Find top-rated Seattle movers for long-distance Chicago relocations. Compare costs, services, and reviews to pick the right company for your move.
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If you're moving from Seattle to Chicago, you already know it's a 2,041-mile haul — that's not a quick weekend trip. You need movers in Seattle who've actually done this route before and won't treat your belongings like they're going three blocks away.
I've looked at what 63 Seattle-area moving companies claim they can handle for long-distance work, and filtered for the ones with solid track records, real customer feedback, and experience crossing state lines. Here are the ones worth calling.
State license: HG063388 | DOT #: 1731101 | Years in business: 22
521 S Monroe St., Seattle, WA 98108 | (206) 284-9445
Review snapshot: Out of 244 verified reviews, 81% came back positive. The crew gets flagged for speed, care with your stuff, and politeness. Communication is a strength—people consistently mention knowing what's happening before, during, and after the move. Some complaints about damage and billing mix-ups exist, but they're the exception.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, antiques, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.
Payment: Cash, credit card. Deposit required.
State license: HG060620 | DOT #: 373544 | Years in business: 43
506 2nd Ave Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 213-0426
Review snapshot: Nearly perfect—99.5% of 221 reviews were positive. Customers rave about efficiency, care, and professional crews. Post-move communication and deposit refunds have been issues in isolated cases, but the overwhelming consensus is that prices come in as quoted or lower. This company has 43 years under its belt and it shows.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international relocation, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, crane vans, storage.
Payment: Credit card.
State license: 3110677 | DOT #: 3110677 | Years in business: 7 | Hourly rate: $150/hr
15300 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 | (877) 755-7007
Review snapshot: 93% positive out of 327 reviews. Customers highlight reliability, speed, and care—exactly what you want on a cross-country move. The crew is responsive and transparent. Damage claims and long-distance delays surface in some reviews, so if breakables are involved, nail down insurance details upfront.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, crating, shipment tracking, storage.
Payment: Credit card.
State license: 3227005 | DOT #: 3227005 | Years in business: 15
1200 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA 98119 | (206) 971-6895
Review snapshot: 724 verified reviews, 89% positive. Efficiency, care, and transparency are the thread through most feedback. Customers appreciate the flexibility on scheduling and the fact that final bills match estimates. Some users reported damage or surprise charges, so confirm coverage details before signing anything.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes.
Payment: Money order, cash, credit card. Deposit required.
State license: 064727 | DOT #: 2332109 | Years in business: 13 | Hourly rate: $120/hr
227 Bellevue Way NE Suite 477, Bellevue, WA 98004 | (206) 466-7710
Review snapshot: 88% positive out of 266 reviews. Speed, affordability, and professionalism come up repeatedly. You'll pay less per hour than some competitors, and the crew stays focused on getting the job done. Minor damage complaints and occasional late arrivals show up in about 9% of reviews—not perfect, but consistent with the moving industry.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international relocation, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Payment: Cash, credit card.
Movers in Washington charge an average of $143 per hour. For a Seattle-to-Chicago move, here's what you're realistically looking at:
| Move size | Full-service movers | Moving containers | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,372 – $5,567 | $1,122 – $2,780 | $1,102 – $2,235 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,482 – $8,189 | $2,078 – $3,911 | $1,218 – $2,685 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,869 – $11,546 | $2,847 – $5,333 | $1,537 – $3,070 |
These are ballpark figures for the 2,041-mile route. Your actual cost depends on move size, add-on services, parking, fuel rates, and when you move. Use our calculator to get quotes tailored to your situation.
A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,372–$5,567. Step up to two or three bedrooms, and you're looking at $3,482–$8,189. For a large home (four-plus bedrooms), expect $6,869–$11,546. The spread exists because labor, packing, and timing all swing the needle.
If you prefer a moving container approach (you pack, they transport):
This is cheaper than full-service movers but demands more effort from you. You control the pace; they handle the logistics and storage.
Truck rentals are the budget option—but you're doing all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself:
Fuel is factored into these estimates. It's cheap on paper, but factor in your time, energy, and the risk of damage or injury.
Move size: A studio can cost as little as $2,644; a four-bedroom can balloon to $11,144. Every extra room adds weight, volume, and time.
Timing: Summer is peak season—everyone moves then, prices spike. Winter moves are cheaper but your window for good weather shrinks.
DIY vs. full-service: Truck rentals start around $1,102; movers range $1,372 and up. The difference is labor. Pay more, sleep better.
