Why Illinois Moving Services Matter for Your Relocation
Illinois moving services connect you with professional movers to handle everything from packing to safe transportation. Whether you’re moving within Chicago, from Melrose Park to another state, or cross-country, these services provide the expertise for a smooth transition.
Quick Overview of Illinois Moving Services:
- Local Moves: Starting around $800-$2,500 for moves within Chicago, Melrose Park, and surrounding areas
- Long-Distance Moves: Typically $2,200-$10,500 depending on distance and home size
- Timeline: Local moves take 1-2 days; long-distance moves take 5-14 days
- Services Available: Full-service moving, packing/unpacking, specialty item transport, storage solutions, and commercial relocation
Illinois is the sixth-most populous state, and Chicago is its top moving destination. Many residents also move out of Illinois, with California being a common choice. This means you’ll find experienced movers for both inbound and outbound relocations.
The Illinois moving industry is well-established, with tens of thousands of moves completed annually. Professional movers are licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and insured to protect your belongings.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years of experience, I’ve helped families and businesses relocate throughout Chicago, Melrose Park, and 45 states. Our company has offered trusted Illinois moving services since 1972, and we know what it takes to make your move successful.
Illinois moving services terms made easy:
Your Comprehensive Guide to Illinois Moving Services
Whether you’re moving to a new home in Glenview, relocating a business in Chicago, or starting a cross-country journey from Melrose Park, understanding Illinois moving services is key to a smooth transition. Bernard Movers offers a full spectrum of services to ensure your belongings are handled with care and professionalism.
A Guide to Moving Services in Illinois: Local, Long-Distance, and More
Local Moving in Chicago and Melrose Park
Our local moving services are designed for efficient moves within the Chicago metro area, including suburbs like Melrose Park, Des Plaines, and Evanston. Typically completed in a day or two, these moves are ideal for apartments, families, and businesses. Our teams know local logistics, from city traffic to high-rise building rules.
Long-Distance Moving from Illinois
When moving beyond Illinois, our long-distance services ensure your possessions travel safely and arrive on schedule. We specialize in interstate moves across the country. Take advantage of our special offer: a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.
Commercial Relocation and Office Moves
Businesses in Chicago, Northbrook, or Mount Prospect can rely on our expert commercial moving services. We understand business continuity is key, so we plan office moves to minimize downtime. We carefully pack and transport equipment, furniture, and documents for a seamless transition.
Residential Moving and Apartment Movers
Our residential moving services cover everything from single-family homes in Northfield to apartments in Lincoln Park. We handle all aspects of your household move with care. Our experienced teams easily manage apartment moves, navigating stairs, elevators, and tight corridors.
More info about residential movers
Full-Service Moving Packages
Our full-service moving packages offer a stress-free experience and typically include:
- Packing and Unpacking Services: Our skilled packers use high-quality materials to protect everything from fragile heirlooms to everyday essentials. We can pack and unpack your entire home or just specific rooms.
- Loading and Unloading: Our trained teams handle all heavy lifting, safely loading and unloading your belongings with care.
- Transportation: Our modern, shock-absorbing trucks, with available climate control, ensure your items travel securely.
- Assembly and Disassembly: We can assist with disassembling and reassembling furniture, gym equipment, and other bulky items.
- Storage Solutions: Need temporary storage? We offer secure, climate-controlled units for short- and long-term needs.
Specialty Moving Services
Our specialty moving services provide the extra care and expertise needed for your most valuable or challenging possessions, including:
- Pianos: We have the specialized equipment and trained personnel to move any piano safely, protecting its mechanisms and finish.
- Antiques and Fine Art: We provide custom crating and careful handling for irreplaceable antiques and fine art to ensure safe transport.
- Safes and Heavy Articles: Our teams are equipped with the specific rigging and tools needed for extremely heavy items like safes, statues, or machinery.
- Fitness Equipment: From treadmills to complex gym setups, we can disassemble, transport, and reassemble your workout gear.
Understanding the Cost of Illinois Moving Services
The cost of Illinois moving services varies, but understanding the key factors will help you budget effectively.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Your Move:
- Size of Your Home/Volume of Belongings: More items require more labor, materials, and a larger truck, increasing the cost. A studio apartment costs less to move than a five-bedroom house.
- Distance of the Move: Local moves (within Chicago or suburbs like Wilmette) are priced hourly. Long-distance moves are based on weight/volume and distance.
- Time of Year/Seasonality: Peak season (late spring to early fall, weekends) is more expensive due to high demand. Off-peak moves offer better rates.
- Additional Services: Opting for services like professional packing, unpacking, crating for specialty items, or storage will add to the overall cost.
- Accessibility: Factors like stairs, long carries, elevators, or specific parking restrictions in areas like downtown Chicago can influence labor time and, consequently, the price.
