Moving from Washington DC to Illinois: Top Movers & Cost Guide
If you're moving from Washington DC to Illinois, you're probably looking at a solid 778-mile haul. That's long enough to matter—cost-wise, logistically, and in terms of lifestyle shift. I've seen a lot of people make this move, and it usually comes down to one thing: Illinois is cheaper. Way cheaper. But you need the right mover to make it happen smoothly.
Top 5 movers for DC-to-Illinois relocations
I've reviewed 82 movers in the Washington DC area that handle state-to-state moves. Here are the ones with the strongest track records for this specific route.
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. — 4.7 / 5
- My Pro Movers — 4.66 / 5
- Artisan Movers — 4.66 / 5
- Olympia Moving & Storage — 4.64 / 5
- Bookstore Movers, LLC — 4.62 / 5
Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.
Address: 20 Southlawn Ct, Ste A, Rockville, MD 20850
Rating: 4.7 / 5 (372 reviews)
License: 2586700 | DOT: 3306591
Years in business: 9
Phone: (855) 947-6543
What customers say: Zip earns consistent praise for fast crews, careful handling, and transparent pricing. Ninety-one percent of reviews are positive. Movers show up on time, work efficiently, and treat your stuff with respect—which honestly isn't a given in this business. Customers also appreciate flexibility with scheduling and last-minute changes.
The catch: Some report damage to items or unexpected cost increases, especially on longer moves. A few cite delivery delays.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, specialty items (pianos, art, antiques), full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.
Payment: Cash, credit card, money order. Deposit required.
My Pro Movers
Address: 8370 Greensboro Dr, Apt 817, McLean, VA 22102
Rating: 4.66 / 5 (353 reviews)
DOT: 3116640
Years in business: 7
Phone: (703) 310-7333
What customers say: This crew is known for speed and professionalism. Ninety-three percent of feedback is positive. Customers frequently mention efficient crews, polite staff, and responsive helpers who protect belongings. Many say they get high-quality service at a fair price and compare favorably to competitors on communication and attention to detail.
The catch: Watch for inaccurate initial estimates—some customers report large gaps between quoted and final costs. A few mention damaged items or occasional mishandling.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing/unpacking, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, crating), full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes.
Payment: Cash, credit card. Deposit required.
Artisan Movers
Address: 6219 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852
Rating: 4.66 / 5 (259 reviews)
License: 2957382 | DOT: 2957382
Years in business: 8
Phone: (240) 570-8593
What customers say: Artisan stands out for professionalism, careful handling, and effective communication. Ninety-four percent of reviews are positive. Customers consistently note that belongings arrive undamaged and praise the crew's friendly, accommodating approach. Reliability and staff courtesy score higher here than at many competitors.
The catch: A small percentage report item damage or surprise charges. Some mention slow responses from management.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing/unpacking, specialty items (pianos, art, antiques, crating), storage, safes.
Payment: Credit card.
Olympia Moving & Storage
Address: 4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Rating: 4.64 / 5 (383 reviews)
License: 70719 | DOT: 70719
Years in business: 32
Phone: (703) 566-4391
What customers say: Eighty-three percent of reviews are glowing. Customers praise efficient service, attentive staff, careful handling, strong communication, and speed. Olympia delivers a professional moving experience with trustworthy teams. That 32-year track record counts for something.
The catch: Some report damaged or lost items and cost overruns from inaccurate estimates. A few mention difficult claims processes for high-value property damage.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks); full-valuation coverage; storage; DOD certified.
Payment: Credit card. Deposit required.
Bookstore Movers, LLC
Address: 5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Rating: 4.62 / 5 (230 reviews)
License: 2005212 | DOT: 2005212
Years in business: 19
Phone: (202) 570-4697
What customers say: Ninety-six percent of customers rate Bookstore Movers positively. They're known for efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, and clear communication. Scheduling is straightforward, and estimates typically align with final costs. That reliability sets them apart.
The catch: A small portion report damaged items, rushed jobs, or unexpected charges. One review mentioned delays and missing crew members.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks); crating; storage.
Payment: Cash, credit card.
Specialty services available in Washington DC
Here's a snapshot of what DC-area movers offer beyond standard moves:
- Interstate moves: 89% of local movers
- Small moves: 56%
- Antiques handling: 52%
- Art shipping: 55%
- Piano moving: 71%
- Fragile-only packing: 28%
Cost to move from Washington DC to Illinois
These are average estimates for a 778-mile move, updated as of January 2026. Actual prices vary based on home size, added services, seasonal demand, fuel rates, and logistics.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,096–$3,930 | $704–$1,778 | $550–$1,007 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,048–$5,436 | $1,306–$2,619 | $589–$1,207 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,725–$7,757 | $1,734–$3,347 | $709–$1,365 |
Get an accurate quote: Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your specific move.
Hiring movers: DC to Illinois
A studio or one-bedroom move runs $1,096 to $3,930. Two to three bedrooms? Expect $2,048 to $5,436. Four or more bedrooms typically cost $3,725 to $7,757.
These estimates assume professional full-service movers handling packing, loading, transport, and unloading.
