Moving from Olympia, WA to Illinois
If you're moving from Washington to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 2,050 miles — a genuine cross-country haul with real long-distance pricing to match. This isn't a trip where you rent a trailer for the weekend; you need a mover with interstate experience, a clear damage policy, and pricing you can actually plan around.
Below I've put together what this move actually costs, which Olympia-area movers hold up best on long interstate runs, and what to expect when you land in a state with a different climate, tax structure, and cost of living.
Top Olympia Movers for Your Move to Illinois
Out of 33 Olympia-area moving companies capable of handling out-of-state work, these five rise to the top when you look at interstate capability, verified customer feedback, and service depth.
- All Ready Moving & Storage — 4.64 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.52 / 5
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.50 / 5
- Mountain Moving & Storage — 4.58 / 5
- Move Northwest — 4.30 / 5
All Ready Moving & Storage
2900 37th Ave SW, Tumwater, WA 98512 | 97% positive reviews | DOT #2083124 | 21 years in business
All Ready's strongest calling card is speed that doesn't come at the expense of care. Across 280+ reviews, the consistent theme is crews who move efficiently while still treating fragile items — pianos, antiques, glassware — like they matter. Scheduling is easy, communication holds up from booking through delivery, and the volume of praise here is hard to argue with.
The rare negatives involve occasional item damage and a handful of billing disputes. For a company logging this many moves, that's a pretty clean record. If you have specialty items making the trip to Illinois, All Ready is one of the safer local bets.
Rating: Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage. Credit cards accepted.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
1140 79th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501 | 93% positive reviews | DOT #3151264 | 6 years in business
The Olympia franchise earns its reputation independently of the national brand. Out of 195 reviews, 93% are positive — reviewers call out clear communication, efficient crews, and the ability to adapt when plans change. Several mention finishing under the quoted time, which tells you something about how they staff jobs.
One caveat: the BBB rating for this location is an F, which stands out against the strong customer reviews. Worth digging into the specifics if that matters to you. Pricing transparency has tripped up a small number of customers, and there are occasional delays. Also confirm they can handle the full Olympia-to-Illinois distance — their listed services lean local.
Rating: Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: F
Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, storage. Credit cards accepted.
Olympic Moving & Storage Inc.
935 Poplar Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501 | 88% positive reviews | DOT #586615 | 121 years in business
121 years is not a typo. Olympic Moving & Storage has operated in the Pacific Northwest longer than most companies have existed in any form. Close to 90% positive reviews from 250+ customers, with recurring praise for punctuality, precise packing, and professional crews who show up ready to work.
Where they show cracks is on complex or long-haul moves — a handful of customers report damaged items and communication gaps when things got complicated. Claims handling appears to be an area where they could sharpen up. For a well-organized interstate move where you know what you're shipping, they're a reliable choice.
Rating: Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, crating, storage. Credit cards accepted.
Mountain Moving & Storage
9413 47th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 | 84% positive reviews | DOT #885643 | 62 years in business
Mountain covers almost everything on the specialty services side — pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, safes — plus DOD certification, which matters if any of your household involves military credentialing. For a move with complicated inventory, they're one of the more capable operators in the Olympia area.
The 84% positive rate is solid, though it trails the others on this list. Where they fall short is in damage resolution and follow-up communication when things go sideways. If you book Mountain, get the claims process in writing before move day. Don't assume it'll be handled smoothly based on the booking call alone.
Rating: Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, safes, storage. Cash and credit cards accepted. DOD certified.
Move Northwest
940 Poplar St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 | 94% positive reviews | DOT #2256609 | 12 years in business
Also operating as Bekins Northwest (and affiliated with the national Bekins network), Move Northwest offers the most complete service menu in this group — crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, grandfather clocks, DOD certification. If you want a local operator with national network backing, this is the one.
The 4.3 star average is the lowest on this list, but the 94% positive rate from 120+ reviews actually ties for best in class. Those two numbers aren't contradictory — it suggests satisfied customers who leave solid but not over-the-top ratings. Several reviewers specifically noted that final charges came in below the quote, which is rare and worth flagging. The main complaints involve isolated billing surprises and a few damage claims.
