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 deliveryโ€”especially for long-distance movesโ€”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 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

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 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

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 North Carolina

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of stuff youโ€™re moving, your homeโ€™s size, and its layout will factor into your overall moving costs.
  • Time of year: Prices usually go up during peak moving season in Chicago, especially in the summer months.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: Moving yourself is generally less expensive, but it can be stressful and requires more work on your part than hiring a moving company.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to North Carolina

Leaving Chicago for North Carolina means embracing a new lifestyleโ€”and likely saving some cash. Living in Chicago typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.

Take a look at the cost of living breakdown below to see exactly how Chicago and North Carolina stack up so youโ€™ll be ready for whatโ€™s ahead.

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. North Carolina

Chicago, IL North Carolina
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,093
Average home cost $295,743 $328,715
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $66,186
Unemployment rate 9.0% 3.7%
State income tax 4.95% 4.5%
  • Rent is around 47% cheaper in North Carolina compared to Chicago, so you can pocket some extra cash each month.
  • Thinking about buying a home? Expect prices in North Carolina to be 11.1% higher than in Chicago, so budget accordingly.
  • Expect an average income thatโ€™s about 7.5% lower in North Carolina compared to Chicago.
  • Youโ€™ll find a 58.9% lower unemployment rate in North Carolina than in Chicago.
  • Enjoy less income tax in North Carolinaโ€” 9.09% lower than in Chicago, so youโ€™ll take home more of your paycheck.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from North Carolina

If youโ€™re moving from Chicago to North Carolina, everything from the weather and local population to the predominant political views can feel pretty different. Letโ€™s break down what life in North Carolina is like compared to the Chi-Town.

Chicago, IL North Carolina
Population 10,835,491 2,746,388
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 51-49
Summer high 88ยบF 84ยบF
Winter low 29ยบF 19ยบF
Annual rain 48" 38"
Annual snow 4" 35"
Crime index 24.69 35.19
  • In the most recent presidential election, North Carolina leaned Republican, while Chicago went Democrat.
  • No need to buy new summer clothes. Average highs in North Carolina hit 88ยฐF, which is about the same as the 84ยฐF youโ€™re already used to in Chicago.
  • During the coldest months, temperatures in Chicago can drop to 19ยฐF. In contrast, North Carolina enjoys milder lows of only 29ยฐF, so you can look forward to gentler winters in the Tar Heel State.
  • When youโ€™re moving from Chicago to North Carolina, be sure to pack your raincoat and umbrella! North Carolina gets around 48 inches of rain annually, more than the 38 inches you usually get in Chicago.
  • In North Carolina, youโ€™ll see only 4 inches of snow each year, less than the 35 inches you got in Chicago. Get ready for easier winters in the Tar Heel State!

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. North Carolina:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs North Carolina side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in North Carolina
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Great communities
Delicious food Low cost of living
Abundant entertainment Ample economic opportunity
Intense sports culture High quality of life
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. North Carolina:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for North Carolina.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in North Carolina
High crime rate Hurricanes
Temperamental weather Bland weather
Terrible traffic High crime rate
High taxes High tax burden
Pollution Poor education

Other considerations when moving to North Carolina from Chicago

When moving from Chicago to North Carolina, think beyond just hiring movers and boxing up your stuff to keep things running smoothly. Donโ€™t forget to check local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could affect your move.

  • Weather: North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time. .
  • HOA rules: Make sure to check your neighborhood or communityโ€™s moving rules ahead of time to avoid any surprises on moving day.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if youโ€™ll need one for your move.
  • State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before you hire a moving company, double-check that theyโ€™re properly licensed.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license anytime on the official state regulatorโ€™s website.
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit for North Carolina, but itโ€™s smart to look into local parking rules before your move.
  • Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to North Carolina without a hitch. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you havenโ€™t missed a thing.

Things to do in North Carolina

Whether youโ€™re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, North Carolina has tons for you to discover and enjoy.

Museums in North Carolinatoggle

  • Biltmore
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
  • International Civil Rights Center & Museum
  • Greensboro Science Center
  • Museum of the Cherokee Indian
  • Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
  • Airborne and Special Operations Museum
  • Oconaluftee Indian Village
  • Currituck Beach Lighthouse
  • North Carolina Museum of Art

Parks in North Carolinatoggle

  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
  • Mingo Falls
  • The North Carolina Arboretum
  • Sarah P. Duke Gardens
  • Fontana Lake
  • Pearson's Falls
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park
  • The Cascades Trail
  • Bird Island
  • Freedom Park

Sports Teams in North Carolinatoggle

  • Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
  • Carolina Panthers (NFL)
  • Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
  • North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
  • Charlotte FC (MLS)

Universities in North Carolinatoggle

  • North Carolina State University
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • East Carolina University
  • Appalachian State University
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington
  • Duke University
  • North Carolina A&T State University
  • Western Carolina University

FAQs

How long does a move from Chicago to North Carolina take?

How long will your move from Chicago, IL to North Carolina take? It depends on the type of service you pick, but you can usually expect it to take two to seven days. Just keep in mind that moves during the busy summer season may take a bit longer.

To get your move done as quickly as possible, ask for a delivery timeframe before you book your moving company.

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to North Carolina?

Looking to move your car from Chicago to North Carolina? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from Chicago to North Carolina.

Why are people moving from Chicago to North Carolina?

Many people are moving to North Carolina because of its great communities and low cost of living. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago .

Helpful moving resources