Best movers in Chicago, Ill.
To help you choose the perfect mover, we researched over 40 Chicago moving companies to bring you the five best moving companies in the Windy City.
Our experts independently review everything we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may earn commission.
Our team evaluated 43 Chicago moving companies, analyzing more than 40,000 customer reviews and ratings from five sources to identify the best overall movers in the Windy City. We ranked each mover using our custom algorithm, which factors in affordability, reliability, reputation, services offered and industry credentials. We also checked all relevant licenses and permits to make sure these movers are operating above board, and we reviewed Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and complaints. After narrowing down the list, we spoke with all of the top contenders to verify pricing, fees and service details. Whether you're moving within Chi-Town or beyond, this guide highlights the five best moving companies in Chicago, plus the best overall national moving company.
Top Chicago movers
The best moving company in Chicago for YOU
Choosing the right moving company isn't just about checking who has the best reviews. You'll also need to think about your budget, timeline and which moving services you need. All the movers featured in this guide offer high-quality service, but not all will meet your specific moving needs.
First, narrow the list down based on the type of move you're doing. Any company listed here can do the job if you're moving within Chicago, but if you're going further afield, focus on New City Moving , The Professionals Moving Specialists or USA Moving & Storage .
If keeping things within a reasonable budget is your top priority, check out Move-tastic! or Expert Movers first, as these companies offer lower-than-average hourly rates for the area. USA Moving & Storage also offers competitive hourly rates compared to what other moving companies charge for a four-person crew.
Last but not least, figure out your ideal move dates and make sure your preferred moving company is available when needed. This is especially important if you're moving into or out of an apartment, since you'll be limited by the terms of your lease.
Regardless of your moving needs, there's a good chance The Professionals Moving Specialists, the top pick on our list, can do the job. This mover offers local and long-distance moving services throughout the Midwest, with competitive rates. The Professionals also holds an impressive number of positive reviews online, so there's a high likelihood you'll be happy with your experience. The Professionals Moving Specialists unfortunately can't help you move beyond the Midwest, but for any other moving scenario, don't hesitate to give this Chi-Town mover a call.
Table of contents
Best moving companies in Chicago, Ill.
The Professionals Moving Specialists is the best overall moving company in Chicago
The Professionals Moving Specialists moving truck preparing for a long-distance move
The Professionals Moving Specialists, also known as The Pro Move, has provided local, long-distance and specialty moving services to the Chicagoland area since 2004. Locally owned and operated by Jacob Twig, The Professionals Moving Specialists is our pick for Chicago's best overall moving company.
Yahoo Local reviews many moving companies, but we rarely see movers with as many positive reviews as The Professionals. This long-time Chicago mover has thousands of positive reviews across different platforms. It holds a five-star average rating on Google from more than 5,600 reviews and 4.6 stars on Yelp from about 1,100 reviews. The Pro Move also has 4.9 stars on Angi from about 330 reviews. True to the company's name, customers seem especially happy with this mover's professionalism, excellent communication and fair pricing.
For local and long-distance moves, The Pro Move charges $180 per hour for a three-person crew, which is competitive for the area. Unlike other movers, The Professionals does not charge by weight for long-distance moves, so you'll pay an hourly rate regardless of how far you're moving. There's also a two-hour labor minimum, which means you can expect to pay a base rate of $360 when working with this mover. You will also be charged a travel fee, which varies based on distance. Things like basic furniture disassembly and reassembly are included in the hourly rate, but dedicated packing assistance is billed separately.
Services offered
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Local moves
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Long-distance moves within the Midwest
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Last-minute and emergency moves
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Specialty moving for pianos, fine art and antiques
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Senior moves
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Storage options
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Junk removal
The Professionals does not charge a deposit to reserve move dates, but you will be charged a penalty fee if you cancel or reschedule less than 72 hours before your move. Moving pads are also provided free of charge, but other packing materials are billed separately, including shrink wrap. You will also be charged extra for TV boxes and other specialty packing supplies. For an ecological alternative to standard cardboard boxes, The Pro Move rents out durable moving totes known as "green boxes" that can help you plan a more eco-friendly move . (For more, see our full guide to eco-friendly moving materials .)
