Best Local Movers for Chicago to Seattle
You're looking at roughly 2,000 miles from Chicago to Seattle—the kind of move where picking the right company actually matters. I've reviewed the operators who handle this route regularly and have genuine track records in the field. Here's who stands out.
Top Moving Companies for Chicago to Seattle
1. H2H Movers Inc — 4.72 / 5
4250 N Marine Dr, Chicago, IL 60613
- License: 184599 | DOT: 2428328
- Years in business: 10
- Phone: (773) 236-8797
Out of 640 verified customer reviews, 88% rated H2H positively. The pattern is consistent: crews show up on time, finish faster than quoted, and treat your stuff with actual care. Customers mention professional, polite staff and transparent pricing—quotes hold or come in lower than expected.
The downside? A small slice of reviews mention surprise charges, occasional damage, or slow claims processing. But that's the exception, not the norm here.
Services: Local and long-distance moves, full packing, unpacking, storage, specialty items (pianos, antiques, art, safes), crating, full-value coverage.
2. Alliance Moving & Storage — 4.72 / 5
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
- License: 214845 | DOT: 2882675
- Years in business: 9
- Phone: (847) 378-4949
Out of 247 reviews analyzed, 96% came back positive. This company leans hard on efficiency and transparency. People consistently praise respectful crews, clear communication, and fair pricing. They're also known for quick scheduling—easier to pin down than many competitors.
The small negative slice reports unexpected charges or occasional item damage, but follow-up issues are rare. If you're concerned about miscommunication on pricing, this is a company worth asking detailed questions upfront.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage, full-valuation coverage, specialty handling.
3. New City Moving — 4.66 / 5
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
- License: 158051 | DOT: 3078026
- Years in business: 16
- Phone: (773) 489-0600
I'm looking at 1,451 customer reviews here. 92% are positive. New City earns praise for speed, professionalism, and careful handling—crews consistently finish ahead of schedule. Communication stays clear throughout the process, and most people find the experience straightforward.
About 6% report damage, unexpected charges, or slow complaint resolution. That's the flip side. Still, the volume of positive feedback outweighs isolated issues by a wide margin.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, full-valuation coverage, storage, deposit required.
4. The Professionals Moving Specialists — 4.64 / 5
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
- License: 136144 | DOT: 3383907
- Years in business: 20
- Phone: (888) 225-7351
This company has handled 1,349+ customer moves with 92.5% positive feedback. What stands out: crews work quickly, respect your property, and communicate clearly. Damage is reported far less often than with typical movers. The booking process is straightforward, and most people find pricing fair relative to service.
Some mention scratches, dents, or final charges higher than expected due to extras. But these complaints are notably less frequent than praise for skilled, diligent crews.
Services: Local and long-distance moves, full packing, unpacking, specialty items (pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks), crating, full-value coverage, storage.
5. STI Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.72 / 5
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077
- License: 139020 | DOT: 1308599
- Hourly rate: $150/hr | Years in business: 20
- Phone: (847) 675-1223
Out of 538 reviews, 68% are positive. STI earns strong marks for speed, professionalism, and careful handling. Customers consistently note efficient crews and moves finished faster than expected.
The catch: 29% of reviews cite damage, delays on long-distance moves (worth noting for Chicago to Seattle), or surprise charges. Claims resolution also gets mixed feedback. For a cross-country haul, read the small print on damage policies and delivery timelines before committing.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items, crating, full-value coverage, storage.
How Much Does a Chicago to Seattle Move Cost?
The actual dollar figure depends on how much you're moving. Use our calculator to lock in a firm estimate, but here's what the ballpark looks like:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,227 – $4,633 | $1,086 – $2,743 | $1,114 – $2,281 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,041 – $6,990 | $1,972 – $4,062 | $1,194 – $2,508 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,995 – $10,197 | $2,648 – $5,652 | $1,508 – $3,326 |
Estimates based on 2,069-mile move as of Jan 2026. Your actual cost varies with move size, add-on services, parking constraints, fuel rates, and timing. Always get quotes from multiple operators.
Full-Service Moving Company Costs
A studio or one-bedroom from Chicago to Seattle typically runs $1,227 to $4,633. Two or three bedrooms: $3,041 to $6,990. For four-plus bedrooms: $5,995 to $10,197.
The Illinois moving industry averages $113 per hour, so labor costs add up fast on a 2,000-mile haul.
Moving Container Costs
If you're going the container route (you pack, they haul), expect $1,086 to $2,743 for a studio or one-bedroom. Two or three bedrooms run $1,972 to $4,062. Four-plus bedrooms: $2,648 to $5,652.
Containers give you time to pack and unpack on your schedule—useful if you can't book movers on a specific date.
DIY Truck Rental Costs
The cheapest option, but you handle everything: packing, loading, driving 2,000 miles, unloading. Studio or one-bedroom: $1,114 to $2,281. Two or three bedrooms: $1,194 to $2,508. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,508 to $3,326.
Fuel is factored in. What's not: your time, risk of damage, or the toll of driving cross-country solo.
What Drives Your Cost Up or Down
Move size. A one-bedroom might run $2,377; a four-bedroom hits $9,725.
Timing. Summer is peak season for movers everywhere—prices spike. Winter and weekdays are cheaper.
Move complexity. Specialty items, fragile goods, or tight building access all cost more.
Distance and fuel rates. 2,000 miles is a long haul. Fuel surcharges hit your final bill.
