The Consumer Guide to Household Goods Movers in Illinois

Elite Moving & Storage provides this consumer information as required for household goods moves within Illinois. The material below is drawn from the Illinois Commerce Commission’s official “Smart Tips” guidance for consumers hiring a household goods mover. You can also download the official ICC brochure as a PDF.

Before You Hire a Mover

Intrastate moving companies in Illinois must be licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Before you book any mover, take the time to verify the company and understand what you should expect on moving day. Doing this research protects you from unlicensed operators and helps you avoid the financial and emotional cost of a move gone wrong.

ICC Smart Tips for Hiring a Household Goods Mover

• Check that the moving company is licensed by the ICC to operate in Illinois. You can verify a mover’s license and view any complaints filed against the company on the ICC website, or by calling the ICC at 217-782-6448.
• Do not rely on mobile apps alone to select and schedule your movers.
• Do not choose a company that only advertises a phone number. A legitimate mover will have a verifiable business address and license number.
• Ask the mover to visit your home and provide a written estimate. If you can, show them the contents of every room, closet, attic, cellar, and garage you want moved, and talk about what they can expect at the new home.
• Request a written estimate. A written quote is not binding, but it will give you a reasonable expectation of what you will be required to pay on moving day.
• Discuss your options for loss and damage protection. Get it in writing.
• Call the ICC at 217-782-6448 to verify rates on file.
• Get recommendations from friends who have used a licensed Illinois mover recently.
• If a mover offers “freebies” (cartons, tape, etc.), ask questions up front to avoid surprises later.

On Moving Day

Be prepared to pay 110 percent of the written estimate on moving day. If the estimate was too low, the mover cannot hold your goods if you pay the amount on the written estimate plus an additional 10 percent. You have 30 days to pay the balance due. Paying with a credit card offers additional consumer protection.

If You Plan to Store Your Belongings

Warehouses in Illinois are also regulated and licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission. If a company will be storing your property, confirm the company holds a valid warehouse license. If you are moving out of state, confirm the company is also authorized for interstate transportation of household goods.

Verify a Mover or File a Complaint

You can look up a household goods mover’s license status, view complaints on file against a company, or file a complaint against a licensed intrastate mover through the Illinois Commerce Commission:

• Website: icc.illinois.gov
• Phone: 217-782-6448

ICC Police Officers conduct patrols and issue administrative citations for violations ranging from operating without a household goods license to driving on a suspended license. Reporting suspected unlicensed activity helps protect other Illinois consumers.

Download the Official Brochure

The complete official ICC “Smart Tips for Hiring a Household Goods Mover” brochure is available as a PDF: Download the ICC Consumer Brochure (PDF).