Moving from Tacoma to Illinois: Companies, Costs & Guide
If you're moving from Tacoma to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 2,046 miles and a significant shift in climate, cost of living, and lifestyle. The good news: there are solid movers in the Tacoma area equipped to handle this route. The better news: you'll likely save money once you land in Illinois.
Let me walk you through what matters: the top movers I'd actually hire, real pricing, and what life looks like on the other side of that move.
Top 5 Movers From Tacoma, WA to Illinois
Out of 63 Tacoma-area movers licensed for interstate work, these five consistently deliver the kind of service that doesn't leave you anxious on moving day.
1. Mountain Moving & Storage — 4.58 / 5 stars
Address: 9413 47th Ave SW Bldg 14 Suite E, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: (800) 249-2414
License: 885643 | Years in business: 62
Mountain Moving's reputation rests on efficiency and careful handling. Across 179 customer reviews, 84% reported positive experiences. The crew shows up professional, moves fast, and respects your stuff—all the basics done well.
What stands out: customers consistently mention respectful movers and skilled teams. The downside, as with most movers, is occasional damage claims and communication gaps when problems do arise. Still, their track record puts them ahead of many regional operators.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, storage, piano and hot tub moving, crating, specialty items (art, antiques, safes). DOD certified. Cash and credit accepted.
2. All Ready Moving & Storage — 4.52 / 5 stars
Address: 1690 Marine View Dr., Suite D, Tacoma, WA 98422
Phone: (360) 507-2447
DOT #: 2083124 | Years in business: 21
All Ready nails professionalism and staff attitude. Of 95 reviews, 91.6% were positive. Customers rave about friendly, polite crews who move quickly and communicate throughout. The feedback reflects teams that understand this is a stressful event and work to ease that burden.
The catch: a few clients reported unexpectedly high final bills and occasional packing inconsistencies on complex moves. Billing clarity could improve.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, storage, piano and art moving, crating. Credit card payments only.
3. Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.56 / 5 stars
Address: 7010 150th St SW #102, Lakewood, WA 98439
Phone: (877) 547-7173
License: 1809 | Years in business: 122
Olympic's longevity says something. With 136 reviews analyzed, 81% came back positive. Customers point to professionalism, careful handling, clear communication, and reasonable pricing. Many note transparent estimates and excellent follow-up—qualities that matter when you're nervous about an interstate move.
Common complaints center on estimate-to-final-bill mismatches and occasional property damage. When claims drag out, frustration builds. But most customers report smooth, well-executed moves.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, storage, piano and crating. Credit card only.
4. A2B Moving & Storage, LLC — 4.56 / 5 stars
Address: 4230 B St NW, Auburn, WA 98001
Phone: (206) 419-5748
License: 1941425 | Years in business: 15
A2B stands out for speed and friendliness. Over 430 reviews show more than 80% satisfaction. Customers highlight prompt moves, careful belongings handling, and transparent pricing. Repeat business is common—a sign that people trust them enough to hire them twice.
The flip side: some report damage to items and slow damage-claim resolution. A handful mention unexpected final costs due to underestimated load sizes.
Services: Full suite—local, interstate, and international; packing; specialty moves (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, safes); crating; storage. DOD certified. Multiple payment methods.
5. PNW Moving and Delivery — 4.48 / 5 stars
Address: 2112 109th St S Suite 203, Tacoma, WA 98444
Phone: (253) 237-4291
License: 2919585 | Years in business: 9
PNW earns consistent praise for efficiency and professionalism. From 241 reviews, 90% were positive. Customers describe hardworking staff, prompt service, careful handling, and accurate pricing. Many note flexibility with scheduling and moves completed under estimates.
Complaints remain rare (under 10% of feedback), typically involving damage or unprofessional behavior. For a newer company, their reliability is noteworthy.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, storage, piano and art moving, crating. Credit card payments.
