Local moving companies in Chicago

  1. New City Moving: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  2. H2H Movers Inc: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  3. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars

New City Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 3078026

Years in Business: 16

2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Moving magic happens when speed meets serviceโ€”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 companyโ€™s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaroundโ€”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 companyโ€™s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.

Get a Quote (773) 489-0600

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3078026
  • State license #: 158051

Alternative Business Names

  • Windy City Moving, Inc.
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H2H Movers Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 2428328

Years in Business: 10

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

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 companyโ€™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 crewsโ€”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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2428328
  • State license #: 184599

Alternative Business Names

  • H2H Movers, Inc
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Alliance Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2882675

Years in Business: 9

3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 US

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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • HK & RP, LLC
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The Professionals Moving Specialists

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 3383907

Years in Business: 20

3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 US

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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 3383907
  • State license #: 136144

Local Associations

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 15

2423 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60612 US

Customers highlight Two Men and a Truck for their efficiency, careful handling, professional staff, quick moves, and clear communication. Out of 596 reviews, about 51% praised these areas. Many clients found the movers to be fast and thorough, often citing safe delivery and attentive care for items. Positive input frequently noted smooth moving days, friendly support teams, and accurate estimates. On the other hand, nearly half of the feedback identified recurring problems: many reported significant damage to belongings, higher actual charges than quoted, and frustrating delays with late arrivals or extended move durations. Clients also expressed dissatisfaction with unreliable estimates and delays in resolving claims. Compared to other movers, this company stands out for effective communication and professional movers but falls short on price transparency and incident resolution, where customers often encountered headaches and unexpected expenses. New customers can expect strong teamwork and reliable handling but should confirm pricing details and insurance coverage upfront.

Get a Quote (847) 553-4444

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • TMT Chicagoland, LLC
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Key factors that impact the cost of your Chicago to San Francisco movetoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Chicago to San Francisco (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,432, while larger moves may reach $12,667 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Chicago.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,496 to $3,616, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to San Francisco

Moving from Chicago to San Francisco comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since San Francisco is generally more expensive than Chicago, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chicago San Francisco
Average rent cost $2,045 $3,250
Average home value $295,743 $1,241,003
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $136,689
Cost of living (single person) $3,648 $3,781
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,266 $8,717
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.4%
Sales tax 10.25% 8.63%
State income tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Francisco are 59% higher than in Chicago, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
    Home prices in San Francisco are 319.6% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in San Francisco is 91.0% higher than in Chicago, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Francisco include Lyft, Securitize, and Wells Fargo.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 3.6% higher than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 5.9% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 40.00% lower than in Chicago.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Francisco, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in San Francisco are 15.80% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in San Francisco are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,109.38 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. San Francisco

San Francisco Chicago
Population 808,988 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 9
Walkability score 99 77
Bike friendliness score 99 72
Crime Index 61.41 35.19
Safety Index 38.59 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • San Francisco might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 71% less than Chicago.
  • San Francisco offers better access to buses and trains than Chicago, based on public transportation ratings. San Francisco has a transit score of 10 out of 10 compared to 9 in Chicago. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in San Francisco means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chicago. San Francisco is considered more walkable than Chicago, with a score of 99 out of 100 versus 77 out of 100 in Chicago. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, San Francisco is considered more bike-friendly than Chicago in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Francisco has a bike-friendliness score of 99 out of 100, while Chicago is rated as 72 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in San Francisco is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 61.41 in San Francisco, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Francisco than in Chicago, based on San Franciscoโ€™s safety index of 38.59 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in San Francisco isnโ€™t as good as it is in Chicago, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Francisco has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Chicago is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. San Francisco move

  • Weather: San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Francisco. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in San Francisco

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Golden Gate City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Francisco.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Marina District
  • Mission Bay
  • Mission District
  • Noe Valley

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bernal Heights
  • Inner Sunset
  • Noe Valley
  • North Beach
  • Presidio Heights

Things to do in San Francisco

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Francisco has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: San Francisco is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Legion of Honor.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Francisco Giants (MLB), or Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to San Francisco?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to San Francisco are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to San Francisco?

With many people choosing to move from Chicago to San Francisco in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Chicago to San Francisco take?

Moving from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA covers 2,127 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Francisco.

Helpful moving resources