($1,231+) Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Olympia, WA, runs anywhere from $1,231 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,144 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,103 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,261, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,144 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,704 - $6,205, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,231 - $3,431.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Olympia, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,219 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA
Moving options from Chicago to Olympia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,219 - $7,077 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,103 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,103-mile route from Chicago to Olympia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,261 - $5,491 | $1,704 - $3,149 | $1,231 - $2,399 | $1,504 - $2,890 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,219 - $7,077 | $2,035 - $4,504 | $1,280 - $2,745 | $1,696 - $3,603 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,974 - $11,144 | $3,024 - $6,205 | $1,715 - $3,431 | $2,419 - $4,964 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,103-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Olympia, Washington, with prices running from $2,261 - $11,144. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $325 - $2,168 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chicago and Olympia are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chicago movers tend to run around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,261 - $5,491
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,219 - $7,077
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,974 - $11,144
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Olympia.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Olympia, 65% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $542 - $5,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $217 - $1,301/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $325 - $2,602 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,084 - $3,252 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,710 - $10,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $812 - $1,543 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,084 - $2,710 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $867 - $3,794 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $325 - $1,626 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $705 - $2,168 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $325 - $16,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $325 - $3,794+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Olympia?
Movers licensed to operate in Washington are typically members of the Washington Movers Conference, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chicago, IL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Olympia, Washington, cost between $1,704 and $6,205. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,704 - $3,149
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,035 - $4,504
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,024 - $6,205
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chicago, IL and Olympia, WA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $759 in Chicago, IL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $81 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $163 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Washington move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,704. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,035 - $4,504.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Olympia?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,103 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Olympia, Washington, running $1,231 - $3,431. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $725 - $829
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Olympia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,231 - $2,399
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,280 - $2,745
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,715 - $3,431
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Olympia starts at $1,231 - $3,431, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($725 - $829), overnight lodging ($163/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $163 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $70 and $352 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $725 - $829 in fuel for the 2,103-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $759 in Chicago, Illinois, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Olympia?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA
If you're moving a larger household from Chicago, Illinois, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Olympia, Washington.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,696 and $3,603.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,504 - $2,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,696 - $3,603
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,419 - $4,964
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $759.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $81 and $163 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Olympia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Olympia. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Olympia, WA
Chicago and Olympia land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Chicago and 112 in Olympia, and average rent is $2,045/mo vs. $1,895/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 77 vs 39 and safety scores are 33.87 vs 62.25.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Olympia, WA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Washington, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 295 movers licensed in Illinois, useful context for sizing up this 2,103-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Chicago, IL, to Olympia, WA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,261 for a studio to $11,144 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,103-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,704 - $6,205. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,231 - $3,431, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,219 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Washington State ESD and The Evergreen State College.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Olympia, WA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($725 - $829), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $163/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Olympia?
Olympia has a walkability score of 39 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,231 to $11,144, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,261 and $11,144, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Olympia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.