Native Van Lines
- Affordable prices
- 24/7 customer service
New City Moving
- Free estimates
- 70 trucks + 200 employees
Two Men and a Truck
- Fleet of over 3,000 trucks
- Serves the entire USA
So you’re moving to the Windy City. A gorgeous city with tons of things to do and places to see, but also very harsh winters and horrible traffic which can make moving challenging (depending, of course, on the time of year).
Lucky for you, we have done extensive research and used our first-hand experience with many of the moving companies in Chicago to come up with a list of the top 5 best Chicago movers.
We are committed to ensuring that you have a stress-free and even enjoyable move and finding the right movers is the first step.
We’ve carefully evaluated the following factors when selecting the top moving companies:
- Professionalism
- Reputation
- Equipment
- Customer reviews
- Affordability and other parameters
The results are below – read on!
In this article
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Movers in Chicago?
On average, it can cost anywhere from $400 to $6000 or more to hire movers in Chicago for a local move, depending on the size of your home and the number of items being moved.
We understand that price is one of the most important factors in choosing a moving company, but sometimes it might be worth paying a bit more to get better and more reliable service.
Some movers charge per hour and others will offer a flat fee.
The chart below will give you an idea of how much your move will cost:
| Home Size | No. of Movers | # Hours | Ave Cost / Hr | Average Price |
| Studio | 2 movers | 2 – 4 hours | $95/hr | $400 – $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 3 – 6 hours | $100/hr | $600 – $1000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 movers | 4 – 8 hours | $145/hr | $850 – $2100 |
| 3 Bedroom | 4 movers | 6 – 12 hours | $165/hr | $1400 – $3600 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4 movers | 8 – 14 hours | $195/hr | $1,700 – $5000 |
| 5 Bedroom+ | 5 movers | 10 – 16 hours | $235/hr | $2400 – $6000 |
To get a better understanding of the cost of moving, check out those articles:
What to Look for in a Moving Company in Chicago
Although we stand behind our research and know that the movers we suggest are of the highest quality, it’s never a bad idea to supplement with your own research as well. If you do seek out other options, here are a few things to keep in mind when scoping out movers in Chicago:
- Estimates – Find out exactly what an estimate includes and whether it’s binding or could change on the day of the move.
- Company Info – This may sound weird, but check and see whether the moving company you are looking at does business under any other name. If it does, then make sure you check the reviews and licensing information for all of the names listed. There are unfortunately many disreputable moving companies that operate under a number of names in order to hide bad reviews.
- Deposit – Be wary of a moving company that wants you to provide a large up-front deposit. Many companies will ask for something, but the vast majority of payment should only be made at the end of the move when all of your belongings have arrived safely.
- Reviews – The best way to assess a moving company is to see what other people say about it. Check Yelp, Google, and Facebook as good places to start reading reviews that other customers have left.
- Packing – Some movers offer packing services and others don’t. One thing you’ll want to check is whether their insurance covers damage to items that you packed yourself.
Compare Moving Companies in Chicago
| Company | 
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| Rating | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.7 4.7/5 | 4.6 4.6/5 | 4.5 4.5/5 |
| Avarage Price (2-3 Bed) | $3210- $7320 | $3300- $7900 | $2950 - $6650 | $3050 - $6820 | $2900- $8250 |
| Superlative | Best For Long Distance | Best Customer Service | Most Efficient | Most Experienced Movers | Best Premium Services |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
Top 5 Best Moving Companies in Chicago
Based on our extensive research process, the following are the top 5 most trustworthy and efficient Chicago movers that we recommend:
Native Van Lines is one of the leading moving companies in the country. It’s been operating for over 20 years and has agents in 500 different locations serving more than 250,000 customers.
The company partners with local movers in Chicago (and other locations) and acts as a broker, connecting customers to the movers that will best suit their needs. This saves Native Van Lines from maintaining their own fleet of trucks, and instead they rely on their partners.
