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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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 the appropriate local movers. With the right team, even a short-distance move can be seamless and straightforward.
Here's our short list of the best local movers to ensure your move goes off without a hitch:
STI Moving & Storage Inc.
STI Moving & Storage Inc. (DOT: 1308599) offers a comprehensive array of services for those needing relocation assistance. They provide full-service moving options, including packing, fragile-only packing, and unpacking, catering to both interstate and intrastate moves. Unique services include handling antiques, grandfather clocks, pianos, and pool tables, making them a versatile choice for specialty item transports.
While STI Moving & Storage Inc. does accept cash and credit card payments, they do not accept cryptocurrency, which may be considered a limitation for tech-savvy customers looking for modern payment options. Additionally, they provide climate-controlled storage solutions, ensuring that your belongings are safely stored. However, for those considering international moving needs, it should be noted that this service is not currently offered.
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) provides comprehensive moving services including full-service moves, interstate moves, and climate-controlled storage options. They cater to delicate needs with services like fragile-only packing, antique handling, and piano moving, ensuring your important possessions are well cared for. Although they offer an impressive range of services, they do not facilitate international moves, which might be a limitation for some customers requiring overseas relocation. Additionally, they do not offer discounts such as senior or military discounts, which could be a downside for those looking for cost-saving options.
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) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moves, interstate moving, and climate-controlled storage, catering to diverse customer needs. They provide specialized packing services for fragile items, unpacking services, and accommodate small moves, ensuring a stress-free moving experience for their clients.
Although they offer the convenience of paying via credit card or cash, it's important to note that they do not accept cryptocurrency payments, which might be a downside for some digitally savvy customers. Additionally, even though they ensure full valuation coverage for their moves, they require a deposit, which potential clients should consider when planning their move.
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
The Professionals Moving Specialists
The Professionals Moving Specialists (DOT: 3383907) offer a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate moves, and specialized handling of antiques, pianos, and pool tables. They are equipped for both small moves and provide climate-controlled storage options, ensuring the safe transport and storage of valuable items.
While they offer packing services and materials, they do not provide international moving services, which might be a drawback for customers planning overseas relocations. This company is also notable for accepting various payment methods, including cash and credit cards, ensuring flexibility for their clients.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unexpected charges
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- 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, interstate relocations, and special handling for items like pianos, antiques, and pool tables. They provide additional conveniences such as unpacking and crating, making the moving process smoother for their clients.
One downside is that they do not offer international moving services, which might be a limitation for clients looking to relocate abroad. H2H Movers Inc requires a non-refundable deposit to secure a reservation, emphasizing their commitment to securing and planning your move efficiently. Additionally, they do not provide discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel, which might be a consideration for cost-sensitive customers.
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
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 reputable full-service moving company located in Pompano Beach, Florida, specializing in long-distance relocations across 48 states. Boasting over 50 years of experience and managing 12,000+ moves annually, they provide expert packing, storage solutions, and interstate transportation services throughout the continental United States. Their moving teams are thoroughly trained. Their intuitive mobile app facilitates fast and easy quote generation, while clients frequently commend the friendly, professional, and dependable customer service they receive.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Removal of trash and debris
- Skilled in-house teams
- Setup of home electronics
Cons
- Service not offered in Alaska or Hawaii
- Does not handle local or international relocations
Services
- Customizable quotes using our moving app or with a specialist, ensuring transparent and precise estimates with virtual inventory tracking.
- Professional packing and unpacking services, featuring experienced packers, customized crating, protective specialty blankets, and shrink-wrap.
- Family-owned nationwide service for over 50 years, completing more than 250,000 moves, and holding a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot.
- Colonial Moving App offering virtual estimates, inventory management, checklists, and the option to order boxes.
- Comprehensive full-service moving, managed by CVLU-certified professionals for a seamless start-to-finish experience.
- Efficient corporate and commercial relocation, offering packing, storage solutions, and furniture assembly and disassembly services.
- Long-distance moving available across the contiguous 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
- Storage solutions for moving, including short-term, long-term, and climate-controlled options for items in transit.
- Interstate and cross-country moving featuring full-service planning, from packing through to delivery at your destination.
- Training through Colonial Van Lines University ensures our movers are well-prepared, with a 2–4 week curriculum and an average of 10 years of experience.
