The Best Long-Distance Movers in Waukegan, IL
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The best long-distance mover in Waukegan, IL is Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Illinois, per moveBuddha's analysis of 99 Illinois movers and 26,820 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Waukegan average $108/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across Illinois range from $798 for a 1-bedroom to $3,951 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Waukegan right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Waukegan, IL?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 59 full-service interstate movers serving Waukegan, drawing on 26,820 verified customer reviews across Waukegan.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Waukegan based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Waukegan, IL for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 64 local movers serving Waukegan licensed for long-distance moves within Illinois, drawing on 26,820 verified customer reviews across Waukegan. Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) was named the top-rated Waukegan-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 64 of the 65 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Waukegan are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Waukegan but stay within Illinois:
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Reebie Storage and Moving Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Alliance Moving & Storage has been in business for 11 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Alliance Moving & Storage has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 247 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Alliance Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Alliance Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Alliance Moving exceeded our expectations! Our move went smoothly and on time. We never experienced a delay and were constantly updated. The four movers did an awesome job disassembling and assembling our furniture! Very friendly, fast and efficient service! Highly recommend!"
"Movers were professional and super quick! Would use again for future moves."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Reebie Storage and Moving Co. has been in business for 145 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Reebie Storage and Moving Co. has about 73% positive reviews across roughly 386 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Reebie Storage and Moving Co..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Reebie Storage and Moving Co. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The crew was professional and efficient. They packed everything carefully and stayed in constant communication. Highly recommend for a stress-free move!"
"Everything went as planned. Movers were on time, polite, and handled all possessions with great care. Would absolutely use them again!"
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 intrastate moving and office moving.
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
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. H2H Movers Inc has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. H2H Movers Inc has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 640 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from H2H Movers Inc, and H2H Movers Inc makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. H2H Movers Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The moving team was professional, efficient, and made the entire process stress-free. They handled everything with care and attention to detail. The staff was friendly and punctual. Highly recommend this company!"
"Great experience working with H2H Movers! Everything was wrapped neatly, stacked carefully in the truck, and moved quickly. Very friendly and accommodating. Would definitely recommend H2H to anyone looking to move!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Show details Hide details
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 office moving and interstate moving.
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 4.6.
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!"
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 99 Illinois moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Illinois. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Waukegan, IL movers offer?
Not every mover in Waukegan offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 65 Waukegan movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 63% of Waukegan movers, compared to 51% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
- Junk removal: offered by 43% of Waukegan movers, compared to 40% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Move-tastic.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 32% of Waukegan movers, compared to 31% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
- Storage: offered by 95% of Waukegan movers, compared to 90% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 23% of Waukegan movers, compared to 19% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
- Piano moving: offered by 72% of Waukegan movers, compared to 71% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Alliance Moving & Storage.
Does Waukegan have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 41 of 65 Waukegan movers (63.08%), compared to 50.51% statewide and 45.89% nationally. Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and H2H Movers Inc (4.7/5) rate highest for art handling in Waukegan.
| Art handling in Waukegan | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Waukegan providers |
Alliance Moving & Storage
H2H Movers Inc |
| Per-piece handling fee | $49 to $485 |
| Custom crating per item | $146 to $194 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Custom crates and archival packing guard against UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard blankets cannot prevent. Verify the mover has documented experience with your specific media type before booking.
Does Waukegan have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 28 of 65 Waukegan movers (43.08%). Move-tastic (4.7/5) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5) rate highest in Waukegan.
| Junk removal in Waukegan | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Waukegan providers | Move-tastic TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| Typical cost per load | $146 to $485 |
| Single large item | $73 to $146 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Removing items before your weight-based quote is finalized lowers the shipment total and the move cost. Bundling junk removal with your move eliminates a separate scheduling step.
Does Waukegan have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 21 of 65 Waukegan movers (32.31%). Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and Reebie Storage and Moving Co. (4.7/5) rate highest in Waukegan.
| Fragile-only packing in Waukegan | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Waukegan providers | Alliance Moving & Storage Reebie Storage and Moving Co. |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce packing costs while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide covers what professional packers do differently.
Does Waukegan have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 62 of 65 Waukegan movers (95.38%). Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and Reebie Storage and Moving Co. (4.7/5) rate highest in Waukegan.
| Storage in Waukegan | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Waukegan providers | Alliance Moving & Storage Reebie Storage and Moving Co. |
| 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 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit holds belongings in the mover's warehouse between pickup and delivery at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $249/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Waukegan have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 15 of 65 Waukegan movers (23.08%). Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and Move-tastic (4.7/5) rate highest in Waukegan.
| Hot tub relocation in Waukegan | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Waukegan providers | Alliance Moving & Storage Move-tastic |
| Bundled with full-service move | $146 to $388 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $291 to $776 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and must be fully drained before loading. Narrow access can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price. moveBuddha's how to move a hot tub guide covers what to verify before the crew arrives.
