Local moving companies in Chicago

  1. New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. Collins Family Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars

New City Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3078026

Years in Business: 16

2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

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

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 starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 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 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

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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The Professionals Moving Specialists

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 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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Alliance Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 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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Collins Family Movers, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

Years in Business: 16

2742 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 US

Rave reviews set Collins Family Movers apart in Chicago. Out of 856 customer feedback items analyzed, 91.5% praised the company—one of the highest satisfaction rates among moving services. Clients consistently highlight the crew’s efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, fast moving, and clear communication. Many emphasize how staff made moving less stressful and more affordable than competitors. Multiple customers have relied on Collins for years and recommend them to family and friends. On the downside, some input describes issues like damaged items, late arrivals, and higher costs than quoted—mostly resulting from complex situations or communication lapses. Negative experiences are rare but involve property damage or delays, issues not uncommon in the industry but less frequent here than average. Few neutral reviews focus on minor miscommunications or unmet expectations. Collins Family Movers outperforms typical movers by delivering speed, reliability, and positive attitudes nearly every time, though customers with valuable or sensitive items should still clarify expectations and coverage in advance.

Get a Quote (773) 942-7400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • State license #: 215646
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Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to New York

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much stuff you’re bringing and the size and layout of your place will directly affect your moving costs.
  • Time of year: Moving in the summer in Chicago usually means higher prices, since that's peak season for movers.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can save money, but expect more hassle and effort than if you hire professional movers.

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

Leaving Chicago for New York means embracing a new lifestyle—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 New York stack up so you’ll be ready for what’s ahead.

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. New York

Chicago, IL New York
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,507
Average home cost $295,743 $482,742
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $81,386
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.4%
State income tax 4.95% 10.9%
  • Good news. Rent in New York is about 26% lower than what you’d pay in Chicago, freeing up more of your budget each month.
  • Thinking about buying? Home prices in New York are roughly 63.2% higher than in Chicago, so make sure you can afford a steeper mortgage.
  • You’ll find average incomes are around 13.7% higher in New York compared to Chicago.
  • You’ll see about 51.1% lower unemployment in New York versus Chicago.
  • Brace yourself for higher income taxes. They’re 120.20% steeper in New York than in Chicago.

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

If you’re moving from Chicago to New York, everything from the weather and local population to the predominant political views can feel pretty different. Let’s break down what life in New York is like compared to the Chi-Town.

Chicago, IL New York
Population 2,746,388 19,571,216
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic 60-40
Summer high 84ºF 81ºF
Winter low 19ºF 16ºF
Annual rain 38" 44"
Annual snow 35" 62"
Crime index 35.19 21.51
  • In the last presidential election, New York voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • Luckily, you won’t have to buy a new summer wardrobe since the average summertime high in New York is 81º F, which is right on par with the average of 84º F in Chicago.
  • During the coldest part of the year, New York reaches the temperature of 16º F while Chicago only gets down to 19º F, so you may need to buy a new winter coat for your move to the Empire State.
  • When you make the move to New York from Chicago, make sure you have a good pair of rainboots on hand. Expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in New York compared to only 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago.
  • In New York, it snows about 62 inches annually, compared to the 35 inches of snow in Chicago. Make sure you like the cold and enjoy snowy weather before making the move.

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

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 York side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in New York
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Natural beauty
Delicious food Arts
Abundant entertainment Ample economic opportunity
Intense sports culture Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities
Ample economic opportunity Distinct seasons

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

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

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in New York
High crime rate High tax burden
Temperamental weather Rough winter weather
Terrible traffic High cost of living
High taxes Poor quality healthcare
Pollution Populous

Other considerations when moving to New York from Chicago

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

  • Weather: The climate of New York state is generally has warm to hot summers and cold winters. In the farther southeastern portion of the state (New York City and Long Island area) hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. Winter temperatures average below freezing during January and February in much of New York state, but several degrees above freezing along the Atlantic coastline, including New York City..
  • HOA rules: Make sure to check your neighborhood or community’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 you’ll need one for your move.
  • State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website.
  • Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit for New York, but it’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 York 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. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your 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 haven’t missed a thing.

Things to do in New York

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in New York.

Museums in New York

  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • The Strong National Museum of Play
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • New York State Museum
  • Erie Canal Museum
  • Brooklyn Museum
  • Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
  • Snug Harbor Cultural Center
  • Boldt Castle and Yacht House
  • USS Slater DE-766

Parks in New York

  • Brooklyn Bridge Park
  • Central Park
  • Flushing Meadows Corona Park
  • Gantry Plaza State Park
  • Robert Moses State Park
  • Prospect Park
  • Mohonk Preserve
  • Caumsett State Park
  • Cunningham Park
  • Seneca Lake State Park

Sports Teams in New York

  • Brooklyn Nets Basketball (NBA)
  • Buffalo Bills (NFL)
  • Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
  • New York City FC (MLS)
  • New York Islanders (NHL)
  • New York Knicks (NBA)
  • New York Liberty (WNBA)
  • New York Mets (MLB)
  • New York Rangers (NHL)
  • New York Yankees (MLB)

Universities in New York

  • Cornell University
  • Columbia University in the City of New York
  • New York University
  • University of Rochester
  • University at Buffalo, State University of New York
  • Syracuse University
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Fordham University
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Stony Brook University

FAQs

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

Wondering how long your move from Chicago, IL to New York will take? Timing depends on the service you choose, but it typically takes two to seven days. Keep in mind, if you’re moving during the busy summer months, your move might take a little longer.

If you want your move to go smoothly and avoid delays, make sure to ask about the delivery timeframe before booking your moving company.

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to New York?

Need to ship your car from Chicago to New York? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from Chicago to New York.

Why are people moving from Chicago to New York?

Many people are moving to New York because of its natural beauty and arts. 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