Local moving companies in Indianapolis
- Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Stuartโs Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving

DOT #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
4916 Lemans Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205 USCustomers rave about Bellhop Movingโs speed, efficiency, and friendly approach. Out of 115 reviews, nearly 70% share positive input, highlighting fast-moving crews, affordable prices, clear communication, and respectful service. Many describe the process as easy and stress-free. On the downside, about a quarter of feedback points to problems like late arrivals, damaged belongings, and a lack of follow-through from customer service. Complaints focus on delayed service, unwrapped or mishandled items, and poor responsiveness when issues arise. Compared to traditional movers, Bellhop often wins on price and flexibility but loses ground on reliability during peak times. Most customers praise the courteous staff and quick booking, yet a minority experienced significant disruptions or property damage. While Bellhop is often a cost-effective and efficient choice, those with high-value or complex moves may want to weigh the risk of potential delays or mishandling before booking.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
- State license #: 2878240
Alternative Business Names
- Bellhops, Inc.
Planes Moving & Storage Company

DOT #: 1458935
Years in Business: 105
2635 Planes Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46219 USPlanes Moving & Storage earns praise for its professional, helpful staff and efficient moving process, backed by 236 reviews with nearly 90% positive feedback. Customers often highlight careful handling of items, prompt service, and friendly movers who make the relocation much easier than with other companies. Many clients say the teams take extra steps to protect property and communicate well throughout moves. Affordability and transparent pricing also surface as advantages. In contrast, the most common complaints involve significant damage to belongings, unresolved compensation issues, and lack of communication from coordinators. Some people report surprise charges or poor response to claims. The volume and consistency of positive input position Planes ahead of most moving companies in reliability and customer satisfaction, though a few negative cases stand out for property damage and service gaps.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1458935
Alternative Business Names
- Planes Companies
- Planes Specialized Logistics
- Planes Commercial Services
Stuartโs Moving & Storage

DOT #: 3308205
Years in Business: 88
2058 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USStuartโs Moving & Storage earns acclaim for reliable, friendly movers and attention to detail, reflected in almost 90% positive feedback from 56 reviews. Customers praise the staff's professionalism, careful handling of belongings, efficiency, effective communication, and willingness to help on moving day. Positive feedback highlights accurate estimates, organized packing, and courteous treatment of property and people. Pricing is frequently described as fair, with several clients noting cost transparency and even savings. Negative input centers on rare but significant packing mistakes leading to damaged or missing items, and one case of unhelpful service regarding unloading assistance. Neutral comments report satisfactory moves but cite higher pricing and minor damages. Compared to similar companies, Stuartโs stands out for its consistently helpful, personable movers and reliable execution but should note that a handful of clients experienced lapses in special item care and responsiveness.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3308205
Alternative Business Names
- Stuart's Household & Furniture Moving & Storage, Inc.
All My Sons Moving & Storage

DOT #: 902281
Years in Business: 26
2817 E 55th Pl Suite 103, Indianapolis, IN 46220 USMoving day runs smoothly for most customers of All My Sons Moving & Storage, with 288 reviews highlighting 76.7% positive experiences. Many share stories of efficient service, professional staff, careful handling, and a fast, stress-free process. Friendly crews routinely receive praise for their helpfulness and attention to detail. On the flip side, feedback points to costly invoices that exceed initial quotes as a frequent frustration. Other complaints involve damage to items and delays, sometimes without proactive communication. Compared to other moving companies, All My Sons earns above-average satisfaction for customer care and organization but stands out for higher-than-expected final charges. People looking for reliability, efficiency, and personable crews may find them a strong choice, provided cost transparency is addressed up front.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 902281
Alternative Business Names
- Green Line Moving & Storage of Indianapolis, LLC
Busy Bee Movers

DOT #: 573343
Years in Business: 34
6148 South Belmont Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46217 USBuzzing with strong feedback, Busy Bee Movers stands out for efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and affordable rates, as reflected in 61.4% positive input from 324 reviews. Customers highlight respectful teams and jobs completed on time at competitive prices. Many appreciate transparent quotes and swift, careful moves. While the moving crews earn praise for their hard work, affordable rates, and organization, 34.3% of feedback points to drawbacks such as unexpected charges, inadequate communication, and items occasionally arriving damaged. Some reviewers describe being overcharged compared to estimates, and several mention frustration when issues go unaddressed by management. Compared to other moving companies, Busy Bee Movers is celebrated for dependable staff and cost savings, but concerns about billing accuracy and responsive support set them apart as a company best suited for those willing to double-check pricing and terms in advance.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 573343
Factors influencing moving costs from Indianapolis to Chicago
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Chicago
Moving from Indianapolis to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Indianapolis, itโs 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:
Indianapolis | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,399 | $2,045 |
Average home value | $220,467 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $71,566 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,804 | $3,648 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,667 | $9,266 |
Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 3.15% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 46% higher than in Indianapolis, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
Home prices in Chicago are 34.1% higher than in Indianapolis. - Income in Chicago is 21.1% higher than in Indianapolis, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 30.1% higher than in Indianapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 39.0% higher than in Indianapolis.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 60.71% higher than in Indianapolis.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chicago are 46.43% higher than in Indianapolis.
- State income taxes in Chicago are 57.14% higher than in Indianapolis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,903.00 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Indianapolis.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Chicago
Chicago | Indianapolis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 887,642 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 5 |
Walkability score | 77 | 31 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 43 |
Crime Index | 35.19 | 60.71 |
Safety Index | 33.87 | 39.29 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 209% greater than Indianapolis.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Indianapolis's lower score of 5.
- Chicago is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Indianapolis's 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Indianapolis with a score of 35.19 compared to Indianapolis's 60.71. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Indianapolis with a score of 33.87 vs Indianapolis's 39.29.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Indianapolis it's good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis vs. Chicago move
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies youโre considering have one and that itโs current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Illinois 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 Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
Once youโre settled into your new home in Illinois, itโs time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Chicago?
The best time to move from Indianapolis to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Indianapolis to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Indianapolis to Chicago take?
The 182-mile move from Indianapolis, IN, to Chicago, IL, takes one to two days. Some Indianapolis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.