Choosing the Right Local Illinois Movers—What You Need to Know
Why Vetting Your Local Illinois Movers is Critical for Your Move
When searching for trustworthy movers in Illinois, you need to know if the company you’re considering can handle your precious belongings safely and professionally. Here’s what you should know:
Key Vetting Steps:
- Verify Credentials: Check for a valid business license, insurance, and a physical address.
- Review Services: Ensure they offer the specific services you need, from packing to specialty item transport.
- Check Reputation: Look for positive customer reviews and a good rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Get Written Quotes: Obtain detailed, in-writing estimates from multiple companies to compare costs and services.
- Confirm Communication: A reliable mover will maintain clear and constant communication throughout the process.
Moving is already stressful enough without wondering if your chosen company will show up on time, handle your items with care, or surprise you with hidden fees. As one satisfied customer put it: “Moving is stressful—let professional movers lighten the load.”
The challenge is simple: How do you separate legitimate local movers from fly-by-night operations?
With dozens of moving companies claiming to be the “best” in your area, it’s crucial to dig deeper than flashy websites and bold promises. You need to verify credentials, understand what services you’re actually getting, and know what those awards and ratings really mean.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers, with nearly 30 years of experience in the moving industry helping families evaluate moving companies. Having overseen thousands of relocations across 45 states, I understand exactly what makes a mover trustworthy and reliable.
Useful vocabulary for exploring your options:
First, Why Choosing a Truly Local Moving Company Matters
When you’re researching movers in Illinois, you’re actually looking at something pretty special in today’s moving industry. While many companies claim to be “local,” the most reliable ones have genuine roots in the communities they serve—like the greater Chicago area and surrounding suburbs.
There’s something reassuring about knowing your movers aren’t just passing through town. They live and work in your area, which means they understand your neighborhood’s quirks and care about their reputation in the community.
Identifying a Reputable Local Mover
A real local moving company should pass what I call the “drive-by test” — you should be able to visit their actual office if you wanted to. A reputable mover will have a verifiable physical address, not just a P.O. box or a generic website with no location listed.
But there’s more to verification than just an address. Checking business licenses is crucial, along with confirming their contact information actually works when you call. Their website should provide clear details about services, and you should be able to find evidence of their local office presence beyond just a mailing address.
A company’s emphasis on community reputation shows in their promise of “constant communication with customers until the job is done.” That’s not corporate speak—it’s what local businesses do when they know their reputation travels fast in a small community.
Why a Local Focus Matters
Here’s where truly local companies really shine compared to national chains that might subcontract your move to whoever’s available.
- Community knowledge makes a huge difference on moving day. Local movers know which streets have tight turns, which apartment buildings have tricky elevators, and how to steer your area’s parking restrictions. They’ve probably moved someone on your street before.
- Faster scheduling becomes possible when a company isn’t juggling moves across multiple states. Need to reschedule because of a closing delay? Local companies can often accommodate changes that would be impossible for larger operations.
- The accountability factor is real. When your neighbors might use the same moving company, word travels fast about both great service and poor experiences.
- In-person estimates are another advantage. Instead of trying to guess your needs over the phone, local companies can easily visit your home to see exactly what needs to be moved, leading to more accurate quotes and fewer surprises on moving day.
What to Expect: A Breakdown of Professional Moving Services
When you’re evaluating a professional mover, it’s important to understand exactly what services they offer and how comprehensive their capabilities really are. Not all moving companies provide the same level of service, and knowing what’s included can save you from unpleasant surprises on moving day.
Core Residential and Household Moving
A quality mover handles the full spectrum of residential moves, from cozy studio apartments to sprawling family homes. Their team takes care of the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively—so you don’t have to worry about throwing out your back or scratching your hardwood floors.
The company should provide complete furniture disassembly and reassembly, which is a huge relief when you’re dealing with that massive bedroom set that barely fit through the door the first time. They’ll also handle the professional packing of your belongings if you prefer to leave it to the experts.
What really catches your attention is their ability to handle specialty items that make many homeowners nervous. We’re talking about grandfather clocks that have been in the family for generations, bulky dressers, pianos that need extra care and expertise, and fitness equipment that’s both heavy and awkward to move.
A low damage claim rate is a sign of excellence—it suggests they’re not just moving your stuff, but actually protecting it throughout the process. This kind of track record doesn’t happen by accident; it requires proper training, quality equipment, and careful attention to detail.
Commercial and Office Relocation
Business moves are a completely different animal than residential relocations, and a good mover understands the distinction. When you’re moving an office, every hour of downtime can cost money, and there’s usually sensitive equipment and important documents that need special handling.