Pros
- Hundreds of positive customer reviews
- Free storage up to 30 days
- Large network of long-distance and local movers
- Great customer service
Cons
- No online quotes
- Limited services in some locations
Why we recommend Native Van Lines
You can use Native Van Lines to get you quotes from the many moving companies in Chicago that they work with. They will take into consideration all of your needs and match you with the company that can give you the best service for the best price.
Of course, as you are a customer of Native Van Lines, they will handle any issues that may come up and they are committed to providing the best customer service.
New City was founded in 2009 by a Chicagoan who was tired of the long waits and poor customer service he had experienced with other cross country moving companies he had used in the past.
He set out with a goal of becoming the moving company with the best service that the Chicagoland area had ever seen.
Now, the company has 70 trucks and over 200 professional staff. New City Moving is one of the highest-rated long-distance moving companies in Chicago with over 4.5 stars on multiple rating sites including Yelp and Google.
Pros
- Experienced movers
- Great customer reviews
- Fast online quotes
- Multiple insurance coverage options
Cons
- Long-distance moves only available from midwestern states
Why we recommend New City Moving
Reputation and customer service go a long way in the moving industry, and New City Moving is a winner in both categories.
With over 70,000 long-distance moves completed, New City Moving is one of the most experienced long-distance movers in Chicago, and their long list of satisfied customers is a testament to that.
We especially like the fact that the company offers multiple insurance coverage options to protect your belongings during the move.
Recognized as one of the country’s largest franchise companies with over 3,000 trucks serving the entire USA, Two Men and a Truck is one of Chicago’s most popular long-distance moving companies.
For over 35 years, the company has completed long-haul moves for residential and commercial clients using a team of professional full-time movers. Services include full-service long-distance moves, packing and unpacking, storage options and junk removal.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Cleaning and junk removal before or after moving day
- Highly experienced movers
- Great customer service
Cons
- Advanced booking necessary
- Basic insurance may not cover full value of belongings
Why we recommend Two Men and a Truck
One of Chicago’s most budget-friendly moving companies, Two Men and a Truck is a go-to choice especially for long-haul moves.
We appreciate that the company offers expedited moving services for those who need to relocate quickly, as well as basic cleaning and junk removal services before or after your move.
With an excellent track record, a long list of satisfied customers, and a highly-rated team, we are confident in our decision to include Two Men and a Truck on the list of the best moving companies in Chicago.
Founded in 2010, these Chicago-based movers offer a range of moving services that include packing, loading and unloading.
They also specialize in disassembly and reassembly and placement of furniture. Coffey Bros. Moving takes on long-haul relocations of any size and scope.
Pros
- Furniture placement services
- Free delivery of packing supplies with minimum order of $100
- Variety of moving truck sizes to match needs
- Free estimates 7 days a week
Cons
- Limited storage options
- Some customer reviews mention a longer moving process than quoted
Why we recommend Coffey Bros. Moving
What we like most about Coffey Bros. Moving is their commitment to customer satisfaction and dedication to providing a stress-free moving experience.
These Chicago movers offer a wide range of services designed to save you time and money, including a nice perk of free delivery of packing supplies with a minimum $100 order.
Coffey Bros. offers free estimates 7 days a week, so you can get a sense of the cost of your move whenever it is convenient for you.
H2H movers is another of Chicago’s most trusted moving companies. The company serves Chicago and seven surrounding counties (with plans to increase the service area) and offers both residential and commercial moving services.
With a strong focus on customer service, H2H will manage the entire move from start to finish including packing and unpacking, taking apart and reassembling furniture, loading and unloading, and ensuring that furniture is placed in the right spots.
Pros
- Variety of moving services
- Furniture placement
- Skillful movers
Cons
- Long-distance moves only
- No instant quotes
Why we recommend H2H Movers Chicago
You deserve the best movers for your move to Chicago and H2H Movers have proven again and again that they are one of the best.
Their years of providing long-distance moves for commercial and residential customers has ensured that their well-trained and skilled movers have become especially good at their craft.
We are particularly impressed by the variety of services that H2H provides at a high-level, not leaving until each piece of furniture is placed exactly how and where you want it.
What Factors Contribute to Moving Costs in Chicago?
