Best Moving Companies in Chicago of 2024

By: Harrison Gough Last Updated: Jan 01, 2024

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Discover the top 5 movers in Chicago with Moving Feedback. We analyzed services, reviews, and pricing info to simplify your search for reliable movers in this vibrant city.

BEST OVERALL

4.9


Moving APT

  • Professionalism
  • Great customer service
  • Affordable rates
Get a Quote 800-360-0037 Read review

BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS

4.4


Native Van Lines

  • Highly Professional
  • No hidden fees
  • Budget-friendly pricing
Get a Quote 888-809-1249 Read review

BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE

4.7


Adams Van Lines

  • 500 local agents
  • Binding Prices
  • Customized services
Get a Quote 855-254-0416 Read review

How We Ranked Our Movers

The Moving Feedback experts combed through the moving companies in Chicago so you don’t have to. With a focus on reliability and customer satisfaction, we’ve conducted thorough research and interviewed customers to bring you the best options for your move.

We also drew from our over 10 years of experience in the moving industry to bring you insider info you can’t find anywhere else. Ready to get moving? Read on for our list of the best movers in Chicago, and see how our top 5 picks can make moving day a breeze.

Along with our research on the best moving companies, we’ll also provide valuable insights into the Windy City, including its cost of living, safety, and other essential details that anyone planning to move to the city would find helpful.


How Much Does it Cost to Hire Movers in Chicago?

We got the pricing info: A local move in Chicago can cost between $443 and $4634, and a long-distance move can cost between $1050 and $11600 or more.

Your final price may change depending on how much you need to move, and how far everything has to travel.

Distance 1 Bedroom 2 – 3 Bedroom 4 – 5 Bedroom
Local (Less than 100 Miles) $443 – $800 $750 – $1900 $1200 – $4634
100 miles $1050 – $1500 $1250 – $1700 $1500 – $3400
250 miles $1200 – $2000 $1500 – $3500 $2,000 – $4800
750 miles $1400 – $2900 $2100 – $6900 $5500 – $7900
1500 miles $1600 – $3200 $2600 – $7400 $6700 – $9500
2500 miles+ $1900 – $3700 $3900 – $8200 $11600+

How To Choose the Best Moving Company in Chicago

Whether you’re moving in or moving out, hiring professional movers in Chicago is a great idea. Here are some things you should look for when hiring a moving company in Chicago:

1. A Full Service Moving Company

Full-service moving companies in Chicago should be able to help with all aspects of a move, not just the loading or unloading. In addition to loading and unloading all of your items, they should also be able to assist with:

  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Special handling of delicate objects
  • Full packing/unpacking services if requested
  • Storage services if needed
  • Transportation services (local or long-distance)

By using a full-service moving company you can be sure that professionals handle every aspect of the move.

2. Excellent Customer Service

This is the most important aspect of any moving company because it sets them apart from its competitors. It doesn’t matter how cheap they are; if they don’t communicate well, show up on time, or help you move everything in your home, you are probably going to have a nightmare moving experience that risks damage to your items and delays in the relocation.

3. Availability

If moving companies can’t accommodate when you want to move, this could make for a nightmare experience. Look for a Chicago moving company that is flexible with hours and available on your moving dates.

Be aware that peak season moving times are usually during the spring and summer months, when daylight hours are longer, and the weather is more favorable for loading and unloading.

Many movers in Chicago may already be busy during this time, so it’s recommended to book them at least three months in advance if you’re planning on moving during this time.

4. Affordable Pricing

Make sure you find a moving company in Chicago that fits your needs and budget. Be wary of movers who try to upsell you on items you don’t need or who try to push damage coverage on you. Damage coverage should be an opt-in feature for your protection.

Be aware that prices for local and long-distance moves are calculated differently; local is typically hourly rates while long-distance is based on the distance being moved and the weight of the items.

Therefore, even if you plan on doing some of the hard moving labor yourself, it’s still necessary to budget for movers in Chicago to help with any items that are too heavy, bulky, or delicate to move without assistance.

5. Insured and Licensed

Make sure you are dealing with a company that is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the US Department of Transportation. This ensures they have met all requirements set forth by the US Government and have liability insurance to protect your belongings.

