If you're moving from Washington DC to Illinois, you're looking at a 778-mile haul — firmly in long-distance moving territory, where the difference between a good mover and a bad one costs you real money and real headaches. The DC metro has no shortage of companies claiming to handle interstate moves, but most of that field isn't worth your time.
Here's what I found after going through the movers, the numbers, and the logistics specific to this route.
Top Moving Companies in Washington DC for a Move to Illinois
Out of 82 Washington DC–area movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, these five consistently rose to the top for the DC-to-Illinois route.
- Olympia Moving & Storage — 4.64 / 5
- Bookstore Movers, LLC — 4.62 / 5
- My Pro Movers — 4.66 / 5
- Artisan Movers — 4.66 / 5
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. — 4.7 / 5
Olympia Moving & Storage
4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD 20781 84% positive | 16% negative
Yelp: 4.6 / 5 (145 reviews) | Google (326 reviews) | BBB: A+
Thirty-two years in business is hard to fake. Olympia's 383 reviews break 83% positive, and the recurring praise covers the things that actually matter: efficient crews, careful handling, and communication that doesn't drop off after you book. They're also DOD certified, which means they've cleared a more rigorous vetting process than most.
The complaints are worth knowing about, though. Cost overruns from inaccurate estimates, damaged or missing items, and a claims process customers describe as slow and frustrating. If you're moving anything high-value, have the valuation coverage conversation before pickup — not after something gets broken.
State license: 70719 | DOT: 70719 | Years in business: 32 Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, storage, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, DOD certified Phone: (703) 566-4391
Bookstore Movers, LLC
5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781 96% positive | 4% negative
Yelp (794 reviews) | Google (258 reviews) | BBB: A+
A 96% positive rate across 230 reviews is genuinely rare. The thing that stands out most in Bookstore's feedback: estimates that hold. Customers aren't getting surprised by a bigger number at delivery, which is one of the most common complaints in this industry. Crews show up on time, protect furniture the right way, and don't leave customers wondering what happened.
The complaint pool is small — some damaged items, an occasional rushed job, a few reports of extra charges. One review flagged coordination issues mid-move. But the overall pattern here is strong, consistent reliability. That's harder to find than any individual 5-star review.
State license: 2005212 | DOT: 2005212 | Years in business: 19 Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, storage Phone: (202) 570-4697
My Pro Movers
8370 Greensboro Dr, Apt 817, McLean, VA 22102 93% positive | 5% negative
Yelp (99 reviews) | Google (5,359 reviews) | BBB: A-
Over 5,300 Google reviews with a 93% positive rate in the analyzed pool isn't volume covering up quality problems — that's actual performance at scale. Customers consistently describe fast, careful crews who communicate well and treat belongings like they'd want their own handled. A lot of reviewers feel they got more than they paid for, which tells me pricing is competitive.
The consistent knock: final costs coming in higher than quoted. If you're on a tight budget, push hard for a binding estimate before you sign anything.
DOT: 3116640 | Also known as: MyProMovers LLC | Years in business: 7 Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes Phone: (703) 310-7333
Artisan Movers
6219 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852 94% positive | 5% negative
Yelp (41 reviews) | Google (309 reviews) | BBB: A+
In 259 reviews analyzed, Artisan pulls 94% positive — and the recurring themes are the right ones: professionalism, careful handling, clear communication, items arriving undamaged. Reviewers also mention that the crew is friendly and accommodating on moving day, which sounds small but has real practical value when things run long.
A small percentage report damage, surprise charges, and slow responses from management after the move. The billing follow-through is where they lose points; the actual moving work earns consistently high marks.
State license: 2957382 | DOT: 2957382 | Also known as: Artisan Movers Inc. | Years in business: 8 Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage, safes Phone: (240) 570-8593
Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.
20 Southlawn CT, STE A, Rockville, MD 20850 91% positive | 8% negative
Yelp (146 reviews) | Google (1,082 reviews) | BBB: A+
Zip's 4.7 puts it at the top of this list by raw score, and 372 reviews at 91% positive backs the number up. Two things keep coming up in their feedback that I don't see often: pricing transparency and scheduling flexibility. Crews arrive on time and move fast. That combination is worth a lot.
