Searching for a long distance moving company in Chicago can feel impossible. Maybe you’re in a Lakeview walk-up with no elevator and a full lease to finish. Maybe you’re in Naperville trying to juggle a new job offer and school enrollment deadlines. Wherever you are in Chicagoland, one thing’s likely true: You’ve Googled “long distance movers near me” and gotten buried in ads, vague websites, and companies you’ve never heard of.
They all promise fast, affordable service… But which ones are actually licensed, experienced, and trustworthy? That’s the part no one explains clearly.
At National Van Lines, we’ve helped thousands of Chicago-area and Chicago proper residents move across the country with confidence. Here’s what we recommend looking for as you look for the right long distance mover for your next big move.
What Counts as a Long Distance Move in Chicago?
If you’re leaving Illinois or crossing a state line (maybe heading to Milwaukee, Miami, or just over the Indiana border) your move is considered long distance. It doesn’t matter if it’s 40 miles or 4,000. Crossing state lines means your move falls under federal regulations, not just local or in-state rules.
Why does this matter? Because not every mover is allowed to handle long distance moves. Local movers often advertise “cross-country” services, but that doesn’t mean they’re licensed or insured to do it legally.
Always check that your mover is registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and has an active U.S. DOT number. This is the bare minimum for protecting your belongings during an interstate move. It is also the first sign you are dealing with a legitimate company.
PRO-TIP: You can verify a mover’s credentials using the FMCSA’s Company Snapshot
tool.
What to Look for in a Long Distance Moving Company
There’s no shortage of options when you search for long distance movers in Chicago. But the experience looks a little different depending on where you live. Maybe you’re moving out of a condo in the city itself. Or maybe you’re in Oak Park, Evanston, or Naperville, close to Chicago but with a very different set of moving challenges. Wherever you’re starting from in the greater Chicago area, your goal is the same: to find a mover who’s reliable, properly licensed, and actually knows what they’re doing.
Here’s what to focus on when comparing your options:
- Licensing and insurance: As previously mentioned, your mover should be registered with the FMCSA and have a valid U.S. DOT number. They should also carry both liability and cargo insurance. If they can’t provide proof, that’s a red flag.
- Reputation and longevity: Look for movers who’ve been helping families relocate from the Chicago area for years. Longevity often means consistent service and real accountability. Local presence matters too, not just a name on a website.
- Network support from origin to destination: In addition to local experience, it’s also worth asking whether your mover is part of a larger van line network. Van lines can offer support throughout your entire move, from the first box packed in Chicago to the final delivery at your new home. Independent movers often only handle service at the starting point, which can lead to less coordination or unclear responsibility once your belongings are en route or at destination.
- Transparent pricing: A quality mover will provide a detailed, written estimate and explain exactly what’s included. If the price seems too good to be true or the details are vague, be cautious.
PRO-TIP: Curious to know why it’s hard to pin down the price of moving day? We’ve got an article covering the different factors in play when it comes to getting your moving quote. - Services offered: Packing, storage, fragile-item handling, crating, and more… look for a mover that can match your specific needs. Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all.
- Real reviews: Star ratings only tell part of the story. Read actual customer reviews to see how the company communicates, handles problems, and responds when things don’t go as planned.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not every moving company advertising “long distance” services in Chicago is playing by the rules. Some aren’t movers at all. Others may look legitimate until moving day arrives and things start going sideways.
Here are a few signs you should walk away:
- No physical address in the Chicago area: If the company has no office, warehouse, or local presence near Chicago, be cautious. Even if you’re in a suburb like Schaumburg or Cicero, having a mover based nearby makes a difference when it comes to service and reliability.
- Unclear or non-binding estimates: A vague quote that can “change later” is a setup for surprise charges. Legitimate companies offer binding or not-to-exceed estimates in writing.
- Large upfront deposits: Be wary of any company that asks for a big deposit before your move is even scheduled. Most professional movers require payment upon delivery, not before your items are loaded.
- No U.S. DOT number or FMCSA registration: This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t listed in the federal system, they are not allowed to handle long distance moves.
- You’re dealing with a broker, not a mover: Brokers don’t own trucks or hire movers. They sell your move to someone else, which often means less control, poor communication, and a higher risk of damage or delays.
When in doubt, do a quick online search of the company name with words like “reviews,” “complaints,” or “scam.” It’s a simple step that could save you a lot of time and money.
Top 5 Long Distance Moving Companies in the Chicago Area
Choosing a long distance mover in or around Chicago isn’t just about pricing. It’s about experience, availability, service range, and reputation. Here’s a breakdown of five reputable options to consider:
Allied Van Lines
Pros:
- Large national network that supports cross-country and international moves
- Offers services like full packing, vehicle shipping, and storage
Cons:
- Service quality can vary depending on the local Chicago-area agent
- Typically priced higher than smaller or regional companies
Coffey Bros. Moving
Pros:
- Locally based in Chicago with a strong familiarity of city logistics
- Offers residential, commercial, and apartment moving with packing options
Cons:
- Primarily serves local and regional moves, with limited long distance capacity
- Some customer reviews mention delayed timing and variable crew performance
National Van Lines
Pros:
- Headquartered in Broadview, IL, serving the greater Chicago area since 1929
- Specializes in long distance and international moves with storage, packing, and white-glove service options
Cons:
- Premium-level services may come at a higher price point
- Limited short-notice availability during peak moving seasons
New City Moving
Pros:
- Based in Chicago with strong customer ratings and flexible service packages
- Offers long distance moving throughout the Midwest and beyond
Cons:
- Fees can increase for additional services like weekend moves or stair carries
- Limited availability for urgent or next-day requests
The Professionals Moving Specialists
Pros:
- Well-known in Chicago for detailed packing, specialty item handling, and senior moves
- Offers both local and long distance moving options
Cons:
- Credit card payments may come with extra fees
- Final pricing is confirmed on moving day, which may differ from estimates
Why Location Still Matters When Choosing a Mover
Even with moving companies that operate nationwide and let you book everything online, location still plays a big role in the quality of your move. If your movers are based outside the city or Chicagoland area, you could be facing higher costs, longer loading windows, or crews who are unfamiliar with your neighborhood.
That’s especially true in and around Chicago, where moving logistics can vary by zip code. Moving from a high-rise in the Loop is a completely different experience from moving out of a house in Glen Ellyn or a condo in Evanston.
Parking restrictions, elevator reservations, union building access, and narrow alleyways are all common in the city. Suburban moves come with their own challenges like larger inventories, long driveways, and storage transitions.
A mover with real experience in your exact area, city or suburb, can help you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and stay on schedule.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Choosing a long distance mover in the Chicago area used to mean relying on word of mouth or crossing your fingers after a Google search. Now, you’ve got a clear set of tools to compare options, verify credentials, and spot the movers who are actually equipped to handle your move with care.
Whether you’re heading out of the city or moving from a nearby suburb like Elmhurst, Skokie, or Downers Grove, it helps to work with a company that knows the area and has real experience with long distance relocations.
You’ve got the facts on the best long distance moving companies in Chicago. But, you still might have more questions about what it would be like to complete a long distance move with a company like National Van Lines. Head over to our FAQ section to get the answers to some of the most common questions our customers ask us everyday.