Estimated Costs for Moves in Illinois:
| Move Type | Originating in Chicago/Melrose Park/Illinois |
|---|---|
| Local Move | $800 – $2,500 (e.g., within Chicago or to a nearby suburb like Glencoe) |
| Long-Distance Move | $2,200 – $10,500 (e.g., from Chicago to a state like Florida or Georgia) |
| Cross-Country Move | Up to $17,000 (e.g., from Illinois to California) |
These are starting points, as your actual cost depends on your move’s details. A local studio move may take 2-3 hours, while a 3-4 bedroom home could take 7 hours. Long-distance moves typically take 5-14 days.
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View our long-distance movers cost guide
How to Choose Reputable Illinois Moving Services
Choosing the right moving company is crucial for a stress-free relocation. Knowing what to look for in Illinois moving services makes all the difference.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Mover:
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Licensing and Insurance are Non-Negotiable: A reputable mover must be licensed and insured. For interstate moves, they need a USDOT number, ensuring legal operation and liability coverage. We are fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind.
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Verify Credentials with the FMCSA: For long-distance movers, verify their operating authority and safety record with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to confirm their USDOT number.
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Customer Reviews and Reputation: Check customer reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB. A strong track record and responsive customer service are key. Our positive reviews reflect our dedication to quality.
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Transparent Pricing and Estimates: Reputable movers provide a detailed, written estimate after an in-person or virtual survey. Beware of low quotes or large upfront deposits. We offer custom quotes with no upfront contracts for full transparency.
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Moving Valuation Coverage Options: Understand the valuation coverage options. Basic Liability Coverage is standard ($0.60 per pound per item), but you can inquire about more comprehensive protection. We offer flexible valuation coverage that can be added to your custom moving package.
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Professional Moving vs. DIY: While a DIY move might seem cheaper upfront, it often comes with hidden costs and immense physical and mental strain. Hiring professional Illinois moving services offers numerous benefits:
- Expertise and Efficiency: Our trained teams can pack, load, and transport your items much more efficiently and safely than you could on your own.
- Reduced Stress: We handle the heavy lifting and logistics, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
- Equipment and Resources: We come equipped with the right tools, trucks, and packing materials.
- Protection for Your Belongings: Professional packing techniques and secure transportation minimize the risk of damage.
- Time Savings: What might take you days or weeks, we can accomplish in a fraction of the time.
The convenience of professional movers often outweighs the perceived savings of a DIY move.
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Preparing for Moving Day and Beyond
Effective preparation is key to a smooth relocation. Organizing before our team arrives saves time and stress, making the process more efficient.
Your Ultimate Pre-Move Checklist
Whether moving across Chicago or out of Illinois, follow this pre-move checklist to guide you in the weeks before your move:
- Create a Floor Plan for Your New Home (6-8 Weeks Out): Measure your new rooms to visualize furniture placement. This helps you decide what to keep, donate, or sell.
- Declutter Ruthlessly (6-8 Weeks Out): Get rid of items you no longer need. Sort belongings into four piles: Donate, Take, Toss, and Sell. Moving less stuff saves you money.
- Gather Packing Supplies (4-6 Weeks Out): Gather sturdy boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. Use specialty boxes for fragile items like dishes.
- Start Packing Non-Essentials (4-6 Weeks Out): Start by packing items you don’t use daily, like seasonal decor, books, and items in storage.
- Label Everything Clearly: Label each box with its contents, destination room, and if it’s fragile. This simplifies unpacking.
- Notify Important Parties (3-4 Weeks Out):
- Employer: Update your payroll information and request any necessary time off for the move.
- Children’s Schools/Daycares: Arrange for transfer of records.
- Veterinarian: Get copies of pet records and prescriptions.
- Utilities: Contact your current providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, cable) to schedule final readings and disconnect services. Arrange for new services to be turned on at your new address before you arrive.
- Post Office: Submit a change of address request.
- Banks/Financial Institutions: Update your address for statements and records.
- Address HOA and City Rules (3-4 Weeks Out): If you have an HOA or are moving in a city like Chicago, check for specific moving rules, elevator reservations, or parking permit requirements.
- Pack an Essentials Box (1 Week Out): Pack a box with essentials for your first night: toiletries, medications, clothes, chargers, documents, snacks, and tools. Keep this box with you.
- Prepare Appliances (1-2 Days Out): Unplug freezers and refrigerators, clean them out, and allow them to defrost. Disconnect water hoses from washing machines.
- Protect Your Home (Moving Day): On moving day, use moving blankets or plastic sheeting to protect walls, doorways, and floors from damage.
- Final Walk-Through: Do a final check of every room, closet, and cabinet to ensure nothing is left. If renting, do a walk-through with your landlord.
See our moving out of state checklist
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Ready to Move? Let’s Get Started
Moving is about your next chapter. At Bernard Movers, our goal is a smooth, stress-free transition. By choosing our Illinois moving services, you partner with a team dedicated to reducing the burden of relocation.
We understand the intricacies of moving within Chicago, Melrose Park, and the logistics of long-distance hauls. We are committed to transparent pricing, exceptional care for your belongings, and a confident customer experience. Remember our special offer: a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.
Don’t let logistics overwhelm you. Let us handle the heavy lifting and careful planning. Your journey to a new home starts here.
Ready to finalize your moving plan and experience the Bernard Movers difference?
