Quick answer: We compared 100 movers in Chicago, IL, and found a standout for local moves — STI Moving & Storage Inc.. They've accumulated 538 reviews, with 68.4% positive feedback.
For long-distance moves from Chicago, we recommend Colonial Van Lines. As a trusted national company, they stand out with clear flat-rate pricing, reliable service, and consistently strong customer reviews.
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At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we focus on what matters most — reliable information about moving and car shipping, paired with company reviews that are thorough, objective, and easy to understand.
Our team assessed over 4,000 professional movers nationwide utilizing our proprietary ranking system. We consider essential criteria such as pricing, customer feedback, and service offerings. Additionally, we scrutinize numerous online reviews to identify each company's typical highlights and areas for improvement.
You can count on us to provide information that’s relevant and trustworthy. Our specialists regularly review and verify our content so it stays precise and current.
Top-Rated Local Chicago Movers
Moving to a new location in Chicago can be stress-free with experienced local movers. With the right team, your short-distance move can be seamless and straightforward.
Here's our shortlist of the best local movers to ensure your move goes off without a hitch:
STI Moving & Storage Inc.
STI Moving & Storage Inc. (DOT: 1308599) is a versatile moving company offering a wide array of services to accommodate clients' diverse needs. They provide full-service and interstate moving options, with specialized services including fragile-only packing and crating for delicate items like antiques, pianos, and grandfather clocks. Despite their comprehensive offerings, STI Moving & Storage Inc. does not support international moves, which could be a limitation for those planning to relocate abroad.
Customers can benefit from convenient options like labor-only services, climate-controlled storage, and instant email quotes, simplifying the moving process. While they have an active status and various interesting features, no online reviews from platforms like Yelp or Google are available to gauge customer satisfaction. Their hourly rate is set at $150, and they require a deposit, accepting payments via cash or credit card.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Mighty Moving & Storage
Mighty Moving & Storage (DOT: 3788656) offers a range of services, including full-service moving, interstate moves, and climate-controlled storage, making them a versatile choice for various moving needs. They cater to specialized jobs, such as moving antiques, pianos, and safes, and provide fragile-only packing services to ensure the protection of delicate items.
However, they do not offer international moving services, which might be a limitation for customers seeking to move abroad. Despite their extensive offerings, Mighty Moving & Storage does not accept cryptocurrency, limiting their payment options somewhat.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Misplaced or lost items
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
New City Moving
New City Moving (DOT: 3078026) provides a variety of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate relocation, and climate-controlled storage options to meet diverse client needs. They also offer specialized packing for fragile items and unpacking services, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience.
While they do not provide international moving services, which could be a limitation for some, they do cater to small moves and offer labor-only options. Clients can benefit from their instant email quotes, and they accept multiple payment methods, including cash and credit cards.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Poor complaint handling
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
H2H Movers Inc
H2H Movers Inc (DOT: 2428328) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, packing, unpacking, and labor-only options. They are equipped to handle special items such as antiques, pianos, pool tables, and hot tubs. They also provide climate-controlled storage, which can be particularly beneficial for those needing temporary storage solutions.
H2H Movers Inc extends specialized services like crating and offers fragile-only packing, making them an excellent choice for those needing delicate handling of valuables. However, they do not provide international moving services, which may be a drawback for customers planning to relocate abroad. Additionally, while they accept payment by credit card and cash, they do not accept cryptocurrency or money orders.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Reebie Storage and Moving Co.
Reebie Storage and Moving Co. (DOT: 1343707) is a moving company that provides a variety of services to facilitate their customers' relocation needs. Unfortunately, they do not offer services such as fragile-only packing or storage options, which might be a downside for customers seeking comprehensive moving solutions. Despite the absence of these services, their active status suggests a commitment to accommodating various moving requirements.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
More Illinois Moving Options
Curious about all moving solutions near you? Check out this list of the best moving companies in Illinois.
