Best Moving Companies in Illinois 2024

We compared 25 companies and chose the top movers

    • AmeriSafe Moving Services
      3.9(552)
    • United Regions Van Lines
      4.2(694)

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    AmeriSafe Moving Services logo
    United Regions Van Lines logo
    See our top picks

    Quick and easy. Get matched with a Moving partner.

      Author pictureAuthor picture
      Author picture
      By:
      Author picture
      Edited by:

      Best Moving Companies in Illinois 2024

      If you live in Illinois and are planning a relocation, you might be considering hiring a moving company. To help, we’ve compared top movers on ratings and reviews, price, additional services, discounts, availability and several other factors to choose our top picks for Illinois.

      Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

      Our editor’s top picks

      1. Customer service: AmeriSafe Moving Services
      2. Affordable moves: United Regions Van Lines
      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,536,144 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Compare moving companies in Illinois

      Quick and easy. Get matched with a Moving partner.

      Our top 2 picks for moving companies in Illinois

      A moving company can ease the stress, time and energy spent on a move. Our research team has analyzed 80 moving companies to help you find the best option. By comparing customer ratings and reviews, additional services, storage options, price and other factors, our team chose two companies that offer the best value for your money.

      Highlight
      Fine art and piano shipping
      Types of moves
      Residential, commercial, senior
      Discounts available
      None specified

      AmeriSafe Moving Services is a broker that provides moves to and from Illinois. It offers binding not-to-exceed quotes, so you'll pay less than the original quoted price if your belongings weigh less than anticipated.

      Highlights

      • Broker vs. carrier: Broker
      • Packing services: Packing services
      • Storage options: Long- and short-term storage options

      AmeriSafe Moving Services customers on ConsumerAffairs praise the professionalism, efficiency and care exhibited by the movers. They also appreciate the transparent pricing and the fact that there were no hidden fees.

      Joanne from Chicago said about her experience: “AmeriSafe Moving Services. Provided the BEST MOVING SERVICE we've ever had... ** The owner and his staff handled the wrapping and the handling of all my Furnitures in very careful with all of our FRAGILE box. Thank you Dear Mr. ** for all the help and cooperation you and your staff provided us with our move. A Million Thanks and may God Bless you, your family and your staff.”

      ORI from Skokie was happy with the subcontracted movers: “Move was done right, we received our furniture within days, no damages, price was not the cheapest on the market but it was worth it, thank you amerisafe.”

      A few customers mention delayed arrival, a lack of punctuality and miscommunication issues with AmeriSafe Moving Services.

      Beth of Chicago said about the second set of movers she worked with: “They ghosted us. Plain disappeared. The driver was in contact with my husband confirming the move in time, then stopped responding. THEY NEVER SHOWED UP! Finally they showed up. A day later. To early to move in d/t HOA rules. They were made aware of move in times, multiple times.”

      Highlight
      Military and senior moving packages
      Types of moves
      Commercial, residential, military, senior
      Discounts available
      Seasonal

      United Regions Van Lines is a carrier that provides moves to and from Illinois. It offers commercial, residential, military and senior moves and packing for large items, furniture and fragile items, as well as do-it-yourself packing boxes.

      Highlights

      • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier
      • Type(s) of quotes: Binding
      • Storage options: Climate-controlled; secured with cameras/guards 24/7

      Based on reviews on ConsumerAffairs, United Regions Van Lines is known for its exceptional service, professionalism and movers who handle delicate items with care.

      Tores of Chicago has hired the company several times: “I've booked URVL three times over the past decade, and their consistency is remarkable. Same dedicated service rep every time, and the care they take in protecting both the departure and arrival locations sets them apart. While their quotes may lean on the higher side, the quality matches the price.”

      Tores went on to say: “The crew is always professional and works seamlessly together, showing signs of thorough training. Everything always arrives on time and in great condition, with only the rarest minor wear. URVL makes the investment worth it.”

