Moving in Chicago can feel very overwhelming, but when you work with a trustworthy moving company, it can get a lot easier. Whether you’re switching neighborhoods, moving into a bigger place, or downsizing, having professional help out can save you time and stress, and ultimately, make your move across Chicago so much more pleasant.
⚡ Quick Answer: The best-rated Chicago mover is The Professionals Moving Specialists (5.0 stars, A+ BBB rating). Expect to pay $480-$1,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment move. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for summer moves, or 10-12 weeks ahead for May 1st/October 1st—Chicago’s historically busiest moving days.
Here’s something that might surprise you: According to U-Haul industry data, 70% of all moves happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with the American Moving & Storage Association reporting that nearly 50% of household moves occur during summer months alone. In Chicago specifically, May 1st and October 1st remain the busiest moving days—a tradition dating back to agricultural hiring fairs in pre-industrial Europe that became codified in Chicago leases and persists today, meaning higher prices and limited availability during these peak dates.
How we compiled this list
Zumper is a rental marketplace, not a moving company. We help thousands of renters find apartments across Chicago annually, which means we understand the specific challenges renters face when moving—from navigating high-rise building requirements to timing moves around lease cycles.
Our methodology:
- We analyzed 15,000+ verified reviews across Google, Yelp, and BBB (2023-2025)
- We verified licensing through the Illinois Commerce Commission database
- We compared pricing data from 50+ Chicago moving companies
- We assessed apartment-specific services (COI provision, elevator experience, building access)
- We cross-referenced BBB ratings and complaint histories
All companies listed are independently selected based on publicly available data.
📊 At a glance: Chicago moving companies 2025
[table “” not found /]Key facts:
- Average 1BR cost: $480-$1,000
- Peak season surcharge: +20-30% (May-September)
- Book ahead: 6-8 weeks (10-12 weeks for May 1/Oct 1)
- Most buildings require a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
The 9 best moving companies in Chicago
1. The Professionals Moving Specialists
thepromove.com | 5.0★ Google (5,000+) | 4.5★ Yelp (1,100+) | A+ BBB
The Professionals tops almost every “best Chicago movers” list for good reason. With 20+ years in business and analysis showing 92.5% positive feedback across 1,349 reviews, they’ve built their reputation on reliable, drama-free moves.
Best for: Full-service packing, storage solutions, long-distance moves, emergency moves, and renters needing experienced crews who understand Chicago high-rise COI requirements.
2. Move4U Movers
move4umovers.com | 5.0★ Google (2,200+) | 4.8★ Yelp (270+)
This family-owned company, with over 10 years of experience, excels at transparent pricing with no hidden fees. They provide free Certificate of Insurance—essential for Chicago apartment buildings—and are known for responsive communication and on-time arrivals.
Best for: Renters who want accurate estimates, professional packing services, and local or long-distance moving with complete transparency.
3. ACM Movers
acmmovers.com | 4.9★ Google (580+) | 4.4★ Yelp (70+) | A+ BBB
Serving Evanston and Chicagoland with full ICC licensing, ACM Movers offers same-day and express moving options for last-minute relocations. They’re experienced with Chicago’s complex building policies and parking restrictions.
Best for: Comprehensive packing services, residential and commercial moves, and renters needing quick turnaround.
4. Moovers Chicago
mooverschicago.com | 4.9★ Google (800+) | 4.8★ Yelp (400+)
Moovers delivers highly-rated service with excellent communication—crucial for tricky apartment moves with stairs, narrow hallways, or complex elevator scheduling.
Best for: Chicago apartment moves requiring careful coordination and full-service support.
5. Move-tastic!
move-tastic.com | 5.0★ Google (2,600+) | 4.6★ Yelp (1,000+)
Move-tastic! is known for its friendly crews and environmentally minded approach. They offer reusable packing supplies and flexible storage, which is especially handy if you’re doing a smaller move or just need help with part of it.
Best for: Renters who care about sustainability or don’t need a full-scale move.
6. H2H Movers
h2hmovers.com | 4.9★ Google (3,200+) | 4.3★ Yelp (400+)
House-to-House Movers use flat-rate pricing and include furniture assembly and disassembly at no extra cost. People often mention that their quotes are accurate and that they handle fragile items with care.
Best for: Renters who want to avoid surprise fees and need help moving delicate or complicated pieces.
7. Collins Family Movers
thecollinsmove.com | 4.9★ Google (580+) | 4.6★ Yelp (630+)
This long-standing family business offers personalized quotes, keeps the same crew with you throughout the move, and has flexible scheduling—great for moving within the city.
Best for: Renters who want a local, personal touch and familiar faces handling their move.
8. New City Moving
newcitymovers.com | 4.8★ Google (5,200+) | 4.5★ Yelp (1,300+)
One of Chicago’s largest moving companies, with 92.4% positive feedback across 1,451 analyzed reviews. Their size means better availability for last-minute bookings.
Best for: Last-minute moves, large relocations, or when you need storage and packing services in one place.
9. Bernard Movers
bernardmovers.com | 4.5★ Google (160+) | 4.1★ Yelp (300+)
With 45+ years of helping Chicagoans move, Bernard Movers specializes in piano moving, specialty items, and high-rise moves downtown. Their longtime customers praise their reliability and expertise with Chicago building policies.
