Why Full Service Moving Is the Complete Solution for Your Chicago Relocation
Full service moving is a comprehensive solution where professionals handle every aspect of your relocation—from packing and loading to transport, unloading, and even unpacking. Unlike labor-only or DIY moves, full-service movers take complete responsibility for your move from start to finish.
What’s Typically Included:
- Packing services with professional-grade supplies
- Loading and unloading by trained, background-checked crews
- Secure transportation with qualified drivers and proper equipment
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Unpacking services at your new location
- Optional add-ons like storage, debris removal, and specialty item handling
For families relocating from Chicago, this means you can focus on your new life while professionals handle the logistics. A dedicated move coordinator acts as your single point of contact, eliminating stress and streamlining communication.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years of industry leadership, I’ve guided thousands of families and businesses through full service moving solutions across 45 states, specializing in long-distance relocations from the Chicagoland area. Our company, founded in Chicago in 1972, is now a trusted partner for stress-free moves, whether you’re moving locally in Melrose Park or across the country to Florida.
What is Included in a Full Service Moving Package?
When you choose full service moving, you’re choosing peace of mind. Instead of spending weeks stressed about logistics, you get to focus on the exciting parts of your move. A full-service package means we handle it all, from the moment we arrive at your current home to the moment we place the last box in your new one.
The Core Components: From Your Old Door to Your New Floor
Let’s walk through what a full-service move looks like. Our team arrives with all necessary professional-grade supplies. Through our Packing and Unpacking Services, trained professionals carefully wrap and pack all your belongings, from dishes to furniture. We use sturdy boxes, protective pads, and bubble wrap to ensure everything is secure.
Before loading, we protect your home with pads and carpet covers. Then, everything is systematically loaded onto our trucks to minimize shifting during transport. Each box is labeled and inventoried by room, which simplifies the unpacking process.
Our qualified drivers ensure secure transportation to your destination. Upon arrival, our team unloads and places items in their designated rooms per your direction. We also reassemble furniture we took apart, like beds and tables, so your new home is functional from day one.
Customizing Your Full Service Moving Experience
No two moves are alike, which is why we offer customizable options. You can select a la carte options to match your specific needs and budget, such as having us pack only the kitchen or handle just your specialty items.
If your closing dates don’t align, you’re downsizing, or you simply need extra time before settling in, we offer both short-term and long-term storage solutions. Our secure, climate-controlled facilities are designed to protect your valuables from extreme temperatures and humidity, which is crucial for preserving wooden furniture, electronics, artwork, and important documents. Whether you need storage for a week or several months, your belongings are kept in a monitored, clean, and safe environment. This flexibility is especially valuable for complex relocations within the dynamic Chicago real estate market, including suburbs like Evanston where timing can be unpredictable.
After the move, we can help with the mountain of empty boxes. Our debris removal service can return within 30 days to collect empty cartons and packing-related waste, saving you the hassle.
Got a grand piano, delicate antiques, or valuable artwork? These specialty items require more than just a standard box; they receive VIP treatment. Our crews are specifically trained in handling fragile and high-value possessions. We use custom crating, specialized padding, and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure these irreplaceable items are transported without a scratch. For example, a grand piano is not just a piece of furniture; it’s a complex instrument that we carefully disassemble, protect, and reassemble at your destination. We also offer various valuation coverage options for added peace of mind. While basic liability is included, we strongly recommend Full-Value Protection, which ensures that in the unlikely event of damage, your item will be repaired, replaced, or you will be compensated for its current market value. We have specific plans for high-value items, providing a robust safeguard for your most significant investments.
Versatility for Every Relocation Need
Full service moving adapts to any situation, from family households to corporate relocations, across the street or across the country.
Our Residential Movers services cover apartments, condos, and homes throughout Chicago, Melrose Park, and Elmhurst. For businesses, Commercial Moving requires minimizing downtime. We create custom relocation plans for offices in areas like Glenview and Mount Prospect to ensure a smooth transition.
As Local Movers Chicago, we have deep knowledge of the Chicagoland area, from Des Plaines to Wilmette. This familiarity ensures an efficient move. Our long-distance and interstate relocation services span 45 states, with expedited service and guaranteed arrival times. We’re also offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia or Florida for delivery by March 15, 2025.
