What is a Full-Service Move?
Full service local moving companies handle every aspect of your relocation, from packing your first dish to assembling your last piece of furniture in your new home. These companies provide comprehensive moving solutions that include professional packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking services.
Key services offered by full-service local movers:
- Complete packing and unpacking – Professional packers handle all items using proper materials
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly – Expert handling of large furniture pieces
- Loading and unloading – Trained crews manage heavy lifting and truck operations
- Specialty item moving – Safe transport of pianos, antiques, and fragile items
- Moving supplies included – Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and protective materials
- Insurance and valuation coverage – Protection for your belongings during transit
Moving doesn’t have to mean weeks of stress and sore muscles. As one satisfied customer noted about their experience: “Walter and Daniel were great at moving everything timely” – highlighting how professional teams make the process smooth and efficient.
Whether moving across Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, full-service movers turn an overwhelming experience into a manageable one. Customers often save an average of three hours on moving day alone by using professional services.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner of Bernard Movers. Our family-owned company has over 50 years of experience serving the Chicago area. With nearly 30 years in the industry, I’ve helped thousands of families and businesses achieve stress-free local relocations by prioritizing customer satisfaction.
Learn more about full service local moving companies:
Your Comprehensive Guide to Full-Service Local Moving with Bernard Movers
Moving ranks as one of life’s most stressful events, but it absolutely doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re planning a move in Chicago, Melrose Park, or anywhere throughout Illinois, choosing full service local moving companies can transform what feels like chaos into a surprisingly calm experience.
At Bernard Movers, we’ve spent over 50 years understanding exactly what makes local moves in our communities unique. We know the ins and outs of navigating Chicago’s busy streets during rush hour, the specific building regulations in suburban neighborhoods, and those tricky parking situations that can turn a simple move into a headache.
Our goal is refreshingly simple: handle everything so you can focus on what really matters – settling into your new space and starting the next chapter of your life.
What’s Included: From Professional Packing to Furniture Assembly
When we say “full-service,” we truly mean it. Every single aspect of your move gets handled by our professional team, ensuring your belongings receive the care and attention they deserve.
Professional packing and unpacking is a core service. Our teams use quality supplies to pack everything from fragile heirlooms to kitchenware. At your new home, we’ll unpack and place items where you direct, helping you settle in immediately.
Furniture disassembly and reassembly saves you a major headache. Our crews expertly dismantle and reassemble beds, tables, and other large pieces, ensuring everything is put back together correctly.
Loading and unloading is done safely and efficiently. Our movers use proper techniques to load the truck securely and place all items in their designated rooms at your new home, saving you the physical labor.
Reliable transportation is guaranteed with our well-maintained fleet. Our experienced drivers know the Chicago and Melrose Park areas, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and on schedule.
Specialty item moving provides safe transport for your most valuable possessions. We use specialized equipment and techniques for pianos, antiques, and artwork, including custom crating if necessary.
Junk removal services help you start fresh by disposing of unwanted items responsibly, checking another task off your already long moving list.
The Key Benefits: Why Go Full-Service with Bernard Movers?
Choosing full service local moving companies like Bernard Movers isn’t just about convenience – it’s an investment in your peace of mind and your belongings’ safety.
Time savings is a major benefit. Instead of spending weeks packing and days loading, you get your life back. Our customers save hours, especially on moving day, freeing them up for other important tasks.
Reduced stress and physical strain makes the process more pleasant. Moving is exhausting, but trusting the heavy lifting and logistics to our team eliminates much of that physical and mental burden.
Professional equipment and techniques protect your belongings. We use industry-standard dollies, furniture pads, and tools, and our movers are trained in safe packing and transport methods to reduce damage risks.
Increased safety applies to your property, not just your items. We protect floors, doorways, and stairwells to ensure both your old and new homes remain damage-free.
Efficiency and expertise stem from our decades of experience in Chicago. We understand local challenges like parking restrictions and building access, allowing us to plan for a smooth, fast move.
