10 Best Moving Companies in Illinois (2026 Reviews)
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Based on moveBuddha's analysis of 99 movers and 12,287 verified reviews in Illinois, The Professionals Moving Specialists is the top-rated local mover with a 4.76/5 moveBuddha score.
Local moves in Illinois typically cost $524 for a studio up to $6,160 for a 5+ bedroom home. Use moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
Moving in Illinois right now: Peak season starts now. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest moving weekends of the year, prices run 20–30% higher around the holiday and movers fill up fast. If you haven't booked yet and are moving in May or June, do it now.
10 Best Local Moving Companies in Illinois
Of 99 Illinois movers scored by moveBuddha using 12,287 verified reviews, FMCSA complaint records, and BBB data, these 10 ranked highest on customer satisfaction and dispute resolution. The Professionals Moving Specialists is #1 with a 4.76/5 moveBuddha score.
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.76/5 stars
- M.K. Movers Inc.: 4.76/5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.72/5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.7/5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.64/5 stars
- Mighty Moving & Storage: 4.64/5 stars
- Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62/5 stars
- Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62/5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.62/5 stars
- Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62/5 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 interstate moving and office 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 4.5.
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
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
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. M.K. Movers Inc. has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. M.K. Movers Inc. has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 234 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 4.4
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from M.K. Movers Inc.. Discounts may be available for groups like seniors.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. M.K. Movers Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Extremely polite and helpful! Made our move very easy!"
"The team was prompt and professional. I was thoroughly impressed with how quickly they were able to load and unload our office. The moving team put in 110% and were flexible to our requests. Highly recommend and will 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 labor-only moving and intrastate 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
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. New City Moving has been in business for 17 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and labor-only moving.
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
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 small-scale 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
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Highly recommended
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Mighty Moving & Storage has been in business for 3 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Mighty Moving & Storage has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 88 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Mighty Moving & Storage.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Mighty Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
We had an outstanding experience with Mighty Moving & Storage. From start to finish, the entire process was professional, efficient, and stress-free. Our crew handled our belongings with care and maintained positive attitudes. Highly recommend!
Had a great experience with Mighty Movers yesterday. Roberto, Ben and Luis were polite, personable, and extremely professional. They worked efficiently, took great care of her belongings, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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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 office moving and labor-only moving.
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."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Highly recommended
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 40 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 66% positive reviews across roughly 118 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.6.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc..
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"I had an amazing move experience with Advantage. Carmen and Chuck in the office were very responsive and understanding throughout the entire process. On the day of the move, Patrick and his Chicago team were absolutely amazing. Super communicative about timing and willing to help beyond their job description. All the items in the move arrived safely and nothing was damaged."
"The movers were respectful of my belongings and apartment. They were very professional and courteous. This was the most efficient moving company I have dealt with. The moving coordinator was outstanding and very responsive. Accidents can happen but my move was without incident."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Quick moving process
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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 10 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate 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
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. Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 35 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
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."
Compare the top moving companies in Illinois
Based on moveBuddha's 2026 moving data, here's how the top movers in Illinois compare.
| Mover | moveBuddha score | Years in business | BBB rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Professionals Moving Specialists | 4.76 / 5 | 21 | A+ |
| M.K. Movers Inc. | 4.76 / 5 | 14 | A+ |
| Move-tastic | 4.72 / 5 | 17 | C |
| New City Moving | 4.7 / 5 | 17 | B+ |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | 4.64 / 5 | 11 | A+ |
| Mighty Moving & Storage | 4.64 / 5 | 3 | A+ |
| Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. | 4.62 / 5 | 112 | A+ |
| Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc. | 4.62 / 5 | 40 | A+ |
| H2H Movers Inc | 4.62 / 5 | 10 | A+ |
| Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc. | 4.62 / 5 | 35 | A+ |
Other local Illinois movers
These Illinois movers were reviewed by moveBuddha but did not make our top 10. See all 99 Illinois movers we've reviewed →
- Planes Moving & Storage Company
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
- Bloomington Relocation Systems
- J.C. Movers & Lumper Service Inc.
- Federal Companies
- MI-Box Moving & Mobile Storage
- 606 Movers, Inc.