6. Positive Reviews

An excellent way to find out whether moving companies are legit or not is by reading some of their online reviews from past clients. This gives you some peace of mind when making such an important decision for your upcoming move.


Compare The Chicago Moving companies

4.9 4.7 4.4 4.6 4.5
Best Overall Best for Long Distance Best Customer Reviews Best Teams Best Moving Crews
15% Seniors & Military Discounts 18% Flexibility Discount 20% Seasonal Discount 15% Student Discount Not Disclosed
$2700-$6200 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2900-$6500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2850-$6350 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2200-$5400 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2300-$5600 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom)
Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote

1

BEST OVERALL

4.9

Moving APT

  • Professionalism
  • Great customer service
  • Affordable rates

Out of all the movers we checked out, Moving APT is the best overall. Moving APT is a highly rated long-distance moving company with over 20 years of experience.

They offer a variety of services, including packing, storage, and moving supplies. Their customers rave about their professionalism, punctuality, and care with their belongings.


  • Competitive pricing
  • Transparent communication
  • Friendly and efficient staff
  • Safe and secure transportation
  • Timely delivery
  • Limited availability in some areas

Licenses:

Type:

Long Distance Moves

2

BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS

4.4

Native Van Lines

  • Highly Professional
  • No hidden fees
  • Budget-friendly pricing

Native Van Lines is a top-rated moving company specializing in long-distance moves.

They also boast some pretty glowing customer reviews, which is great peace of mind for anyone who’s trying to choose a mover.

Their customers appreciate their professionalism, communication, and efficiency.


  • Friendly and efficient staff
  • Transparent pricing
  • Prompt communication
  • Professional packing and unpacking services
  • Safe and secure transportation
  • Limited availability in some areas

Licenses:

Type:

Local and Long Distance Moves

3

BEST PREMIUM SERVICES

4.7

Adams Van Lines

  • 500 local agents
  • Binding Prices
  • Customized services

Adams Van Lines is a well-established moving company that specializes in premium moves.

They offer a range of specialty moving options so you get a totally VIP experience: you can choose antique and artwork transport, and they’ll have you covered.

Their customers appreciate their professionalism, responsiveness, and care with their belongings.


  • Experienced and professional staff
  • Affordable pricing
  • Safe and secure transportation
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Timely delivery
  • Premium services come at an extra cost

Licenses:

Type:

Long Distance Moves

4

BEST TEAMS

4.6

New City Moving

  • Flexible cancellation policy
  • Personalized packages
  • Flexible payment options

New City Moving is a Chicago-based moving company that offers both local and long-distance moving services.

If you’re planning a move in Chicago, it’s definitely a good idea to go with a professional moving company that knows the area well.

From their customer reviews, it’s clear that they offer a really solid in-town moving experience.


  • Competitive pricing
  • Friendly and efficient staff
  • Safe and secure transportation
  • Transparent pricing
  • Timely delivery
  • Limited availability in some areas

Licenses:

Type:

Local, Long distance, International Moves

5

BEST MOVING CREWS

4.5

Two Men and a Truck

  • Competitive prices
  • Nationwide availability
  • Licensed and insured

Two Men and a Truck is a highly-rated moving company that has been in business for over 35 years, serving Chicago and the surrounding areas.

They may have started off at literally just two guys and a truck, but they’ve since grown into a nationwide chain with hundreds of agents and cross country movers – all while keeping that small-business attention to detail.


  • A+ BBB rating
  • Comprehensive moving services
  • Competitive pricing
  • Experienced and professional staff
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Limited international moving services

Licenses:

Type:

Local, Long distance, International Moves


Factors Behind Your Moving Costs

1. Distance

The farther you are moving, the more expensive the move will be. This is because the cost of transporting your belongings will increase as the distance increases.

Additionally, if you are moving across state lines, there may be additional fees and regulations to comply with.

2. Size of the move

The size of the move directly impacts the cost of the move. The more items you have to move, the larger the truck or a number of trucks required.

This means that you will need to pay for more space, more fuel, and potentially more labor, all of which will increase the cost of the move.

