best moving companies in Elgin
Updated: June 21, 2025
5 min read
Quick Answer: For local moves within Elgin, we recommend SafeMove Elgin and Reliable Relocation Services due to their excellent customer reviews and transparent pricing. If you're planning an interstate move from Elgin, Elite Movers and Nationwide Van Lines stand out for their combination of affordability and dependable service.
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How Much Does Moving in Elgin Cost?
Moving Tip: Instead of paying by the hour, consider booking a moving company that offers a flat-rate package tailored to your move size. This helps you budget better and avoids unexpected charges caused by delays or extra stops.
Factors that affect moving costs in Elgin
Distance
The time and fuel can affect local moves, but if you’re moving out of Elgin you may see additional fees
Size
Larger homes with more belongings require more labor and larger trucks, resulting in higher costs
Time of year
Peak moving seasons in Elgin, like summer or around holidays, often come with higher rates
Additional services
Services like packing, unpacking, or assembly/disassembly of furniture will add to the total cost
1. What’s the Price Tag for Hiring Professional Movers?
If you’re looking for a hassle-free move, especially with a lot of stuff or valuable belongings, hiring professional movers is a great choice. These experts handle everything from packing your items to loading, transporting, and unloading at your new place. For longer moves, like cross-state relocations, the cost usually depends on how far you’re moving, the amount of stuff you have, and the labor involved.
| Home Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| 2-3 Bedroom | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $7,000 - $10,000 |
Hiring pros can save you a ton of time and stress, especially when moving far away. Plus, many movers offer packing services to help protect your things during the trip. And if you want extra peace of mind, some companies provide insurance options to cover your belongings along the way.
2. What Does Renting a Moving Container Like PODS Cost?
| Container Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 12 ft. Container | $2,000 - $3,500 |
| 16 ft. Container | $2,500 - $4,500 |
3. What Does It Cost to Rent a Moving Truck?
If you’re up for a hands-on move, renting a moving truck from places like U-Haul, Budget, or Penske can be the most budget-friendly option. Just keep in mind, you’ll be doing all the driving and heavy lifting yourself.
| Truck Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 10-12 ft. Truck | $1,200 - $1,800 |
| 15-17 ft. Truck | $1,800 - $2,400 |
| 20-26 ft. Truck | $2,500 - $3,500 |
Besides the rental fee, remember to factor in fuel, possible overnight stays, and tolls along your route. Also, watch out for extra charges if you return the truck late or need to rent additional gear. This option works best if you’re moving a smaller load or trying to keep costs low.
USMPO Recommended moving companies in Elgin
International Van Lines
Verified Carrier
Company Info
- US DOT: 2293832
- MC number: 729978
- Entity Type: Carrier
- Legal Name: International Van Lines
- Physical Address: 3957 NW 126TH AVE CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
International Van Lines Reviews
4.9/5
Average of 1239 Customer Reviews
International Van Lines Google Reviews
Review From: Google
Rating:4.9/5
International Van Lines has been audited and certified by the USMPO to provide fair pricing, reliable service, and standardized transportation protocols.
Read more on International Van Lines Profile.
Allied Van Lines
Verified Carrier
Company Info
- US DOT: 076235
- MC number: 15735
- Entity Type: Carrier
- Legal Name: Allied Van Lines
- Physical Address: 7051 SW 21st Place Ste 100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
Allied Van Lines Reviews
4.7/5
Average of 198 Customer Reviews
allied van lines google reviews
Review From: Google
Rating: 4.7/5
Allied Van Lines has been audited and certified by the USMPO to provide fair pricing, reliable service, and standardized transportation protocols.
Read more on Allied Van Lines Profile.
Safeway Moving
Verified Carrier
Company Info
- US DOT: 3756000
- MC number: 1335229
- Entity Type: Carrier
- Legal Name: Safeway Moving Inc
- Physical Address: 5217 NW 33rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA
Safeway Moving Reviews
4.3/5
Average of 239 Customer Reviews
Safeway Moving Inc Google Review
Review From: Google
Rating: 4.3/5
Safeway Moving Inc has been audited and certified by the USMPO to provide fair pricing, reliable service, and standardized transportation protocols.
Read more on Safeway Moving Inc Profile.
American Van Lines
Verified Carrier
Company Info
- US DOT: 614506
- MC number: 294798
- Entity Type: Carrier
- Legal Name: American Van Lines
- Physical Address: 1351 NW 22nd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33069, U. S.
American Van Lines Reviews
4.3/5
Average of 1,513 Customer Reviews
American Van Lines Google Review
Review From: Google
Rating: 4.3/5
American Van Lines has been audited and certified by the USMPO to provide fair pricing, reliable service, and standardized transportation protocols.
Read more on American Van Lines Profile.
Register Your Move With U.S. Moving Protection
Why shippers register their move with USMPO?
A registered move is a safer move. Registered moves will have access to resources, including a USMPO move coordinator, and receive reminders throughout their move process, minimizing discrepancies that lead to delays and price hikes.
The initiative is an added layer of protection and quality assurance for their relocation. Shippers with registered moves have access to resources that will verify the accuracy of their inventory, pricing, and quotes. Additionally, registered moves have the added benefit of conflict resolution and claims assistance.
How does USMPO ensure secure moves?
USMPO ensures consumer safety in the moving industry by tracking carrier performance. This allows for improved accountability and transparency in the moving process, as well as the implementation of safety measures such as further audits background checks on carriers.
What Makes USMPO Different?
