Big Shoulders Moving & Storage review 2026 (Wood Dale, IL)
Updated
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage, a Wood Dale, IL moving company, ranks #152 of 307 movers in Illinois, with a moveBuddha rating of 3.38/5.
80% of Big Shoulders Moving & Storage's 464 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its respect for property, while the most common complaint involves damage to items. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Big Shoulders Moving & Storage measures up
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage ranks #152 out of 307 movers in Illinois with a moveBuddha Score of 3.38 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 3.38.
- Review quality
- 3.5
- Brand
- 3.0
- Website
- 3.0
- Customer service
- 3.0
- Industry experience
- 3.0
Is Big Shoulders Moving & Storage moveBuddha Certified?
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Big Shoulders Moving & Storage hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Big Shoulders Moving & Storage?
Out of 464 verified reviews, 80% of customers left a positive review about Big Shoulders Moving & Storage in Wood Dale, IL. 19.2% of reviews are negative and 0.6% are neutral. Big Shoulders Moving & Storage has a 9% lower positive review percentage than the average Illinois moving company (80% vs the Illinois state average of 89%).
- Positive80.2%(372)
- Neutral0.6%(3)
- Negative19.2%(89)
Based on 464 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Big Shoulders Moving & Storage's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Big Shoulders Moving & Storage's attention to detail.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Big Shoulders Moving & Storage throughout the moving process.
Efficient service
Many customers praise Big Shoulders Moving & Storage for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
Quick moving process
The team at Big Shoulders Moving & Storage often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
What positive reviewers say
“The movers were polite, energetic, and didn't leave a single scuff on my walls. Their pricing was transparent from the start with zero surprise fees.”
Stephen HayesVerified ReviewerGoogle“The team handled all of our furniture and boxes with exceptional care, and everything was wrapped securely and professionally to ensure nothing was damaged during the move.”
Daniela RobertsVerified ReviewerGoogle“Isaac and Rocky with Big Shoulders Moving did an excellent job with our interstate move. They were communicative, professional, personable, and hardworking.”
Melissa CurryVerified ReviewerGoogle“Great crew! They arrived right on time, wrapped my sofa and TV securely, and loaded the truck effortlessly. Moving across town was smooth and stress free thanks to their hard work.”
Billy WestVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“Pricing seemed reasonable, but communication was terrible. Calls received repeated runarounds, and delivery involved belongings packed randomly with other people's items. Pickup was timely.”
Mia WestVerified ReviewerGoogle“They were nice, explained everything, and packed our items thoroughly. Disappointed in the broker that used them; One Source Van Lines quoted me half of what the total ended up being.”
Corey FullerVerified ReviewerGoogle“The gentlemen that picked up our things were professional and worked pretty fast. The process was quite stressful due to the lack of communication on the administrative side, which costed us more money.”
Michele Je’Verified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Unexpected charges
Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Big Shoulders Moving & Storage clients.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
What negative reviewers say
“Delivery was delayed by more than 2 weeks. We were missing a box with about $475 of value, and after 7 months, they offered $121.”
Steve C.Verified ReviewerYelp“The price when they showed up to move me was almost double what was quoted. They were also late with delivery, and I had to incur additional cost of a hotel room because they didn’t show up when scheduled.”
Kelly McGivernVerified ReviewerGoogle“The TV arrived broken and unusable, and several other items were damaged. For this and all the other broken items, we received $50.”
Leah BernardiVerified ReviewerGoogle
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
3.38Wood Dale, IL
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
3.38
Wood Dale, IL
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Big Shoulders Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Wood Dale.
Compare prices side by side
See where Big Shoulders Moving & Storage lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Big Shoulders Moving & Storage offer?
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage offers long-distance moves, commercial moves, packing, storage, and climate-controlled storage.
Services offered
Is Big Shoulders Moving & Storage licensed and insured?
Registered with the FMCSA
US DOT 3513998. Operating status is not on this profile. Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3513998.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Big Shoulders Moving & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
How much does Big Shoulders Moving & Storage cost?
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Illinois, you can expect to pay approximately $122/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Illinois moving companies similar to Big Shoulders Moving & Storage typically bill the amounts below using a $122/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage offers interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Illinois moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Big Shoulders Moving & Storage offer?
- Accepts
- Credit CardsCashMoney Orders
- Deposit
- Required to book
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage accepts credit cards, cash, and money orders. A deposit is required to book. Big Shoulders Moving & Storage's terms: A 10% deposit is required to reserve the move, 60% is due on pickup day, and the remaining 30% is due on delivery day. The deposit is refundable up to 7 days before the move. Accepted payment methods include credit cards, cash, postal money orders, and cashier's checks.
How Big Shoulders Moving & Storage compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 3.38 out of 5, Big Shoulders Moving & Storage trails the five highest-scoring moving companies near Wood Dale, 1.20 points behind MiniMoves Inc.. Big Shoulders Moving & Storage's score rests on 464 reviews, fewer than any of the five. Where Big Shoulders Moving & Storage falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.
The five highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New City MovingChicago | 4.70 | 1,451 | 4.8 | 4.5 | — |
| 2 | STI Moving & Storage Inc.Skokie | 4.64 | 1,590 | 4.7 | 2.9 | A+ |
| 3 | Alliance Moving & StorageRolling Meadows | 4.64 | 896 | 4.8 | 3.8 | A+ |
| 4 | Good Move Movers, Inc.Elmhurst | 4.64 | 488 | 4.8 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 5 | MiniMoves Inc.Hillside | 4.58 | 516 | 4.4 | 3.0 | A+ |
| 6 | Big Shoulders Moving & StorageThis mover · ranks #6 | 3.38 | 464 | — | — | — |
How does Big Shoulders Moving & Storage compare to other Illinois movers?
- moveBuddha score#152 of 307(worse than average)
3.38vs 3.70 avg
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage scores 3.38, below the Illinois average of 3.70, and ranks #152 of 307 Illinois movers.
- Positive reviews#228 of 307(worse than average)
80%vs 89% avg
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage has 80% positive reviews, below the Illinois average of 89%, and ranks #228 of 307 Illinois movers.
- Negative reviews#229 of 307(worse than average)
19%vs 11% avg
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage has 19% negative reviews, above the Illinois average of 11%, and ranks #229 of 307 Illinois movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#66 of 307(better than average)
464vs 378 avg
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage has 464 reviews analyzed, above the Illinois average of 378, and ranks #66 of 307 Illinois movers.
| Metric | This moverBig Shoulders Moving & Storage | Illinois avg | Illinois rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#152 of 307 in Illinois | 3.38 | 3.70 | #152 of 307 | −0.32(worse than average) |
| Positive reviews#228 of 307 in Illinois | 80% | 89% | #228 of 307 | −9 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#229 of 307 in Illinois | 19% | 11% | #229 of 307 | +8 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#66 of 307 in Illinois | 464 | 378 | #66 of 307 | +86(better than average) |
Compared with 307 Illinois movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Illinois.
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
3.38Wood Dale, IL
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Big Shoulders Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Wood Dale.
Compare prices side by side
See where Big Shoulders Moving & Storage lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
3.38
Wood Dale, IL
Final verdict: Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage earns a 3.38/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #152 among Illinois movers, with 80% positive feedback across 464 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its respect for property and careful handling. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.
The most common complaint is damage to items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
3.38
Wood Dale, IL
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Illinois moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
- Phone
- (773) 770-2508
- Website
- bigshouldersmoving.com
- Profiles
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.