Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by Kari-Ann Ryan
Across the Chicago area, Mid-West Moving & Storage sees the results of do it yourself moves every day. Cracked furniture, damaged staircases, injured backs, broken door frames, and trucks that were never large enough. These are not rare events. They are predictable outcomes when a highly technical process is handled without professional systems.
Moving is a logistics operation. When done correctly, it runs smoothly. When done incorrectly, it becomes expensive, exhausting, and often dangerous.
A truck does not move a home, people do
A rental truck gives you wheels and an empty box. Everything else is on you. You decide how to pack it, how to protect your furniture, how to get a couch down a narrow staircase, and how to keep your belongings from shifting while driving.
Professional movers bring a system that has been built around these exact problems. Every item is wrapped for a reason. Every piece of furniture is placed in the truck in a certain order for a reason. Weight is distributed carefully so nothing collapses or tips during transit. There is a method behind every step because the cost of getting it wrong is high.
Most people only learn that after something breaks.
Boxes are easy. It is the big pieces that decide how your move goes. Sofas, beds, dressers, dining tables, appliances, sectionals and desks do not behave the same way when you try to move them. They catch door frames. They tilt at the wrong moment. They put strain on your back when you least expect it.
Handling weight incorrectly is not just inconvenient, it is a documented source of injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in transportation and material moving occupations experienced over 184,000 injuries and illnesses in a single year with many involving back strain, sprains, or musculoskeletal damage that required days away from work.
Professional movers are trained to handle weight in motion. They know how to angle furniture, when to pivot, how to use leverage and how to coordinate with another mover so nothing gets dropped or twisted. This is what keeps stair rails intact and shoulders out of the emergency room.
When people do this on their own, one awkward step can mean a cracked banister, a dented wall or a pulled muscle that lingers long after the move is over.
Your home is just as vulnerable as your furniture
Most people think about protecting their belongings but forget about the building they are moving out of and into. Walls, trim, floors, elevators and staircases take a beating during poorly planned moves.
At Mid-West Moving and Storage, floors are covered before a single piece of furniture moves. Doorways are padded. Corners are protected. Furniture is wrapped so it does not scrape paint or wood as it passes through tight spaces.
When you rent a truck, none of that is built in. If a dresser gouges your hardwood floor or a couch rips a piece of drywall, that repair is now yours to deal with.
The price you see is not the price you pay
Truck rentals look inexpensive until everything else shows up. Fuel. Mileage. Insurance. Dollies. Furniture pads. Lost work time. Meals for helpers. Then add the cost of anything that gets damaged or broken.
By the time the truck is returned, many people realize they did not actually save much, if anything. They just traded money for stress and physical exhaustion.
Professional movers give you a clear price that covers labor, equipment, protection and transportation. There are no surprise expenses tied to how many trips you make or how long it takes.
Professional movers work faster because they know what slows moves down
People who do not move for a living get slowed down by small things that add up. Furniture that does not fit. Items that are loaded in the wrong order. A truck that is packed inefficiently. A hallway that was not protected.
Moving crews do this every day. They know how to load a truck once and load it correctly. They know how to move through a building without stopping every few minutes to problem solve. That efficiency is what turns a long exhausting weekend into a single, manageable day.
Your belongings are not on their own
When Mid-West Moving and Storage handles a move, your items are wrapped, secured and covered. If something unexpected happens, there is a process to handle it. With a rental truck, once you drive off the lot, everything in that truck becomes your responsibility.
That difference alone is why so many people decide not to gamble with their home and their furniture.
What happens when something goes wrong
Most people do not realize that when they rent a truck, they become the moving company. If a friend drops a dresser down the stairs or a refrigerator damages a wall, that is not covered by U-Haul. It becomes a personal liability issue. In apartment buildings and condos, damage to common areas can also result in building management fees or insurance claims against the tenant.
Professional movers carry cargo liability coverage and general liability insurance. That means if something is damaged during the move, there is a formal claims process and financial protection built into the service. This is not just about convenience. It is about who is financially responsible when something goes wrong.
