Best 5 Movers in Chicago, IL

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Chicago

You should consider a few important factors when choosing a mover. Here are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Chicago.

Determine Your Budget

Local movers in Chicago charge an average hourly rate of $69. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,619 in total. Your move distance, home size, move date, and any additional services you need will determine your actual cost.

We advise obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on social media, Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot will show you which movers have positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Chicago must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Illinois, your mover must have a Household Goods License from the Illinois Commerce Commission.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether the mover provides the services you need when requesting quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes and write down any essential or additional services you may need. Additionally, inform your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to evaluate the company's ability to deliver adequate service.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will provide these moving services in the base price for standard moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Tell your moving company about any other services you need during the quote process. Additional fees may apply for these services:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Chicago, IL

Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in Chicago.

Schedule an Early Move

Chicago sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Try to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the busiest moving season and Chicago's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you begin your search for a mover too late. The high demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to lock in your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time daily to prevent needing to pack at the last minute.

How Much do Movers Cost in Chicago, IL

Movers in Chicago cost $2,771 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,799 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.