Best Movers Near Sterling, IL (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Dec 2, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Our research of 100 movers across Illinois revealed that O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. is the best option for local moves in Sterling, IL. Their 31 reviews show a company with a strong customer track record — 74.2% of them are positive.

Those planning a move out of state will find Safeway Moving to be a reliable and affordable choice.

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 IL mover:

O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.

4.42
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
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 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

5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Sterling, IL

Whether you're moving within Sterling, relocating to nearby Rock Falls or Nelson, or heading to another Illinois city less than 50 miles away, here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Straightline Moving, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage: 4.36 out of 5 stars

O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.

1240 S Adams Ave, Freeport, IL 61032 US

74% of all reviews were positive

23% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving with O'Mara means many customers get prompt, courteous service from professional and communicative staff who handle belongings with care. Out of 31 pieces of feedback studied, nearly three-quarters praised polite crews, careful handling, smooth coordination, affordable rates, and clear recommendations. Those with positive experiences frequently note how staff minimized costs, managed timing efficiently, and made the transition stress-free. On the other hand, some users reported problems such as damaged furniture, unreturned calls, unreliable arrival times, and disrespectful behavior. While most clients enjoyed dependable communication and respect for property, a small group experienced major setbacks with broken items and disappointing customer service. Compared to other movers, O'Mara stands out for reasonable pricing and professionalism but has received a few consistent complaints around accountability and handling in rare cases.

Get a Quote (815) 232-2512

Company Info

State license #: 5095

Years in Business: 159

DOT #: 144182

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

6813 N 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL 61115 US

87% of all reviews were positive

12% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Fast service, careful crews, and polite staff shine in College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving's customer feedback. Out of 240 reviews, 87% were positive, making them stand out compared to many moving companies in the area. Customers often highlight efficiency, professionalism, and helpfulness, praising movers for quick and careful work even under demanding conditions. Many cite stress-free scheduling and friendly communication as reasons they'd use the service again. On the negative side, the most common complaints involve damaged items, missed arrival times, and surprise charges. Some customers describe property damage or mishandling of items, while others encountered disappointing rescheduling or unexpected costs. Despite these negatives, most experiences reflect a reliable, well-organized operation with personable staff that makes moving or junk removal easier than with most competitors.

Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

State license #: 217057

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2378173

Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving

Services Offered

Local moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage
Pay by credit card

Straightline Moving, Inc.

5365 Edith Ln, Roscoe, IL 61073 US

88% of all reviews were positive

12% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers repeatedly highlight Straightline Moving, Inc. for their professional staff, careful handling, and fast, efficient moves. Nearly 88% of 230 customer feedback entries are positive. People appreciate transparent pricing and prompt, organized service. Many mention that crews handle possessions with care and communicate well throughout the process, providing peace of mind even with heavy or challenging items. Negative feedback centers on damaged goods, missing items, and delivery delays, with some reporting frustration resolving claims. These issues stand out but are mentioned far less frequently. Compared to other companies, Straightline’s strength is consistently courteous, skilled movers. Most clients report stress-free experiences and recommend the company for both local and long-distance moves. Straightline Moving excels at the core expectations of a moving company, but improvements could be made in claims response and inventory tracking to achieve a higher satisfaction rate.

Get a Quote (815) 708-7875

Company Info

State license #: 217042

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 3047914

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

5000 Tremont Ave Ste 202, Davenport, IA 52807 US

85% of all reviews were positive

14% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Two Men and a Truck stands out for consistently delivering friendly, efficient moves, as seen in 203 reviews out of 240 that praised their professionalism and careful handling. Customers frequently highlight quick moving, respectful teams, and stress-free experiences, often contrasting their reliability with typical frustrations found with other movers. Many note the movers were attentive, treated property with care, and stayed under quoted estimates, which is rare in the moving industry. Some feedback points to issues such as property damage, extra surprise charges, and lack of communication during complaints or claims. While most users found pricing transparent and crews skillful, a small group experienced challenges resolving concerns. This strong focus on efficiency, courteous service, and careful handling makes Two Men and a Truck a leading choice among local moving services, though addressing critical feedback could elevate satisfaction even further.

