The BEST Long-Distance Movers in River Forest, IL

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 5, 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 local mover:

New City Moving

5.0
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

4.9
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

Get Quote

Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Bellhop Moving	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 River Forest for those moving out of state

If you're moving out of River Forest and heading beyond Illinois's borders, here are our top picks for interstate moving companies:

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 River Forest for those staying in state

Are you moving from River 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 River Forest, IL, movers:

Preferred Partner

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

New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
MiniMoves Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 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

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

The Professionals Moving Specialists

3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 US

93% of all reviews were positive

6% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

68% of all reviews were positive

30% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

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

H2H Movers Inc

4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL 60613 US

88% of all reviews were positive

9% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving day just got easier for H2H customers. Out of 640 real customer reviews analyzed, a remarkable 88% delivered positive feedback, placing H2H Movers above most competitors in the moving industry. Clients most frequently highlighted the company’s efficient service, careful handling of possessions, professional and polite staff, great communication, and a quick moving process.

People appreciated teams who arrived on time, completed moves ahead of schedule, and made stressful relocations feel manageable, often noting that quoted prices were accurate or even lower than expected. On the other hand, the most common complaints were unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, and delays in arrival or delivery. A few customers reported being billed more than their estimates due to extra fees or poor packing, and some faced slow resolution for claims or communication gaps after their move. While some neutral reviews cited problems with lost items or payment methods, these were far less frequent than the praise received. H2H Movers stands out with efficient, reliable, and friendly crews—a reputation that exceeds the service level of many moving companies, though attention to transparent billing and timeliness could make experiences even better.

Get a Quote (773) 236-8797

Company Info

State license #: 184599

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2428328

Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Crane vans
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Best long-distance movers in River 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 River 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 River Forest, IL

If you're moving from River 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 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

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

Rental trucks often come with the lowest base price for long-distance moves from River 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 River Forest, IL

Labor-only movers are perfect when you need extra hands but not a full-service moving truck. They’ll handle the packing, heavy lifting, and even furniture assembly, while you’re in charge of the truck and materials.

Check out these top-rated labor-only moving companies for long-distance moves from River Forest, IL:

STI Moving & Storage Inc.

rating

4.9 / 5

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

Get A Quote

(847) 675-1223

New City Moving

rating

5.0 / 5

Years in Business: 16
Yelp: 4.6 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(773) 489-0600

The Professionals Moving Specialists

rating

4.86 / 5

Years in Business: 20
Yelp: 4.5 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(888) 225-7351

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

Expect to pay around $97 per hour for professional movers in Illinois. Of course, that’s just a starting point—factors like how far you’re going and how much you’re moving help the best long-distance movers generate an accurate quote.

Here’s a breakdown of average long-distance moving costs from River Forest, IL to top U.S. cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Trenton, NJ	789 miles	3 bedroom	$3,962 - $6,650
Oklahoma City, OK	791 miles	2 bedroom	$2,690 - $6,139
Charleston, WV	500 miles	1 bedroom	$1,792 - $4,798

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of River 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 River 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.

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

If your move is staying within River Forest, hiring a local mover is usually the most budget-friendly choice. For out-of-state relocations, national companies like Safeway Moving offer more experience with long-distance moves..

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

Since demand for movers in River 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 River Forest?

If you're staying within 50 miles of River 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.