Peace of mind comes from knowing professionals handle every detail. Our 96% customer referral rate speaks to the quality and reliability you can expect from our team.
For any residential move in Melrose Park or commercial relocation in Chicago, we adapt our services to your needs while maintaining our high standards of care.
Understanding the Cost of a Full-Service Local Move
Understanding what influences the cost of full service local moving companies helps you budget effectively. While national averages for local full-service moves are around $1,250, several factors specific to the Chicago area will affect your final price.
Hourly rates form the foundation of most local move pricing. This rate covers movers’ labor, truck usage, and basic equipment. Rates vary based on location, season (summer months typically cost more), and crew size needed.
Number of movers directly impacts both hourly costs and move efficiency. A small apartment might need just two movers, while larger homes require four or more. More movers mean higher hourly rates but often shorter overall time.
Move distance within the Chicago area affects costs through fuel and travel time, even for local relocations. Home size and item weight influence material needs, labor hours, and potentially truck size requirements.
Packing supplies are included in full-service packages, but larger moves naturally require more boxes, tape, and protective materials. Specialty items like pianos or antiques often incur additional charges due to specialized handling requirements.
Access challenges like stairs, long carries, or difficult parking can increase time and effort needed, affecting final costs. We believe in complete transparency, providing detailed quotes that outline all potential expenses upfront.
How to Choose the Right Full-Service Local Moving Company
Choosing the right full service local moving companies in the Chicago area requires careful consideration. Knowing what to look for protects you from potential problems and ensures a smooth move.
Licensing and insurance should be your first checkpoint. Verify the company holds proper Illinois Commerce Commission (ILCC) licensing for intrastate moves and a U.S. DOT number for broader compliance. Learn more about the Illinois Commerce Commission (ILCC) and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Customer reviews and reputation offer an honest look at service quality. Check for high ratings on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns in reviews that praise punctuality, professionalism, and care.
Experience and local knowledge are crucial. Companies familiar with Chicago’s traffic, building regulations, and other local challenges can better navigate complications for a smoother move.
Transparent pricing is key. A reputable company will provide a detailed, written estimate with no hidden fees, often after an in-home consultation to provide an accurate quote.
Here are essential questions to ask potential movers: Are you fully licensed and insured in Illinois? What valuation coverage options do you offer? Do you provide all packing materials? How do you protect my home during the move? Do you use trained employees or day labor? What’s your cancellation policy? Can you provide recent customer references?
Getting multiple in-home estimates helps you compare services and pricing. Use this opportunity to ask questions and clarify any concerns about your move.
Your Next Steps for a Seamless Chicago Area Move
Partnering with full service local moving companies transforms a chaotic move into a smooth, professional experience, saving you time and stress. The key to success is choosing the right team. As you vet movers in the Chicago area, remember the essentials: verify proper licensing and insurance, insist on transparent pricing, and check genuine customer reviews. A company’s track record is the best indicator of the service you’ll receive on moving day.
At Bernard Movers, we bring decades of experience to the Chicago community, navigating local challenges with expertise. Our commitment is to treat your belongings as our own and make your transition effortless. Whether you’re moving across Chicago or settling into Melrose Park, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the exciting aspects of your new home, like planning where to hang your favorite artwork.
The key to success lies in choosing the right team. When you’re vetting potential movers in Chicago, Melrose Park, or anywhere across Illinois, remember the essentials we’ve covered. Look for proper licensing and insurance, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and genuine customer reviews that tell the real story. A company’s track record speaks volumes about what you can expect on moving day.
At Bernard Movers, we’ve been part of the Chicago community for decades, helping families and businesses steer local moves with care and expertise. We understand the unique challenges of moving in our area – from navigating busy city streets to working within building restrictions. Our commitment is simple: treat your belongings like our own and make your transition as effortless as possible.
Here’s something special for those heading south: If you’re planning a move to Georgia or Florida, we’re offering a 20% additional discount on moves booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. It’s our way of helping make your big adventure a little more affordable.
Ready to turn your moving stress into moving success? We’d love to show you how smooth a professional move can be.