Moving day is a big deal. You hand all that you own to a crew you just met. That takes trust. And trust is hard to earn.

Chicago makes the job harder, too. Our streets are tight. Many walk-ups have three or four flights of stairs. High-rises want paperwork. Some blocks need a city permit for the truck. And the weather does what it wants.

A crew that has not worked here will learn all of that the hard way. On your dime.

Aaron Bros Moving System, Inc. has moved this city since 1969. We know the alleys, the two-flats, and the loading docks. Here is how to pick a mover you can trust.

How to Choose the Right Moving Company in Chicago, IL: 8 Things to Check

1. Look for real years in this city

Ask how long they have moved here. Not how long they have been in business. Here.

Years in town count for a lot. A local crew knows which streets are one-way. They know where to park in the West Loop. They know Hyde Park has its own quirks. They know Bronzeville has wide alleys and steep back stairs.

Aaron Bros has done this work since 1969. That is more than 55 years on these blocks.

2. Check the license and the coverage

This part is not fun. Do it anyway.

Movers in Illinois need a state license for local jobs. Ask for the number. If you are leaving the state, ask for the U.S. DOT number too. You can look both up online. It takes two minutes.

Then ask about coverage for your things. What is free? What costs more? Get that answer in writing.

3. Get a real estimate, in writing

A price over the phone is just a guess. Skip it.

A good mover looks first. That can be a walk-through at your place. It can be a video call. Both work fine.

Then you get a written estimate. It should list:

  • Crew size and truck size
  • The hours they expect
  • The hourly rate and any travel time
  • Stairs, long walks, or elevator fees
  • Packing help and boxes
  • The total, in real dollars

If a price shows up with no list, that is a bad sign.

4. Ask who will show up

Some firms sell the job and hand it off. You may not learn that until the truck pulls up. Then a crew you did not pick walks in your door.

Ask three plain questions:

  • Are the movers your own staff?
  • Do you own your trucks?
  • Will you sell my job to a third party?

At Aaron Bros, our own crews do the work. Same name on the truck. Same name on the shirts.

5. Read the reviews the right way

Star counts are easy to fake. Read the words instead.

Look for:

  • Reviews from this year
  • Real Chicago streets and blocks
  • Notes on care, speed, and price
  • How the firm replies to a bad one

A firm that fixes a problem is worth more than a firm with no problems.

6. Talk about your building

This trips up more moves than heavy loads do.

Lots of high-rises ask for a Certificate of Insurance. Some want it days in advance. Some rent the freight elevator by the hour. Some allow moves only at set times.

Ask if your mover deals with that. Aaron Bros sends the paperwork for you. We have done it in the West Loop, in the South Loop, and all over town.

7. Ask about storage

Plans change. Closings slip. Leases do not always line up.

Ask what happens if you need a place to keep your things for a month. A good mover has a real answer. Aaron Bros can hold your things until your new place is ready.

8. Watch for red flags

Walk away if you see:

  • A big cash deposit up front
  • No written estimate at all
  • No street address on the website
  • A rented truck with no logo
  • A blank or half-filled contract
  • A price that seems too good

That last one matters most. A cheap quote often grows on move day.

Pick your date with care

Chicago has two huge move days: May 1 and October 1. Leases flip on those dates. Trucks book up fast.

Move mid-month if you can. Mid-week beats a weekend, too. You get more crew choices and a better rate.

Book early either way. Six weeks out is good. Eight is better.

Questions to ask on the first call

Keep this short list by the phone:

  • How long have you moved in Chicago?
  • What is your license number?
  • Do your own crews do the job?
  • Can I get a written estimate?
  • What can change the price on move day?
  • Do you handle building paperwork?
  • What if my dates shift?

Good answers come fast. Vague answers tell you plenty.

Book your move with Aaron Bros Moving System, Inc.

We have moved Chicago homes and offices since 1969. Our crews know the stairs, the alleys, the docks, and the snow. And we put it all in writing before we lift a box.

Get a free estimate today. Call Aaron Bros Moving System, Inc. or fill out the quote form on our site. Tell us your dates. We will take it from there.