Rating: Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, safes, storage. Credit cards accepted, deposit required. DOD certified.
What Olympia Movers Typically Offer
Before you start calling around, here's a quick read on which specialty services are actually available among Olympia's long-distance movers:
- Interstate capability: 26 of 33 companies (79%)
- Piano moving: 26 of 33 (79%)
- Art handling: 22 of 33 (67%)
- Antiques: 19 of 33 (58%)
- Small moves: 10 of 33 (30%)
- Fragile-only packing: 3 of 33 (9%)
If you have specialty items, you won't struggle to find a company that can handle them — but fragile-only packing is scarce enough that you should confirm availability before assuming.
Cost to Move from Olympia, WA to Illinois
This is a ~2,052-mile haul, so expect real long-distance numbers. Use the moving cost calculator for a tailored estimate based on your actual inventory — the table below is a solid baseline.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,399 – $5,063 | $1,119 – $2,827 | $1,148 – $2,237 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,569 – $7,884 | $2,052 – $4,144 | $1,182 – $2,534 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,552 – $12,086 | $2,648 – $5,818 | $1,538 – $3,294 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary by inventory volume, access conditions, fuel, and timing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Olympia to Illinois
A studio or one-bedroom with a full-service mover will run you $1,399 to $5,063. That's a wide band — driven primarily by how much you own, whether you need packing services, and whether you're moving during summer peak. For two- to three-bedroom homes, expect $3,569 to $7,884. Four bedrooms and up lands between $6,552 and $12,086.
Cost of Moving Containers from Olympia to Illinois
Moving containers — PODS and comparable services — sit in between DIY and full-service. You pack everything; they handle the transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $1,119 to $2,827. A two- or three-bedroom move runs $2,052 to $4,144, and larger homes fall between $2,648 and $5,818.
It's a practical option if you want flexibility on timing and don't mind doing the packing work yourself.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Olympia to Illinois
A rental truck is the lowest upfront number — but you're also signing up for two-plus days of driving across five states. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,148 to $2,237 including average fuel. Two- or three-bedroom moves run $1,182 to $2,534, and four-bedroom homes come in between $1,538 and $3,294.
If you're genuinely comfortable with a long-haul drive and want to keep costs down, it's a legitimate option. But at this distance, the savings narrow faster than most people expect once you factor in fuel, lodging, and time.
Factors That Shape Your Moving Cost from Olympia to IL
Three things will have the biggest impact on your final number:
- Move size. Volume and weight drive pricing more than almost anything else. Fewer rooms, lower bill — full stop.
- Time of year. Summer is peak season in Olympia. Book early if you're moving June through August, or expect to pay a premium.
- DIY vs. full-service. Every task you handle yourself (packing, loading) reduces the price. It also adds to your workload on a cross-country relocation. Know what you're trading before you commit to a hybrid approach.
What to Know Before Moving from Olympia to IL
Compare Cost of Living: Olympia vs. Illinois
The financial case for this move is pretty strong on the housing side. Here's how the two stack up:
| Olympia, WA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,895 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $508,798 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $66,492 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
The key takeaways:
- Rent is roughly 38% cheaper in Illinois than in Olympia — a meaningful monthly difference.
- Home prices are about 51% lower. That same housing budget buys substantially more in Illinois.
- Per capita income in Illinois runs about 18% above Olympia's, which extends purchasing power further.
- The overall cost of living is around 20% lower in Illinois. Real money, month over month.
- The tax trade-off: Washington has no state income tax. Illinois takes 4.95%. If you're receiving a salary offer tied to this move, factor that into any comparison — it reduces your effective take-home more than most people initially account for.
- Unemployment is nearly identical (5.6% vs. 5.3%). Don't expect a dramatically different job market.