The 8% negative is the highest on this list, and it tilts toward long-distance complaints — damage during transit and delivery delays. For your move to Illinois specifically, ask upfront about their delivery window and what their damage claim process actually looks like.
State license: 2586700 | DOT: 3306591 | Rate: $125/hr | Years in business: 9 Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing Phone: (855) 947-6543
Local Moving Services in Washington DC
Here's a quick snapshot of add-on specialty services offered across DC-area movers:
| Service | Movers Offering | % |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 73 | 89% |
| Small moves | 46 | 56% |
| Art | 45 | 55% |
| Antiques | 43 | 52% |
| Pianos | 58 | 71% |
| Custom crating | 53 | 65% |
| Fragile-only packing | 23 | 28% |
If you have specialty items — a piano, artwork, antiques — the options exist. But don't assume a mover who offers piano moving has done it on an interstate run. Ask how many interstate piano moves they've completed in the last year.
Cost to Move from Washington DC to Illinois
Here's what the DC-to-Illinois route costs by home size across three service types.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,096 – $3,930 | $704 – $1,778 | $550 – $1,007 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,048 – $5,436 | $1,306 – $2,619 | $589 – $1,207 |
| 4+ BR | $3,725 – $7,757 | $1,734 – $3,347 | $709 – $1,365 |
Estimates based on a 778-mile move from Washington DC to Illinois. Actual costs vary based on home size, services added, access challenges at pickup and delivery, fuel rates, and timing. Always compare quotes from at least three movers.
Use the moving cost calculator to get a rough baseline before you start calling companies — it'll help you spot when a quote is out of range.
Cost to Hire Full-Service Movers from Washington DC to Illinois
Studio or one-bedroom: $1,096–$3,930. Two or three bedrooms: $2,048–$5,436. Four or more bedrooms: $3,725–$7,757. The wide range within each tier reflects what you're adding — packing services, full-valuation coverage, and specialty item handling all push you toward the top.
Cost of Moving Containers from Washington DC to Illinois
Moving containers split the difference between full-service and DIY: a company delivers a container, you load it on your schedule, and they drive it to Illinois. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $704–$1,778. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,306–$2,619. A larger home comes in at $1,734–$3,347.
It's a smart option if you're not in a rush and don't want to pilot a moving truck across eight states.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Washington DC to Illinois
A rental truck is the cheapest option on this list, but you're taking on all the driving and all the labor yourself on a 778-mile route. Studio or one-bedroom: $550–$1,007. Two to three bedrooms: $589–$1,207. Four-plus bedrooms: $709–$1,365. Fuel costs are factored into these estimates — and on a haul this long, fuel isn't a rounding error.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost from Washington DC to Illinois
Three variables will move your number more than anything else:
- Move size: The gap between a studio and a four-bedroom home is enormous — in crew time, truck size, and total cost.
- Time of year: Peak season (May through August) drives up rates across the board. If you have flexibility, fall or winter bookings usually cost less.
- Service level: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. Containers and rental trucks save money but add work and complexity on your end.
What to Know Before Moving from Washington DC to Illinois
The financial case for this move is real. DC sits consistently among the most expensive metro areas in the country, and Illinois — even factoring in Chicago — runs significantly cheaper on most measures.
Cost of Living: Washington DC vs. Illinois
| Washington DC | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,400 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $594,337 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $101,722 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 151 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
What those numbers mean in practice:
- Rent: Illinois runs about 51% cheaper than DC. That's a significant monthly cash flow difference.
- Homeownership: Illinois homes are roughly 58% cheaper. If buying is part of the plan, that changes the financial picture considerably.
- Income: Salaries in Illinois average about 23% lower than in DC. The cost savings aren't pure gain — account for your specific field and role before assuming you'll come out ahead.