If you plan to work with this company for a long-distance move, be aware that it only serves the Midwest and parts of the Southeast. Other than the distance limitations, there are only a few restrictions you'll run into with this mover. For example, the Pro Move does not move propane tanks, firearms or flammable materials.
The Professionals Moving Specialists is accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating with only one customer complaint. Unfortunately, we could not confirm whether The Professional Moving Specialists conducts background checks on employees, but based on its spotless reputation, we feel confident that its crews are trustworthy.
To work with this mover, call 888-225-7351 or request a free estimate online . The Pro Move office is located at 3918 North Western Avenue, Chicago, Ill., 60618. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. On weekends, it is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
Customer testimonial
This was my second time hiring The Professionals. Once again, they truly lived up to their name! I had some very heavy items that required special care and had to be hauled up three flights of stairs, and they handled it with seeming ease. Every single member of the crew was so careful with my belongings and my new home. Also super considerate of my neighbors! I cannot recommend them enough! - Theresa R., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
With thousands of five-star reviews, competitive rates and a long list of service options, The Professionals Moving Specialists is the best all-around moving company in Chicago. Whether you're moving within the city or relocating elsewhere in the Midwest, The Professionals can get you there while keeping stress to a minimum. This mover does not offer cross-country moving services, but it's your best option for all other moving services in the Chicagoland area.
- Competitive rates
- 20+ years in business
- Locally owned and operated
- Packing and storage options
- Offers specialty moving services for pianos, antiques, etc.
- No cross-country services
- Some added fees
- Limited office hours on weekends
New City Moving is the best Chicago mover for long-distance and cross-country moves
A New City Moving moving truck parked in front of a residential home
Founded in 2008, New City Moving is one of Chicago's most trusted moving companies, offering local, long-distance and cross-country services. When we spoke with the New City team, they were extremely friendly, helpful and ready to answer all our questions. If customer service is important to you, add New City to your list. But don't just take it from us — New City Moving holds a strong 4.8-star average rating on Google from more than 5,700 reviews, 4.5 stars on Yelp from about 1,300 reviews and 4.8 stars on Angi from about 420 reviews.
Owned and operated by Brian Slater, New City Moving prides itself on being different, in a good way. Slater worked in the moving industry for several years before founding his company, and what he witnessed convinced him that people deserve better than damaged furniture, inaccurate estimates and a general lack of care. Instead, New City Moving offers reliable, trustworthy service that prioritizes customer needs and guarantees every move is handled as professionally as possible.
On weekdays, New City charges $190 per hour for a three-person crew with a two-hour labor minimum and a flat travel charge equivalent to the hourly rate. Friday through Sunday, these rates go up to about $210 per hour, though rates can vary during peak moving season (April through October). With all this in mind, you can expect your starting rate to range from $570 to $630 when working with this mover. All durable moving equipment, like furniture padding and wrapping, is included in this price, along with all tools and equipment.
Services offered
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Local moves and long-distance moves
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Cross-country moves
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Loading and unloading
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Last-minute moving
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Packing assistance and supplies
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Storage options
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Business and commercial moves
If you need packing supplies, these come at an added cost, but packing assistance is billed at the same hourly rate. New City Moving keeps added charges to a minimum, but it charges a $250 heavy-item fee for things like pianos and a flat $100 high-rise fee for apartment and condo units above the third floor. Finally, when you reserve your move, you will be charged a $100 deposit, which is fully refundable if you cancel at least 48 hours before moving day.
For long-distance moves, the price is determined by your inventory, distance, crew size and other factors. One benefit of working with New City Moving for interstate moves is that you don't have to live in Chicago (or even Illinois) to be a customer. New City Moving offers relocation services for moves originating anywhere in the Midwest, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and more.