The company should provide professional coordination to work around your business schedule and minimize operational disruption. They understand that you can’t just shut down for a week while the move happens—everything needs to be planned and executed efficiently.
Specialized and A La Carte Options
Some movers set themselves apart by offering more than just basic transportation. For example, some provide internal moves. Think about it: you’re getting new floors installed and need to move all your furniture out of the living room temporarily. Or you’re redecorating and want to rearrange heavy pieces between rooms. Professional help prevents injury and damage.
Beyond internal moves, look for packing and unpacking services for people who either don’t have time or simply prefer to let professionals handle their belongings. Their labor-only help is perfect for DIY movers who rented their own truck but need assistance with the heavy lifting.
They might also help with loading PODS containers or unloading rental trucks—services that bridge the gap between full-service moves and complete DIY efforts. This flexibility shows they understand that every move is different, and sometimes you need just the right amount of professional help rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Gauging Quality: What Do Ratings and Awards Really Mean?
When evaluating any moving company, you’ll notice many proudly display impressive credentials. But here’s the thing—in the moving industry, not all awards and ratings tell the same story. Let’s dig into what these actually mean for your move.
Understanding Key Performance Metrics
An eye-catching claim you might see is a 0% damage claim rate. In nearly 30 years of experience, I can tell you this is exceptional performance. Most established movers see damage rates between 2-5%, so a rate of zero percent is genuinely remarkable and worth verifying.
What makes a statistic like this more credible is an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike company-reported metrics, BBB ratings are independently verified based on complaint resolution, business transparency, and customer satisfaction. You can check any mover’s profile directly on the BBB website to see their complaint history and how they handle problems.
An emphasis on constant communication with customers addresses one of the biggest frustrations people have with moving companies—being left in the dark about timing, delays, or changes. This commitment to keeping customers informed throughout the process often correlates with higher satisfaction ratings.
Five-star customer reviews across multiple platforms suggest consistent performance, but remember to read the actual reviews, not just the star count. Look for specific details about punctuality, care with belongings, and problem resolution.
Awards and Affiliations
Some movers may have earned a “Best of the BEST” award or similar accolades. While the specific organization granting an award is important, multi-year consistency suggests ongoing quality rather than a one-time achievement.
Affiliations with platforms like HomeAdvisor and MovingLabor.com indicate they’ve passed the screening requirements these platforms require. This typically includes background checks on employees, insurance verification, and maintaining acceptable customer review scores.
What’s particularly telling is their track record over time. Awards can be purchased or manipulated, but maintaining good standing with multiple review platforms and the BBB for several years requires genuine customer satisfaction.
The bottom line? These credentials suggest a mover takes its reputation seriously. However, the real test is whether they can deliver on moving day. Awards and ratings provide useful guidance, but they’re just one piece of your evaluation puzzle. For additional tips, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s moving checklist is an excellent resource.
The Bottom Line: Getting a Quote and Booking Your Move
Now that you’ve evaluated a mover’s credentials and services, it’s time to get down to brass tacks: what will your move actually cost, and how do you book their services?
The good news is that reputable companies offer free quotes, which should be your starting point. But here’s what many people don’t realize—the accuracy of your quote depends heavily on the information you provide upfront.
How to Get an Accurate Moving Estimate
Getting a realistic estimate requires more than just saying “I need to move.” Most companies offer both online quote forms and phone consultations, but the quality of your estimate depends on providing detailed information about your specific situation.
Be prepared to share key details: the number of bedrooms in your current home, number of floors you’re moving from and to, and any special items that need extra care. That antique armoire or your grandmother’s china cabinet aren’t just furniture—they’re items that require additional time and specialized handling.
Don’t forget about access challenges either. Are there narrow staircases, tight doorways, or a long walk from the truck to your front door? These details matter more than you might think. A third-floor apartment with no elevator is a very different job than a ranch house with a circular driveway.
For complex moves or homes with valuable items, pushing for an in-home estimate often provides the most accurate pricing. Phone quotes can miss important details that could affect your final cost.
What to Look For in a Moving Contract
Reputable movers emphasize simple pricing and no hidden fees, which sounds great—but you still need to read the fine print. A good moving contract should spell out exactly what you’re getting for your money.
Look for detailed service descriptions that explain what’s included in your package. Will they disassemble your bed frame? Is furniture padding included? What about stairs—do they charge extra for each flight?
Insurance coverage is another crucial detail. Even if a mover has an impressive damage record, accidents can still happen. Make sure you understand what protection you have and what it covers.