3. Time of the year

Moving during peak season or on weekends is more expensive than during off-peak season or weekdays. Moving companies are in high demand from June to August, which can result in higher rates.

Additionally, moving on weekends may be more expensive due to increased demand and limited availability.

4. Additional services

Packing, unpacking, and storage are additional services that can increase the cost of the move. If you hire a moving company to pack and unpack your belongings, you’ll need to pay for the additional labor and materials required.

5. Insurance coverage

The level of insurance coverage you choose can add to the cost of the move. While basic coverage is often included in the cost of a move, additional coverage can be purchased to protect your belongings in case of damage or loss.

The cost of this additional coverage will vary depending on the level of coverage you choose.

6. Specialty items

Moving heavy, large, or fragile items such as pianos or artwork requires special handling, which can add to the cost. This is because these items require additional labor, equipment, and materials to be transported safely.

7. Accessibility

The difficulty of accessing your old and new home, such as stairs or narrow doorways, can increase the cost of the move. If there are obstacles that make it difficult for the moving crew to move your belongings in or out of your home, additional labor may be required, which can increase the cost of the move.

8. Type of move

Local moves are typically cheaper than long-distance or international moves. This is because the cost of transporting your belongings is significantly lower for local moves. Additionally, there may be additional fees and regulations for long-distance or international moves.

9. DIY vs. Professional

Doing the move yourself may seem cheaper at first, but you have to account for truck rental, gas, moving supplies, and other hidden costs that can add up.

Additionally, professional movers have the experience and expertise to handle your belongings safely, reducing the risk of damage or loss.


How To Move To/From Chicago, IL

Whether it’s a local move within the city or a long-distance move to or from the city, movers in Chicago recommend the following tips to get started.

1. Downsize

To save on moving costs, it is highly recommended by moving companies in Chicago to declutter and downsize your belongings.

This includes getting rid of things you don’t need to take with you, donating items you no longer use, or selling belongings.

2. Figure out the Type of Move

How you move will affect the length of time it takes to get belongings from point A to B, as well as other factors such as:

  • The overall cost of the move
  • Type of mover
  • Size and number of items to be moved

Choosing to use moving pods that you load yourself so that moving companies in Chicago can transport it for you to the destination is a great way to save on costs.

However, choosing to use a full-service mover will save time because movers do all of the loadings, unloading, transporting, and even packing/unpacking, which will save you time for other important tasks such as canceling and setting up new utilities and finalizing arrangements for your new place.

3. Choose the Right Time to Move

Chicago has icy, frigid winters where temperatures often fall below freezing. As such, organizing a time to move with moving companies in Chicago is essential to ensure that there are no weather delays to the moving process.

While moving during the off-peak winter season requires additional planning to keep on schedule, it can also save a lot of money in the long run.

Moving during the spring and summer months is also an excellent option as the weather is more amenable to the moving process, but the overall cost of the move can be much higher due to the demand for movers in Chicago.


The Cost of Living in Chicago

Chicago is known for its bustling city life and diverse culture, but it comes with a high cost of living. The Windy City’s cost of living is about 12% higher than the national average.

The average home price in Chicago is around $210,700, and the average monthly rent is $995.

When it comes to income, the average household income in Chicago is $50,755 per year, which is lower than the national average of $61,937 annually.

This means that while salaries in Chicago may seem high at first glance, the high cost of living can make it challenging to make ends meet.

It’s also important to note that the cost of living can vary widely depending on the neighborhood in Chicago. For example, living in downtown Chicago or other popular areas can be significantly more expensive than living in the suburbs.

Other factors, such as transportation costs and healthcare expenses, can also impact the overall cost of living in Chicago.


The Best Neighborhoods in Chicago

Chicago has over 200 neighborhoods, so it can be tough to choose where to live. To make it easier, we’ve picked out some of our favorite neighborhoods based on their unique characteristics and amenities.

1. Chinatown

Chicago’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese communities in the United States, with over 65,000 Chinese residents. This neighborhood offers a range of Chinese cultural experiences, from public art and genuine restaurants to specialty shops. For shopping, Chinatown Square is the largest Chinese mall in the Midwest.

