10 best movers in Niles, Illinois

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of Illinois is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Niles area.

Long-distance movers in Niles

A long-distance move is when you move more than 50 miles away or relocate to another state. Check that the moving company you choose has the proper federal licensing when crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To look up a carrier's licensing status, you can input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We've verified that the long-distance movers below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Niles is greater than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Niles is above 93.5% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast based on what services you need. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Junk removal
• Packing
• Fuel
• Storage
• Supplies
• Professional labor

Your total cost may also be influenced by these extra factors:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, valuable or oversized items. These items can be more expensive to move:

• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Pianos

When vetting moving companies, ask if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s a common practice if your movers provided good service. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Traffic, transportation emergencies, bad weather and limited supplies can all add time and money to your move. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in Niles.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting an estimate from the movers.

For example, your movers can usually add small items to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed in advance. The movers may need to adjust their charges for these item and get your consent to these fees before starting the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and book your movers of choice.

Movers are busiest from May through September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap moving service that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

You can move yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading large items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Movers are worth the cost if you don't have the time or anyone to help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Niles

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will manage every part of the moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.

Full-service moving costs more than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and moving your belongings. The cost can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers save you, as well as covering the cost of packing supplies. Additionally, full-service moving may offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're planning an interstate move, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Illinois are also required to have a license from the Illinois Commerce Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

See what insurance policies your movers provide. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months between May to September is the best time to move. This means a limited supply of available moving companies, and higher costs for moves of all sizes. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from planning a summer move.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Moving businesses frequently restrict insurance coverage on costly goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Keep irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

• Fertilizers
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Perishable foods and produce
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fuel sources
• Plants
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Aerosols
• Batteries

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.