      Some reviewers mention poor customer service and ultimately being overcharged. Chris of Crystal Lake had a bad experience: “Unfortunately, my experience with this company has been a mess from the minute I hung up the phone and agreed to a quote for my move across the country. My quote tripled and my move team did not show up when expected and now cannot get me whole life of household goods delivered to my house.”

      How to choose a moving company in Illinois

      Moving can be stressful, but choosing the right moving company in Illinois can make a big difference. Here's a simplified guide to help you find the best fit:

      1. Assess your needs: Decide what you'll take and leave behind. Determine how much help you need from the movers based on your budget and time constraints.
      2. Start researching: Ask for recommendations from people you know and check online reviews.
      3. Get detailed quotes: Get in-home surveys from at least three companies for accurate cost estimates.
      4. Check licensing and insurance: Verify the company's credentials and insurance.
      5. Compare quotes and make a decision: Thoroughly compare quotes, considering factors beyond the lowest price.

      Cost to move in Illinois

      How much you pay for your move depends on whether you move yourself or hire movers, the move distance, how much you’re moving and any additional services (like packing or storage) you choose.

      Local movers typically charge by the hour, with a team of two movers costing $80 to $100 per hour as of publishing. Long-distance movers typically charge a flat fee, which may range anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000. Packing and unpacking services will cost you more. Tipping movers is optional but customary (10% to 20% of the total cost).

      Estimates for moving services from Chicago (60601)

      The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

      Tips for a successful move in Illinois

      There are ways to ease the stress of a move and simplify the process — it just takes some planning.

      1. Get an idea of the scope of the move

      Think about how much time, energy and money the move will require. Evaluate your time frame, the number of items you need moved and your budget. Set aside extra funds for unexpected costs.

      » SMART MOVE: How to make a moving budget

      2. Declutter in advance

      Reduce the weight and volume of your belongings to save on moving costs. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need. Your city or town may have local or national charities that offer donation pickup, including for larger furniture items.

      3. Start packing early

      Begin packing items from less frequently used areas or seasonal items first. As you get closer to your move-out date, aim to pack one room per day and label boxes clearly.

      » MORE: How to pack for a move

      4. Make sure your essentials are easily accessible

      Pack a box or bag for each person in your household containing essentials for moving day and the following day. Include a change of clothes, toiletries and any necessary medications — you don’t want to be without these during the move, especially if you’re driving a long distance.

      5. Know how to contact your mover

      Have a reliable contact for the moving company so you can communicate logistics, ask questions and track your move. Some companies offer tracking via an app; find out ahead of time so you can download it and be ready for moving day.

      » MORE DETAILS: Moving checklist

      FAQ

      How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?

      Moving truck rental costs can range from under $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the truck, the distance you need to drive and the amount of time it takes. If you’re moving locally, you might spend around $20 a day plus mileage fees.

      How much should I budget for moving boxes and other supplies?

      If you were to buy brand-new moving boxes for a larger home, you might find yourself spending quite a bit of money. The good news: You can save by reusing old boxes or collecting them from friends and family. Costs for other moving supplies, like packing paper and cushioning material, are usually minimal but can add up — you might budget up to $100 for these materials.

      How much does it cost to ship a car?

      Depending on the exact mileage and other factors, it can cost between $500 and $1,700 to ship a car long-distance.

      Does Illinois have a high cost of living?

      According to our analysis, based on housing, food, utility and auto insurance costs, Illinois has a relatively low cost of living.

      Methodology

      ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when selecting our top picks.

      To choose the top moving companies in Illinois, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Illinois. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
      • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
      • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for 20% or less down versus those with higher deposit requirements.
      • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
      • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Moving Companies in Illinois delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

        Read Illinois moving company reviews

        Sort
        • Best Rated
        • Most Reviewed
        • Highest Rated

        Want your company to be on this guide?

        Yes, continue
        Comparing

        ×