What began as a friendly favor has evolved into Chicago's most beloved moving company. Move-tastic emerged in 2007 when Pete Horvath, an IT manager, and his best friend Pat, a schoolteacher, transformed weekend moving help for friends into a thriving business. Pete's 2004 pickup truck purchase, initially meant for home renovations, unexpectedly positioned him as the go-to helper for furniture transport throughout Chicago. When a review appeared online, their phone began ringing with requests from across the city. The company reached a key turning point in September 2008 when Pete bought their first official box truck. This purchase set the stage for the growing fleet that now carries their logo across Chicagoland. Starting small, Move-tastic has grown into a complete moving service that helps people throughout Chicago and nearby suburbs. Move-tastic stands out from other moving companies because they think differently about the business. While competitors just focus on the service aspect, Move-tastic treats moving like hospitality. They build their work culture around five simple ideas: keeping a positive attitude, staying safe, working hard, showing care, and mastering skills. Everyone on their team follows these principles, which creates a smooth experience from your first phone call until the last box is placed. Move-tastic also takes a different approach to staffing. Instead of using independent contractors like many moving companies do, they hire all their workers as employees, which helps them maintain higher quality standards. Their comprehensive services include residential and commercial moving, professional packing, secure storage options, and specialized assistance like parking permit coordination and furniture assembly. Pete's technology background has kept Move-tastic at the forefront of digital innovation since its inception. As one of Chicago's first moving companies to offer online booking, they continue evolving their digital presence to enhance customer experience. Through their lighthearted approach and dedication to reducing moving stress, these two friends turned business partners have created more than a moving company—they've built a Chicago institution that truly loves to move.
For over 20 years, The Pro Move has been changing how Chicago residents think about moving. Founded in 2004 by Jacob Twig, this company has grown from a small local business into the city's most trusted moving service. What makes The Pro Move special is their customer-first approach that turns moving from a headache into a smooth experience. They use smart systems like color-coded inventory tracking, prioritizing essential items, and special techniques to protect fragile belongings. These methods have set new standards for movers throughout Chicago. Starting with their main location in downtown Chicago, they've expanded to offer specialized services for homes, businesses, and long-distance moves. Their growth story includes impressive achievements like winning the "Best of Chicago Movers" award four years in a row and earning the "Angie's List Super Service Award" from 2009 to 2012. Company President Jacob Twig leads by example, staying directly involved in training staff and ensuring quality service. Instead of managing from behind a desk, he works closely with his team, creating a workplace where employees collaborate effectively while maintaining high standards. The Pro Move also stands out for their commitment to the environment. They use eco-friendly packing materials, plan delivery routes to save fuel, and run a comprehensive recycling program for moving supplies. This approach proves that a company can be successful while also being environmentally responsible. Having successfully helped thousands of customers throughout the Chicago area, The Pro Move continues to improve their services while staying true to their core belief—that with proper planning and expertise, moving can be transformed from a stressful event into an exciting new beginning.
Established in 1928, Allied Van Lines has cultivated nearly a century of expertise in the moving industry, evolving from a cooperative non-profit organization on the East Coast of the United States into a global relocation powerhouse. Initially formed to optimize logistics by reducing empty return trips, Allied has transformed the moving experience for generations of customers across residential and commercial sectors alike. What distinguishes Allied Van Lines is their comprehensive approach to relocation. While many competitors offer fragmented services, Allied provides end-to-end solutions encompassing packing, transportation, storage, and unpacking—all coordinated through a dedicated moving consultant who guides clients throughout the entire process. Their specialized teams are meticulously trained to handle items ranging from everyday belongings to precious antiques and fragile valuables, ensuring each item arrives at its destination unscathed. Throughout its illustrious history, Allied has achieved numerous milestones. A pivotal moment occurred in 1968 when the company restructured as a public entity. The 1999 merger with North American Van Lines under the Allied Worldwide banner represented another watershed moment, creating what was then the world's largest relocation and logistics enterprise. This consolidation significantly expanded their operational capabilities and global footprint. Under the leadership of CEO Thomas Oberdorf, Allied Van Lines now operates as part of SIRVA, maintaining an extensive network with over 1,000 representatives across more than 130 countries. This international presence has earned Allied recognition from prestigious organizations, including Newsweek's acknowledgment as one of America's Best Customer Service Providers in 2020 and CNN's designation as one of the Top Moving Companies in California in 2024. Despite its substantial growth, Allied Van Lines remains committed to its core principle: transforming potentially stressful relocations into seamless transitions, whether the journey spans neighborhoods or continents.