The Best Long-Distance Movers in Chicago
Saying goodbye to Chicago is the start of a new chapter. With the right interstate moving company, your move — whether near or far — begins without unnecessary stress. Take a look at our top picks to help you plan your relocation:
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a trusted full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, handling long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years of experience and 12,000+ moves annually, they offer expert packing, storage, and interstate transport throughout the continental US. Moving crews are highly trained Their user-friendly mobile app makes getting a quote fast and easy, and customers consistently praise their friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expert in-house crews
- Home electronics setup
- Trash & debris removal
Cons
- No local or international moves
- Not available in AK or HI
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
- Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
- Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
- Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
- Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
- Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
- Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
- Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
- Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving, (USDOT: 3756000), is a veteran-owned moving company with the mission to offer military precision relocation. Safeway offers very competitive pricing because they have access to a huge network of truck capacity across the country. Their multi-stage quality assurance process also ensures moves go smoothly from pickup to delivery. This focus on quality and accurate pricing is a huge reason why Safeway made our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Long distance and cross country moves only
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
Cons
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
Services
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
- Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
- Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
- Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
- International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
- 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) started in 1995 with only two trucks and a single location. The company has grown to become a nationwide mover with over 70 trucks servicing all 48 states. Despite their rapid growth, AVL still feels like a family-owned business. Their focus on customer service and affordable pricing put them at the top of our list!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Last-minute moves
- Private storage options
- Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
- Flat-rate pricing
Cons
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Services
- Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
- Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
- Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines, (USDOT# 076235), is one of the largest and most well-known moving networks globally. With agent locations in all 50 states, as well as worldwide, and over 80 years in business, the company comes well-equipped for just about any type of move. The only drawback to Allied is they're known as a premium brand in the industry and their pricing can often come in above the competition.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Specialty packing services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- International shipping
Cons
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days
Services
- Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
- Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
- International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
- Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
- Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
- Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
- Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation, (USDOT# 3182355), was founded seven years ago by Semen Mayzlin. Semen began his career as a moving company driver but got frustrated with the existing companies in the industry and decided to start his own premier long distance moving company. The company has grown over the past 7 years and now has 10 tractor trailers servicing moves all over the country.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- 24/7 customer support
- Residential, corporate & military moves
Cons
- Only service moves originating on the east coast
- Deposit required at booking
Services
- Local moves (residential service with professional teams and packing assistance)
- Long-distance & out-of-state moves (nationwide across all contiguous states with online quotes, price-match guarantee, and real-time GPS tracking)
- Corporate moves (commercial & office relocation, employee moves, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Military moves (compliant with regulations, trained crews, full-service support)
- Packing & unpacking services (trained packers, durable materials, wrapping for fragile items like antiques, pianos, fine arts)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units, 30 days free storage included)
- Small moves (efficient handling of smaller load requirements)
- Price match guarantee (ensures competitive pricing)
- Deposit & cancellation policy (25% deposit, full refund if canceled within 7 days)
- Online estimates & booking (virtual inventory, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly (handled by crew as part of full-service)
- Dedicated move coordinator & customer support (personalized planning, 24/7 assistance throughout)
Moving Services Offered in Chicago
Not every moving company offers the same range of services, and availability can vary widely from one location to another. Some movers may specialize in fragile-item packing, pianos, or storage solutions, while others may not offer these services at all in Chicago.
To make comparison simple, the table below lists how many movers in Chicago provide each service, with state and national figures included for context. This way, you can see what’s common locally and which services might take more effort to track down.
| Service | Chicago | IL | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | 66 | 95 | 3,074 |
| Unpacking | 65 | 91 | 2,974 |
| Packing materials | 38 | 50 | 1,814 |
| Piano | 54 | 70 | 2,300 |
| Antiques | 40 | 48 | 1,465 |
| Art | 42 | 50 | 1,449 |
| Standard storage | 62 | 89 | 2,696 |
| Climate-controlled storage | 27 | 34 | 1,035 |
| Fragile-only packing | 20 | 30 | 748 |
| Custom crating | 46 | 57 | 1,929 |
Full-Service Moving Alternatives
If convenience is the priority, full-service movers pack, load, and unload everything for you. For those who prefer to save money or stay more involved, alternatives such as moving containers, rental trucks, or hired labor by the hour can be a smart fit.
PODS
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Did you know? You don’t have to choose between full-service movers and doing it all alone. In Chicago, there are 44 labor-only providers ready to give you hourly help with the heavy lifting.
FAQs
Do all Chicago movers handle out-of-state relocations?
Not all movers are licensed for interstate work. In Chicago, 49 companies can handle out-of-state moves, compared to 78 across Illinois.
Is it cheaper to move during certain times of the year?
Yes. Peak summer months tend to be pricier. Since 37 movers in Chicago offer instant online quotes, it's easy to compare off-season rates and potentially save hundreds.
Are Chicago movers insured and licensed?
Most are, but always confirm credentials. A good sign of professionalism is that 62 movers in Chicago also provide storage, often requiring additional regulatory compliance.
Do Chicago movers offer discounts?
Yes. We found 2 offer senior discounts. No AAA discounts are currently offered. No military discounts are currently offered.
Can I pay movers in cash in Chicago?
Yes. 29 movers in Chicago accept cash, compared to 35 statewide.
How many Chicago movers provide packing services?
66 movers in Chicago offer packing services, and 38 also sell materials like boxes and tape.
Do any Chicago movers specialize in fragile or high-value items?
Yes. 20 movers in Chicago offer fragile-only packing, while 42 handle fine art shipments.
How many movers in Chicago provide storage options?
There are 62 movers in Chicago that offer standard storage, and 27 provide climate-controlled units — both above the national average.
