Local moving companies in Chicago
Out of 68 Chicago movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Washington.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Chicago, IL
Here’s how many movers in Chicago include specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Chicago, IL to Washington
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Chicago to Washington with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,174 – $4,662 | $1,103 – $2,701 | $1,177 – $2,095 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,368 – $7,336 | $2,024 – $4,247 | $1,175 – $2,648 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,754 – $10,291 | $2,884 – $5,560 | $1,622 – $3,275 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,998-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Washington using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes them monthly to account for seasonal shifts and market trends. Your actual cost can change based on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Washington
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Chicago to Washington, you can expect prices to land between $1,174 and $4,662. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,368 to $7,336 for the trip from Chicago to WA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,754 and $10,291.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Washington
Moving containers from Chicago to Washington will cost you $1,103 to $2,701 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,024 to $4,247. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,884 to $5,560. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Chicago.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Washington
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,177 and $2,095 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Washington with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,175 to $2,648. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,622 to $3,275.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to WA
Here’s what shapes the moving costs in Chicago:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer moves in Chicago fall during peak season, which usually means higher prices.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What you should know before moving from Chicago to WA
When relocating from Chicago to Washington, you can look forward to new experiences, yet it’s crucial to anticipate higher living expenses. With Washington typically being more costly than Chicago, careful financial planning is essential.
Compare the lifestyle in Chicago with that in Washington to better prepare yourself for your upcoming move:
Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Washington
| Chicago, IL | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,045 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $295,743 | $588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $90,325 |
| Cost of living index | 106 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.8% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
Washington sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- In Washington, rent is about 7% lower than in Chicago, making housing easier on your budget.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 99% higher in Washington than in Chicago.
- On average, incomes in Washington run 26% above Chicago, potentially improving your financial flexibility.
- Expect the cost of living in Washington to be roughly 8% higher than in Chicago, which may require some budgeting adjustments.
- Washington has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 47%, suggesting a stronger job market.
- Washington has no income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Illinois.
How life is different in Chicago, IL from Washington
From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in Washington stacks up against what you’re used to in Chicago.
| Chicago, IL | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 7,812,880 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Democratic |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 38″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 18″ |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 37.32 |
Washington Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Washington leaned Democratic, while Chicago supported Democrat.
- Summertime highs settle at approximately 79ºF in Washington as well as 84ºF in Chicago, ensuring the climate feels quite familiar. Apart from temperatures, it’s important to think about humidity, weather trends, and energy costs to grasp what summertime will be like in your new area.
- Winter lows in Washington stay around 31ºF, noticeably warmer than Chicago, where lows drop to 19ºF. This shift means easier winters, lighter routines, and smaller heating bills.
- In Washington, you’ll experience about 38 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 38 inches you’re used to in Chicago. While the totals are close, timing and seasonal rain patterns could still impact your routine.
- In Washington, you’ll get about 18 inches of snow each year, far less than Chicago. That means moving to Washington will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Washington records a higher crime rate (37.32) than Chicago (35.19). It’s wise to research neighborhoods to understand how this may affect your day-to-day.
Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL versus Washington:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago versus Washington side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Chicago, IL | Pros of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Beautiful landscapes |
| Delicious food | Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundant entertainment | High quality of life |
| Intense sports culture | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Ample economic opportunity | Delicious seafood |
Comparing the cons of Chicago, IL versus Washington:
Transitioning from Chicago to Washington can present challenges; here’s what you need to keep in mind.
| Cons of living in Chicago, IL | Cons of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | Constant rain |
| Temperamental weather | Bad traffic |
| Terrible traffic | High cost of living |
| High taxes | High crime rate |
| Pollution | Natural disasters |
Other considerations when moving to Washington
When you’re moving from Chicago to Washington, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- HOA rules: Always check community regulations beforehand so your move-in goes smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve the elevator if your building requires it for move-ins.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in Washington, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to Washington. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Washington
Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, Washington has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Washington
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- The Museum of Flight
- LeMay – America’s Car Museum
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
- USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
Sports teams in Washington
- OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Universities in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Seattle University
FAQ
How long does a move from Chicago to Washington take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Chicago, IL, to Washington? Most moves on this route usually take five to 16 days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.
To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 46 movers in Chicago that offer customized crates for a variety of fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces, including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you will need special crating for any of your items, be sure to confirm with a Chicago moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to Washington?
Need to get your car from Chicago to Washington? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to Washington car shippers.
Why are people moving from Chicago to Washington?
Many people are moving to Washington because of its beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Washington.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.
Can I pay for my move from Chicago, IL, with cash?
There are 29 movers in Chicago that accept cash payments. Even so, cash is not the norm in the moving industry, where traceable payment types are preferred. Plan to pay a deposit to lock in your booking and move date. The rest of the balance is usually due at pickup or after delivery—verify timing and accepted methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
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