Your Roadmap to a Stress-Free Move

Residential moving services are designed to help you and your family relocate from one home to another with professional assistance. This encompasses a wide range of tasks, from the meticulous packing of your fragile heirlooms and the heavy lifting of furniture to the secure transportation and careful unpacking at your new destination. Whether you’re moving from a high-rise apartment in downtown Chicago to a suburban house in Melrose Park, transitioning to another city in Illinois, or embarking on a long-distance move out of state, a professional moving company can tailor a plan to your exact requirements and financial plan. These comprehensive services typically include local and long-distance moving, full-service packing and unpacking, loading and unloading labor, specialized handling for high-value items like pianos and art, and flexible short-term or long-term storage solutions.

Moving is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful events, right alongside major life changes like divorce or a new job. The coordination, physical labor, and emotional toll of uprooting your life can be overwhelming. However, partnering with the right moving company transforms this daunting task into a manageable, even seamless, experience. The cornerstone of a smooth move is a clear and accurate quote, which is far more than a simple price given over the phone. Critical factors such as the distance of your move, the total volume and weight of your belongings, and logistical challenges—like multiple flights of stairs, narrow hallways, or the need for Chicago parking permits—all play a significant role in determining the final cost. To provide a reliable and binding estimate, reputable movers in Illinois will always insist on conducting a thorough in-home or virtual survey.

I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers. For nearly 30 years, I’ve personally guided countless families through the complexities of residential moving services. Since our founding in 1972, our family-owned and operated company has been committed to a philosophy of transparency and care. We’ve built our reputation on providing honest pricing and treating every client’s possessions with the same respect we’d give our own. This commitment has made us a trusted partner for families throughout Chicago, Melrose Park, and across 45 states in the U.S.

A Deep Dive into Residential Moving Services and Quotes

Understanding the different types of residential moving services and how quotes are calculated is the first step toward a confident move. Knowing the terminology and processes will help you select the right services and avoid surprises. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know.

Defining Your Move: Types of Services and Moves

Your unique situation dictates the ideal moving plan. At Bernard Movers, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We offer a comprehensive suite of options for every scenario, from a studio apartment in Chicago’s Loop to a sprawling family home in Melrose Park.

• Local Moving: This service covers relocations within a specific geographic area, typically within the same state and under a certain mileage (e.g., 50-100 miles). For moves from Evanston to Chicago or within the suburbs, this is the service you need. Local moves are almost always priced at an hourly rate. This rate depends on the number of movers in the crew and the number of trucks required. The clock starts when our crew leaves our facility and ends when they return after completing your move, including travel time.
• Long-Distance Moving: Also known as interstate moving, this service involves crossing state lines, such as a move from Illinois to popular destinations like Georgia or Florida. The pricing for long-distance moves is federally regulated and based primarily on two factors: the total weight of your shipment and the distance it’s being transported. Your belongings are weighed on a certified scale at a government-regulated weigh station. We’re currently seeing many families relocate south and are offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025!
• Full-Service Moving: This is the ultimate hands-off experience, where our team manages every aspect of your move. This includes bringing all necessary packing materials (boxes, tape, paper, bubble wrap), systematically packing every item in your home, disassembling furniture, loading the truck, transport, unloading, reassembling furniture, and even unpacking your boxes. We also haul away all packing debris, leaving you to settle into your new home.
• Partial Services: If you’re on a budget or prefer to handle some tasks yourself, a hybrid approach is a great option. We offer standalone packing and unpacking services—for instance, we can pack just your fragile kitchen items. We also provide labor-only help, where our experienced crew can load and unload a rental truck or portable storage container you’ve arranged. This saves you from the physical strain of heavy lifting.
• Specialty Moving: Some items require more than just a standard box. We provide expert handling for delicate, oversized, and high-value possessions like pianos, grandfather clocks, large-scale artwork, fragile antiques, and heavy gym equipment. This may involve custom crating, specialized equipment, and trained technicians for disassembly and reassembly. Learn more about our expertise with complex urban moves through our Townhouse Moving and High-Rise Moving services.

Moving in dense urban areas like Chicago presents unique challenges. Our Apartment Movers Chicago, IL teams are seasoned experts in navigating high-rise building regulations, reserving service elevators, dealing with tight corners, and securing the necessary permits for parking our trucks.

How to Find Reputable Movers and Request an Estimate

Choosing a trustworthy moving company is the most critical decision you’ll make. Start with recommendations from friends or real estate agents, then read recent online reviews on multiple platforms. Our Customer Reviews reflect our long-standing commitment to client satisfaction.

Before hiring, verify licenses and insurance. Interstate movers must have a USDOT number, verifiable on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Local Illinois movers must be licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Also, check their rating with the Better Business Bureau. Watch for red flags: demands for large cash deposits, quotes given without a survey, generic greetings like “Movers,” or using rental trucks instead of branded vehicles.