Get a Quote (563) 387-8263

Company Info

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 2527384

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage

4726 N Brady St, Davenport, IA 52806 US

98% of all reviews were positive

1% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Movers making moving easy—feedback for Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage stands out among local moving companies. 232 reviews were analyzed, with 98% reporting positive experiences. Customers often highlight their careful handling of belongings, professional and polite teams, efficiency, fast process, and clear communication. Many mention respectful treatment of property and stress-free relocations, including for long-distance and complicated moves. A few reports note unprofessional scheduling behavior, some items being damaged, or poor communication, though these are rare. Compared to other movers, Horizon receives more praise for reliability, attention to detail, and courteous service, cementing its reputation as a top choice for hassle-free and trustworthy moving and storage services.

Get a Quote (563) 381-9866

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 763103

Alternate Names: Megladon Inc

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Local moving services in Sterling

Not all moving companies offer the same services, and availability can vary widely depending on where you're located.

Here’s a quick look at how many movers in Sterling, IL, offer key services, compared with the statewide and national numbers so you can see which specialty services may be harder to find in your area.

Service	Sterling	IL	National
Packing	1	95	3074
Unpacking	1	91	2974
Piano	1	70	2300
Antiques	1	48	1465
Debris Removal	1	28	821
Art	1	50	1449
Storage	1	89	2696
Climate-Controlled Storage	1	34	1035
Fragile-Only Packing	1	30	748
Custom Crating	1	57	1929
Grandfather Clock	1	16	407
Office Moves	1	82	2710

Other local IL movers

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

Top-rated movers in other nearby Illinois cities

If you need something local Sterling movers don’t offer, consider checking out other trusted companies in IL cities. You might find a better fit just a short drive away.

See less

Cheapest movers when moving out of Illinois

Relocating from Illinois to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:

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 Sterling, IL

Hiring a full-service mover in Sterling, Illinois offers maximum convenience, but it’s also the most expensive option. If you’d like to save, consider one of the best moving container companies or opt for a truck rental company instead.

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

Get A Quote

(352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

How we chose the best movers in Sterling, IL

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 82 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 Sterling, IL

The pricing table below offers a general sense of what you might pay for a local move in the Sterling area. To learn more, take a look at our full guide to moving costs in Illinois.

The moving quotes listed are ballpark figures—your final cost could be higher or lower depending on your individual move. For a more tailored estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$559	$172	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$731	$172	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,113	$242	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$2,421	$339	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,760	$339	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$4,181	$474	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Sterling, IL movers

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

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.	4.4/5	A+		4.4/5
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving	4.4/5	B-	2.3/5	4.8/5
Straightline Moving, Inc.	4.5/5	A+	3/5	4.5/5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK	4.4/5	A+	2.8/5	4.5/5
Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage	4.4/5	A+	4.6/5	4.9/5
M.K. Movers Inc.	4.6/5	A+	4.2/5	4.8/5
Planes Moving & Storage Company	4.7/5	A+	3.1/5	/5
Murphy Family Movers	4.5/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
Mordue Moving and Storage	4.4/5	A+	2.5/5	4.3/5
Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.4/5	A+	2.6/5	4.1/5

FAQs

How can I verify if my mover is legally 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.

Every mover featured in our guide is fully licensed. Check out our best movers in Illinois page for top picks.

What should I look for in a reputable Sterling mover?

Choosing a reputable Sterling 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 Sterling 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.

Can I hire a Sterling local mover for an out-of-state move?

You’ll find 1 movers in Sterling that offer long-distance services for moves beyond state lines. We’ve highlighted the top long-distance movers in Sterling to help you narrow down the best options for your upcoming move.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in Sterling, IL?

The cheapest day to hire a mover in Sterling, Illinois, will typically be a weekday, since weekends are typically busier times for moving. In general, the cheapest time to move is between October and April. The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.

The earlier you book your move from Sterling, the better. Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money. Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote, as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state from Sterling, IL?

Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within Sterling, Illinois. Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and driving.

Are moving containers a good idea for my move from Sterling?

Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Once you’re loaded up and ready to move, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.

What kind of storage support do Sterling movers offer?

1 companies in Sterling provide flexible storage options, including both short- and long-term solutions. For added protection, 1 movers also offer climate-controlled units.

Storage setups vary between providers. Before booking, make sure to ask whether storage is handled in-house and what protections are included.

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