About Stark Movers Chicago
Your trusted Chicago moving company, built on care and hard work.
Stark Moving & Storage has helped Chicago families and businesses move for more than a decade. We are a licensed, fully insured, family-run Chicago moving company. Every member of our crew, from the dispatcher in our Chicago office to the driver at your door, is trained, background-checked, and wears a clean uniform.
- Custom Chicago moving plans built for your home, schedule and budget.
- Clear flat-hourly Chicago pricing, no surprise fees, ever.
- Expert crating for Chicago pianos, fine art, antiques and high-value items.
- Climate-controlled Chicago storage with 24-hour monitoring.
What Makes Moving in Chicago Different
Moving in Chicago is not like moving in any other city. We know this because we have done it more than 10,000 times. The streets are tight, the winters are cold, and parking is a daily fight. A good Chicago mover plans for all of it before the truck even leaves the lot.
Most downtown Chicago buildings need a moving permit and a freight elevator booking. Many condos in River North, Streeterville, and the Gold Coast also ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) at least 48 hours before your move date. Our office takes care of all this paperwork for you — at no extra cost. We have moved into nearly every high-rise in the city, so we know what each building manager needs.
Chicago weather is the other big factor. In winter, we use clean floor runners and door mats to protect your floors from snow and salt. In summer, we start early to beat the heat and the lakefront humidity. Our trucks carry shrink wrap, pads, and weather covers on every job, no matter the season.
We also know the small things that save time. We know which streets in Lincoln Park have no truck access. We know the best loading docks in The Loop. We know which suburbs ask for a permit and which do not. This local know-how is what turns a stressful move into a smooth one. When you book with us, you are not just hiring a truck and three movers. You are hiring a Chicago team that has seen it all and planned for it. That is the Stark difference.
How to Plan Your Chicago Move in 5 Easy Steps
A great Chicago move starts weeks before the truck shows up. Here is the simple step-by-step plan we share with every Chicago customer who books with us. Follow these steps and your move day will feel calm, not crazy.
Step 1 — Book early. Chicago is a busy moving market, and the last weekend of each month fills up fast. We suggest booking your Chicago move at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead. For summer moves (May to September), try to book 6 weeks ahead. Call us or fill out the quote form to lock in your date.
Step 2 — Sort and toss. Walk through each room and decide what stays, what goes to donation, and what gets tossed. A smaller load means a shorter Chicago move and a lower bill. Many Chicago donation centers will pick up large items for free.
Step 3 — Handle building paperwork. If you live in a Chicago high-rise or condo, ask your building manager about the move-in window, elevator booking, and COI rules. Send us the COI requirements and we will take care of the rest.
Step 4 — Pack smart. Use small boxes for heavy items like books, and big boxes for light items like pillows. Label every box with the room it goes to. Or just book our packing service and we will do it all for you.
Step 5 — Prep for move day. Set aside an “open first” box with snacks, chargers, toilet paper, and a change of clothes. Park a car in front of your Chicago building the night before to save the loading spot. Then, relax and let our crew do the hard work.
Follow these 5 steps and your Chicago move will feel easy. Need help with any step? Our Chicago office is open 7 days a week.
Rated 4.9 stars by Chicago families & businesses
Chicago moving questions, answered
How much will my Chicago move cost?
Local Chicago moves are billed by the hour with a 2-hour minimum. 2 movers + truck starts at $99/hr, 3 movers + truck at $149/hr, and 4 movers + truck at $189/hr — fuel, mileage, Chicago tolls and basic insurance are all included.
When and how do I pay for my Chicago move?
For local Chicago moves, you pay after the job is done (unless there are special circumstances). For long-distance moves out of Chicago, payment is due on delivery. We accept cash, cashier’s check and cards (a 3% processing fee applies to card payments).
What happens if my belongings are damaged?
Our Chicago team uses expert packing methods to keep everything safe. In the rare event an item is damaged, a member of our staff will review it and pay you back based on your chosen coverage plan.
How long does a Chicago move take?
99% of local Chicago moves are done on the same day. Drivers call you 15–30 minutes before arrival. For long-distance moves out of Chicago, you’ll know the delivery window before the move begins, and the driver will call you before arrival.
What is included in the Chicago moving service?
Every Chicago move includes loading and unloading, equipment, transportation, fuel, mileage, toll fees and basic moving insurance — no surprise add-ons on your final bill.
Can I store my items in Chicago with Stark?
Yes. If you can’t find a safe spot at your new Chicago home, we offer climate-controlled private storage with 24-hour security and monitoring. Pricing is based on the amount of space you need.
Are there any Chicago moving discounts?
Cash payments earn a 5% discount on local Chicago moves and 3% on long-distance moves out of Chicago. Card payments include a 3% processing fee.
Visit Our Chicago Office
Stark Moving & Storage Chicago Illinois Long Distance Movers
Address:
111 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 17049
Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Phone: (800) 654-7575
Rating: 5.0 stars on Google
Working Hours:
- Mon: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tue: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wed: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thur: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Fri: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sat: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sun: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ready to start your Chicago move today?
Free, no-pressure Chicago quote. Friendly local staff. Family-run since day one. We'd love to make your next Chicago move your best move yet.
