Local moving companies in Boston

  1. Boston Best Rate Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
  2. Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  3. Oscar's Moving Company, LLC: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  4. StairHopper Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Oscar's Moving Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Boston Best Rate Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5.0 / 5

DOT #: 1718049

Years in Business: 19

252R Calvary St, Waltham, MA 02453 US

Boston Best Rate Movers earns applause for its swift, careful, and professional moving teams. Out of 248 pieces of customer feedback, 96% praised factors like efficiency, attention to detail, professionalism, timely arrivals, and budget-friendly rates. Customers often highlight careful wrapping, fast-paced teams, courteous staff, and straightforward pricing that rarely incurs surprises. Users also welcome the ease of the booking process and the respectful treatment of propertyโ€”qualities that place BBRM ahead of many local competitors. Only a handful of reviewers express frustration with unexpected costs, item damage, or unsatisfactory complaint resolution, noting higher-than-expected bills, difficult claims processes, or unresolved breakage issues. Even so, Boston Best Rate Movers consistently delivers an experience that exceeds expectations for reliability and service quality compared to other movers in the Boston area.

Get a Quote (617) 787-3528

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Esquire Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 2820253

Pricing: $115/hr

Years in Business: 10

25 Summer Ave, Waltham, MA 02452 US

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, as shown by Esquire Moving & Storageโ€™s customer feedback. Of 16 reviews analyzed, 93.8% praised fast and careful service, courteous movers, efficient scheduling, and clear communication. Clients noted excellent care with breakables, friendly crews, and easy booking every step of the way. Many appreciated timely arrivals and efficient work, reflecting well-planned moves and attentive staff. Some even mentioned repeat positive experiences and highly recommend the company for both local and interstate moves. One customer noted higher costs due to slow progress and perceived inefficiency, expressing dissatisfaction specific to a single event. Compared to other companies, Esquire stands out for consistently professional movers and careful attention to clientsโ€™ property, but those seeking the lowest rates should confirm pricing transparency beforehand.

Get a Quote (617) 952-1505

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Esquire Moving Inc
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Oscar's Moving Company, LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 1637689

Years in Business: 17

86 Rowe St, Auburndale, MA 02466 US

Customer feedback paints Oscar's Moving Company as a reliable moving choice, with 70% of input rating their experience as positive out of 151 reviews analyzed. Professionalism, attention to careful handling, efficiency, quick service, and affordable pricing stand out as strengths. Many praised the staff for being on time, friendly, and taking great care with fragile or valuable belongingsโ€”traits that distinguish Oscar's in a crowded industry. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage to items, surprise charges, or interactions seen as rude or dismissive. Reports of damaged furniture or lost items, as well as unexpected costs, have caused frustration for some. Oscar's scores higher than many local movers on professionalism and reliability, though a smaller portion of customers experienced issues with claims or communication after a problem arose. Most reviews recommend Oscar's for moves that require speed, careful handling, and fair pricing, while those concerned about potential for item damage may want to discuss insurance options or clarify estimates ahead of time.

Get a Quote (617) 202-9566

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Oscar's Moving Company
Back to Top movebuddha icon

StairHopper Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1696867

Years in Business: 21

20 Harvard Street, Boston, MA 02129 US

Customers call StairHopper Movers a top choice for hassle-free, fast, and professional moving. Out of 831 customer feedback pieces reviewed, 97.5% gave positive marks. Most highlight efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, speed, and strong communication as major reasons for high satisfaction. Movers stand out for punctuality, wrapping and protecting furniture, and working quicklyโ€”often finishing ahead of schedule. Input often references respectful, friendly crews and transparent scheduling updatesโ€”a rarity among movers. Some feedback shares that costs ran higher than quoted, often due to extra material charges or underestimated packing needs. Customers occasionally noted surprise fees. A small number mention minor damage or billing complaints. Compared to many moving companies, StairHopper receives consistently stronger praise for reliability and organization, though pricing clarity could be improved. Many say it's the best move they've ever had and would recommend StairHopper to friends or use them again.

Get a Quote (857) 928-0876

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 1696867
  • State license #: 31321
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Oscar's Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1637689

Years in Business: 17

86 Rowe St, Newton, MA 02466 US

Smooth moves and attentive staff consistently define Oscar's Moving Company, based on analysis of 339 customer inputs. Nearly 84% of feedback expresses satisfaction, pointing to fast service, careful treatment of belongings, professionalism, speedy moving, and open communication as standout qualities. Teams frequently arrive on time, work efficiently, and ensure property is protected. Many highlight helpful communication and a courteous attitude not always found with other movers in the industry. Yet, about 16% of feedback cites issues like damaged goods, missed time windows, and billing surprises. Reports of lost or broken items and charges exceeding quotes occur more than with top competitors. Despite some lapses, the high rate of repeat business suggests Oscar's consistently outperforms most local options for professionalism and efficiency while keeping prices transparent for the majority of customers.

Get a Quote (617) 202-9566

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Oscar's Moving Company
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Chicagotoggle

The cost of Boston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Boston to Chicago can be as low as $1,358 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,211.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $788 to $2,039. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Boston to Chicago

Moving from Boston to Chicago means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in Chicago, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Boston compares to Chicago so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Boston Chicago
Average rent cost $3,400 $2,045
Average home value $739,121 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $89,212 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $4,820 $3,648
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,304 $9,266
Unemployment rate 6.2% 9.0%
Sales tax 6.25% 10.25%
State income tax 9.0% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 40% lower than in Boston, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
    Home prices in Chicago are 60.0% lower than in Boston.
  • Income in Chicago is 19.8% lower than in Boston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 24.3% lower than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 18.0% lower than in Boston.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 45.16% higher than in Boston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chicago are 64.00% higher than in Boston.
  • One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 45.00% lower than in Boston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,270.54 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.

How life is different in Boston vs. Chicago

Chicago Boston
Population 2,746,388 675,647
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 9
Walkability score 77 98
Bike friendliness score 72 86
Crime Index 35.19 39.88
Safety Index 33.87 60.12
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chicago's population is about 306% greater than Boston.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a similar score to Boston.
  • Chicago is less walkable than Boston with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
  • Chicago has a bike-friendliness score 72 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Boston with a score of 35.19 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 33.87 vs Boston's 60.12.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Boston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Boston 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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 youโ€™re considering have one and that itโ€™s current.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Illinois doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Chicago

Ready to relocate to "Chi-Town"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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

After settling into your new Illinois home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at 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 Boston to Chicago?

The best time to move from Boston to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.

When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Chicago?

Because most people are moving from Boston 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 Boston to Chicago take?

The 982-mile move from Boston, MA, to Chicago, IL, takes two to seven days. Some Boston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources