Local moving companies in Chicago

  1. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  2. New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/stimovingandstorage, https://twitter.com/stimovers?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
High marks for speed, professionalism, and careful handling set STI Moving & Storage apart from most competitors. In an analysis of 538 reviews, 68% reflect satisfied customers who consistently praise the efficient crews, friendly staff, and reliable communication. Many detail moves finished faster than expected, with careful packing and respect for belongings. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage to items, delays in delivery—especially for long-distance moves—and surprise or higher-than-expected charges. Customers also note issues with complex claims for damage resolution. Neutral feedback highlights occasional late arrivals and some pricing misalignments, but still mentions professionalism from staff. Compared to industry standards, STI earns stronger praise for crew attitude and efficiency but faces similar criticism to peers regarding damage claims and delivery timelines. Most customers find their moves easier and less stressful thanks to STI's organized and diligent teams, though potential clients should review policies closely for long-distance or specialty needs.
Get a Quote (847) 675-1223

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
https://www.facebook.com/NewCityMoving, https://twitter.com/newcitymoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Moving magic happens when speed meets service—New City Moving delivers exactly that, according to 1,451 pieces of customer feedback analyzed. With 92.4% positive reviews, most customers rave about the company’s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaround—which set them apart from many competitors. A high number praised clear communication throughout the move. While affordability and responsiveness also stood out, some reported problems. About 6% said their main issue was damage to their belongings, unexpected charges, or struggles resolving complaints when things went wrong. Only 1.8% of feedback landed in the neutral zone, typically due to minor organizational or packing concerns rather than major failures. New City Moving earns above-average praise for efficiency and professionalism compared to other moving services, but a handful of customers cite billing, compensation, or damage disputes where they wanted swifter or better follow-up. For most, the company’s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.
Get a Quote (773) 489-0600

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
https://www.facebook.com/h2hmovingcompany/, https://twitter.com/h2hmoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Moving day just got easier for H2H customers. Out of 640 real customer reviews analyzed, a remarkable 88% delivered positive feedback, placing H2H Movers above most competitors in the moving industry. Clients most frequently highlighted the company’s efficient service, careful handling of possessions, professional and polite staff, great communication, and a quick moving process. People appreciated teams who arrived on time, completed moves ahead of schedule, and made stressful relocations feel manageable, often noting that quoted prices were accurate or even lower than expected. On the other hand, the most common complaints were unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, and delays in arrival or delivery. A few customers reported being billed more than their estimates due to extra fees or poor packing, and some faced slow resolution for claims or communication gaps after their move. While some neutral reviews cited problems with lost items or payment methods, these were far less frequent than the praise received. H2H Movers stands out with efficient, reliable, and friendly crews—a reputation that exceeds the service level of many moving companies, though attention to transparent billing and timeliness could make experiences even better.
Get a Quote (773) 236-8797

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
https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoMover, https://twitter.com/TheProMove1
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Word travels fast when a moving company makes relocations easier than expected. After analyzing 1,349 reviews, 92.5% of feedback for The Professionals Moving Specialists is positive. Customers routinely highlight efficient service, careful handling of belongings, moving crews that work quickly, a professional attitude, and clear communication. People appreciate arriving on time, speedy completion, and the rare occurrence of damage compared to other movers. The overwhelming majority find the booking process straightforward, pricing fair, and the teams respectful of property and special requests. Some input does point to a few drawbacks: complaints about items being scratched or dented, final charges being higher than expected due to extra materials or time, and unexpected add-ons. These issues are reported far less often than praise for skilled, polite, and diligent crews. Compared to most moving companies, The Professionals stand out with stronger reliability and care for customer property. If dependability, efficiency, and peace of mind are top priorities, this company outperforms many local competitors.
Get a Quote (888) 225-7351

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
https://www.facebook.com/AllianceMovingTeam/, https://twitter.com/alliance_moving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving with Alliance Moving & Storage feels like a breath of fresh air: 247 customer feedback entries were analyzed, with a remarkable 95.5% being positive. Most people describe the company as efficient, careful with belongings, highly professional, and quick. Customers consistently mention respectful staff and clear, reliable communication throughout the process. Affordable, transparent pricing and rapid scheduling compared favorably versus rival companies. On the downside, a minority report unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, or trouble reaching someone after problems arose. Issues like last-minute price increases or lack of follow-up were sometimes cited by dissatisfied customers. Negative experiences remain much less common than positive ones. Compared with typical moving companies, Alliance stands out for speed, professionalism, and care, though some customers recommend confirming all charges up front to prevent misunderstandings.
Get a Quote (847) 378-4949

Company Info

State license #: 214845

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2882675

Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Washington

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have, as well as your home size and layout, will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to Washington

Heading from Chicago to Washington comes with new adventures, but also a bump in living expenses. Because Washington usually has a higher cost of living than Chicago, it’s smart to budget and plan ahead.

Take a look at how living in Chicago stacks up against Washington so you’re prepared before making the move:

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Washington

Chicago, IL Washington
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,900
Average home cost $295,743 $588,856
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $90,325
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.8%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent is roughly 7% cheaper in Washington compared to Chicago, so you’ll keep more money in your pocket every month.
  • Home prices run about 99.1% higher in Washington than Chicago, so plan for a bigger mortgage if you’re buying.
  • On average, income is 26.2% higher in Washington than in Chicago.
  • Unemployment runs about 46.7% lower in Washington compared to Chicago.
  • Enjoy the tax break—income taxes drop by about 100.00% in Washington versus Chicago, which means you’ll keep more of your paycheck.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from Washington

When planning a move from Chicago to Washington, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the Chi-Town behind for life in Washington.

Chicago, IL Washington
Population 7,812,880 2,746,388
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic
Summer high 79ºF 84ºF
Winter low 31ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 38" 38"
Annual snow 18" 35"
Crime index 37.32 35.19
  • In the most recent presidential election, Washington voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • Summer highs in Washington average 79°F, while Chicago can reach up to 84°F. Get ready to enjoy cooler temps this summer.
  • In the coldest months, temperatures in Chicago drop to 19°F, while Washington only dips to 31°F. That means you can look forward to milder winters in the Evergreen State.
  • No need to worry about big weather changes when you move from Chicago to Washington. Both places get similar annual rainfall—38 inches in Washington and 38 inches in Chicago.
  • In Washington, you’ll see just 18 inches of snow each year, less than the 35 inches back in Chicago. Get ready for milder winters when you settle into the Evergreen State!

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. Washington:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs 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 living in Chicago, IL, vs. Washington:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Washington.

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 from Chicago

If you’re relocating from Chicago to Washington, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your move.

  • Weather: Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Washington

No matter what you’re into—parks, museums, sports, or universities—you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy in Washington.

Museums in Washingtontoggle

  • Chihuly Garden and Glass
  • The Museum of Flight
  • LeMay - America's Car Museum
  • Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
  • USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
  • Museum of Glass
  • Hibulb Cultural Center
  • Puget Sound Navy Museum
  • Pacific Bonsai Museum
  • Imagine Children's Museum

Parks in Washingtontoggle

  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Olympic National Park
  • North Cascades National Park
  • Deception Pass State Park
  • Lake Wenatchee State Park
  • Palouse Falls State Park
  • Lime Kiln Point State Park
  • Gingko Petrified Forest State Park
  • Cape Disappointment State Park
  • Birch Bay State Park

Sports Teams in Washingtontoggle

  • OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
  • Seattle Kraken (NHL)
  • Seattle Mariners (MLB)
  • Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
  • Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
  • Seattle Storm (WNBA)

Universities in Washingtontoggle

  • University of Washington
  • Washington State University
  • Western Washington University
  • The Evergreen State College
  • Seattle University
  • Gonzaga University
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Central Washington University
  • Whitman College
  • Seattle Pacific University

FAQs

How long does a move from Chicago to Washington take?

The time it takes to move from Chicago, IL, to Washington ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take five to 16 days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

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.

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.

Helpful moving resources