New City Moving is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating. Unfortunately, this mover has about 30 customer complaints on the platform, but the business has carefully addressed each one. Considering its overwhelming majority of positive reviews, we still feel confident recommending New City Moving as our top long-distance mover serving Chicago. The New City team also told Yahoo Local that all crew members undergo background checks and are professionally trained as full-time employees.
To work with New City Moving, call 800-733-6644 or request a free quote online . The company is located at 2929 North Campbell Avenue, Chicago, Ill., 60618, and it's open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
Customer testimonial
Simply the best!!! I've used them three times and each time has been perfect. This move was a very heavy sculpture that had to go down a steep flight of stairs. Perfect, professional and fast. So appreciate Milton and his team. Would never use any other company than New City. - Catherine J., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
From its unbeatable customer service to its thousands of positive reviews, New City Moving is undeniably one of the best moving companies serving Chicago. It's also one of the only top-rated Chi-Town movers that offers cross-country services across the U.S. If you're planning a long-distance move from Chicago (or anywhere in the Midwest), give New City Moving a call.
- Long-distance and cross-country services
- 15+ years in business
- Minimal added fees
- Discounted rates on weekdays
- Locally owned and operated
- Some complaints on BBB
- Closed on Sundays
Move-tastic! is the best value mover in Chicago
A large Move-tastic! moving truck parked in front of a row of historic Chicago brownstones
Locally owned and operated by long-time Chicagoan Pete Horvath, Move-tastic! has been providing dedicated local moving and hauling services to Chicago since 2007. It all started when Horvath bought a pickup truck and was asked to help friends and family move. Not long after, Horvath decided to make things official by founding Move-tastic! with his best friend and bandmate. Since then, this community-oriented mover has become one of Chicago's most popular and well-reviewed moving companies.
As a dedicated local Chicago mover, Move-tastic! keeps things simple by offering moving, packing and storage within a 40-mile radius of its Chicago office. Despite not offering long-distance services, Move-tastic! can help you prep for a long-distance move using your own vehicle or rental truck. In short, this mover can do just about everything except drive you across state lines. If you're moving within an apartment or condo building, Move-tastic! offers same-building moves for both individuals and businesses. If you need to reserve a parking space for moving day, Move-tastic! can even handle the bureaucracy for you by ensuring all city permits are in place.
Move-tastic!'s rates are competitive but fluctuate depending on when you move. For midweek moves scheduled between the 1st and 24th of the month, the rate is $160 per hour for a three-person crew. For weekend moves (Friday through Sunday) and from the 25th to the last day of each month, the rate is $190 per hour for a three-person crew. This rate includes the use of a 26-foot box truck, furniture disassembly and reassembly, plus all tools and basic equipment.
There is no added travel or fuel charge when working with Move-tastic!, but there is a two-hour labor minimum. This means you can expect to pay a starting rate of just $320 to $380. No deposit is required, but you may be charged if you cancel less than 72 hours before your scheduled move.
Services offered
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Local moves (within 40 miles of Chicago)
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Packing assistance and supplies
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Storage options
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Home setup and staging
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Junk hauling
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Donation coordination
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Parking permit assistance
By focusing exclusively on short-distance moves, the Move-tastic! crew can typically finish a move in about three to four hours. This means the average cost of a move with this company falls between $500 and $800. With such reasonable rates even on peak pricing days, Move-tastic! is an easy pick as the best affordable mover in Chicago.
Move-tastic! charges a flat materials fee for shrink wrap, but durable equipment like furniture blankets and moving pads is included in the cost of your move. Other packing supplies, such as cardboard boxes and tape, can be added to your booking at an additional cost. If you request the use of floor protection, this will also cost a little extra. To make the packing process easier, Move-tastic! can even deliver supplies right to your home. For those interested in reducing waste during the moving process, Move-tastic! also rents out reusable plastic moving bins. (If you're interested in investing in your own reusable packing materials, check out our guide to the best moving boxes and bags .)