Moving containers: DC to Illinois
If you're moving a few items or prefer flexibility, containers are cheaper upfront but require you to handle some packing and logistics yourself.
- Studio/1 bed: $704–$1,778
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,306–$2,619
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,734–$3,347
Check out our best moving containers guide for more details and company comparisons.
DIY rental truck: DC to Illinois
This is the budget option if you're willing to drive and load yourself. Prices include estimated fuel:
- Studio/1 bed: $550–$1,007
- 2–3 bedrooms: $589–$1,207
- 4+ bedrooms: $709–$1,365
See our truck rental guide for specific carriers and booking tips.
What drives moving costs on this route
Several factors affect your final price:
- Move size: Studio moves cost far less than large households.
- Time of year: Summer demand (May–September) pushes rates up. Winter moves are cheaper.
- Service level: DIY is budget-friendly but labor-intensive. Full-service is pricier but less stressful.
- Distance: At 778 miles, this is a long-distance move, which carries higher fuel and labor costs than local moves.
- Add-ons: Specialty packing (pianos, art), storage, and extra services increase the total.
Cost of living: Washington DC vs. Illinois
If you're making this move for financial reasons—and most people are—here's what the numbers say.
| Metric | Washington DC | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,179/mo |
| 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% |
Breaking it down:
- Rent in Illinois is roughly 51% cheaper—that's a $1,200+ monthly savings right there.
- Home prices are about 58% lower. If you're buying, that's substantial.
- Overall cost of living runs 40% cheaper in Illinois, which adds up fast across groceries, utilities, and services.
- Salaries are about 23% lower, so don't expect your paycheck to stretch as far if you're changing jobs.
- Unemployment is 24% lower in Illinois, which can be a real advantage if you're job hunting.
- State income tax is 14% lower, leaving more money in your pocket each month.
This move typically makes financial sense if you're relocating from DC to a lower cost-of-living area—especially if your income stays the same or doesn't drop proportionally.
Life in Illinois vs. Washington DC
Beyond numbers, the day-to-day experience differs. Here's what you should expect:
| Factor | Washington DC | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Republican 49–48 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 27°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 14″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 19.7 |
Climate: Summers are nearly identical—86°F vs. 89°F—so that transition is painless. Winter is colder in Illinois (17°F vs. 27°F), so budget for higher heating bills and heavier snow gear. Expect roughly 8 more inches of snow annually in Illinois, which means scenic winters but also more shoveling.
Safety: Illinois's crime index (19.7) is significantly lower than DC's (60.37), which matters if safety is a priority.
Politics: Illinois leans Democratic; DC was split almost evenly. That said, politics vary widely within both regions, so your actual neighborhood experience depends more on location than state averages.
Population: Illinois has roughly 19 times more people than DC, but most live in Chicago and the metro areas. Plenty of small towns and rural areas exist if you're leaving the DC density for something quieter.
Before you move: local regulations and logistics
A few things to nail down before your moving day:
- HOA rules: Some neighborhoods restrict move-in days or require advance notice. Verify with your HOA or building management.
- Elevator reservations: Multi-unit buildings often require elevator bookings days or weeks ahead. Reserve early.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks. Check with your destination city.
- Mover licensing: In Illinois, the Illinois Commerce Commission regulates intrastate moves. Movers must have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). Verify your mover's license before booking.
- Moving permits: You won't need a state permit in Illinois, but always check local parking rules.
- USPS address change: File your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to avoid mail delays.
- Insurance: Released Value Protection (basic, at 60 cents per pound) is free but limited. For full-value coverage, ask your mover or consider third-party insurance.
Things to do in Illinois
If you're wondering whether the move is worth it beyond the finances, Illinois has genuine appeal.
Major 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:
- 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
FAQs
How long does the move take?
The DC-to-Illinois move typically takes 2–7 days, depending on your mover's schedule and workload. Summer moves may take longer due to seasonal demand. Ask about delivery timelines before you book.
Can I find movers who crate custom items?
Yes. Fifty-three movers in the DC area offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, and other fragile pieces. When you request a quote, ask about crate construction, padding, and lead times.
What about shipping my car?
If you need to move a vehicle, check our auto transport guide for top carriers and pricing. It's usually cheaper than driving it yourself if the distance is long.
Why do people move from DC to Illinois?
Cost of living, job opportunities (especially in Chicago), and lower home prices are the big draws. Many also appreciate Illinois's lower tax burden and more affordable lifestyle.
Can I pay in cash?
Thirty-one DC-area movers accept cash, but it's not common. Most prefer credit card, ACH, or certified check for documentation. You'll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Always confirm payment methods and timing before booking.
Related resources
More Washington DC movers:
- Long-distance movers in DC
- Best Maryland movers
- Full-service movers
Other popular routes from DC:
- Washington DC to California
- Washington DC to Florida
- Washington DC to Georgia
- Washington DC to New York
- Washington DC to North Carolina
Moving tools:
Ready to compare quotes?
Don't just pick the first mover you find. Use our calculator to estimate your move, then reach out to at least three companies from the list above for detailed quotes. That 10–15 minutes of legwork typically saves you hundreds of dollars and prevents headaches down the road.