wary of movers who offer extremely low quotes. They might raise prices at the last minute.

What’s the most affordable way to relocate from River Forest, IL?

Renting a truck is often considered the cheapest way to move out of state or within River Forest, Illinois. It’s also the most hands-on — expect to manage the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.

Is a moving container a good option for relocating from River Forest?

Moving containers let you move on your timeline, but keep in mind you’ll be doing all the loading and unloading yourself. After you're packed, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new home, eliminating the need to drive a moving truck.

What are my options for loading help with a moving container in River Forest?

Using a rental truck or container but need some muscle? Labor-only moving companies can help with just the loading and unloading. It’s a great way to make your move faster and easier while still keeping costs down.

Do movers in River Forest provide storage services?

Yes, most River Forest movers offer both short- and long-term storage. Just note that some use third-party warehouses, so it’s wise to ask upfront about where your things will be stored and how much it will cost.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?