Like our top Chicago mover, Move-tastic! also holds a perfect five-star average rating on Google from more than 2,700 reviews and 4.6 stars on Yelp from almost 1,000 reviews. Despite its glowing reputation, Move-tastic! is not accredited by the BBB , where it holds a C rating and three customer complaints. We could not find an apparent reason for this low grade, and none of our other research revealed any reason to be concerned about the company's reliability. The Move-tastic! team told Yahoo Local that all employees undergo background checks.
To get started with this mover, call 773-715-3227 or request an estimate online . The Move-tastic! office is located at 3100 North Tripp Avenue, Chicago, Ill., 60641. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on weekends.
Customer testimonial:
Absolutely outstanding service from start to finish! The team was punctual, incredibly professional, and treated my belongings with great care. Communication was clear throughout the entire process, and they made what could have been a stressful day totally smooth and seamless. Everything packed and shipped in perfect condition, and they even finished ahead of schedule. The movers were friendly, hardworking, and clearly experienced. I would 100% recommend Move-Tastic company to anyone looking for a stress-free, efficient, and courteous moving experience. Five stars all the way! - Ocean W., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
The definition of a local community business, Move-tastic! is one of the only top-rated Chicago moving companies exclusively dedicated to providing professional and affordable moving services to Chicagoland residents. Whether you're looking for affordable rates, great customer service, or you just want to support a local business, Move-tastic! should be your go-to for all local moves in Chi-Town.
- Affordable rates
- No deposit and minimal added fees
- Dedicated local focus with wide range of local moving services
- Owned and operated by lifelong Chicago residents
- Parking permit assistance
- No long-distance services
- Potential fee for last-minute cancellations
- Mixed reviews on BBB
BLVD Moving is the best national moving company
A large BLVD Moving truck parked in a sunny parking lot
At Yahoo Local, we're committed to highlighting top local service providers whenever possible. But we also understand that national moving companies are sometimes the better choice, especially for long-distance or last-minute moves. After researching dozens of national moving companies, we chose BLVD Moving as the best national mover overall for cross-country moves within the U.S. (You can see the full list in our best national moving companies guide . For a breakdown of how we make these decisions, see our guide to comparing local and national movers .)
BLVD Moving was founded by experienced movers with decades of experience in the industry. It's also family-owned and independently operated with its own fleet of trucks and staff, and it can offer in-house moving services anywhere in the country. However, BLVD notes in its service terms that subcontractors or agents may be used in certain cases, which is standard practice for large moving companies that handle high-volume moves.
When we requested an estimate for a 500-mile move with a load size of about 1,340 cubic feet (roughly the size of a three-bedroom home without major appliances), BLVD quoted us at approximately $6,700. This is comparable to prices offered by other long-distance providers for similar move types. Keep in mind that BLVD requires a 33% deposit upfront, plus 50% of the remaining balance on moving day and the final balance upon delivery. Qualifying customers can also take advantage of financing options, with rates as low as 0% APR.
Services offered
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Local and interstate moves
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Residential, office and commercial relocations
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Packing services
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Storage options
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Financing available
While somewhat higher than average, the initial deposit is fully refundable as long as you cancel at least two business days ahead of your pickup date. BLVD's delivery windows range from two to 21 business days, so you may need a wait a few weeks to receive your belongings. While this isn't ideal, it's also standard practice for national movers that move multiple shipments at the same time.
BLVD recommends scheduling your move at least 30 days in advance to secure your preferred dates, especially during busy seasons like summer, fall or the beginning or end of a month. (For more help planning, read our guide on the best times to move .) You can receive an initial quote from BLVD by calling, submitting an inventory form through the website or scheduling a virtual walkthrough.
This mover is accredited by the BBB , where it holds a B rating. It has received 90 complaints in the past three years, which is not unusual for a national moving company. BLVD holds a 4.3-star average on Google from over 1,200 reviews and a 2.3-star rating on Yelp from more than 370 reviews. While its Yelp reviews are a little low, this is fairly typical among national movers, and BLVD is still the best national moving line overall based on the extensive data we reviewed. All BLVD movers are in-house, background-checked employees who receive special on-the-job training from the company.