The price of your move is highly dependent on the amount of effort that the movers will need to expend. For example, if you are moving to or from a multi-level home, you might be charged more than if the move only involves single-floor homes.
You might also need to pay a stair fee if there are flights of stairs that the movers have to haul items up and down. Some Chicago neighborhoods like Lake Forest, Oak Brook, Glencoe and others have especially large homes that might require additional payments.
It’s important that you ask the movers about any and all fees when you book your move.
If you are planning a move to Chicago, it’s important to understand the various factors that can impact the cost of your move.
Here are some things to consider:
- Distance of the move: The further you are moving, the more it will cost to transport your belongings.
- Size of the move: The more items you have to move, the more it will cost. This includes the weight of the items, as heavy items such as appliances and furniture will cost more to move than lighter items.
- Services needed: Do you need help packing and unpacking your belongings? This can add to the cost of the move.
- Time of year: Moving companies may charge higher rates during peak moving season, which is typically the summer months.
- Mode of transportation: The cost of the move will depend on whether you are using a moving truck, moving container, or hiring a full-service moving company.
- Additional fees: There may be additional fees for things like stairs, long carries, and waiting time.
- Packing materials: The cost of boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials can add to the overall cost of the move.
- Insurance: Some moving companies offer insurance to cover damages to your belongings during the move. This can be an additional cost.
- Storage: If you need to store your belongings temporarily before or after the move, this can add to the overall cost.
- Specialty items: If you have items that require special handling, such as a piano or a piece of artwork, this can increase the cost of the move.
- Labor: If you are hiring a full-service moving company, the cost of labor for the movers will be included in the price.
- Fuel: The cost of fuel for the moving truck or container can also contribute to the overall cost of the move.
It’s important to consider all of these factors when budgeting for your move and to get quotes from multiple moving companies to ensure that you are getting the best deal.
Moving to a new home can be a significant investment, but with proper planning and research, you can make the process as smooth and affordable as possible
Things to Remember Before You Move
Once you’ve hired the movers, you can relax a bit, but don’t forget there is still a lot to do to keep your move stress-free.
Here’s a checklist of a few of the most important things to remember to take care of:
- Cancel services like water, electricity and other utilities
- Forward mail
- Change address with banks, credit cards, insurance companies, etc.
- Declutter and sell, donate or trash items that you don’t want to take with you
FAQs – A few quick ones to cover bases
How much does it cost to hire moving companies in Chicago?
Movers in Chicago can cost anywhere from $2,200 for a basic long-distance move to over $8,000 for a full-service long-haul move. The final cost will depend on a number of factors including the size of your home, the distance of your move, the amount of furniture and belongings you have, and whether you also require additional services like packing or unpacking.
Where can I buy moving boxes?
You’ll definitely want to stock up on plenty of moving boxes to get ready for your move. You can check and see whether your movers provide them (most likely for a fee) or you can usually purchase them at stores like Home Depot or other stores that have mailing and moving supplies. It’s also worth checking supermarkets and other retailers to see if they have empty boxes they will give away for free.
You can find more info in this article: Where to Buy Moving Boxes Online?
Do I pay movers before the move or after?
Never pay the full amount until the move is complete. You want to make sure all of your furniture and belongings are safely in your new home with no damage. Some movers will ask for a deposit, which is reasonable as long as it is not the majority of the cost.
How much does an average local move in Chicago cost?
Assuming an hourly rate and approximately a 2-6 hour average time to move, you can expect to spend about $336 on a local move to a studio apartment. The price goes up to $423 for a small one-bedroom and continues to increase from there, up to around $1200 for a four-bedroom home.
How far in advance should I hire movers in Chicago?
The earlier you know about your move and can plan in advance, the better. Most movers will need at least a two-week lead time, but there are some movers that can even accommodate same-day moves when necessary. You’re likely to get a better price the more in advance you book.
Time to Make your Move
We’ve given you all the information you need. Now it’s time for you to make your move (pun-intended!) and choose the moving company that sounds best to you.
Remember that the price will be dependent on the size of your move, distance and your budget. But with our list of the best movers in Chicago, you can rest assured that your move will be easy and friction-free.
