Why Choosing the Right Apt Moving Company Matters

An apt moving company specializes in the unique challenges of relocating from apartments, condos, and multi-unit buildings. They steer narrow hallways, tight elevator schedules, and strict building rules, all while protecting your security deposit. Unlike standard movers, they understand the logistical complexities of building restrictions and parking limitations, which requires careful planning.

Quick Answer: What to Look for in an Apartment Moving Company:

• Specialized services: Packing, loading/unloading, furniture disassembly, and storage solutions
• Transparent pricing: Hourly rates (typically $105/hour for two movers) or flat-rate options with clear minimums
• Proper credentials: DOT and MC numbers for interstate moves, state licensing for local relocations
• Insurance coverage: Both basic liability and Full Value Protection options
• Building coordination: Experience working with apartment management and navigating property rules
• Broker vs. carrier clarity: Understanding whether you’re hiring direct movers or a coordination service

As Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers with nearly 30 years of experience, I’ve overseen thousands of apartment relocations throughout Chicago and across 45 states. Our family-owned apt moving company specializes in navigating the unique challenges of multi-unit building moves, from coordinating with property management to handling tight elevator schedules and building-specific regulations.

Your Checklist for Hiring the Best Apt Moving Company

Choosing the right apt moving company can transform your relocation from a stressful ordeal into a smooth transition. Whether you’re moving within Chicago, relocating from Melrose Park, or heading across Illinois, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Let’s walk through the essential factors.

Key Services for a Smooth Relocation

The best apt moving company offers a full suite of services to handle every detail of your relocation.

• Full-service moving: We manage your entire relocation, from planning to placing the last piece of furniture, making your move as hands-off as possible.
• Packing and Unpacking: Our professional Packing and Unpacking Services can be tailored to your needs, whether you require a full pack of your entire apartment, a partial pack for just the kitchen, or fragile-only packing for delicate items. We use high-quality materials like double-walled boxes, industrial bubble wrap, dish packs for kitchenware, and wardrobe boxes for clothing to ensure everything is protected. We can also unpack and arrange items in your new home, making your transition seamless.
• Loading and unloading labor: Our experienced teams efficiently load the truck to maximize space and prevent damage, skillfully navigating tight hallways, narrow doorways, and building regulations.
• Storage solutions: If there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, we offer secure short- or long-term storage for your belongings.
• Specialty item moving: We have the expertise and equipment to safely transport pianos, antiques, artwork, and bulky items. This specialized service involves custom crating for valuable art, using piano boards and dollies for instruments, and coordinating with building management to ensure we follow all rules for moving oversized objects, protecting both your items and the property.
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly: Our movers efficiently take apart and reassemble furniture like beds and tables to steer tight spaces, so you don’t have to worry about lost screws or confusing instructions.

Understanding Pricing and Moving Estimates

Understanding how an apt moving company structures its pricing helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

For local moves in areas like Chicago and Melrose Park, hourly rates are common. This includes a set charge per hour for a crew and a truck, often with a service minimum (e.g., three hours). This model is ideal for smaller, predictable moves.

Flat-rate pricing is typical for long-distance moves. Ensure you get a binding estimate in writing, which locks in the price unless you add items to your inventory. A non-binding estimate is a projection that can be adjusted up or down based on the actual weight of your shipment, which can lead to unexpected costs. A third option, a binding-not-to-exceed estimate, is often the best choice: it guarantees the price won’t go up, but it can go down if your shipment weighs less than estimated. Always get any estimate in writing.

When researching How Much Do Movers Cost in Chicago?, look out for potential extra charges. Access fees may apply for challenges like multiple flights of stairs (stair carry fee) or long walks from the truck to your door (long carry fee). A shuttle service might be needed if a large truck can’t access your building, incurring an extra fee to transfer goods to a smaller vehicle. Other potential costs include charges for packing materials if you don’t provide your own, and travel fees, which cover the time it takes for the crew to get from their office to your home.

At Bernard Movers, we prioritize transparent pricing with no hidden fees. The accuracy of your quote depends on a detailed inventory, which helps us assign the right crew and truck, preventing delays and extra charges.

Why a Licensed and Insured Apt Moving Company is Non-Negotiable

Credentials and insurance are essential protections when hiring movers.

Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and a Motor Carrier (MC) number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These numbers show the company complies with federal regulations. You can verify a company’s status and safety history on the FMCSA website.

As Licensed Insured Movers, we know coverage is critical. All movers must offer basic liability coverage, which is minimal ($0.60 per pound per item). For example, a damaged 10-pound laptop would only be compensated for $6.

For better protection, choose Full Value Protection (FVP). This makes the mover liable for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged goods. Under FVP, the mover has three options: repair the item, replace it with a similar item, or offer a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the current market replacement value. While it costs more, the peace of mind is often worth it for valuable items. You may also be able to select a deductible level to lower the cost of FVP. Always ask about all insurance options to find the right coverage for your possessions.

The Difference Between a Moving Broker and a Carrier

It’s crucial to know if you’re hiring a moving broker or a moving carrier, as it affects accountability, scheduling, and pricing.

A moving carrier, like Bernard Movers, owns its trucks and employs its own movers to perform the service directly. This ensures clear communication, precise scheduling, and direct accountability.

A moving broker is an intermediary who coordinates your move by hiring third-party carriers. This can lead to complications with accountability for damages, as liability rests with the subcontracted company. Scheduling can also be less precise, with wider delivery windows. Pricing may also change if the carrier’s assessment differs from the broker’s quote.

To identify which you’re dealing with, ask these questions:

• Do you own your own trucks and employ your own movers?
• Can I verify your USDOT and MC numbers?
• Who is directly responsible for handling claims?
• Will my estimate be binding from the actual carrier performing the move?

These questions will clarify who is managing your Illinois apartment relocation.

Finalizing Your Move in Chicago and Beyond

You’ve done your research and found an apt moving company that checks all the boxes. Now it’s time to make it official and prepare for your moving day in Illinois.

The Booking Process and Cancellation Policies

The first step to finalizing your move is getting an accurate Moving Estimate. A detailed inventory list is crucial for a precise quote, as it helps us determine the right crew size, truck capacity, and timeframe. Missing items can lead to adjustments on moving day.

Once you approve the estimate, you’ll secure your moving date with a deposit. This reserves our crew and truck for your relocation. We are upfront about our deposit requirements.

Since plans can change, it’s important to understand the cancellation windows and refund policies before booking. Most companies have a specific timeframe for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid losing your deposit. Our policies are clearly outlined in your contract for full transparency.

After confirming, you’ll receive documentation locking in your service date. To ensure an efficient moving day, we recommend having all smaller items packed and boxed before our team arrives. You handle the packing, and we’ll manage the heavy lifting and logistics.

Your Go-To Apt Moving Company in Illinois

Local expertise is essential when relocating within Chicago and its surrounding communities, including Melrose Park, Des Plaines, Franklin Park, Park Ridge, Elmhurst, Wood Dale, Wilmette, Skokie, Morton Grove, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Evanston, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northfield, and Northbrook.

With nearly three decades of experience, Bernard Movers understands the unique challenges of Illinois apartment moves. We know the local building rules, from elevator reservations in downtown high-rises to parking restrictions in suburban complexes. Our familiarity with Local Movers Chicago logistics allows us to anticipate challenges and create a plan custom to your building and neighborhood.

As a family-owned business, we treat your belongings with the utmost care. We’re also equipped for long-distance moves and are offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.

To see how we can make your relocation seamless, explore our Apartment Moving services. Our dedicated teams are ready to handle every detail, helping you move forward with confidence.