In 1914, Leslie Pickens began expressing baggage from Chicago's train depots to the Gold Coast. James Kane began his moving and storage company in Chicago and would continue to help form Allied Van Lines. Michael F. Munroe Sr. purchased Pickens Movers at the conclusion of his military duty, U.S. Army, in 1946.
Mr. Munroe operated Pickens Movers from a 10 x 10 ft. office at 1476 N. Clark St. and a garage behind the office. In 1951, he purchased Kane Storage Co. and merged the two companies into one, Pickens-Kane Moving & Storage Co. With the purchase of Kane, they secured the Allied Van Lines operating authority.
Mr. Munroe operated Pickens Movers from a 10 x 10 ft. office at 1476 N. Clark St. and a garage behind the office. In 1951, he purchased Kane Storage Co. and merged the two companies into one, Pickens-Kane Moving & Storage Co. With the purchase of Kane, they secured the Allied Van Lines operating authority.
Services
With over 100 years of experience, it's no wonder why Chicago residents continually turn to Pickens Kane for all of their moving and storage needs. Receive a free move estimate today! We truly are the commercial moving experts with our comprehensive services, extensively trained professionals and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
The whole team - sales, office, our driver and crew on both ends exceeded my expectations. I could go on but to sum up A++. The crew at Pickens Kane did a GREAT job for us in our move from Chicago to Massachusetts in April. Special thanks to Jennifer for setting it up, Kathy for organizing all the logistics and Vance for driving and managing two excellent crews in both IL and MA.
When it comes to household moving, Chicago area residents choose Pickens-Kane to handle the task. With our vast range of services, extensive global network and profound experience in the industry, we are the residential movers Chicago residents trust for a hassle-free, competitively priced relocation experience.
We are the international movers Chicago residents and businesses have come to rely on for seamless overseas relocations. Pickens-Kane is a long-time agent of Allied Van Lines, and Allied International Chicago is Chicagoland's premier mover for international requirements. As a partner agent in Allied International, we are part of the largest and most prestigious international moving system in the world.
We are the business movers Chicago area companies choose for their relocation needs. In fact, we are the Chicago's number one alternative for office relocation and installation services. Pickens-Kane is a full-service office and industrial relocation firm. Our full line of services includes all facets of office moving services to fully relocate your office.
Reviews (20)
Paul Peczon
Sep 23, 2021
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I was helping my cousin with a couple of last minute things like the alarm and cable box. This guy Oscar shows up asking redundant questions about what to move and I’m like everything except these lawn chairs but call my cousin. He blabbers on with more redundancy and when I tell him for like the 4th time everything in the garage (nicely) he blows… up screaming that he’s just fine with walking out and doesn’t need this. I seriously suspect that whatever he took to help him drive all night or whatever had him a little bit too cranked up. Dude, screaming and waving his arms
Diane Picco
Aug 26, 2021
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Scott Tyler
May 03, 2020
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Vivien Kelly
Dec 13, 2019
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Very happy. I was sending a few furniture items to my son in Houston,Texas. The move went very well. From the pick up of my items to the actual move Pickens-Kane kept me informed and I was able to let my son know when the truck would arrive in Houston. I would definitely use Pickens-Kane if I have any future moving needs.
Jesse N.
Oct 16, 2019
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I used Pickens-Kane / Allied for a cross country move from Chicago to Seattle and had an absolutely horrendous experience. They sell you on Pickens Kane being the most trusted and reliable moving company but in reality they are essentially a couple of people in an office coordinating a bunch of third party, highly unprofessional and low paid parties attempting to get the work done when and how it suits them with no real focus on the customer experience.
Here are the details of our experience:
- Three person team show up two hours late to my house in Chicago to move all our packed possessions
Here are the details of our experience:
- Three person team show up two hours late to my house in Chicago to move all our packed possessions
Marta J.
Aug 15, 2019
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AVOID AT ALL COST- BOXES OPENED AND ITEMS STOLEN AND NO RESPONSIBILITY
If you want to have the worst moving experience of your life, go with this company. Otherwise, stay away.