Moving Services Available in Tacoma
At a glance, here's what Tacoma movers offer:
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 76% (48 companies) |
| Piano moving | 76% (48 companies) |
| Antiques & art | 60% (38 companies) |
| Small moves | 37% (23 companies) |
| Fragile-only packing | 11% (7 companies) |
Cost to Move From Tacoma, WA to Illinois
Here's what you can expect to pay for a 2,046-mile move, depending on size and service type:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 bedroom | $1,372 – $5,302 | $1,133 – $2,724 | $1,169 – $2,192 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,555 – $8,269 | $1,940 – $3,870 | $1,242 – $2,660 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,594 – $11,903 | $2,576 – $5,773 | $1,491 – $3,070 |
Reality check: These are estimates based on aggregated pricing data as of January 2025. Your actual cost depends on load size, extra services, truck parking availability, fuel prices, and move date. Peak summer months = higher rates. Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized quotes.
Full-Service Moving Companies
A studio or one-bedroom typically runs $1,372–$5,302. Two to three bedrooms? $3,555–$8,269. A large home (four-plus bedrooms) lands in the $6,594–$11,903 range. You're paying for labor, equipment, liability, and expertise—worth it if the move is complex or you can't afford time off work.
Moving Container Services
If you prefer to load at your pace and let the container company handle transport, expect $1,133–$2,724 for a small move, $1,940–$3,870 for two to three bedrooms, or $2,576–$5,773 for larger homes. Containers give you flexibility but require more hands-on effort. Check out our guide to moving containers to weigh your options.
Rental Trucks
The cheapest option, assuming you do the heavy lifting yourself. Studio/1 bedroom: $1,169–$2,192. Two to three bedrooms: $1,242–$2,660. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,491–$3,070. Fuel is already factored in. The trade-off: you're driving a truck across 2,000+ miles and managing logistics solo. High stress, low cost.
What Drives Tacoma-to-Illinois Moving Costs
Several factors will shift your quote:
Move size. The more stuff you own, the higher the bill. A loaded four-bedroom house costs roughly double a one-bedroom.
Time of year. Summer (June–August) is peak moving season. Rates spike. Winter moves, especially January–February, often come with discounts but weather risk.
DIY vs. professional. Renting a truck yourself saves money but costs time and physical toll. Hiring pros costs more upfront but reduces your stress and risk of injury.
Distance and fuel. 2,046 miles is a long haul. Fuel surcharges, distance premiums, and multi-day labor add up.
Why Move from Tacoma to Illinois? The Cost-of-Living Story
You're moving 2,000+ miles. It better make financial sense. Here's how Tacoma and Illinois stack up:
| Factor | Tacoma, WA | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. rent | $1,650 | $1,179 | –29% (save money) |
| Avg. home cost | $477,289 | $249,224 | –48% (much cheaper) |
| Per capita income | $73,341 | $78,433 | +7% (earn more) |
| Cost of living index | 123 | 90 | –27% overall |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 5.3% | –27% (better job market) |
| State income tax | 0% | 4.95% | Tax hit in Illinois |
The bottom line: Rent is 29% lower in Illinois. Home prices drop nearly 50%. You'll likely earn more and face a stronger job market. But Illinois taxes your income at 4.95%, while Washington has zero state income tax. That's a real trade-off, but most people moving from Tacoma to Illinois find the lower housing costs outweigh the tax hit.
Climate & Lifestyle: What Changes When You Move
Weather
Summer: Illinois gets hot—average highs around 86°F versus Tacoma's 77°F. Expect higher air conditioning bills and hotter, stickier summers.
Winter: This is the big shift. Illinois winters dip to 17°F on average; Tacoma sits at 35°F. You're looking at 22 inches of snow yearly in Illinois versus just 4 inches in Tacoma. Snow removal, heated driveways, and winter gear become real expenses.
Rain: Nearly identical. Both average around 40 inches annually.
Population & Community
Tacoma: ~224,000 people. Pacific Northwest vibe. Democratic-leaning (54–43).
Illinois: ~12.5 million people. Massive urban centers (Chicago), plus rural areas. Democratic-leaning (55–45) but more politically mixed overall.
You're going from a mid-sized city to a state with Chicago—a different pace entirely.
Safety
Illinois has a crime index of 19.7 versus Tacoma's 55.55. Safer neighborhoods, fewer reported safety concerns. This varies wildly by specific city, but statewide, Illinois looks safer on paper.
Before You Pack: Important Illinois Moving Regulations
Licensing & Permits
Illinois regulates household movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Any mover handling intrastate or local moves must have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify your mover's license is current before signing anything.
Check here: The Illinois Commerce Commission website lets you verify licenses instantly.
Moving Permits
Good news: Illinois doesn't require moving permits. However, check local parking restrictions in your specific city—some areas restrict oversized vehicles on certain streets.
HOA & Building Rules
If you're moving into a planned community or multi-unit building:
- HOA rules: Review any neighborhood restrictions early.
- Elevator reservation: Secure your building's elevator for moving day—they fill up fast.
- Truck parking: Some buildings limit or prohibit moving truck parking. Confirm with your landlord or HOA before scheduling.
Address Change
Submit a USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure mail forwards properly. Start here.
Insurance Coverage
Illinois doesn't mandate movers carry specific coverage beyond standard liability. Here's what to know:
- Released Value Protection (free): Covers 60 cents per pound per item. Minimal protection.
- Full-value protection: Your items are reimbursed at full replacement cost if damaged or lost. Ask your mover about this option—it costs extra but is worth it for valuables.
- Third-party insurance: Consider additional coverage from a specialized provider if your belongings are high-value.
Moving Checklist
Stay organized with our moving checklist. It covers address changes, utility setup, insurance, and packing timelines—everything you'll need to land smoothly in Illinois.
Timeline: How Long Does This Move Take?
On average, a Tacoma-to-Illinois move takes 6–17 days, depending on the mover's schedule and route. Summer moves often take longer due to congestion and high demand. Ask your mover for a specific estimated delivery window before you commit.
What to Do Once You Land in Illinois
Illinois punches above its weight for activities and culture. Here's where to start:
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago — world-class collection
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum — Springfield
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site — preserved 1860s home
- Caterpillar Visitors Center — industrial history
- Museum of Hummels — quirky and charming
Parks & Outdoors
- Starved Rock State Park — canyons, waterfalls, hiking
- Matthiessen State Park — scenic trails
- Illinois Beach State Park — Lake Michigan access
- Pere Marquette State Park — bluffs and bald eagle viewing
- Kankakee River State Park — paddling and camping
Sports
Illinois is a sports state. Catch the Cubs or White Sox (MLB), Bulls (NBA), Sky (WNBA), or Bears (NFL). Chicago's sports culture is intense and fun.
Education & Culture
Home to the University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern, and several other strong institutions. Illinois has a robust arts and education scene.
FAQ
How long does a move from Tacoma to Illinois take?
Typically 6–17 days. Summer moves often take longer. Ask your mover for an estimated delivery window upfront.
Do Tacoma movers offer custom crating?
Yes. 48 of the 63 Tacoma movers list custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Confirm specs and pricing with your mover before booking.
How do I ship a car from Tacoma to Illinois?
Hire an auto transport company with strong reviews and proven experience. Don't trust this to an amateur. Compare multiple quotes.
Why are people moving from Tacoma to Illinois?
Mainly the lower cost of living, particularly home prices (48% cheaper in Illinois). Chicago's economic opportunities and job market also draw people. Better weather is not the draw—Illinois winters are harsh.
Can I pay cash for my move?
18 Tacoma movers accept cash, but it's rare. Most want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard process: deposit to reserve, balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods and timing before booking.
Related Resources
Washington moving services:
Popular routes from Washington:
- Washington to California
- Washington to Florida
- Washington to Georgia
- Washington to Texas
- Washington to New York
Popular routes to Illinois:
Helpful resources:
- Best long-distance movers
- Best moving containers
- Best truck rentals
- Moving cost guide
- How to choose a mover
Still Shopping for the Right Mover?
Getting multiple quotes is non-negotiable. Compare quotes from vetted movers today—it takes five minutes and eliminates guesswork. You'll see real pricing, real timelines, and real customer reviews in one place. No surprises on moving day.