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving, (USDOT: 3756000), is a veteran-owned relocation company dedicated to providing military precision in their services. With access to a vast network of trucking capacity nationwide, Safeway offers highly competitive rates. Their multi-stage quality assurance system guarantees a seamless moving experience from start to finish. The emphasis on precise pricing and high quality is a major factor in Safeway's inclusion on our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Verification process ensures quality service and accurate pricing
- Receive 30 days of complimentary storage on all interstate relocations
- Focuses on cross country and long distance relocations exclusively
- Veteran owned and operated company
- A donation is made to charity from every move
- Exceptional customer service and support
Cons
- No local moves are available
- A deposit is needed to book
Services
- Custom crating (for delicate, heavy, or valuable items such as art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled environment, long-term available, prorated billing)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual assessments, no hidden costs)
- 24/7 customer service (phone support always available)
- Price matching (will meet or exceed offers from qualified competitors)
- International moving (limited details online, contact customer service for more info)
- Packing and unpacking services (last-minute packing available for an extra fee)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value coverage option)
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, inventory scanned via barcode)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) began operations in 1995 with two trucks and one location. It has since expanded into a nationwide mover with a fleet exceeding 70 trucks that serve all 48 states. Yet, AVL continues to maintain the essence of a family-run business. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and affordable rates ranks them at the top of our list!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flat-rate pricing
- Exceptional customer service
- Expert handling of antiques, pianos, and fine art
- Availability for last-minute moves
- Secure private storage solutions
Cons
- Receiving automated calls could become too frequent
- A booking deposit might be needed
Services
- Corporate relocation (includes commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, and storage)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling for fragile or oversized items, custom crating available)
- Local moving (features affordable hourly rates, packing, and custom crating services)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
- Storage options (offering secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, and fire/storm protection)
- Military moves (includes in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, and furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
- Packing services (option to upgrade for professional wrapping, packing, and inventorying)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines, (USDOT# 076235), is a prominent and extensive moving network worldwide. The company is well-prepared for nearly any type of relocation, boasting agent locations across all 50 states and internationally, with over 80 years of experience. However, Allied is recognized as a premium brand in the moving industry, which means their pricing can often exceed that of their competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection services
- Long-term and short-term storage solutions
- International moving and shipping
- Expert packing services for specialty items
Cons
- Quotes can take 3-5 days to receive
- Costs are typically above that of other moving services
Services
- Corporate and office moves (employee relocation, packing of office items, disassembly and reassembly of furniture)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated coordinator for your move, clear pricing, no hidden charges)
- Portable storage containers (container rentals for packing and storage during relocation)
- Military relocations (PCS, deployment; short-term storage; adherence to DoD rules)
- Household relocations (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transporting, unloading, unpacking)
- Comprehensive packing & unpacking services (skilled teams, specialty materials, customized crating for delicate items)
- Long-distance & interstate relocations (across continental U.S.; complete service options)
- International moves (services in 130+ countries; online tracking, assistance with customs, and destination services)
- Storage solutions (temporary, short or long-term units with climate control and security)
- Moving supplies & kits (available moving kits, boxes, shrink-wrap)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation, (USDOT# 3182355), was established by Semen Mayzlin seven years ago. Semen, who originally worked as a driver in the moving industry, became disillusioned with the existing companies and decided to launch his own top-notch long distance moving service. Over the past 7 years, the company has expanded and now operates 10 tractor trailers, facilitating moves nationwide.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offering residential, corporate, and military relocation services
- Family-operated, serving the entire East Coast
- Available around the clock for customer support
- Full reimbursement on cancellations made 7 days prior to moving
Cons
- Requires a deposit when booking
- Services only moves starting from the east coast
Services
- Military relocations (regulation-compliant, fully supported services with experienced crews)
- Secure storage options (in-transit storage, climate-controlled short- and long-term units, includes 30 days free)
- Price match assurance (guaranteeing competitive rates)
- Move management and support (dedicated coordinator, 24/7 customer service, personalized plans)
- Furniture assembly & disassembly (included in full-service, expertly handled)
- Corporate relocations (office and commercial moves, employee transitions, furniture management)
- Packing and unpacking services (skilled packers, strong materials, special care for fragile items such as pianos, antiques, and art)
- Online booking & estimates (transparent pricing, virtual inventory, no hidden costs)
- Efficient small move services (specialized for lighter load needs)
- Upfront deposit & cancellation terms (25% deposit required, full refund for cancellations within 7 days)
- Long-distance relocations (nationwide service, price match, GPS tracking, instant quotes available online)
- Local moving services (residential moving teams, expert packing help)
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 | 3,073 |
| Unpacking | 65 | 91 | 2,973 |
| Packing Materials | 38 | 50 | 1,809 |
| Piano | 54 | 70 | 2,303 |
| Antiques | 40 | 48 | 1,466 |
| Art | 42 | 50 | 1,451 |
| Standard Storage | 62 | 89 | 2,695 |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 27 | 34 | 1,032 |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 20 | 30 | 748 |
| Custom Crating | 46 | 57 | 1,932 |
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.
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.
