($1,330) Movers From Chicago, IL to Washington
Quick answer: The cost to move 1,993 miles from Chicago, IL, to Washington averages from $1,401 to $8,157. The move can take anywhere from five to 16 days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.

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Our track record
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Washington to Chicago, IL guide.
The best Chicago, IL to Washington full-service moving companies
Hiring the right interstate moving company from Chicago to Washington is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier.
We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 10 local movers in Chicago and 72 throughout the Land of Lincoln — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the top long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Washington.
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- 10% discount for veterans and seniors
- Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
- Services local, long-distance, and international moves
- Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer service
Cost to hire full-service movers from Chicago, IL, to Washington
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
The best moving containers for your Chicago, IL, to Washington move
Using a moving container for your move from Chicago to Washington is a smart way to save money without taking on a full DIY move. With moving containers, you pack and load your belongings. They’ll handle the transportation, so you won’t have to worry about driving a massive rental truck across state lines. Plus, since moving containers double as onsite storage pods, you can take your time unpacking.
Here are the best moving container companies in Chicago, IL, to make your long-distance move to Washington easier:
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Cost of moving containers from Chicago, IL, to Washington?
The best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Washington
Renting a moving truck is the most budget-friendly way to move from Chicago to Washington — and it gives you complete control over your schedule. You pack, load, and drive the truck yourself, which means no waiting around for delivery dates or worrying about shared shipping space. If you're comfortable behind the wheel and want the cheapest way to move, this is the route for you to take.
Check out the top truck rental companies in Chicago, IL, to help you hit the road to Washington with confidence:
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Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago, IL, to Washington
The best Chicago to Washington hourly movers
If you need muscle but not a moving truck, labor-only moving companies are the way to go. These movers handle the heavy lifting — loading, unloading, and sometimes, even packing (for an extra fee). All you have to take care of is the transportation.
Here are the best labor-only moving companies in Chicago, IL, to make your move to Washington easier:
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How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL, to Washington?
Below are average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck for your Chicago to Washington move.
Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the pricier side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
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Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,330 - $5,336 | $1,288 - $3,349 | $1,347 - $2,498 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,671 - $8,157 | $2,433 - $4,718 | $1,401 - $2,942 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,066 - $12,374 | $3,269 - $6,106 | $1,803 - $3,785 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,993 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
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
If you’re moving to Washington from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Washington
Chicago, IL | Washington | |
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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% |
Washington sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 12% less expensive in Washington than in Chicago.
- Home prices are about 117.6% higher in Washington than in Chicago.
- The average income is about 23.9% higher in Washington than in Chicago.
- Washington has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 79.2%.
- Income taxes are 100.00% lower in Washington than in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago, IL, from Washington
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: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Washington is approximately 184% greater than the population of Chicago.
- In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
- The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79º F and in Chicago, it’s 84º F.
- During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 31º F and Chicago gets down to 19º F.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
- In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
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 |
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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
- 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
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Washington.
Museums in Washington
Parks in Washington
Sports Teams in Washington
Universities in Washington
FAQs
How long does a move from Chicago to Washington take?
The time it takes to move from Chicago, IL, to Washington depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If you’re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. 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.