To start planning a move with BLVD Moving, call 844-274-0500 or request a free moving quote online. BLVD Moving's main office is located at 21622 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. Its main business hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, seven days a week.
Customer testimonial
" I had an amazing experience with this moving team! Kevin and Edwin were amazing! They were on time, super friendly, and incredibly professional. They wrapped all of my furniture and took such great care with everything, which gave me total peace of mind. The whole process was smooth and stress-free thanks to how efficient and positive they were. I'd absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for movers who go above and beyond!" - Camille B., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
BLVD Moving is our top pick for a national mover based on its experience, flexible service model and strong Google reviews. Its crews are background checked, the quote process is straightforward, and the cancellation policy is more generous than most competitors. Headquartered in California, BLVD provides comprehensive moving services across the U.S. and operates seven days a week. If the local Harrisburg movers we featured on this list don't quite meet your needs, reach out to BLVD Moving for an estimate.
- In-house movers and fleet trucks
- Background-checked crews
- Cross-country services
- Simple virtual estimates
- May subcontract to other movers
- Relatively high deposit
- No GPS tracking
- Mixed Yelp reviews
USA Moving & Storage is the top alternative mover for long-distance Chicago moves
USA Moving & Storage crew member at work next to a moving truck
Owned and operated by Gadi Zaafrani, USA Moving & Storage has been in business since 1981, making it the most well-established Chicago mover on our list by a long shot. But USA Moving & Storage doesn't just have seniority — it has an excellent customer reputation to back it up. If you're planning a long-distance or specialty move from Chicago to anywhere in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa or Wisconsin, look no further than USA Moving & Storage.
This Chicago mover has a unique approach to pricing. Instead of offering a range of crew sizes with different hourly rates, USA Moving sends a four-person crew to every move and charges a standard $200 hourly rate. This could potentially translate to a lower overall price for your move, as having a larger crew will likely reduce labor time. The company also charges a $150 truck fee and requires a two-hour labor minimum, so your starting rate will be $550 for a four-person crew. Compared to the other movers on this list, USA Moving & Storage offers a great overall value for a four-person moving crew.
That said, USA Moving & Storage does charge some added fees. For example, you will be charged a flat travel fee that depends on location and distance. Moving blankets are complimentary during your move, but other packing materials like tape and shrink wrap cost extra. This mover also charges additional fees for fragile items that require specialty boxes.
USA Moving & Storage does not charge deposits but keeps credit card information on file and charges a $150 fee for canceled reservations. Long-distance moves are priced based on mileage and weight, so check with USA Moving directly for a detailed estimate.
Services offered:
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Local and long-distance moves
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Cross-country and international moves
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Packing and unpacking
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Climate-controlled storage
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Specialty moving for pianos, fine art, antiques, etc.
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Same-building moves
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Last-minute and emergency moves
While USA Moving limits its in-house long-distance services to the central Midwest, it's connected to a national network of service providers, so it can coordinate cross-country and international moves just about anywhere. For Midwest moves, pickup and delivery dates are guaranteed, and each move is handled exclusively by USA Moving. This mover also offers free on-site estimates, same-building moves and last-minute services for emergency moves. You'll even be assigned a personal relocation consultant at no extra charge.
If you have any specialty items to move, they will be in safe hands with USA Moving, which is fully equipped and trained to move pianos, including full-size grand pianos. This mover also offers specialty services for fine art, antiques and other unique pieces. Unlike most other moving companies, USA Moving & Storage does not charge additional fees to move pianos. (For more info, check out our guide to moving with a piano .)
USA Moving & Storage does not conduct formal background checks on its crew members, but the staff member we spoke with assured us they only work with full-time employees, many of whom have been with the company for years. USA Moving is a family-owned business with trusted crew members and does not work with subcontractors or third parties for any of its local or Midwest moves.