- Aaron Bros Moving System, Inc.
- Aaron's Reliable, Inc.
- Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage
- All Seasons Movers
- Ampol Moving, Inc.
- Bellhop Moving
- Blankenship Movers, Inc.
- Chicagoland Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Coffey Bros Moving
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- Collins Family Movers, Inc.
- Del's Moving & Storage
- Drew Transport Servies LLC
- Elite Moving & Storage
- Expert Movers, Inc
- Fallen Movers
- Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.
- H2H Movers Inc
- Jay Movers
- King David Moving & Storage, Inc.
- MicroShip, Inc.
- Midway Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Mid-West Moving & Storage
- Mighty Moving & Storage
- MiniMoves Inc.
- Move4U movers
- Next Door Movers, LLC
- Reebie Storage and Moving Co.
- Stark Moving and Storage
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.
- Windy City Movers Inc.
- Wolley Movers, Inc.
- Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage
- Good Move Movers, Inc.
- Dreiske Moving & Storage
- Shur-Way Moving and Cartage
- Amenity Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Thompson Moving & Storage, Inc.
- USA Moving & Storage
- Mordue Moving and Storage
- PODS Moving & Storage
- Quincy Storage & Transfer Co
- ADCO Van & Storage, Inc.
- Advantage Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Murphy Family Movers
- O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.
- Straightline Moving, Inc.
- University Movers, Inc.
- Father and Son Moving and Hauling
- Moscardelli Moving & Storage, Inc
- Springfield Van and Storage Co.
- The New Haven Companies, Inc.
Popular moving routes from Illinois
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes. Use the links below to find route-specific cost data and recommended movers for your destination. Find your exact moving route →
| Route | Route details |
|---|---|
| Illinois to California | Cross-country route; strong demand year-round |
| Illinois to Texas | Major migration corridor; competitive pricing |
| Illinois to Florida | High-volume retirement and lifestyle move |
| Illinois to New York | Northeast corridor; dense urban delivery complexity |
| Illinois to North Carolina | Growing Southeast destination; strong inbound demand |
| Illinois to Georgia | Southeast hub; major corporate relocation market |
| Illinois to Arizona | Sun Belt destination; seasonal pricing variation |
| Illinois to Washington | Pacific Northwest corridor; tech-sector demand |
| Illinois to Colorado | Mountain West route; strong year-round volume |
If you're moving from Illinois to a destination 500+ miles away, a local mover is not the right fit. Long-distance moves require interstate operating authority, binding estimate practices, and logistics capacity that most local carriers don't carry. We recommend using one of the top-rated long-distance moving companies in Illinois for any out-of-state move of significant distance.
What specialty moving services are available in Illinois?
Not every mover in Illinois offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 99 Illinois movers, here is what is available and how often:
Piano movers in Illinois
| Piano moving in Illinois | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Illinois piano movers | The Professionals Moving Specialists M.K. Movers Inc. |
| Illinois movers offering this | 70 of 99 (70.71%) |
| National average | 72.72% |
| Upright piano | $720 to $1,350 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,080 to $2,250 |
| Grand piano | $1,620 to $3,150 |
Piano moving is a distinct skill set. Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands exceed 1,200 lbs, and both require piano boards, straps, and padded blankets that standard crews do not carry. Structural damage to a soundboard or cabinet is not covered under released-value protection at $0.60 per pound, making full valuation coverage worth requesting specifically for the instrument. Bundling piano moving into a full-service household move is typically the most cost-effective approach.
See our full guide to the best piano movers for a breakdown of what to look for and how to compare quotes.
Antique movers in Illinois
| Antique handling in Illinois | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Illinois antique movers | The Professionals Moving Specialists M.K. Movers Inc. |
| Illinois movers offering this | 48 of 99 (48.48%) |
| National average | 46.37% |
| Added cost to a household move | $900 to $2,250 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $45 to $450 |
| Custom crating per item | $135 to $180 |
Antique movers use custom crating, acid-free padding, and white-glove loading protocols that general moving crews do not carry as standard. Default released-value coverage pays $0.60 per pound per item, a 50-lb piece appraised at $5,000 generates a $30 payout if it is lost or destroyed. Full valuation coverage is the only policy that reimburses at actual repair or replacement cost.
