10 best movers in Oak Lawn, Illinois

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of Illinois is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move around Oak Lawn.

Long-distance movers in Oak Lawn

A long-distance move is when you relocate over 50 miles away or move from one state to another. When crossing state lines, check that your moving company has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. These reliable movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

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 Oak Lawn is higher than the national average, making itrelatively costly. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Oak Lawn is above 81.6% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

These additional considerations can add even more cost to your total:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or very bulky items. The following items can cost more to move:

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

When researching movers, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional, but it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as inclement weather, transportation emergencies, traffic and a lack of supplies. These can raise your moving costs and prolong your timeline. There’s no way to prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible 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 Oak Lawn.

Be communicative

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

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed beforehand. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can lower the cost and ensure you reserve your preferred moving company.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find an affordable mover that meets your needs.

One alternative is moving yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional moving team and moving on your own:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for moving large items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be more affordable, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Oak Lawn

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of every part of the moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on all official documents such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking 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?

Learn what insurance policies your movers provide. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months between May and September is best moving time, leading to less availability of movers and boosted costs for moves both big and small. Understandably, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to avoid a winter move, too, as Illinois' icy roads and snowy weather are less than ideal conditions for a move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

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. Additionally, we recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses place limits on insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those possessions with you.

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

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

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.