The contract should also include clear pickup and delivery timeframes. “Sometime Tuesday” isn’t good enough when you’re coordinating time off work or scheduling utility connections.
Cancellation policies matter too, especially if your closing date changes or other moving pieces fall through. Life happens, and you want to know your options if plans change.
At Bernard Movers, we believe transparency builds trust. Our contracts specify exactly what services are included, our insurance coverage details, and our policies for handling any issues that might arise. This level of clarity should be standard across the industry.
If you’re comparing multiple options and want to see how our approach differs, contact us for a detailed quote that leaves no questions unanswered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Local Moving Companies
What makes a moving company a “local” mover?
When people search for movers in Illinois, they’re looking for teams who understand their specific area. A local moving company typically handles relocations within a certain distance—usually under 50 to 100 miles—and stays within state boundaries.
A truly local mover focuses on a specific service area, allowing them to develop deep knowledge of local neighborhoods, building restrictions, and traffic patterns that can make or break your moving day in the Chicago area.
Local moves are generally priced by the hour rather than by weight or distance, which often makes budgeting easier. You’re not dealing with complex interstate regulations or long-distance logistics—everything stays simple and straightforward.
The real advantage of choosing a truly local company is the personal touch. Local movers depend on their community reputation, so they have strong incentives to treat you well. They can also respond faster to last-minute requests and provide more flexible scheduling than national chains juggling moves across multiple states.
What are “internal moves” and why would I need one?
This is a special service that some full-service moving companies provide. It might sound unusual, but it solves a common problem many homeowners face.
An internal move means professional movers come to rearrange heavy furniture and items within your current home. No trucks, no packing boxes—just skilled workers helping you reconfigure your living space safely.
You might need internal moves when you’re getting new floors installed and need all your furniture moved to one room temporarily. Or maybe you’re redecorating and want to completely change your room layout without throwing out your back moving that massive sectional sofa.
Internal moves are also perfect for moving items between floors in your home, seasonal furniture rotation, or staging your home for sale. Instead of recruiting friends and family (and risking relationships along with your back), you get professional help at an hourly rate.
This service saves you from the physical strain and potential damage that comes with DIY furniture moving. Professional movers have the right equipment and techniques to protect your floors, walls, and furniture during the process.
How should I prepare for moving day?
Whether you’re working with Bernard Movers or any professional moving company, proper preparation makes the difference between a smooth experience and a stressful disaster.
The most important step is having everything packed and ready before the movers arrive. This means all boxes should be sealed and clearly labeled with their destination rooms. The clearer your labels, the faster movers can work and the less you’ll pay in hourly charges.
Clear pathways throughout your home so movers can work efficiently. Remove any obstacles, secure loose rugs, and make sure hallways and doorways are accessible. If you have pets or small children, arrange for them to be elsewhere during the move—it’s safer for everyone involved.
Communicate any special instructions to the crew leader when they arrive. Point out fragile items, explain any tricky furniture pieces, and mention any access challenges they should know about. Professional movers appreciate this information upfront rather than finding surprises mid-move.
Many professional movers offer packing services. This can be especially helpful for fragile items or when you’re short on time. However, having everything ready yourself ensures the most efficient use of your moving budget.
Prepare an inventory of valuable items and take photos of expensive furniture before the move. While reputable movers often boast excellent damage records, documentation provides peace of mind and protection for your belongings.
Conclusion: Making a Confident Moving Choice
Choosing the right moving company doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. After walking through this comprehensive evaluation, you now have the tools to make an informed decision that protects both your belongings and your peace of mind.
By focusing on the key hallmarks of a trustworthy local company—verifiable credentials, transparent communication, comprehensive services, and a strong community reputation—you can confidently select a mover. The goal is to find a partner who understands what families need beyond basic transportation.
Of course, no evaluation is complete without your own due diligence. Verify insurance coverage details before signing any contract. Get written estimates from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting fair pricing. Most importantly, check recent customer reviews on several platforms to see what real customers are saying about their experiences.
The best moving company is the one that fits your specific needs, timeline, and budget. Whether you’re planning a simple apartment move or need help with loading PODS containers, the key is finding a company that communicates clearly and stands behind its work.
At Bernard Movers, we’ve spent nearly 30 years helping families steer these important decisions. We understand that moving represents a fresh start, and choosing the right partner makes all the difference. With our current 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025, we’re committed to providing exceptional value alongside our decades of experience.
By following this guide, you can confidently vet any moving company and ensure your precious cargo is in good hands. For more information about our comprehensive services, visit our affordable moving—local and long-distance services page to see how we can make your next move your best one.