How Life Is Different in Olympia vs. Illinois
| Olympia, WA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 58–39 | Democrat 55–45 |
| Summer high | 78°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 33°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 53″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 6″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 27.95 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AirNow
A few things worth flagging before you commit:
- Weather is the biggest shift. Olympia winters are mild and wet — 33°F lows, 53 inches of rain. Illinois winters are genuinely cold. A 17°F low is normal, and 22 inches of snow is the annual average. You'll need a different wardrobe, different car prep, and probably a different outlook on February. On the upside: warmer summers (86°F vs. 78°F) and significantly less rain.
- Scale. Olympia has about 55,000 people. Illinois — Chicago being the engine — has 12.5 million. That changes commute times, cultural options, dining, and traffic in ways that take time to adjust to.
- Both states leaned Democratic in the last presidential election, so the political environment won't feel entirely unfamiliar.
- Safety: Illinois' crime index (19.7) is actually lower than Olympia's (27.95). That surprises people, but it holds up in the data.
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
A few Illinois-specific logistics to sort before move day:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a managed community, review the move-in rules before your truck arrives. Some have specific windows or restrictions.
- Elevator reservations: Buildings in Chicago and other urban areas require advance booking for move-in elevator access. Don't skip this — it can derail your whole day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain Chicago neighborhoods require permits for large vehicles. Call your building manager or city office ahead of time.
- Mover licensing: The Illinois Commerce Commission regulates in-state movers. Legitimate companies need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify any mover you consider holds a current license before signing a contract.
- No statewide moving permit is required in Illinois, but check local parking rules for your specific street or neighborhood.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS form at least a week before your move date. You can set a forwarding start date online so mail follows you to Illinois automatically.
- Moving insurance: Standard released value protection covers 60 cents per pound — effectively nothing if you own electronics, instruments, or antiques. Ask your mover about full-value protection, or look at a third-party policy if you have high-value items making this trip.
- Stay organized: Our moving checklist covers the pre-move timeline so nothing falls through the cracks in the weeks before departure.
Things to Do in Illinois
Illinois has more going for it than Chicago — though Chicago alone is a decade's worth of exploration.
Museums:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield)
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Museum of Hummels
State Parks:
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports:
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities:
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Olympia to Illinois take?
Most moves on this route take 6 to 17 days, depending on service type and season. Summer moves — peak for the entire industry — tend to stretch toward the longer end. Before you sign with any mover, ask for a delivery window in writing. A vague answer is worth pushing back on.
How many movers in Olympia offer custom crating?
Twenty-eight Olympia-area movers offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped items — artwork, antiques, electronics, and similar. If you have items that need it, confirm the specifics with your mover directly. Not every company that "offers crating" does the work in-house.
What's the best way to get my car from Olympia to Illinois?
For a 2,000-mile move, auto transport is the practical answer. Driving it yourself works but adds days, miles, and wear. Get at least two quotes, verify each carrier's FMCSA registration, and confirm insurance coverage before you hand over the keys. Operators like SafeShip Moving handle interstate auto transport routes like this regularly and are worth including in your comparison.
Why are people moving from Olympia to Illinois?
Mostly the economic pull of Chicago. For people at a career inflection point, the job market and salary potential in a major metro are hard to match from a city of 55,000. For families, the cost of housing in Illinois suburbs — relative to Olympia's market — is a significant financial motivator.
Can I pay for my move with cash?
Eleven movers in Olympia accept cash payments, but it's not the industry norm. Most reputable companies prefer traceable payment methods. Expect to put down a deposit at booking, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Confirm timing and accepted methods before you sign anything.
Where can I find the best long-distance movers for this route?
The five local operators above are the best starting point for Olympia-based companies. For national carriers with full interstate mover licensing on routes like this, Allied Van Lines, United Van Lines, and Mayflower all serve the Washington-to-Illinois corridor and are worth getting quotes from for comparison.
Ready to pin down actual numbers? Use the moving cost calculator to build a more precise estimate based on your home size and inventory — then compare quotes from at least three movers before you commit.