This mover is accredited by the BBB , with an A+ rating and zero customer complaints. It also has a 4.9-star average rating on Google from more than 1,140 reviews, 4.4 stars on Yelp from about 300 reviews and 4.9 stars on Angi from nearly 900 reviews.
To learn more about USA Moving & Storage, call 800-626-4474 or request an estimate online . This company is located at 7020 North Ridgeway Avenue, Lincolnwood, Ill., 60712. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Customer testimonial:
I've used USA moving twice now and they were great both times. Great communication from the company on all the details and pricing right after scheduling. Got a call 30 minutes before the crew pulled up with a big truck and all their gear including ramps, wheeled carts, wardrobe boxes, extra boxes, tape, plastic wrap, moving blankets, you name it. Super helpful and strong workers, they mean business! Anything that needs to be taken apart and reassembled at the new place, they'll do it all and one way or another they will get you moved in nicely. Such friendly workers, we got them some lunch as well as an extra thanks. 100% would recommend and would use again!! - Amanda M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
If you're relocating from Chicago to another central Midwestern state, USA Moving & Storage is an excellent option. And unlike the other movers on our list, USA Moving can help coordinate cross-country and even international moves through it's network of third-party agents. Offering four-person moving crews at a competitive price, and backed up by thousands of positive reviews and nearly 50 years in business, USA Moving & Storage is one of the best long-distance Chicago movers in the industry.
- Nearly 50 years in business
- Can coordinate moves anywhere in the U.S. and even overseas
- Four-person crews for every move
- Professional piano moving
- Locally owned and operated
- No crew background checks
- Some added fees
- Distance limits on moves with in-house crews
Expert Movers is the top alternative value mover in Chicago
Expert Movers moving truck
Founded in 2014 by Eduardo Martinez, Expert Movers is another great option if you're looking for an affordable moving company in Chicago. With rates starting as low as $150 per hour, this Chi-Town mover offers the most affordable starting rates of any company on our list, without sacrificing quality. When we spoke with Martinez, he was extremely helpful and happy to answer questions. If customer service is important to you, rest assured that when you call Expert Movers, you will likely speak directly to the owner.
During the off-season (approximately November through March), Expert Movers charges $150 per hour for a three-person crew. After March 25th, the rate increases to roughly $180 per hour, though rates may vary depending on your exact move dates. You will also be charged a flat truck fee for your move, equivalent to your hourly rate. There is also a 2.5-hour labor minimum, which means you can expect to pay a base rate of about $525 during the off-season and $630 during peak season when working with this mover.
The cost includes five free rental wardrobe boxes, and if you need additional packing supplies like standard boxes or packing tape, Expert Movers can provide these at discounted rates. This mover can even deliver your packing supplies for free within a 10-mile radius of Chicago.
Expert Movers also charges a standard $100 deposit, which is fully refundable. If you live in an area with tricky parking, you will be charged a non-refundable $25 parking-pass fee.
Services offered
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Local moves
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Long-distance moves within Illinois
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Packing assistance and supplies
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Junk and garbage removal
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Emergency, senior and student dorm relocation
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Furniture disassembly and reassembly
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Commercial and business moving
Expert Movers holds a solid 4.8-star average rating on Google from about 300 reviews, 4.8 stars on Yelp from about 250 reviews and five stars on Angi from about 15 reviews. This mover is not BBB accredited , but it holds an A+ rating on the platform, with just one customer complaint.
When we spoke with Expert Movers, a team member let us know that the company does not conduct formal background checks on moving crew members. However, most of its movers are long-time employees who have been with the company for many years.
To work with Expert Movers, call 773-360-7602 or request a free estimate online . The company is located at 4415 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, Ill., 60639, and it's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Expert Movers is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays but closed on Sundays.
