Local moving companies in Chicago

  1. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  2. New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/stimovingandstorage, https://twitter.com/stimovers?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unexpected charges
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
https://www.facebook.com/NewCityMoving, https://twitter.com/newcitymoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Poor complaint handling
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
https://www.facebook.com/h2hmovingcompany/, https://twitter.com/h2hmoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
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
https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoMover, https://twitter.com/TheProMove1
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Unexpected charges
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
https://www.facebook.com/AllianceMovingTeam/, https://twitter.com/alliance_moving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
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

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Huntsvilletoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Chicago to Huntsville might cost just $1,338 for a one-bedroom, but up to $7,948 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $531 and $1,357, though you'll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Huntsville

Moving from Chicago to Huntsville means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Huntsville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chicago compares to Huntsville so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chicago Huntsville
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,409
Average home value $295,743 $266,736
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $60,959
Cost of living (single person) $3,648 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,266 $4,140
Unemployment rate 9.0% 3.1%
Sales tax 10.25% 9.0%
State income tax 4.95% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Huntsville are 31% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Huntsville.
    Home prices in Huntsville are 9.8% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Huntsville is 14.8% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Huntsville — including Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville Hospital, and Sequel Youth and Family Services — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Huntsville. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 14.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • A move to Huntsville can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 55.3% less than what it costs in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 65.56% lower than in Chicago.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the city's sales taxes in Huntsville are 12.20% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Huntsville are 1.01% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,576.48 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Huntsville

Huntsville Chicago
Population 241,114 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 9
Walkability score 24 77
Bike friendliness score 40 72
Crime Index 42.55 35.19
Safety Index 57.45 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Huntsville's population is about 91% less than Chicago.
  • Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
  • Huntsville is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Huntsville has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • Huntsville's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 42.55 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Huntsville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 57.45 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Huntsville move

  • Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
  • HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While Alabama doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Huntsville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Huntsville

Now that you've decided to make the move to Rocket City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Huntsville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Five Points
  • Downtown Huntsville
  • Hampton Cove
  • Whitesburg
  • Research Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blossomwood
  • Hampton Cove
  • Jones Valley
  • Madison
  • South Huntsville

Things to do in Huntsville

After settling into your new Alabama home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Huntsville has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Huntsville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, and Earlyworks Museum Complex.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL), Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA), or Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Huntsville?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Huntsville You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Huntsville?

Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Huntsville are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Chicago to Huntsville take?

The 585-mile journey from Chicago, IL to Huntsville, AL, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Chicago offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Huntsville.

Helpful moving resources