See our guide to the best antique moving companies for tips on vetting specialty movers and protecting high-value pieces.
Art movers in Illinois
| Art packing in Illinois | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Illinois art movers | The Professionals Moving Specialists M.K. Movers Inc. |
| Illinois movers offering this | 50 of 99 (50.51%) |
| National average | 45.86% |
| Per-piece handling fee | $45 to $450 |
| Custom crating per item | $135 to $180 |
UV exposure discolors pigments. Humidity shifts warp canvas and crack paint layers. Impact fractures damage sculpture and frames. Standard moving blankets address none of these risks adequately for high-value artwork. Archival packing materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece are the professional standard for art moving. Verify that the mover has documented experience with your specific media type before committing.
See our complete guide to how to pack and move art for a full breakdown of materials, techniques, and questions to ask before booking.
Climate-controlled storage in Illinois
| Climate-controlled storage in Illinois | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Illinois providers | The Professionals Moving Specialists M.K. Movers Inc. |
| Illinois movers offering this | 34 of 99 (34.34%) |
| National average | 33.29% |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $231 |
Climate-controlled units regulate both temperature and humidity, preventing warping, cracking, and mold in wood furniture, vinyl records, and electronics that temperature-only storage cannot protect. This matters most for storage gaps longer than 30 days or for moves that span seasonal humidity swings.
See our guide to climate-controlled storage for a deeper look at when it's worth the cost and how to compare options.
Fragile-only packing in Illinois
| Fragile-only packing in Illinois | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Illinois providers | The Professionals Moving Specialists Move-tastic |
| Illinois movers offering this | 31 of 99 (31.31%) |
| National average | 23.81% |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without requiring a full-service packing contract. Professional packing adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound on average to a move's total cost, so limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce that add-on while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk.
DIY Moving Options in Illinois
Full-service movers aren't the only way to move in Illinois. Moving containers, rental trucks, and labor-only crews are all solid DIY options that can cut your moving costs by roughly 30%, the right choice comes down to how much you want to handle yourself. If you're weighing the tradeoffs, our guide to professional movers vs. DIY moving breaks down the full cost and effort comparison.
What are the best moving containers in Illinois?
The best moving container companies available in Illinois are PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5), based on moveBuddha's ratings. Container moves work by dropping a portable unit at your door, giving you several days to load at your own pace, then the company handles pickup and delivery. They cost significantly less than full-service movers and carry none of the one-way mileage risk of rental trucks. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size.
What are the best rental trucks in Illinois?
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Illinois are Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), U-Haul (4.2/5), and Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5). Budget leads on transparent pricing and discount availability. U-Haul offers 7 truck sizes and one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske carries the most consistently maintained fleet, with unlimited mileage on select routes.
DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service moving. In Illinois, a full-service 1-bedroom move averages $793 and a 2-bedroom runs $1,385.
Who are the best labor-only hourly movers in Illinois?
The best labor-only movers in Illinois start with The Professionals Moving Specialists and M.K. Movers Inc., both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. At $192/hour for a 2-person crew in Illinois, labor-only is the most affordable way to get professional help on moving day.
You drive, they lift. Rent a truck, put these crews on the loading and unloading, and keep full control of your timeline and route.
Take a look at these highly recommended labor-only movers for your Illinois move:
How much do movers cost in Illinois?
Local moves in Illinois average $524 for a studio up to $6,160 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers in Illinois charge $192/hour for a 2-person crew, based on moveBuddha's 2026 quote data.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $524 | $269 |
| 1 bedroom | $793 | $269 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,385 | $377 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,418 | $527 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,946 | $527 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $6,160 | $738 |
Summer moves (June–August) and month-end dates cost 15%–20% more. Get a personalized Illinois moving cost estimate →
Know Your Rights as a Illinois Mover
Illinois mover licensing: 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. Verify a license →
Insurance requirement: Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Final Verdict: Best Moving Companies in Illinois
Based on the research and data gathered by moveBuddha, here are our final takeaways on the best moving companies in Illinois:
- Best overall local mover in Illinois: The Professionals Moving Specialists (4.76/5). moveBuddha ranks The Professionals Moving Specialists first among 99 reviewed Illinois movers. Local move costs range from $524 for a studio to $6,160 for a 5+ bedroom home.