We were moving from Chicago to NYC with 2 small kids, so I was very thoughtful to choose the right company. The sales person Jennifer Smith was excellent at making me believe that I am in good hands and if anything happens I am purchasing the insurance that will cover it (I spent $500 on it).
There were some issues already on the way but then the biggest surprise happened when we started unpacking. We were shocked to
If you want to have the worst moving experience of your life, go with this company. Otherwise, stay away.
We were moving from Chicago to NYC with 2 small kids, so I was very thoughtful to choose the right company. The sales person Jennifer Smith was excellent at making me believe that I am in good hands and if anything happens I am purchasing the insurance that will cover it (I spent $500 on it).
There were some issues already on the way but then the biggest surprise happened when we started unpacking. We were shocked to
Gustavo Velez
Jul 18, 2019
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This place is huge! Im a truck driver and delivered to this place and was pleasantly surprised to see that they treat people's things with care! There warehouse storage space was huge and very clean! I am actually considering using them when I move out of state after what I've seen. I'm sure it's a little pricey but You get what you pay for!
Jeffrey Barron
Jun 30, 2019
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Not having moved in over 33 years was disconcerting enough but moving 2,000 + miles from Chicago to San Diego certainly required a knowledgeable company who would patiently walk us through the steps keeping us informed on a regular basis. We were most fortunate to have chosen this agent for Allied Van Lines. We can not say enough for how professional this company was and how patient they were. Our introduction came first with Chris Lidge, the Moving Consultant for Pickens Kane. He spent the most time with us when he came through our house taking inventory of what we want transported. He was never
Mary Jo Miller
May 04, 2019
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Joyce M.
Mar 01, 2019
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DO NOT USE Pickens Kane. You'd be better to throw away and buy new. After carefully interviewing movers, I chose them due to Marissa's professional and caring attitude. I paid in good faith for years for proper storage conditions, yet have significant damages due to IMPROPER ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS and MOTHS, stated by their adjuster. After 7 months of followup, finally Matt Miller processed my claim which was denied stating they were not submitted within their timeframe yet I have there letter stating claims can be made up to 9 months. Hopefully they'll reconsider and reimburse me
Chad Dunning
Jan 19, 2019
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Thank goodness that is over! Buying your first home is stressful. Its even more stressful when you have to renovate a fixer up for a few months after your lease is over and you have to store all your earthly belongings while you live with your family. Yea not fun. But Pickens-Kane made it tolerable. Their storage services were really convenient… and affordable. They picked everything up in one day, stored our items in their vaults and last week they delivered everything safe and sound. I am glad its over and I definitely recommend this service to anyone else going through a transition and
Tani S.
Jan 15, 2019
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My parents used Pickens-Kane to move from Chicago to Seattle. They were so impressed with how thoughtful and smooth the move went especially since it wasn't a whole truck but nothing broke and nothing was lost and more importantly everything arrived at schedule.
My parents had just had new carpet installed in their house in Seattle and the movers in Seattle were patient to make sure the drops they installed were clean and properly secured. Highly recommend this firm!
My parents had just had new carpet installed in their house in Seattle and the movers in Seattle were patient to make sure the drops they installed were clean and properly secured. Highly recommend this firm!
Amy A.
Aug 16, 2018
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If you can walk away from moving with a smile on your face, somebody deserves a gold star. I rarely do reviews, but I just feel I should share. This is the best moving experience I have ever had, and I have moved 15 times. The crew was highly professional and respectful. I have never been ma'am'd so much in my life. They helped us finish packing up our house, and moved us into a new home. Not only were they hard-working and diligent about packing our contents safely, but also they were kind and obliging when we moved into our new home. They were also so courteous with our neighbors that
Kiran J.
Mar 22, 2018
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Phew, the move is over! 4 stars.
