Top 5 Moving Companies in Chicago, IL in 2026

Whether you're relocating to a different state or simply moving to another Chicago suburb or neighborhood, finding a dependable moving company can make all the difference in your moving experience. With numerous Chicago moving companies to choose from, it can be challenging to find the best option. To help, we have compiled a list of top-rated movers in the Chicago area that stand out for their professionalism, reliability, and commitment.

Cost of Moving in Chicago: Quick Snapshot

Local moves in Chicago can cost anywhere from $200 for a studio apartment to $4,000 for a 5+ bedroom home. A long-distance relocation typically ranges from $2,200 to $13,826, depending on distance and shipment weight. The total price of your move can vary based on season, how far you're moving, and accessibility factors like stairs, elevators, and parking. Explore our Chicago moving costs guide for a full breakdown.

Best Local Moving Companies in Chicago

Finding a reputable local moving company in Chicago starts with checking licensing, comparing pricing, and reviewing past customer experiences. Below, we’ve selected top-performing movers to help you make an informed choice and ensure your move is handled with care.

Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Chicago

Choosing the right long-distance moving company in Chicago starts with verifying USDOT credentials, reviewing insurance policies, and assessing communication practices. Since cross-country relocations require additional logistics and time, our list of highly rated movers below can help make your long-haul transition easier and more organized.

Best Time to Move in Chicago

September through October is typically the best time to move in Chicago, as rental demand tends to cool after the busy summer season. May through August is generally the busiest time for apartment turnover—and the most expensive period for moving. If your schedule is flexible, moving in late fall or winter can help you avoid the summer rush—though cold weather may pose additional challenges, so it's important to plan accordingly. For lower demand and potentially easier scheduling, consider moving mid-month on a weekday rather than on a weekend or at the beginning or end of the month.

Chicago-Specific Moving Requirements

Understanding local moving requirements can help you stay on track and avoid common delays. Here are a few key things to consider before relocating in Chicago:

• Certificate of Insurance (COI) Requirements: Many Chicago apartment buildings require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company before allowing them on the property. Check with your building management for required coverage, additional insured information, and submission deadlines.

• Elevator Reservation Windows: High-rise buildings often require you to use a designated service elevator and reserve a specific time window. Ask management about elevator availability, move-in/move-out hours, and any required deposits or fees before scheduling your move.

• Street Parking Permit Process: If your moving truck needs to occupy public street space, you may need to arrange a temporary parking restriction or permit through the City of Chicago. Confirm the city's current requirements and allow enough time for processing before moving.

• Local Traffic: Chicago traffic can be especially heavy during weekday morning and evening rush hours, and construction, events, and weather can cause additional delays. When possible, schedule your move outside peak traffic periods and allow extra travel time between locations.

Popular Neighborhoods to Move To in Chicago

Whether you're a young professional looking for a vibrant area to call home or a growing family seeking a quieter community, Chicago has a neighborhood to suit every lifestyle. Consider moving to one of these top Chicago neighborhoods:

• Hyde Park: Family-friendly neighborhood with affordable housing, great schools, and cultural landmarks

• Lake View: Artsy spot with easy access to transportation and all kinds of entertainment options—popular with singles and young professionals

• Lincoln Square: Known as a great place to buy a home, with a tight-knit community and tree-lined streets

• Edgewater: One of the best neighborhoods for renters—offering high-rise apartments along the shore, green space, lively restaurants and bars, and more

Packing Supplies in Chicago

Getting the right packing materials before moving day can make the process much smoother. Packing supplies are available for pickup at locations throughout the Chicago metro, so you can easily stock up on the essentials—including sturdy boxes in multiple sizes, packing paper, tape, and moving equipment like a dolly or hand truck. Many Extra Space Storage facilities in the Chicago area offer packing supplies—visit a location near you to find all the essentials in one place!

What If Your Moving Dates Don't Line Up?

It’s completely normal for moving dates not to line up perfectly. A delayed closing, gaps between leases, or a construction setback can leave you without a place for your belongings for a few days—or even weeks. Short-term self storage offers a convenient way to bridge this gap, giving you a place to keep furniture, boxes, and other items until you're ready to move into your new home. The storage unit you'll need depends on how much you're moving. In Chicago, a 5x10 unit averages around $75 per month, while larger 10x10 and 10x15 units cost $128 and $174 per month on average. Check current Chicago storage prices and find a unit near you!

How to Choose a Mover in Chicago

Choosing the right moving company can make a big difference in how smoothly your relocation goes. Before booking movers, it's important to know what questions to ask, what to compare, and which details to verify. To find the right Chicago movers, consider these tips:

• Verify licensing and insurance

• Get an in-home (not phone-only) estimate

• Check review volume and recency

• Confirm binding vs. non-binding pricing

Why Trust Extra Space Storage's Chicago Moving Rankings?

We evaluate Chicago-area moving companies using a scoring system built around reliability, transparency, and customer experience. Here's how we rank movers:

• Licensing & insurance: We confirm active USDOT/state licensing and insurance coverage as a baseline requirement before any company is considered.

• Customer feedback: We analyze verified reviews across platforms like Google and Yelp for consistency in professionalism, punctuality, and care of belongings.

• Local reputation: Years serving the Chicago market and standing with local customers factor into scoring.

• Pricing transparency: We favor movers offering clear, upfront estimates over vague or bait-and-switch pricing.

• Service range: Companies offering broader service options (packing, specialty items, long-distance) score higher for flexibility.

Rankings are updated regularly to reflect new reviews, pricing changes, and company performance.

Chicago Moving FAQs

How can I find a reliable moving company in Chicago?

To hire dependable movers in Chicago, start by researching local moving companies and comparing their services, rates, availability, and customer feedback. Look for transparent pricing, proper licensing and insurance, and positive reviews.

What is the average cost of movers in Chicago?

The cost of professional movers in Chicago generally falls between $200 and $6,103 for local and regional moves, while cross-country relocations can cost anywhere from $2,200 to $13,826. Your total bill can vary depending on the size of your home, season, travel distance, and the specific services you require. For an estimate tailored to your move, use our moving cost calculator.

Do Chicago movers handle long-distance or out-of-state moves?

Many Chicago moving companies can handle long-distance and out-of-state relocations, such as H2H Movers and The Professionals Moving Specialists. Before booking services, confirm that your mover covers your destination, understands interstate requirements, and can accommodate the services you need.

Are short-term storage options available in Chicago if my moving dates don’t line up?

Extra Space Storage locations in Chicago offer short-term storage options for those who need somewhere to keep their belongings between homes. It's a flexible solution if your move-out and move-in dates don't perfectly align.

Reliable Self Storage For Your Chicago Move

Do you need a secure place to store your items while you move? Choose Extra Space Storage as your dependable, affordable self storage partner! We have conveniently located storage facilities in the Chicago metro and across the US. Find a storage unit near you today!

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The moving companies listed on this page are independent third parties. Extra Space Storage does not own or operate these companies and is not responsible for their services, pricing, or conduct. References to these companies do not constitute endorsements or guarantees. Customers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before engaging any mover.