Cost of Living: Chicago vs. Seattle
Before you move, know what awaits you financially. Seattle is roughly 3–6% more expensive overall, depending on household size. But the numbers aren't uniformly painful.
| Factor | Chicago | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 BR apartment rent | $2,368 | $2,306 |
| 3 BR apartment rent | $4,581 | $4,655 |
| Median home value | $295,743 | $842,068 |
| Per capita income | $71,566 | $77,845 |
| Single person cost of living | $3,648 | $3,740 |
| Family of four cost of living | $9,266 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
What this means:
Rent. Nearly identical. You're not trading housing affordability.
Home prices. Seattle homes cost roughly 185% more. Plan a bigger down payment.
Income. Average pay is 9% higher in Seattle, so you'll have more breathing room.
Cost of living (single). Less than 5% difference. Day-to-day expenses feel similar.
Cost of living (family). Seattle runs 6% higher. Groceries, utilities, childcare all tick up slightly.
Employment. Seattle's unemployment rate is 47% lower. Job market is stronger here.
Taxes. Washington state has no income tax—a genuine win if you earn a salary or freelance. You keep more of what you make.
Daily Expenses Side by Side
| Item | Chicago | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities (monthly) | $191.26 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan (monthly) | $61.10 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food meal | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Mid-range dinner for two | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership (monthly) | $78.31 | $78.35 |
Utilities are noticeably higher in Seattle (expect $59 more per month). Groceries tick up. But dining and gym costs are virtually the same.
What to Know Before You Move to Seattle
City Life: Chicago vs. Seattle
| Metric | Chicago | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 737,015 |
| Public transit score | 9 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 74 |
| Bike-friendly score | 71 | 72 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Population. Seattle is about 73% smaller—quieter, less congested, but fewer big-city conveniences.
Public transit. Chicago's transit system (9/10) outranks Seattle's (8/10). Seattle still has solid transit, but you may rely on your car more.
Walkability. Both cities score similarly (74–77). Both are reasonably walkable neighborhoods.
Biking. Nearly identical scores. Both are decent for cyclists.
Crime. Seattle's crime index (58.88) is higher than Chicago's (35.19), but safety index flips (Seattle 49.23 vs. Chicago 33.87). Translation: Seattle neighborhoods are safer relative to national averages than Chicago neighborhoods are. Context matters.
Air quality. Both rated "Good."
Logistical Checklist Before Moving
HOA and building rules. Check HOA or community policies on moving day. Some buildings enforce strict time windows or require deposits.
Elevator reservation. If your Chicago or Seattle building has an elevator, book it well in advance. On moving day, you don't want delays.
Truck parking permits. Research Seattle's parking rules. Some neighborhoods restrict commercial vehicle parking or require permits. Confirm requirements with your mover.
State licensing. Washington regulates household goods movers through the Utilities and Transportation Commission. Verify your mover's license before hiring. Check the WUTC database if in doubt.
Moving permits. Washington doesn't require a formal moving permit, but always verify local parking restrictions.
Change of address. File your USPS change of address at least one week before moving. It takes a few days to process. Go to usps.com to start.
Mover's insurance. Washington law allows movers to offer Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound, no extra cost) or Full Value Protection (higher cost, better coverage). Discuss options with your mover. Third-party insurance is also available if you want extra peace of mind.
Moving checklist. Use our complete moving checklist to stay organized.
Best Neighborhoods in Seattle
For Singles
- Ballard. Trendy, walkable, brewery scene, younger crowd.
- Capitol Hill. Arts, nightlife, diverse community, vibrant energy.
- Fremont. Quirky, artsy, good restaurants, off-beat vibe.
- Lower Queen Anne. Urban, walkable, close to downtown, quiet pockets.
- South Lake Union. Tech hub, modern amenities, close to water.
For Families
- Greenwood. Family-friendly, parks, good schools, quieter streets.
- Laurelhurst. Residential, tree-lined, great schools, neighborhood feel.
- Magnolia. Green, quiet, strong community, parks and trails.
- Upper Queen Anne. Residential, parks nearby, family-oriented vibe.
- West Seattle. Neighborhood feel, parks, quieter than downtown.
Things to Do in Seattle
Arts and culture. Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Outdoor recreation. Discovery Park (largest park), Green Lake Park, Carkeek Park—walking, cycling, hiking, water activities.
Sports. Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), Seattle Kraken (NHL), Seattle Sounders FC (MLS), Seattle Storm (WNBA).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Seattle?
Spring and fall offer the best balance: mild weather and prices below peak summer rates. Summer moves cost more because everyone's relocating then.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Seattle?
Winter (November–February) typically has lower rates because fewer people move. You'll find better pricing, though weather can be unpredictable.
How long does a Chicago to Seattle move take?
Expect 6 to 17 days for the actual transit, depending on the mover's schedule and routing. Some carriers offer expedited options. If timing is tight, ask about temporary moving containers to bridge gaps.
Do Chicago movers offer discounts?
Yes—many extend senior citizen discounts and seasonal promotions. Ask your mover directly and get specifics in writing. Offers vary and change frequently.
How many Chicago movers handle specialty items?
In Chicago: 54 movers specialize in pianos; 40 handle antiques. Nationwide, those numbers are 2,299 and 1,464 respectively. Book specialty services early—availability gets tight during peak months.
Ready to Move?
Getting quotes from multiple movers takes 15 minutes and locks in your price range. Compare what H2H Movers, Alliance, New City, The Professionals, and STI have to offer. Then make the call.
Next step: Use the moving cost calculator to get firm estimates based on your exact move size and date.