- Best overall value for interstate moves: Safeway Moving (4.9/5). Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated interstate carrier for moves out of Illinois, with flat-rate pricing, veteran ownership, and full licensing and insurance for long-distance relocations.
- Best for certified crew quality: American Van Lines (4.9/5). American Van Lines is the strongest pick for movers who prioritize professionally certified crews and transparent flat-rate pricing on interstate moves.
- Best moving container: PODS (4.5/5). Container moves cost significantly less than full-service movers. You load on your own schedule and the company handles transport, with no one-way mileage risk.
- Best budget DIY option: Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5). Rental trucks are the lowest-cost moving method in Illinois. Factor in fuel and per-mile charges on any move with real distance behind it before committing to the base rate.
FAQs about moving in Illinois
What should I look for when choosing a moving company in Illinois?
When choosing a moving company in Illinois, you should look for a solid reputation, fair and transparent pricing, a variety of services, and multiple insurance options. We consider those key factors, among others, in our analysis and rating of moving companies, so you can find the best moving companies in Illinois by reading our top picks.
We recommend obtaining quotes from at least 3 moving companies in Illinois, including a top flat-rate mover, to compare prices and services.
Do Illinois moving companies offer services for interstate moves?
Yes, there are moving companies in Illinois that provide services for long-distance moves, including those to another state. Out of 99 movers in IL, 78 provide interstate moving services, so you'll have a lot of options if you're looking for help with a long-distance relocation. These companies should have a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for interstate moves.
For more information, check out our guide on the best long-distance movers in Illinois.
How can I see all moving companies in Illinois?
You can see all moving companies in Illinois in our comprehensive list of Illinois movers.
How much does it cost to hire movers in Illinois?
Local moving costs in Illinois range from $524 for a studio to $6,160 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $192/hour for a 2-person crew. Your total depends on home size, distance, access conditions, and any add-on services like packing or storage.
What is the cheapest way to move in Illinois?
Rental trucks are the cheapest way to move in Illinois. DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers. Renting a truck and hiring a labor-only crew for loading and unloading gives you professional help at a fraction of full-service pricing. Moving containers are the next most affordable option and remove the need to drive a large vehicle yourself.
What is a full-service move?
A full-service move means the moving company handles packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. 96 of 99 movers in Illinois (96.97%) offer professional packing, and 89 (89.9%) offer storage. Full-service is the most hands-off option but costs more than DIY alternatives. Confirm exactly which services are included in your quote before signing.
What is the difference between a moving broker and a moving carrier?
A moving carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically moves your belongings. A moving broker arranges moves through third-party carriers and does not handle your items directly. Brokers can offer competitive pricing but add a layer between you and the company doing the work, which can complicate communication and claims if something goes wrong. moveBuddha is not a broker and does not sell or share your information. We recommend booking directly with a licensed carrier whenever possible.
How much should you tip movers in Illinois?
For a local move, $20 to $50 per mover is a standard tip. For a long-distance move, $50 to $100+ per mover is appropriate, especially if the crew handled heavy furniture, stairs, or challenging access conditions. Tipping is not required, but it is customary for good service. Tip each crew member individually in cash at the end of the job.
How long does a move take in Illinois?
A local move in Illinois typically takes 4 hours for a 1-bedroom and 8 hours for a 3-bedroom home. Long-distance moves out of Illinois add transit time that varies by distance and carrier. Full-service movers typically provide a delivery window of 1 to 14 business days for interstate moves, depending on distance. Rental trucks and moving containers give you more control over exact delivery timing.
When is the best time of year to move in Illinois?
The cheapest time to move in Illinois is during the off-season, from October through April. Peak moving season runs May through September, with June and July commanding the highest rates. Moves booked midweek and mid-month also tend to cost less than weekend or month-end bookings. Planning around these windows can save 15% to 20% on your total moving cost.
How we chose the best moving companies in Illinois
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 99 Illinois moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%).
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.
