You know that feeling when your car is low on gas and you happen to be at an intersection that has four different gas stations all adjacent to one another? Yeah, search the web for movers in Chicago and you’ll feel the same way. Moving locally in Chicago can be easy; Moving in general can be stress free. When looking for a mover, here are the most important questions to ask:

1. How does your company charge for a move? By default, and within Illinois, a company that moves you locally has to charge based on a set hourly rate and the amount of time that it takes to complete your move. Most companies will have a minimum amount of hours, which range from 2-4. In addition to labor charges, it’s common for a mover to have a set charge for the truck rental.
2. What packing materials does your company include for free? Moving pads are the most common and versatile furniture padding a mover will use. A moving pad is a thick quilt that can be affixed to most household furniture pieces. The problem is: a good (but bad) amount of movers will tell you that this is all you’ll need. Come move day and they’ll charge you for tape, shrink wrap, and bubble wrap.
3. Are you licensed/insured and/or bonded? A true pro mover in Chicago will be licensed and insured. If they are, they should be able to provide a COI (certificate of insurance.) A COI will reflect a relocation expert’s level of coverage. A bonded mover is one that is unionized. This isn’t a necessity, but does speak nicely about the quality of their movers.

Regardless of the above, the most important factor (aside from the overall cost) is the feeling you get from the relocation consultant you get in contact with. If you don’t feel the connection and the rep constantly rushes you, keep shopping around.

Good luck and happy moving!