Industry-trained crews
Local moving companies in Massachusetts
- Oscar's Moving Company: 5 out of 5 stars
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Gallo Moving & Storage, LLC: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- StairHopper Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Oscar's Moving Company
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 1637689
Years in Business: 17
86 Rowe St, Newton, MA 02466Oscar's Moving Company, established in 2008, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Newton, MA. Unlike many nearby movers, Oscar's Moving Company boasts a stellar reputation with a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, an impressive 4.8-star average on Google My Business, and a solid 3.8-star average on Yelp from 143 reviews. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing and unpacking, and even have the capability to move pianos. Customers can pay by credit card, though a deposit is required.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1637689
- State license #: 31320
Alternative Business Names
- Oscar's Moving Company
Boston Best Rate Movers
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 1718049
Years in Business: 19
252R Calvary St, Waltham, MA 02453Boston Best Rate Movers has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around Waltham, MA since 2006. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, making them an excellent choice for meticulous movers. Clients consistently praise their reliability, as evidenced by their 4.7 average rating across 32 Yelp reviews and 530 Google reviews, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, their no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards add to their customer-friendly approach.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1718049
- State license #: 31391
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Olympia Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 70719
Years in Business: 31
17 Bridge St, Watertown, MA 02472Olympia Moving & Storage, located in Watertown, MA, has been providing exceptional local residential moving services since 1994. They stand out among nearby moving companies with their comprehensive offerings, including packing and unpacking services, and the ability to move delicate items such as pianos, antiques, and safes. Their reputation is solid, boasting a Yelp average rating of 4.1 from 148 reviews, a Google My Business rating of 4.5 from 229 reviews, and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Olympia Moving & Storage also accepts credit cards and offers full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 70719
- State license #: 70719
- DOD certified
Gallo Moving & Storage, LLC
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1420771
Years in Business: 19
120 Quarry Dr, Milford, MA 01757Gallo Moving & Storage, LLC, based in Milford, MA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 2006. Known for their impressive track record, they boast an average rating of 4.8 from 134 Google reviews and a 4.1 average from 30 Yelp reviews, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other nearby movers, Gallo offers comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, as well as specialized moving for pianos, pool tables, and antiques. Clients appreciate their flexible payment options, with no deposit required and full valuation insurance coverage provided.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1420771
- State license #: 1420771
StairHopper Movers
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1696867
Years in Business: 21
20 Harvard Street, Boston, MA 02129StairHopper Movers, a trusted name in local residential moving since 2004, serves the Boston, MA area with exemplary service. Known for their reliability, they stand out among local competitors with impressive consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and a flawless 5.0 on Google. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer comprehensive moving solutions, including packing, unpacking, and specialized services for fragile items and artwork. While a deposit is required, they accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring flexibility and peace of mind for their customers.
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
Things to know before moving from Massachusetts to Chicago, IL
Cost of living: Massachusetts vs Chicago, IL
| Massachusetts | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,588 | $2,045 |
| Average home value | $623,131 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $96,505 | $71,566 |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 9% |
| State income tax | 9% | 5% |
Chicago sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 29% more expensive in Chicago than in Massachusetts.
- Home prices are about 53% lower in Chicago than in Massachusetts.
- The average income is about 26% lower in Chicago than in Massachusetts.
- Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Massachusetts by about 131%.
- Income taxes are 45% lower in Chicago than in Massachusetts.
How life is different in Chicago from Massachusetts
| Chicago | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 35" | 47" |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 13.92 |
Chicago sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Chicago is approximately 61% lower than the population of Massachusetts.
- In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat and Massachusetts voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Chicago is 84ºF and in Massachusetts, it’s 82ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Chicago reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Massachusetts gets down to 16ºF.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago vs 49 inches of rainfall in Massachusetts.
- In Chicago, it snows about 35 inches annually vs 47 inches of snow in Massachusetts.
- Chicago has a higher crime rate than Massachusetts with a crime index of 35.19 vs 13.92.
Things to do in Chicago
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Chicago.
Museums in Chicago
Parks in Chicago
Sports Teams in Chicago
Universities in Chicago
Other considerations when moving to Chicago, IL
- 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 you’re considering have one and that it’s 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 on the state regulator's official website.
- 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 Illinois. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of Massachusetts vs. Chicago, IL
Comparing the pros of Massachusetts vs. Chicago, IL:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Massachusetts vs Chicago side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Massachusetts | Pros of living in Chicago, IL |
|---|---|
| Natural beauty | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Excellent education system | Delicious food |
| Delicious seafood | Abundant entertainment |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Intense sports culture |
| Home to Boston | Ample economic opportunity |
Comparing the cons of living in Massachusetts vs. Chicago, IL:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Massachusetts for Chicago.
| Cons of living in Massachusetts | Cons of living in Chicago, IL |
|---|---|
| Bad traffic | High crime rate |
| Poor driving conditions | Temperamental weather |
| Harsh winter weather | Terrible traffic |
| High cost of living | High taxes |
| Peculiar liquor laws | Pollution |
FAQ
How long does a move from Massachusetts to Chicago take?
The time frame for a move from Massachusetts to Chicago, IL, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Massachusetts, the longer the drive time to Chicago will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Chicago from Massachusetts can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Massachusetts to Chicago?
Because of the 971-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Massachusetts to Chicago as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?
With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF, most people move to Chicago from Massachusetts during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chicago during summer or winter.