Overall our interstate move from the Midwest to the west went smoothly. We took 3 moving bids of which PK/Allied came in the lowest. Although the lowest bid, the PK consultant who gave us the bid spent the most time taking inventory of all of our furniture, closets and two storage units off site. Their bid was the most detailed and PK was the only company of the three we contacted who were willing to work with us on price.
The actual moving companies used on both ends to load and unload were very nice and professional. We personally packed 95% of our possessions
Overall our interstate move from the Midwest to the west went smoothly. We took 3 moving bids of which PK/Allied came in the lowest. Although the lowest bid, the PK consultant who gave us the bid spent the most time taking inventory of all of our furniture, closets and two storage units off site. Their bid was the most detailed and PK was the only company of the three we contacted who were willing to work with us on price.
The actual moving companies used on both ends to load and unload were very nice and professional. We personally packed 95% of our possessions
Marc S.
Jul 30, 2017
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We recently moved from Chicago to a smaller town in France. I saw everything leave the apartment, packed by a team that did a very good job. On time, good team work, speedy work.
There were a few broken items -- a small drinking glass, the glass on a single large poster and the bracket on a reclining chair and a missing lamp part.
We are very happy with the speed, professionalism, European partner, net cost and overall outcome. In the end, the price was several hundred dollars LESS than the estimate. That, in my opinion, never happens.
We recommend Pickens-Kane without reservation.
There were a few broken items -- a small drinking glass, the glass on a single large poster and the bracket on a reclining chair and a missing lamp part.
We are very happy with the speed, professionalism, European partner, net cost and overall outcome. In the end, the price was several hundred dollars LESS than the estimate. That, in my opinion, never happens.
We recommend Pickens-Kane without reservation.
Tom M.
Feb 10, 2017
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Let me preface this by saying that I have not actually completed a move with them (not for lack of trying), but I feel that my experience on the front end warrants warning others about.
I contacted Allied moving for a move from the Chicago suburbs to Carbondale Illinois, with a special circumstance that, with a rapid change in job, I only have one day to do the move so it has to be done in one day or cannot be done at all. I was trying to schedule this four months in advance so as to get things booked as soon as possible. I ask Allied if this is something they can accommodate, they say yes
I contacted Allied moving for a move from the Chicago suburbs to Carbondale Illinois, with a special circumstance that, with a rapid change in job, I only have one day to do the move so it has to be done in one day or cannot be done at all. I was trying to schedule this four months in advance so as to get things booked as soon as possible. I ask Allied if this is something they can accommodate, they say yes
Jo Ann Shakon
Dec 22, 2016
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Kate VandStrait
Oct 22, 2016
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This rating is true. We had a smooth and seamless move from the estimator to the fragile packing crew; from the loading crew to the unloading crew. The move coordinator kept us fully informed of changes and delivery expectations and the driver was honest and extremely accurate with the delivery time as well as working with the crews in each city. Everyone was professional, friendly, and made us feel very comfortable that our household belongings, that we had accumulated over 45 years, were well taken care and would arrive safely. I would highly recommend Allied Movers and the Pickens-Kane Moving
Rick Hyatt
Aug 23, 2016
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I would highly recommend Pickens Kane. From my first encounter with Mike Donahue, I knew I was working with professionals. Every stage of the move was handled in such a way that I did not feel stressed. Everything was on time, and the guys who moved our items on both ends were personable, hard-working, and careful to not mar floors or walls. Thanks!
Mel N.
Oct 21, 2013
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I just have to say Chris Lidge is an all around pro! Great guy. He was the one who made us choose Allied-Pickens and Kane in the end. It was more expensive by $1000, but well worth it! And most moving companies low ball you, since they really have no idea what you really have and then surprise you at the end with the real total. Where Allied comes out to look at what you are moving and gives you a stone clad quote! Chris did that for us.
Also, I did do a poll on Facebook to see what moving company had the best track record with my friends, and Allied came up again and again. I couldn&apos
Also, I did do a poll on Facebook to see what moving company had the best track record with my friends, and Allied came up again and again. I couldn&apos
