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 Pennsylvania

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The number of belongings you need to move, plus the size and layout of your home, will affect your overall moving cost.
  • Time of year: Moving during summerโ€”peak season in Chicagoโ€”usually means higher prices from movers.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is typically more affordable, but it comes with extra effort and stress compared to letting professionals handle your move.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to Pennsylvania

Leaving Chicago for Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania stack up so youโ€™ll be ready for whatโ€™s ahead.

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Pennsylvania

Chicago, IL Pennsylvania
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,110
Average home cost $295,743 $268,824
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $73,170
Unemployment rate 9.0% 3.4%
State income tax 4.95% 3.07%
  • Rent is roughly 46% cheaper in Pennsylvania compared to Chicago, so youโ€™ll keep more money in your pocket every month.
  • Looking to buy a house? Your money goes further in Pennsylvania. Home prices there are 9.1% less than in Chicago.
  • On average, income is 2.2% higher in Pennsylvania than in Chicago.
  • Unemployment runs about 62.2% lower in Pennsylvania compared to Chicago.
  • Enjoy the tax breakโ€”income taxes drop by about 37.98% in Pennsylvania versus Chicago, which means youโ€™ll keep more of your paycheck.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from Pennsylvania

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

Chicago, IL Pennsylvania
Population 12,961,683 2,746,388
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 51-49
Summer high 83ยบF 84ยบF
Winter low 19ยบF 19ยบF
Annual rain 44" 38"
Annual snow 38" 35"
Crime index 17.62 35.19
  • In the latest presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • No need to buy new summer clothes. Average highs in Pennsylvania hit 83ยฐF, which is right around the same as 84ยฐF back in Chicago.
  • During the coldest months, temperatures in Chicago dip to 19ยฐF, and Pennsylvania reaches lows of 19ยฐF, so you can count on similar winter weather.
  • When youโ€™re planning a move from Chicago to Pennsylvania, youโ€™d better pack a raincoat. Pennsylvania gets about 44 inches of rain annually, more than the 38 inches you're used to in Chicago.
  • Winter in Pennsylvania means you'll see similar amounts of snow as in Chicago, averaging 38 inches each year, which is about the same as the 35 inches you're used to in Chicago.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. Pennsylvania:

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

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Pennsylvania
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Low cost of living
Delicious food Abundant fun and recreational activities
Abundant entertainment Beautiful landscapes
Intense sports culture Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Excellent education options

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

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

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Pennsylvania
High crime rate Harsh winter weather
Temperamental weather Bad driving conditions
Terrible traffic Nuclear power plants
High taxes Unpredictable weather
Pollution High taxes on gasoline

Other considerations when moving to Pennsylvania from Chicago

When youโ€™re moving from Chicago to Pennsylvania, 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: Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage..
  • 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 decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUCโ€™s website is no longer functioning. So if youโ€™re moving within Pennsylvania, youโ€™ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that theyโ€™re properly licensed.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license anytime on the official state regulatorโ€™s website.
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit for Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania without a hitch. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • 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 Pennsylvania

No matter what you're into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibesโ€”Pennsylvania is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.

Museums in Pennsylvaniatoggle

  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • The Hershey Story Museum
  • National Civil War Museum
  • SteelStacks
  • Steamtown National Historic Site
  • Asa Packer Mansion
  • Duquesne Incline
  • AACA Museum, Inc.
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Barnes

Parks in Pennsylvaniatoggle

  • Gettysburg National Military Park
  • Presque Isle State Park
  • Core Creek Park
  • Allentown Fish Hatchery
  • Rocky Ridge County Park
  • Lititz Springs Park
  • Point State Park
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
  • Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
  • Nay Aug Park

Sports Teams in Pennsylvaniatoggle

  • Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
  • Philadelphia Eagles Football (NFL)
  • Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
  • Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
  • Philadelphia Union (MLS)
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
  • Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)

Universities in Pennsylvaniatoggle

  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Penn State University
  • Carnegie Mellon University.
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • Temple University
  • Drexel University
  • Lehigh University
  • Swarthmore College
  • Villanova University
  • Bryn Mawr College

FAQs

How long does a move from Chicago to Pennsylvania take?

Wondering how long your move from Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania will take? Timing depends on the service you choose, but it typically takes one to six days. Keep in mind, if youโ€™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 Pennsylvania?

Need to ship your car from Chicago to Pennsylvania? 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 Pennsylvania.

Why are people moving from Chicago to Pennsylvania?

Many people are moving to Pennsylvania because of its low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities. 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