To get an accurate quote, you must schedule an in-home or virtual survey. During the survey, show the estimator everything that is moving, including items in closets, the attic, basement, and garage. This is the time to discuss access issues, elevator reservations, and any items requiring special care. This assessment allows us to provide a binding estimate—a guaranteed price—to prevent surprises on moving day. You can start the process by requesting a Moving Estimate from us.

Understanding the Key Factors That Determine Your Quote

Several variables influence the final cost of your move. Understanding them helps you see where your money is going.

• Move Distance & Shipment Size: For local moves, more stuff means more time, increasing the hourly cost. For long-distance moves, the weight of your belongings is a primary cost driver. Decluttering before your move by selling, donating, or discarding items can lead to significant savings.
• Seasonality: The moving industry’s peak season runs from May through September. Demand is highest when the weather is good and kids are out of school. If possible, move during the off-season (October to April) or mid-week/mid-month for lower rates and better availability.
• Access Challenges: The accessibility of your home at both origin and destination impacts labor time and cost. Factors include multiple flights of stairs, long carries from the truck to your door, narrow driveways that require a smaller shuttle truck, and building restrictions. In Chicago, many high-rises require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and have strict rules about using service elevators, all of which we manage for you.
• Additional Services: Your quote will be itemized to reflect your chosen services. Professional Packing and Unpacking Services, custom crating, appliance servicing, and storage will all be factored into your final binding estimate.

The Critical Role of Insurance and Protecting Your Belongings

Accidents are rare, but understanding valuation coverage (often called moving insurance) is essential for your peace of mind. By law, licensed movers must offer two levels of liability:

• Released Value Protection: This is the basic, no-cost option, but it provides only minimal protection. The mover’s liability is limited to just $0.60 per pound per item. For example, if a 50-pound television were damaged, you would only be compensated $30 (50 lbs x $0.60), regardless of its actual value. This option is not recommended for valuable items.
• Full Value Protection: This is a far more comprehensive option that we highly recommend. With Full Value Protection, the mover must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for the current market value of any lost or damaged items. The cost is based on the value you declare for your shipment and may include a deductible to lower the premium.

For extra security, create a detailed inventory of your high-value items and take photos of them before the move. Always transport small, irreplaceable items like jewelry and important documents yourself.

Packing, Preparing, and What to Expect on Moving Day

Proper preparation is the key to a smooth and efficient moving day.

Start the process weeks in advance by decluttering. Then, gather quality packing supplies. As you pack, label every box clearly with its contents and the destination room (e.g., “Kitchen – Fragile”). This is crucial for organized unpacking. Pack an “essentials box” with items for your first night: toiletries, medications, chargers, and a change of clothes. On moving day, our crew will arrive, and the crew leader will conduct a walkthrough with you. They will protect your home by laying down floor runners and padding banisters and door jambs. Before loading begins, you will review and sign the Bill of Lading. This is your contract, so read it carefully to ensure all details are correct. After loading, do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing was left behind. For more detailed guidance, visit our Moving Tips page.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Residential Moving Services

Even with meticulous planning, unexpected issues can arise. An experienced mover knows how to anticipate and manage these challenges.

• Urban Logistics: Moving in a city like Chicago involves navigating traffic, securing parking permits, and coordinating with high-rise building management for elevator access. Our Apartment Movers Chicago, IL team has deep experience in handling these urban complexities.
• Unexpected Delays: Illinois weather can be unpredictable. We constantly monitor forecasts and maintain clear communication with you about any potential delays or adjustments to the schedule.
• Scheduling Gaps: If there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, we can help. We offer secure storage solutions to hold your belongings for days, weeks, or months, ensuring a seamless transition.
• Underestimating Volume: Underestimating the volume of your belongings is a common mistake. Our professional survey prevents this, ensuring the right truck and crew are assigned, which avoids costly delays.

Clear and constant communication is the most effective tool for overcoming any challenge. We prioritize keeping you informed from the initial quote to the final delivery.

Finalize Your Move and Get an Accurate Quote

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of what goes into professional residential moving services—from the different types of moves and pricing structures to the critical importance of valuation coverage and proper preparation—the next step is to choose a partner you can trust. A clear, detailed, and accurate quote is your roadmap to a stress-free relocation, and delivering that transparency is our specialty at Bernard Movers.

For nearly 30 years, we’ve been the Illinois relocation experts, specializing in complex moves within Chicago and Melrose Park while also seamlessly managing long-distance relocations to 45 states. We understand the trust you place in us, and our professional crews treat your belongings as if they were our own. We communicate clearly every step of the way, ensuring our binding estimates have no hidden fees or vague charges. You’re not just moving boxes; you’re moving your life, and we honor that with every job we do.

Ready to take the next step with confidence? Our experienced team is standing by to conduct a thorough survey and create a customized moving plan that fits your specific needs and budget.

Don’t forget our special offer: get a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia or Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. Time is ticking on this significant savings!

Get started with your residential moving quote today or Contact Us to schedule your survey. Let’s make this move a great one.