Best overall value
Local moving companies in Milwaukee
- Mid-West Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- ADCO Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- USA Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Mid-West Moving & Storage
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 294025
Years in Business: 41
1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 USCustomers point to Mid-West Moving & Storageโs efficient service and professional staff as major strengths, with nearly 75% leaving positive feedback from 299 reviews analyzed. Movers often work quickly, communicate well, and take great care of belongings, making many clients feel at ease during stressful moves. Many highlight helpful crews, organized processes, and affordable, transparent ratesโqualities not easily found with many competitors. In contrast, some feedback reveals concerns about damage to items, surprise charges, and missing belongings. These are the leading drawbacks and stand out among negative reviews, where clients report issues with insurance claims, billing, or lack of follow-up when problems arise. The majority, however, favorably compare their experiences here to other moving companies, finding Mid-West more reliable and service-minded.
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
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 294025
- State license #: 75043
- DOD certified
ADCO Van & Storage, Inc.
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 077949
Years in Business: 67
820 Tek Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 USMoving experiences with ADCO Van & Storage, Inc. often run smoothly, with 77.5% of customer input highlighting professional, friendly staff, strong communication, careful handling, and efficient service. Many people specifically recommend the company, praising its attentive teams and consistent updates. Yet, some feedback mentions damaged items and unresolved claims, with a few reports of staff acting unprofessionally and insurance delays. Concerns also include alleged unsafe driving and mishandling of property. Compared to other movers, ADCO receives stronger approval for courteous service and communication but faces criticism for how it handles problems and claims. Among 40 reviews, most are positive, but negative input centers on damage, attitude, and difficulty resolving insurance issues.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 077949
- State license #: 16484
USA Moving & Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 622007
Years in Business: 43
7020 N.Ridgeway Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 USMoving made easyโUSA Moving & Storage receives high praise in 509 customer reviews, with 92% positive feedback. Customers frequently report efficient moves, careful handling of items, and professional, polite crews. The booking process is described as simple and customer support as responsive and reliable. Movers consistently arrive early or on time and work quickly while protecting furniture and property. Organized packing and extra care during moves stand out, and many customers mention stress-free experiences with no damage to possessions. On the downside, some customers cite unexpectedly high final costs, mainly due to extra charges for tape, packing supplies, and travel. Complaints about excessive packing material costs and, less often, minor damages also arise. Delays, communication issues, or rude staff are occasionally mentioned but are rare compared to other moving companies. Compared to industry standards, USA Moving & Storage stands out for efficiency, reliability, and careful handling, although customers should clarify all potential extra fees in advance.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 622007
- State license #: 64325
Alternative Business Names
- U.S.A. Moving and Storage, Inc.
Eagle Moving & Storage Co
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 689374
Years in Business: 94
929 West Bruce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204 USTop-rated service stands out at Eagle Moving & Storage Co, with 76% of feedback sharing satisfaction and frequent praise for the team's professionalism, polite attitude, and prompt handling of belongings. Customers report efficient, quick moves, careful treatment of items, and transparent prices, even during complex or large moves. Repeat clients and referrals underline a dependable experienceโan advantage compared to moving companies with inconsistent performance. On the critical side, problems include item damage, lost possessions, and some delays, and a few customers describe customer service as unresponsive during claims or after property issues. Most feedback shows Eagle sets a higher bar for reliability, though occasional mistakes in handling or communication may occur.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 689374
Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 504435
Years in Business: 34
3640 Jarvis Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 USMoving with Golanโs is a tale of standout efficiency and careful handling, backed by a team known for their professionalism and great communication. Nearly 70% of the 814 customer experiences highlighted fast moves, respect for customersโ belongings, and crews who made even complex moves feel smooth. People mention polite staff, careful packing, and transparency more often than with other moving companies. On the other hand, almost a third encountered problems such as damaged items, higher-than-expected final bills, or delays on moving day. Some also point out that resolving claims and unexpected charges can be frustrating. Compared to similar companies, Golanโs receives more repeat business for their fast, careful service but also faces more complaints about damages or billing than some direct competitors. Golanโs consistently delivers safe, efficient moves with friendly crews, but be sure to clarify all charges and ask about insurance and delivery timing before booking.
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
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 504435
- State license #: 93712
Alternative Business Names
- Golan's Moving and Storage, Inc.
Factors influencing moving costs from Milwaukee to Chicago
What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Chicago
Moving from Milwaukee to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Milwaukee, 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:
| Milwaukee | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $2,045 |
| Average home value | $200,685 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,022 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,963 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 4.9% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 64% higher than in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee.
Home prices in Chicago are 47.4% higher than in Milwaukee. - Income in Chicago is 43.9% higher than in Milwaukee, 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 80.4% higher than in Milwaukee. 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 86.7% higher than in Milwaukee.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 21.62% higher than in Milwaukee.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chicago are 109.18% higher than in Milwaukee.
- One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 35.29% lower than in Milwaukee.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,412.46 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Chicago
| Chicago | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 577,222 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 58 |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 66.76 |
| Safety Index | 33.87 | 33.24 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 376% greater than Milwaukee.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Milwaukee's lower score of 8.
- Chicago is more walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Milwaukee's 62 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Milwaukee, which has a score of 58 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 Milwaukee with a score of 35.19 compared to Milwaukee's 66.76. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Chicago and Milwaukee are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Milwaukee it's good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Illinois doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chicago without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on "Chi-Town", these are some of the most popular 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
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 Milwaukee to Chicago?
The best time to move from Milwaukee to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Milwaukee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Chicago take?
The 93-mile move from Milwaukee, WI, to Chicago, IL, takes one to two days. Some Milwaukee movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
