Jay Movers review 2026 (Chicago, IL)
In business since 1997 · Updated
Jay Movers, a Chicago, IL moving company, ranks #12 of 313 movers in Illinois, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.56/5.
74% of Jay Movers' 514 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 1997, Jay Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #766892) and operates 2 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Jay Movers measures up
Across 514 reviews, Jay Movers in Chicago, IL is rated 3.9/5 on Yelp (454 reviews) and 4.1/5 on Google (34 reviews), and has a B- rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Jay Movers ranks #12 out of 313 movers in Illinois with a moveBuddha Score of 4.56 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.56.
- Website
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 4.7
- Industry experience
- 4.7
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Brand
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 34 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 454 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Jay Movers moveBuddha Certified?
Jay Movers 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. Jay Movers 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 Jay Movers?
Out of 514 verified reviews, 74% of customers left a positive review about Jay Movers in Chicago, IL. 22% of reviews are negative and 3.7% are neutral. Jay Movers has a 15% lower positive review percentage than the average Illinois moving company (74% vs the Illinois state average of 89%).
- Positive74.3%(382)
- Neutral3.7%(19)
- Negative22%(113)
Based on 514 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Jay Movers
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Jay Movers to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Easy booking process
Customers appreciated how straightforward and hassle-free it was to schedule a move with Jay Movers.
Transparent pricing
Many reviewers felt confident booking with Jay Movers due to honest, upfront pricing and no surprise fees.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Jay Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Quick moving process
The team at Jay Movers often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
What positive reviewers say
“BK was so helpful with providing a quote and coordinating for me! ... The price was very reasonable as well.”
Pola KopieniakVerified ReviewerGoogle“From the booking process to communication leading up to the move and the day itself, everything was seamless.”
Sydney SchumacherVerified ReviewerGoogle“The movers arrived early, solved issues surrounding elevators being broken at my new apartment building, were cheaper than their competitors, and extremely efficient.”
Ryan SzczepanskiVerified ReviewerGoogle“The whole team was communicative, efficient, and friendly throughout the process. They moved me out of my one-bedroom apartment and into a storage unit in just two hours!”
Jessica OpalkaVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“The guys worked hard and moved fast. I was disappointed after settling in weeks later to find several of my nice pieces of furniture that weren't wrapped as well were dinged pretty bad.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Fast (they finished an hour ahead of estimate). Easy to book an appointment. They didn't pay attention to the boxes marked fragile; a few things wound up broken.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The men were expert movers and didn't damage our furniture in the slightest... The customer service end was pretty crappy.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The movers arrived on time. Nice and hard working. What I didn't like was that the head mover told me they wanted a tip at the end of the job.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Jay Movers
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Unprofessional behavior
Complaints included movers using foul language, showing up late, or acting inappropriately.
What negative reviewers say
“The movers were actively and loudly arguing with each other during the move, and it took almost twice the amount of time quoted to me.”
Jason SklenarVerified ReviewerGoogle“The company caused extensive damage to my belongings due to what I experienced as careless and rough handling. The owner minimized concerns and offered only minimal compensation.”
M BVerified ReviewerGoogle“They dropped my expensive TV on the ground and lied about breaking it. The company would not answer any phone calls/emails/efforts to resolve the situation.”
Annie KortepeterVerified ReviewerGoogle“Lost my artwork. Will not respond to calls or texts about the missing artwork from my move two months ago.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Jay Movers
4.56Chicago, ILSince 1997
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Jay Movers
4.56
Chicago, IL · Since 1997
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Jay Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Chicago.
Compare prices side by side
See where Jay Movers 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 Jay Movers offer?
Jay Movers offers full-service moving, local moves, and long-distance moves. It also provides commercial moves, packing, and unpacking.
Services offered
Is Jay Movers licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 766892 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Jay Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 766892, as JAMANEE EXPRESS INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Illinois intrastate license, number 117079MC.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Jay Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 117079MCIssued by Illinois. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- JAMANEE EXPRESS INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
- Trucks registered
- 2Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 12,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2025
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- June 2026
How much does Jay Movers cost?