The good news: Seattle and Chicago sit in roughly the same cost-of-living ballpark. You won't face a dramatic budget shock.
| Factor | Seattle | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $2,368 |
| Avg. 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $4,581 |
| Avg. home value | $842,068 | $295,743 |
| Avg. income (per capita) | $77,845 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,801 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tax Foundation
Rent is nearly identical. Don't expect a windfall or a penalty here.
Chicago homes cost 65% less. If you own, that's a massive win. Mortgages go down; equity goes up.
Income is 8% lower in Chicago. Your paycheck might shrink. Factor that into your decision if you're job-hunting.
Cost of living for singles differs by less than 5%. Day-to-day groceries, gas, and dining out won't shift much.
Family expenses are roughly the same. A 5% variance means your family budget stays stable.
Chicago's unemployment is nearly double. More people looking for work means stiffer competition if you're entering the job market.
Sales taxes are nearly identical. Not a deciding factor.
Illinois has income tax; Washington doesn't. That 4.95% state income tax in Illinois cuts into your take-home pay. Plan accordingly.
| Expense | Seattle | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food meal | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Mid-range dinner for 2 | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $78.31 |
Utilities are cheaper in Chicago. Groceries cost less too. Everything else is basically a wash. You're not moving to save money—you're moving for other reasons.
| Factor | Seattle | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 2,746,388 |
| Public transit score | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 77 |
| Bike-friendliness | 72 | 71 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
Chicago is 3.7× bigger. That means more job opportunities, more restaurants, more crowds, and more noise.
Public transit is slightly better in Chicago. Both cities score well, but Chicago's score of 9 edges Seattle's 8.
Both are walkable. Chicago's slightly more so, but you won't feel the difference day-to-day.
Biking is equally viable. Both rank as bike-friendly. Choose your neighborhood wisely if you cycle.
Chicago is safer by the numbers. Chicago's crime index is lower, meaning fewer reported crimes. But safety varies wildly by neighborhood in both cities. Pick your block carefully.
Air quality is identical. Both rate "Good." No advantage either way.
HOA and community rules. If your building has an HOA or community policies, read them before move day. Some restrict moving hours or require advance notice.
Elevator reservations. If your Seattle or Chicago building has an elevator, book it ahead. High-rise moves require coordination; don't assume it's available when you need it.
Truck parking permits. Chicago has street parking restrictions. Research your destination neighborhood's rules. Some areas require permits; others ban oversized vehicles during certain hours. Call ahead or risk a ticket.
State licensing in Illinois. The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees household goods movers. Legitimate movers need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify your mover has a current license before signing anything. Check the ICC's public utilities commission database.
No moving permits required in Illinois. You won't need a formal moving permit, but double-check local parking rules anyway.
Change of address. Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before you move. You can select your move date and have mail forwarded immediately. Do it online at usps.com.
Moving company insurance. State laws vary. Released Value Protection (basic coverage at 60 cents per pound) is free, but it won't cover much. For full-value protection, ask your mover about options or explore third-party insurance. Don't rely on free coverage for anything valuable.
Moving checklist. Use our moving checklist to make sure you're not scrambling at the last minute.
Ready to land in Chi-Town? Here are solid neighborhoods worth considering.
You've moved. Now explore.
Arts and culture. The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum are world-class. Spend a weekend hitting them.
Outdoor recreation. Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606 (elevated trail), and Lincoln Park offer walking, cycling, and open air. Chicago's lakefront is a huge draw.
Sports. Catch the Bears (NFL), Cubs or White Sox (MLB), Blackhawks (NHL), Bulls (NBA), Fire (MLS), or Sky (WNBA). Chicago fans are passionate. You'll feel the energy.
Spring and fall. Weather is stable, and you dodge the peak summer rush. Fewer people move, movers have more availability, and prices stay reasonable.
Winter. People avoid it (cold, unpredictable), so movers cut rates to fill schedules. You sacrifice comfort for savings—weigh that trade-off.
Six to 17 days, depending on the mover and route. Some companies offer expedited options. If you can use storage on the Chicago end to bridge the gap, you gain flexibility.
Yes. Military and senior discounts exist among Seattle movers, but offers vary and change. Confirm details with each company before booking.
Book early if you need specialty services. Availability is tight during peak season.
Ready to start planning? Get personalized quotes from multiple movers to compare costs and services side-by-side. The more you compare, the better deal you'll land.