- Overall cost of living: The index difference (151 vs. 90) puts Illinois roughly 40% cheaper across the board.
- Unemployment: Illinois's 5.3% rate is lower than DC's 7.0%, which is a reasonable sign of job market health.
- Taxes: Illinois's flat 4.95% income tax is modestly lower than DC's 5.75%.
How Life in Illinois Differs from Washington DC
| Washington DC | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 12,549,689 |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 27°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 43″ | 40″ |
| Annual snowfall | 14″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth flagging:
- Summers: Nearly identical. The 3-degree difference isn't going to change your routine.
- Winters: This is where it matters. Illinois lows average 17°F versus DC's 27°F. Budget for higher heating costs and get proper cold-weather gear before you move.
- Snow: Illinois gets about 22 inches annually versus DC's 14. If you're coming from DC, this is a noticeable upgrade in winter intensity.
- Crime index: The difference between 60.37 (DC) and 19.7 (Illinois) is significant on paper. These numbers aggregate across very different geographies, so research your specific destination neighborhood before drawing conclusions.
- Scale: You're moving from a city of 672,000 to a state of 12.5 million. Life outside Chicago will feel markedly slower and smaller than DC, which for many people is the whole point.
Other Practical Considerations Before Your Move
Don't let logistics catch you off guard after you've already hired movers:
- HOA rules: Some Illinois neighborhoods restrict move-in days or hours. Check with your HOA or building management before you book your moving date.
- Elevator reservations: If you're moving into a building with an elevator, reserve it in advance — most buildings require it and slots fill fast.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require permits for moving trucks on public streets. Check your destination address before moving day.
- Illinois state licensing: The Illinois Commerce Commission regulates household goods movers. Companies need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for in-state moves. Verify that any mover you're considering holds a current one.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but check local parking regulations for your specific address.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least one week before your move date.
- Moving insurance: Released value protection (60 cents per pound per item) is the default coverage and isn't adequate for anything valuable. Ask your mover about full-valuation coverage or look into a third-party moving insurance policy.
- Moving checklist: Use the MoveFinders moving checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks before moving day.
Things to Do in Illinois
Beyond the financial case, Illinois has plenty going for it once you're settled.
Museums:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- 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 teams:
- 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 Washington DC to Illinois take?
Typically two to seven days, depending on the company and time of year. Summer moves run longer because demand is high and schedules get stretched thin. Get a specific delivery window from any mover before you sign — "a few days" is not an answer.
Can I find movers in Washington DC that do custom crating?
Yes. Fifty-three DC-area movers offer custom crating, which matters if you're moving artwork, antiques, or fragile items that need more than moving blankets. When you're getting quotes, ask specifically about materials, padding, and how much lead time they need to build crates.
What's the best way to get my car from Washington DC to Illinois?
Hire a dedicated auto transport company rather than asking your moving crew to handle it. It's typically cheaper and handled by people who specialize in vehicle transport. Get quotes from at least two or three carriers, and verify their FMCSA registration before you commit.
Why are people moving from Washington DC to Illinois?
Chicago is the main draw — it's a major economic hub with a large job market across tech, finance, healthcare, and the trades. For DC residents priced out of homeownership or looking to stretch their income further, the combination of lower housing costs, lower taxes, and a legitimate big-city option in Chicago makes the math work.
Where can I find long-distance movers based in Washington DC?
Start with the ranked list above. For a broader look at the options, see the best long-distance movers guide on MoveFinders.
Can I pay for my DC-to-Illinois move with cash?
Technically yes — 31 DC-area movers accept cash. But it's increasingly uncommon, and most companies prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check for the paper trail. If cash is important to you, confirm it upfront. Either way, expect to pay a deposit when you book, with the balance due at pickup or delivery depending on the company. Get payment terms in writing before signing anything.
Get at least three written quotes before you commit to any mover on this route. Pricing varies more than most people expect, and comparing quotes is the fastest way to know whether what you're being offered is competitive. Start with the moving cost calculator to set your baseline.