Hire movers vs renting a U-Haul
Here is what this looks like in the real world.
| Category | Hiring Mid-West Moving and Storage | Renting a U-Haul |
|---|---|---|
| Who does the work | Trained, insured moving professionals | You and whoever you can recruit |
| How heavy items are handled | Using professional lifting methods and equipment | By hand, often without proper technique |
| Furniture protection | Wrapped and padded as standard practice | You must buy or improvise |
| Floor and wall protection | Included in the move | Not provided |
| Truck loading | Planned and balanced to prevent shifting | Packed however it fits |
| Injury risk | Low due to training and coordination | High, especially with large items |
| Damage responsibility | Covered by the mover | Falls entirely on you |
| How long it takes | Usually one day | Often stretches into multiple days |
| Stress level | Managed by the moving crew | Completely on you |
A truck moves things. Movers move homes.
Why Mid-West Moving and Storage is different
Mid-West Moving & Storage is built around doing things the right way. We are a full-service Chicago moving company providing residential and commercial moving, professional packing and unpacking, secure storage, and specialty item moving for homes and businesses throughout the region.
Our crews are trained, our equipment is purpose-built for moving, and our process is designed to protect both people and property. Every move is approached with careful planning, proper materials, and experienced hands. Whether you are relocating across town or across the state, the goal is always the same. Your belongings arrive safely, your home stays protected, and the entire move is handled with care and professionalism.
Talk to a real moving professional before you rent a truck
If you are thinking about renting a truck, call Mid-West Moving and Storage first. A short conversation with a moving professional can save you days of frustration and thousands of dollars in risk.
Helpful Moving Resources
How to Schedule a Long Distance Move Online
Learn how to schedule a long-distance move online, step by step. From requesting quotes to virtual surveys and booking dates, see how Mid-West Moving & Storage makes the process simple.
Average Moving Costs in Chicago
Planning a move in Chicago? Learn typical costs for local and long-distance moves, packing services, and professional movers to budget smartly.
Should You Be Present on Moving Day?
Should you be there when movers arrive? Discover the benefits of being present, tips for staying involved remotely, and how Mid-West Moving & Storage ensures a seamless move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to rent a U-Haul or hire professional movers?
In many cases, hiring professional movers costs about the same or less than renting a truck once you include fuel, mileage, insurance, equipment rental, and lost work time. Rental truck prices increase with distance, time, and added coverage, while professional movers provide a single upfront price that includes labor, transportation, and protection.
Do professional movers bring their own truck and equipment?
Yes. Professional movers arrive with a moving truck, dollies, straps, furniture pads, shrink wrap, and floor protection. This eliminates the need to rent a vehicle or purchase moving supplies.
Does U-Haul insurance cover damage to my furniture or home?
No. U-Haul insurance only covers damage to the rental truck itself. It does not cover broken furniture, scratched floors, damaged walls, or injuries that occur during loading or unloading.
Do movers disassemble and reassemble furniture?
Yes. Beds, tables, sectionals, desks, and shelving are taken apart and reassembled as part of professional moving services.
What is the biggest risk of renting a moving truck?
The biggest risk is personal liability. You are responsible for injuries, property damage, broken furniture, and any accidents that occur during the move.
Director of Marketing & Development
Kari-Ann Ryan is a dynamic marketing strategist with a proven track record in brand development, corporate visibility, and business growth. As the Director of Marketing & Development for Mid-West Moving & Storage and Chicago Office Movers, she leads all branding, marketing, and business development initiatives, driving awareness and engagement across multiple industries.
With extensive experience in multi-brand marketing, nonprofit fundraising, event planning, and retail management, Kari-Ann brings a comprehensive and results-driven approach to her role. She is a dedicated leader in the business community, actively involved in the Schaumburg Business Association and the GOA Regional Business Association. She also serves as a Board Member for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, reinforcing her commitment to advocacy and philanthropy.
In addition to her corporate role, Kari-Ann is the founder of LMJ’s Lost Souls – Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to awareness, education, and fundraising for Alzheimer’s research and support.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University and is Certified in Constant Contact Email Marketing, with expertise in social media strategy and digital engagement.