Best for: Specialty item moving and renters preferring an established, family-style business.
What does a Chicago move actually cost?
Here’s what you can realistically expect to pay for a local move in Chicago in 2025:
- Studio apartment: $400-$600 (2 movers, 3-4 hours)
- 1-bedroom: $480-$1,000 (2-3 movers, 4-5 hours)
- 2-bedroom: $700-$1,400 (3 movers, 5-6 hours)
- 3-bedroom: $1,200-$2,200 (4 movers, 6-8 hours)
Hourly rates: $100-$150 per hour for a two-person crew, with costs increasing for larger crews.
Additional fees to watch for:
- Stair fees: $50-$150 per floor for walk-ups
- Long carry: $50-$150 (if truck parks 100+ feet from door)
- Travel time: $30-$60 each way from the company facility
- Packing service: $25-$40 per hour per packer (materials separate)
- Elevator wait: $50/hour if delayed
- Parking permits: $25-$50 for downtown
Peak season impact: Moving from May to September costs 20-30% more than off-season rates (November to February).
Pricing data compiled from Clutter, Bernard Movers, MoveBuddy, and MoveAdvisor (2025 verified estimates).
Chicago-specific moving requirements
Certificate of Insurance (COI): Most Chicago apartment buildings require movers to provide a COI. Request it 7-10 days before your move to submit to building management. All companies listed give this.
Elevator reservations: Book 24-48 hours ahead (some buildings require 72 hours). Most allow 2-3 hour blocks. During May 1st or October 1st, elevator slots fill extremely fast.
Parking permits: Downtown moves typically require temporary permits. Apply at least three business days in advance through the City of Chicago.
How to save money on your Chicago move
- Move mid-week and mid-month: Tuesday-Thursday moves cost 10-15% less than weekends. Moving between the 10th and 20th saves 15-20% versus month-end.
- Move off-season: November-February offers 20-30% savings compared to summer.
- Pack yourself: Save $200-$400 by packing your own boxes.
- Declutter: Every 100 pounds eliminated saves approximately $50.
- Compare quotes: Prices vary up to 40% between companies—get at least three written estimates.
- Book early: Last-minute bookings cost 25-40% more.
Tips for choosing your Chicago mover
Book early: Peak season fills fast. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for summer moves, or 10-12 weeks ahead for May 1st/October 1st.
Verify licensing: Check the Illinois Commerce Commission for local moves or the FMCSA database for interstate moves.
Watch for red flags: According to the Better Business Bureau, moving complaints increased 12% in 2023, with average victims losing $836. Avoid companies that: require 50%+ deposit upfront, give estimates without seeing inventory, demand cash-only payment, lack proper licensing, or price by cubic feet (should be weight for long-distance).
Confirm insurance: Basic coverage is typically 60¢ per pound per item. For valuable items, purchase additional full-value protection.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago?
Between $480-$1,000 depending on distance, stairs, and season. A typical 1BR requires 2-3 movers for 4-5 hours at $100-$150/hour, plus $50-$100 travel fees and potential add-ons for stairs ($50-$150) or long carries ($50-$100).
Do Chicago apartment buildings require a Certificate of Insurance?
Yes, most Chicago high-rise buildings require movers to provide a COI before your move. All reputable Chicago moving companies provide this—request it 7-10 days ahead to submit to your building management.
When is the best time to move in Chicago?
For the lowest costs, move from November to February (save 20-30%) on Tuesday-Thursday. Avoid May 1st and October 1st—Chicago’s busiest moving days. If moving in peak season (May-September), book 6-8 weeks ahead and expect 20-30% higher rates.
How far in advance should I book movers in Chicago?
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for peak season (May-September), or 10-12 weeks ahead for May 1st or October 1st moves. Off-season moves (November-February) can be booked 3-4 weeks in advance for better availability.
What are red flags when hiring Chicago movers?
Avoid companies with: no USDOT number (interstate) or Illinois Commerce Commission license (local), requiring a 50%+ deposit upfront, providing estimates without seeing inventory, demanding cash-only payments, pricing by cubic feet instead of weight, or leaving blank sections in contracts.
How much should I tip movers in Chicago?
Tip $20-$40 per mover for local moves, or $40-$80 per mover for long-distance moves. Adjust for service quality, stairs, weather, and difficulty. Cash is preferred.
What is the cheapest moving company in Chicago?
Affordable Chicago movers typically charge $100-$125/hour for a 2-person crew. Companies like Move4U Movers and H2H Movers offer competitive, transparent pricing. However, extremely low quotes (significantly below market rate) are often scam indicators—verify licensing and read reviews carefully.
The bottom line
Moving in Chicago requires planning, but the right professional movers make all the difference. Whether you need budget-friendly efficiency or full-service care, these nine licensed and insured companies have proven track records helping Chicago renters relocate successfully.
Book early, get multiple written quotes, verify licensing through official channels, and ensure your mover can provide a COI and handle your building’s requirements. With proper planning, your move can be smooth and stress-free.
Ready to find your next Chicago apartment? Browse Chicago rentals across the city and start planning your move today. Check out our complete Chicago moving guide for more tips on planning, packing, and staying organized.
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