Customer testimonial:
These movers were recommended by a friend and family member who both had positive experiences. They were great to work with from the start. Clear and prompt communication, they were flexible and prices were reasonable. The estimate they gave me up front was very accurate, with no hidden fees. On the day of the move, I had three great movers (foreman Manuel and helpers Fidel and Darwin). They got right to work, protected my furniture and worked quickly and efficiently. The move involved going up three flights of stairs with heavy wood furniture. It could not have been easy and they maintained great attitudes throughout and placed all the pieces where I needed them. The whole team and company offered me great peace of mind and made a difficult day run smoother than expected. I would absolutely continue to recommend them. - Paula D., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
If getting the best value for your money is a top priority, Expert Movers is a great place to start. With rates as low as $150 per hour, this Chicago mover makes high-quality moving services accessible even when you're moving on a budget. Plus, Expert Movers offers long-distance moving services within Illinois, making it a great choice for all in-state moves.
- Competitive rates
- Discounted rates during the off-season
- Packing included at hourly rate
- Locally owned and operated
- Some packing supplies included in hourly rate
- Deposit requred
- No interstate services
- No formal background checks
You can trust Yahoo Local moving advice, and here's why
At Yahoo, we've spent decades delivering reliable information about local businesses. And our rankings aren't just based on opinions. For each of our business guides, we analyze thousands of reviews from numerous trusted sources and check everything from BBB listings to state and local licensing. We're also transparent about our process so you can see exactly what goes into our custom ranking system, which we believe is the most accurate out there. Best of all, we never take payment from the businesses we feature, so you can trust that our selections are completely independent. Visit our full methodology page to learn more.
Here's an overview of what went into the rankings for Yahoo Local's best moving companies in Chicago:
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43 movers evaluated
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40,136 customer reviews and ratings from five sources
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14 ranking criteria incorporated
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Interviewed or connected with all six featured movers
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Independent price quotes sought from all six featured moving companies
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Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo
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Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly
Chicago Moving FAQs
What info should you have when requesting an estimate?
For an initial moving estimate, be prepared to tell your moving company the following: your home's square footage and bedroom count, your current and future zip codes, whether you have any specialty items like pianos or safes and whether your building has multiple stories. For a binding quote, your mover must also review a full inventory of your belongings. For more help, see our guide to everything you need for an accurate moving quote .
What should you know about packing and storage in Chicago?
As a Midwestern city on the banks of Lake Michigan, Chicago has unpredictable weather that can get extremely cold during the winter. With this in mind, pack and store your belongings using materials that will help protect them from moisture and low temperatures. If you're storing your belongings for an extended time, you may also want to consider climate- or temperature-controlled storage to protect sensitive items like electronics and furniture.
What's different about condo and apartment moving in Chicago?
Chicago is infamous for having many condos and apartments in busy areas, often with narrow streets and difficult parking. As a result, you will likely need to acquire a parking permit from the city to ensure you have a convenient place to load and unload your moving vehicle. You may also need to coordinate with your movers if you live on an upper floor, as you may need to reserve stairs or elevators or pay additional stair fees. Finally, remember that the end of the month is a very busy time for moving companies, so plan ahead to ensure you won't have any issues with the end of your lease.
For more help with this, see our comprehensive moving checklist and moving timeline guide .
Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in Chicago?
Individuals typically do not need permits or licenses to move. However, moving companies operating in Illinois must be licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Illinois movers that offer out-of-state services must also be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To check if your moving company is properly licensed, use the ICC Motor Carrier search tool or the FMCSA mover database search tool .
To learn more, read our complete guide to Illinois moving company licensing and regulations for all the details.
How much should you tip movers in Chicago?
Tipping movers is up to your discretion, but it's customary to tip between 10% and 20%, especially if your crew meets or exceeds expectations. Some movers may prefer cash tips, while other companies allow you to add a tip to your final bill. If you plan on tipping, make sure to ask the company's preferred method before the end of your move, and keep in mind that some larger moving companies may not allow tipping.
For more insight, check out our guide to tipping movers in 2025 .
