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 New Jersey

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The number of belongings youโ€™re moving will directly affect your overall moving costs, along with your homeโ€™s size and layout.
  • Time of year: Moving prices usually go up in the summer, which is peak moving season in Chicago.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: Choosing to move yourself is typically less expensive, but it also means more effort and hassle than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to New Jersey

Heading from Chicago to New Jersey comes with new adventures, but also a bump in living expenses. Because New Jersey usually has a higher cost of living than Chicago, itโ€™s smart to budget and plan ahead.

Take a look at how living in Chicago stacks up against New Jersey so youโ€™re prepared before making the move:

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. New Jersey

Chicago, IL New Jersey
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,368
Average home cost $295,743 $534,773
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $97,126
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.7%
State income tax 4.95% 10.7%
  • Rent is around 33% cheaper in New Jersey compared to Chicago, so you can pocket some extra cash each month.
  • Thinking about buying a home? Expect prices in New Jersey to be 80.8% higher than in Chicago, so budget accordingly.
  • On average, income is 35.7% higher in New Jersey than in Chicago.
  • Youโ€™ll find a 47.8% lower unemployment rate in New Jersey than in Chicago.
  • Brace yourself for steeper income taxes in New Jerseyโ€” 116.16% higher than what youโ€™re used to in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from New Jersey

If you're considering a move from Chicago to New Jersey, there are some notable lifestyle differences to keep in mind. From climate and population size to political leanings, hereโ€™s how life in New Jersey compares to life in the Chi-Town.

Chicago, IL New Jersey
Population 9,290,841 2,746,388
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic 52-46.1
Summer high 85ยบF 84ยบF
Winter low 22ยบF 19ยบF
Annual rain 48" 38"
Annual snow 23" 35"
Crime index 16.2 35.19
  • In the latest presidential election, New Jersey voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • No need to buy new summer clothes. Average highs in New Jersey hit 85ยฐF, which is right around the same as 84ยฐF back in Chicago.
  • During the chilliest months, temperatures in Chicago fall to 19ยฐF, while New Jersey only reaches lows of 22ยฐF. So, you can expect gentler winters in the Garden State.
  • When youโ€™re planning a move from Chicago to New Jersey, youโ€™d better pack a raincoat. New Jersey gets about 48 inches of rain annually, more than the 38 inches you're used to in Chicago.
  • In New Jersey, youโ€™ll get only 23 inches of snow each year, less than the 35 inches youโ€™re used to in Chicago. Get ready for easier winters when you move to the Garden State!

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. New Jersey:

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

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in New Jersey
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Bountiful recreational opportunities
Delicious food Diversity
Abundant entertainment World-class entertainment
Intense sports culture Leading education
Ample economic opportunity Superb health care

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. New Jersey:

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

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in New Jersey
High crime rate Extreme weather
Temperamental weather Congested population
Terrible traffic High cost of living
High taxes High tax burden
Pollution Terrible traffic

Other considerations when moving to New Jersey from Chicago

When youโ€™re moving from Chicago to New Jersey, youโ€™ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure youโ€™re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.

  • Weather: New Jersey summers are typically hot and humid and winters are usually cold. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States..
  • 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: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The stateโ€™s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that theyโ€™re properly licensed.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a New Jersey moving license anytime on the official state regulatorโ€™s website.
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit for New Jersey, 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 New Jersey without a hitch. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
  • 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 New Jersey

Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, New Jersey has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.

Museums in New Jerseytoggle

  • Cape May Lighthouse
  • Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury Park
  • Battleship New Jersey
  • Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
  • Newark Museum
  • Princeton University Art Museum
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not!
  • Old Barracks Museum
  • Emlen Physick Estate
  • Historic Cold Spring Village

Parks in New Jerseytoggle

  • Branch Brook Park
  • Laurel Acres Park
  • The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
  • Roosevelt Park
  • Bergen County Zoological Park
  • Hamilton Park
  • Grounds For Sculpture
  • Warinanco Park
  • Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
  • Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Sports Teams in New Jerseytoggle

  • New Jersey Devils (NHL)
  • New York Giants (NFL)
  • New York Jets (NFL)
  • New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Universities in New Jerseytoggle

  • Princeton University
  • Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
  • New Jersey Institute of Technology
  • Seton Hall University
  • Montclair State University
  • Monmouth University
  • Rowan University
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Stevens Institute of Technology
  • Drew University

FAQs

How long does a move from Chicago to New Jersey take?

How long will your move from Chicago, IL to New Jersey 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 New Jersey?

Looking to move your car from Chicago to New Jersey? 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 New Jersey.

Why are people moving from Chicago to New Jersey?

Many people are moving to New Jersey because of its bountiful recreational opportunities and diversity. 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