Choosing a mover from the open market often means taking a leap of faith. But when you choose a USMPO-verified mover, you’re relying on an industry-standard safeguard designed to protect your move and your money.
Here’s what you get with USMPO:
- Access to a list of verified, trustworthy, and compliant moving companies.
- Peace of mind through oversight, support, and consumer education.
- Protection from rogue operators and misleading pricing tactics.
- Free tools like our Moving Cost Calculator.
- Ongoing advocacy and dispute resolution—because your move deserves protection.
Why Choose U.S. Moving Protection for Your Elgin Move?
1. What Does It Mean to Be a USMPO Verified Carrier?
The U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO) created a verification program to make sure moving companies stick to their promises, maintain high standards, and keep customers safe throughout their move. When you book a mover registered with USMPO, you reduce the chances of problems like lost belongings, delays, or unfair pricing.
Why Verification Matters
Movers who earn the USMPO verification go through a thorough background check to prove they’re trustworthy and run their business ethically. These companies commit to being upfront and honest with customers every step of the way. That means:
- Providing clear and accurate estimates
- Offering fair and reasonable prices
- Delivering high-quality service you can rely on
2. Why Choose a USMPO Verified Carrier?
Avoid Pricing Surprises
Many customers fall victim to rogue movers by choosing companies based on attractive low quotes or misleading online reviews. Unfortunately, these initial “deals” often come with hidden costs. Rogue movers may use bait-and-switch estimates, incomplete itemized inventories, or vague terms that allow them to dramatically inflate prices on moving day.
Even when presented with a so-called “binding estimate”, customers are often blindsided by inflated final charges due to overlooked items or “required additional services.” These shady tactics erode trust and can leave customers stranded with skyrocketing costs.
By contrast, USMPO Verified Carriers undergo rigorous auditing to ensure they honor their original quotes. Through a system of random audits comparing estimates with final charges, the USMPO holds its carriers accountable. Movers who fail to meet these high standards are promptly removed from the network, ensuring that only ethical and transparent operators remain.
3. Why Choose a USMPO Verified Carrier?
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprise costs. You’ll get honest, upfront quotes—and if anything changes, they’ll explain it clearly.
- Top-Quality Service: These movers have been carefully screened to make sure they meet high standards for professionalism and customer care.
- Your Protection: USMPO works to make sure movers stay accountable. If something goes wrong, they’re there to help sort it out, keeping your move smooth and stress-free.
- Peace of Mind Against Scams: Verified movers aren’t just trustworthy—they help you avoid dishonest brokers or shady movers who might take advantage of you.
4. How Can I Tell if a Moving Company Is Legit?
Finding a trustworthy mover can feel overwhelming, especially with so many stories about moving scams and unreliable companies. At the U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO), we know how important it is to help you make smart, confident choices when picking your mover.
Every year, thousands of people get caught up in moving scams—whether it’s unexpected fees, movers holding your belongings hostage, or companies disappearing after loading your stuff. To help protect you, we’ve created simple standards and tools to make spotting a reliable mover easier.
USMPO’s 5-Point Checklist to Spot a Legit Mover:
Verified Licensing (USDOT/FMCSA Compliance):
A real moving company should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid USDOT number if you’re moving across state lines. We double-check this for every mover in our network so you don’t have to worry.Proof of Insurance:
Good movers carry cargo insurance, general liability, and workers’ comp coverage. This protects your belongings and covers their crew in case of accidents. All movers verified by USMPO must provide proof of these insurance policies.Clear and Honest Estimates with Virtual Surveys:
Beware of companies that give you a quote over the phone only to hike up the price on moving day. Movers in our network offer video or in-person surveys to provide fair, written estimates upfront. Transparency builds trust.Real Business Location and Solid Reputation:
We make sure our movers have a physical business address (no P.O. boxes), professional branding, and a history of good customer service. We also check reviews and complaint records from sources like FMCSA, BBB, and Google.Ongoing Accountability Through USMPO:
Unlike some directories that just list movers, we actively monitor how our verified movers perform. If they don’t meet our high standards for safety and fairness, they’re removed from the registry. Plus, we offer a formal way to resolve any disputes you might have.
5. How to Steer Clear of Moving Scams in Elgin
Searching online for movers might seem quick and easy, but it can also lead you into some risky territory. Without strict oversight, dishonest moving companies can buy fake reviews, trick search rankings, and appear trustworthy when they’re not. That’s where USMPO’s verification process really helps—it takes the guesswork out by thoroughly screening movers for legitimacy, proper licensing, and honest business practices.
Here are some of the best ways to protect yourself and avoid getting caught in a moving scam:
- Research Moving Companies
- Collect Quotes
- Verify Credentials
- Steer clear of Big Deposits
- Written Agreement
- Warning Signs
- Check Address And Contact Information
6. USMPO Tip: Look for these red flags
- The mover gives you a quote without inspecting your belongings.
- The mover tells you they’ll give you the cost after they load the truck.
- The mover wants a big deposit before the move.
- The mover wants you to sign forms that aren’t filled in.
- The mover doesn’t give you a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and “Ready to Move,” which are brochures that federal laws require movers to supply to customers.
- The mover’s website doesn’t have a local address, registration information or insurance information.
- The movers tell you their insurance covers your stuff (“full value protection” is not insurance).
- The movers don’t answer the phone with the name of the company you hired.
- The movers don’t have an office.
- The movers show up with a rented truck instead of one with the company logo on it.
- The movers claim you have more stuff than what they put in the estimate.
Your Moving Questions, Our Expert Answers
We’re here to address your concerns and provide non-biased guidance.