Companies benefit from our Full Service Office Movers solutions, where we manage everything from packing equipment to setting up your new workspace, allowing your team to stay productive.
Understanding the Process and Pricing for Full Service Moving
We believe in a transparent process with no hidden fees. From your first call, you’ll get a dedicated move coordinator as your single point of contact. They manage all the details, from scheduling your in-house survey to answering all your questions.
The quote process begins with an Moving Estimate. An in-house survey provides the most accurate price by allowing our expert to assess the volume of your belongings and identify any special handling needs.
Your final cost is influenced by several factors: the distance of the move, the volume and weight of your items, the complexity of access (e.g., stairs), and any additional services you choose. We offer transparent pricing with options like guaranteed pricing or not-to-exceed estimates to fit your budget.
Here’s a simplified look at how various factors influence the cost of your full service moving experience:
| Factor | Impact on Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Higher for long-distance/interstate moves | Local moves within Chicago and suburbs are typically hourly or flat rate; long-distance moves are based on weight/volume and mileage. |
| Volume/Weight | More items = Higher cost | The space your belongings occupy in the truck and their total weight are primary cost drivers. |
| Packing Services | Adds to cost, varies by extent | Professional packing of all items is included in full service, but partial packing can be selected for a customized approach. |
| Unpacking Services | Adds to cost, varies by extent | Full unpacking at destination adds convenience; partial unpacking (e.g., only kitchen) can be chosen. |
| Storage | Adds to cost, varies by duration and volume | Short-term or long-term storage in climate-controlled facilities. |
| Specialty Items | Adds to cost due to specialized handling | Items like pianos, artwork, antiques require extra care, crating, or specific equipment. |
| Valuation Coverage | Adds to cost, varies by level of protection | Basic liability is included, but additional valuation options offer more comprehensive protection. |
| Debris Removal | Adds to cost | Post-move service to remove empty boxes and packing materials from your new home. |
| Access Difficulty | Can add to labor costs | Moving from a fourth-floor walk-up in downtown Chicago versus a ground-level home in Northfield affects labor time. |
| Time of Year/Month | Can affect pricing due to demand | Peak moving seasons (summer) and end-of-month dates often see higher prices due to increased demand. |
Choosing Your Chicago Moving Partner and Getting Started
You’ve learned about the benefits of full service moving—the comprehensive packing, expert handling, and peace of mind. Now comes the important decision of choosing the right partner to entrust with your belongings. For families and businesses in Chicago, Melrose Park, and throughout Illinois, this choice is critical for a smooth, stress-free experience.
What to Look for in a Reputable Mover
When searching for a full service moving partner in the Chicagoland area, look for these key qualifications:
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Licensing and Insurance: A legitimate Illinois mover must have an Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) license and provide proof of insurance. This is your assurance that the company meets state regulatory standards. We also offer various valuation coverage options to protect your belongings.
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Experience and Local Knowledge: Experience matters. With roots in Chicago since 1972, we understand the unique challenges of moving in areas from Melrose Park to downtown, ensuring an efficient process.
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Customer Testimonials: Real-world reviews reveal a company’s quality. We’re proud of testimonials that highlight our team’s professionalism: “Our experience with this company was positive from beginning to end… The staff and the moving crews were friendly, responsive, efficient and professional.”
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Clear Communication: Your dedicated move coordinator should answer questions promptly and keep you informed. This commitment to transparency is why we maintain a 96% satisfaction rate and a high customer referral rate.
Your Seamless Relocation Awaits
Choosing full service moving is about more than convenience—it’s about saving time, reducing stress, and ensuring your possessions are safe. Whether you’re moving your family within Chicago or your business across state lines, you need a partner who understands the importance of your transition.
At Bernard Movers, we know we’re not just moving boxes; we’re moving your life. We treat your memories, investments, and heirlooms with the utmost care. The benefits are clear: significant time savings, dramatically reduced stress, and superior item safety. Your move coordinator acts as your advocate, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
Ready to experience a truly seamless move? We’re here to help you transition smoothly, whether you’re staying in the Chicagoland area or heading to one of the 45 states we serve. For practical guidance, explore our collection of Moving Tips.
Your seamless relocation in the Chicago area starts with a single step. Begin planning your local move today, and let us show you why families and businesses have trusted us for over four decades.