Jay Movers 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 Jay Movers 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
Jay Movers is licensed for 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 Jay Movers offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Jay Movers accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Jay Movers compares with the top 10 Chicago movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.56 out of 5, Jay Movers ranks ninth among the top 10 Chicago moving companies, level on score with H2H Movers Inc, which has more reviews, and just ahead of Elite Moving & Storage. Jay Movers's score rests on 514 reviews, fewer than any of the ten. Where Jay Movers falls behind is industry experience, with the lowest industry experience score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Chicago, 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 | The Professionals Moving SpecialistsChicago | 4.58 | 5,591 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 5 | Move-tasticChicago | 4.58 | 4,873 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 6 | Windy City Movers Inc.Chicago | 4.58 | 789 | 4.6 | 4.0 | A+ |
| 7 | MiniMoves Inc.Hillside | 4.58 | 516 | 4.4 | 3.0 | A+ |
| 8 | H2H Movers IncChicago | 4.56 | 4,892 | 4.9 | 4.2 | A+ |
| 9 | Jay MoversThis mover · ranks #9 | 4.56 | 514 | 4.1 | 3.9 | B- |
| 10 | Elite Moving & StorageLincolnwood | 4.52 | 2,057 | 4.7 | 2.8 | A+ |
| 11 | Golan's Moving & Storage, Inc.Skokie | 4.52 | 1,571 | 4.6 | 3.3 | A+ |
How does Jay Movers compare to other Illinois movers?
- moveBuddha score#12 of 313(better than average)
4.56vs 3.69 avg
Jay Movers scores 4.56, above the Illinois average of 3.69, and ranks #12 of 313 Illinois movers.
- Positive reviews#244 of 313(worse than average)
74%vs 89% avg
Jay Movers has 74% positive reviews, below the Illinois average of 89%, and ranks #244 of 313 Illinois movers.
- Negative reviews#239 of 313(worse than average)
22%vs 11% avg
Jay Movers has 22% negative reviews, above the Illinois average of 11%, and ranks #239 of 313 Illinois movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#60 of 313(better than average)
514vs 376 avg
Jay Movers has 514 reviews analyzed, above the Illinois average of 376, and ranks #60 of 313 Illinois movers.
- Yelp rating#41 of 313(better than average)
3.9vs 3.5 avg
Jay Movers has a Yelp rating of 3.9, above the Illinois average of 3.5, and ranks #41 of 313 Illinois movers.
- Years in business#39 of 313(worse than average)
29 yearsvs 32 years avg
Jay Movers has been in business for 29 years, below the Illinois average of 32 years, and ranks #39 of 313 Illinois movers.
| Metric | This moverJay Movers | Illinois avg | Illinois rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#12 of 313 in Illinois | 4.56 | 3.69 | #12 of 313 | +0.87(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#244 of 313 in Illinois | 74% | 89% | #244 of 313 | −15 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#239 of 313 in Illinois | 22% | 11% | #239 of 313 | +11 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#60 of 313 in Illinois | 514 | 376 | #60 of 313 | +138(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#41 of 313 in Illinois | 3.9 | 3.5 | #41 of 313 | +0.4(better than average) |
| Years in business#39 of 313 in Illinois | 29 years | 32 years | #39 of 313 | −3(worse than average) |
Compared with 313 Illinois movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Illinois.
Jay Movers
4.56Chicago, ILSince 1997
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 Jay Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Chicago.
Compare prices side by side
See where Jay Movers 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.
Jay Movers
4.56
Chicago, IL · Since 1997
Final verdict: Jay Movers
Jay Movers earns a 4.56/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #9 among Chicago movers, with 74% positive feedback across 514 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and easy booking process. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, efficient moves, and reliable service experience.
With 2 trucks and a track record dating to 1997, it has less history than the average Illinois mover, and 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.
Jay Movers
4.56
Chicago, IL · Since 1997
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 Jay Movers
- Phone
- (773) 588-6683
- Website
- jaymovers.com
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.