2. Wicker Park and Bucktown

Wicker Park and Bucktown are two vibrant neighborhoods that have merged into one. Both areas boast live music venues, coffee shops, art galleries, and great shopping.

The 606, a 2.7-mile-long abandoned railroad track, is perfect for leisurely strolls and connects many parks and public art installations across the area. If you love live music, be sure to check out Subterranean.

3. Humboldt Park

Humboldt Park is a neighborhood steeped in Spanish-Colonial architecture and colorful murals. Many residents here are of Puerto Rican descent, and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture is located here. You’ll also find plenty of great restaurants and specialty shops.

Two major events held annually in the area are the Fiesta Boricua and the Puerto Rican People’s Parade.

Rent prices start at around $800 per month, and houses are relatively affordable, although they may require some renovation work.

4. Bridgeport

Bridgeport is a bustling neighborhood where politics and art converge with White Sox pride. While the oldest tavern in Chicago, Schaller’s Pump, has recently closed after 136 years of business, there are still plenty of treasures to be found, like Nana, Bridgeport Coffee Company, Pleasant House Bakery, Monster Island Toys, and Let’s Boogie Records & Tapes.

5. Printer’s Row

Printer’s Row is located in central Chicago, west of Grant Park. This neighborhood has a population of around 3,729 and offers a dense city feel with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

This area is perfect for young professionals, and the majority of residents are renters. The average rent is $2,061.

6. Clarendon Hills

Finally, Clarendon Hills, located in DuPage County on the west side of Chicago, was rated the best place to live in the Chicagoland area by Niche.

With a population of around 8,711, this village is known for its great jobs, schools, housing, and residents concerned with fitness and health. While the average home price is $561,700, rent is only $985. Many people in this area are homeowners.


Chicago FAQ

What are some of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago?

According to Neighborhood Scout, some of the safest neighborhoods are located on the city’s north side, including Sauganash, West Devon Avenue & North Central, North Western Avenue & West Grace, and North Caldwell Avenue & North Lehigh. However, the safest neighborhood in Chicago is Beverly, which is located on the southwest side.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Chicago?

To live a comfortable life in Chicago, you will need to earn about $94,917 per year as a renter or $84,765 per year as a homeowner. This figure takes into account the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and utilities.

Unfortunately, the average income for Chicago residents is only $52,497 per year, leaving an average difference of $32,000.

Is it difficult to find a job in Chicago?

Finding a job can be difficult anywhere, but Chicago may be a good city to look for employment. With many businesses, corporations, and industries, there are plenty of job opportunities available. However, certain fields, such as engineering and scientific knowledge, may have more opportunities than others.

What should I do to prepare for a move in Chicago?

Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but there are a few things you can do to prepare and make the process smoother:

  • Declutter and donate: Before you start packing, go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. Consider donating items to a local charity or thrift store.
  • Create a packing plan: Make a list of everything that needs to be packed and create a plan for how you will pack and organize everything. This can help you stay on track and ensure that nothing is forgotten.
  • Label boxes clearly: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This can help you and your movers quickly and easily identify where everything should go.
  • Pack a moving day essentials kit: Put together a kit of essential items you’ll need on moving day, such as a change of clothes, toiletries, and important documents. Keep this kit with you so that you can easily access it when you arrive at your new home.

Moving Feedback – Methodology

We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.

We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s: 

  • Pricing – fair and transparent pricing policies with binding estimates and no hidden fees.
  • Professionalism – fast responses and knowledgeable staff and a willingness to be flexible and solve problems.
  • Provision of Services – the ability to deliver a wide range of services successfully, including packing, furniture assembly, storage, and more.
  • Protection – insurance coverage and quick resolution of any damage claims.
  • Personalization – customized moving packages depending on need.
  • Perks – GPS tracking, free storage, discounts, and promotions.

Get in Touch with the Best Chicago Moving Companies

The best-moving companies in Chicago can take the stress out of your move by handling all the heavy lifting and logistics. By using Moving Feedback’s list of top-rated movers, you can get quality service and a stress-free moving experience.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of these companies to start planning your move – and check back in with us for more tips and tricks to make moving day easier!