Does Waukegan have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 47 of 65 Waukegan movers (72.31%). Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) and H2H Movers Inc (4.7/5) rate highest in Waukegan.
| Piano moving in Waukegan | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Waukegan providers | Alliance Moving & Storage H2H Movers Inc |
| Upright piano | $776 to $1,455 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,164 to $2,425 |
| Grand piano | $1,746 to $3,395 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands top 1,200 lbs. Standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage for the instrument. moveBuddha's best piano movers guide covers specialists worth considering.
Who are the best movers in Waukegan, IL for small long-distance moves?
Alliance Moving & Storage leads Waukegan's small-move providers with a 4.76/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Move-tastic at 4.7/5. 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.
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DIY options for your Waukegan, IL long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Waukegan residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Waukegan?
41 of 65 Waukegan movers (63.08%) offer labor-only services, compared to 58.59% statewide and 54.53% nationally. Federal Companies (4.48/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Waukegan, followed by Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan. 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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Waukegan, IL?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Waukegan. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Waukegan 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 to know before booking a long-distance mover in Waukegan, IL
- Verify federal authorization: Confirm the carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov; 46 Waukegan movers hold active federal authorization.
- COI requirements: Check whether your building requires a certificate of insurance. High-rise and managed properties commonly require this from the moving company before move day.
- Book early: Summer moves (May–September) fill fastest and command the highest rates. Off-peak moves in fall or winter can save 10% to 20% on full-service rates.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Waukegan, IL?
Moving costs across Illinois range from $529 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $269/hour) to $6,165 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. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Waukegan. Your actual cost 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 | $529 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $798 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,390 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,423 |
| 4-bedroom home | $3,951 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $6,165 |
*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 Waukegan?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Waukegan move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Waukegan, 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.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Waukegan, IL
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Illinois | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | 4.76/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | 4.7/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | 4.76/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
Your Waukegan, IL long-distance move: answers to common questions
Do long-distance movers in Waukegan need to be licensed?
Every mover handling a cross-state shipment from Waukegan must hold a valid US Department of Transportation number and maintain FMCSA registration. Of the 65 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Waukegan, 46 are licensed for interstate moves, and every company recommended on this page is among them. Verify any mover's credentials in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
Before your move, read the FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide to understand the consumer protections that apply once you sign with a licensed carrier.
Is a local mover or a national mover better for leaving Waukegan?
Local movers in Waukegan are the most affordable option for moves that stay within Illinois. Of the 65 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Waukegan, 46 are licensed for interstate routes and average $108/hour. The top-rated options are highlighted on this page.
When a move crosses out of Illinois, national movers with dedicated long-distance networks often handle the logistics more smoothly, though at a premium over local rates.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Waukegan?
The cheapest moving window in Waukegan is late fall through early winter. Average lows of 15°F, combined with school schedules and the holiday season, suppress demand and keep mover capacity high. Movers are most open to rate negotiation during this period. For anyone with scheduling flexibility, a November or December move date is the single most reliable way to lower your total cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Waukegan?
When cost is the priority, a DIY move out of Waukegan is almost always the winner, particularly for moves within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers save roughly 30% compared to full-service movers on equivalent routes, according to moveBuddha's data. The most economical options are a rental truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For more savings strategies on longer moves, see the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Do I need a certificate of insurance (COI) for my Waukegan building?
Many multi-unit buildings and managed properties in Waukegan require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before crews can access the building. Check with your building manager or HOA at least 2 weeks before your move date. Most licensed interstate and intrastate movers can provide a COI upon request. Confirm this capability when you get quotes, and make sure the policy limits match what your building requires.
What if my Waukegan property has a steep driveway, narrow street, or high-rise access?
Difficult access is common in many Waukegan neighborhoods and movers plan for it, but you must disclose it at the quote stage. Steep or narrow approaches that cannot accommodate a full-size truck require a shuttle relay, which adds cost and time. High-rise buildings require elevator reservations (book with your building at least 1 week ahead) and a COI. Gated properties need to arrange access clearance before move day.
Waukegan, IL long-distance moving: key takeaways
moveBuddha tracks 65 moving companies in Waukegan, of which 46 are federally authorized for interstate relocations. Alliance Moving & Storage (4.76/5) is the top-rated local option for in-state long-distance moves; Safeway Moving (4.9/5) leads for out-of-state shipments. In-state moves average $108/hour in Waukegan. Verify USDOT credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing, and use our free cost calculator to compare quotes.
