Best Illinois to Washington Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IL to WA Moving Specialists

Moving from the Land of Lincoln to the Evergreen State represents not just a change in scenery, but a promising adventure in your life. Leaving behind Illinois’ vast prairies for Washington's lush landscapes and vibrant coffee culture might seem daunting, yet it's an exciting leap into a new chapter. That's why it’s crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers for this long-distance journey, and we at Great Guys Moving ensure you're matched with the best, making your move as seamless as the breeze across Puget Sound.

Illinois iconArrow iconWashington icon

Best Illinois to Washington Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Seattle Moves & More9.54A+Authorized For HHGContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.42A+ActiveContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
A1 Movers, Inc9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington to Illinois guide.

6 Best IL to WA Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

S
Exceptional9.54/10
based on 1,243+ data points

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.42/10
based on 1,118+ data points

About Happ Movers, Inc.

Happ Movers, Inc. has provided residential and commercial moving services in Chicago’s North Shore area for more than half a century. Locate...Read More >>

Services

  • Professional Moving Services
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/24/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2970282 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
2
606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly movi...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving c...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
4
John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,571+ data points

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
5
A1 Movers, Inc Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 776+ data points

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company offers ...Read More >>

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Washington

Moving across states is a monumental decision, filled with both excitement and doubts. In this section, we aim to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Illinois to Washington . This comparison will help you weigh the pros and cons, ensuring a well-informed decision is made.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • High Taxes
  • Harsh Winters
  • Flat Landscapes
  • Higher Crime Rates
  • Lower Job Growth
Washington iconWashington
  • No State Income Tax
  • Milder Climate
  • Diverse Landscape
  • Lower Crime Rates
  • Higher Job Growth
Washington iconWashington
  • Less Diversity
  • Higher Cost of Living
  • Farther from East Coast
  • Smaller Cities
  • Less Higher Education Choices
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Cultural Richness
  • Affordable Housing
  • Central U.S. Location
  • Larger Population
  • More Universities

When considering a move from Illinois to Washington, the variance in landscapes and climates becomes quite apparent. Washington boasts a diverse natural beauty from the Olympic Peninsula to the arid regions of the east, offering outdoor enthusiasts an expansive playground. Cities like Seattle are renowned for their vibrant neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill and Ballard, each brimming with unique restaurants like Canlis and bustling markets like Pike Place. The economic landscape in Washington is equally impressive, with a robust job market fueled by giants like Microsoft and Amazon, providing ample career opportunities. Conversely, Illinois, with its rich cultural heritage, offers a distinct charm through its historic landmarks and institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago. Each state presents its unique set of advantages and potential drawbacks, tailored to individual preferences and priorities.

Illinois vs. Washington Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Washington. Food significantly shapes the cultural landscape and daily life of a place. By comparing these two locations, you can be better informed about the food scene awaiting you in your new home.

IllinoisWashington
Most iconic local food itemDeep Dish PizzaSalmon
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefCedar Plank Salmon
Most popular street food itemChicago-style Hot DogFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodChicago Vegan Deep DishQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
  • Canlis
  • Pike Place Chowder
  • Salumi
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Illinois, particularly in Chicago, you'll encounter a wealth of deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, emblematic of the state's rich culinary traditions. Iconic spots like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria offer quintessential tastes you won't want to miss. Meanwhile, Washington offers a markedly different palette, heavily influenced by its coastal location. Here, salmon dishes dominate, from cedar plank salmon to casual fish tacos, reflecting the state's love affair with seafood. In Seattle, Pike Place Market is a must-visit for food enthusiasts, offering fresh, local fare and unique dining experiences such as Pike Place Chowder and Canlis, renowned for its innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine.

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Illinois vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowing how Illinois and Washington measure up can help make your decision easier. This comparison focuses on housing costs, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle to give a comprehensive overview.

ComparisonIllinoisWashington
Typical Architecture StylePrairie StyleNorthwest Contemporary
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, basementsEco-friendly features, views

When moving from Illinois to Washington, you'll notice a significant difference in housing costs. Washington's housing market is pricier, reflecting its booming tech industry and coastal appeal. However, this state also offers a more pronounced urban lifestyle, with cities like Seattle scoring high in walkability and bikeability, which are crucial for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Homes in Washington often highlight eco-friendly features and beautiful views, a testament to the state's commitment to sustainability and its natural beauty. On the other hand, Illinois offers more traditional homes at a more affordable price point, often featuring larger yards and basements, suitable for families looking for space and comfort.

Illinois vs. Washington Weather Considerations

When moving from Illinois to Washington, it's crucial to grasp how the weather compares between your current location and your new home. This understanding will help you prepare for changes in climate, daylight, and seasonal activities. Below, a chart and further details will give you insight into the weather differences between Illinois and Washington, spanning average temperatures, humidity, and more.

Summer icon
85°F / 65°F

Illinois

75°F / 55°F

Washington

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 22°F

Illinois

47°F / 37°F

Washington

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42

Illinois

38 (varies widely by region)

Washington

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
24

Illinois

47 (varies widely by region)

Washington

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisWashington
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Illinois to Washington, you'll notice a significant difference in climate and weather experiences. Illinois enjoys more days of sunshine but also has higher summer temperatures compared to Washington. Meanwhile, Washington's winters are milder but wetter, given its higher annual precipitation in many areas. The climatic changes affect more than just wardrobe choices; they may impact your daily activities, potential for seasonal allergies, and even your approach to home maintenance. Adapting to Washington means embracing its lush, outdoor beauty, albeit with more frequent rain and cloud cover than you might be used to in Illinois.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Washington

Moving between states can significantly impact your financial situation, so it's crucial to understand how costs and economic conditions compare at your new location versus what you're accustomed to. This comparison chart serves as an informative tool to highlight the key financial differences and what to expect when relocating from Illinois to Washington.

ComparisonIllinoisWashington
Avg. Household Income$76,708$91,306
Cost of Living Index94.25104.1
State Income Tax4.950
Avg. Property Tax2.160.93
Avg. Sales Tax8.89.17
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, ServicesTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySubstantialModerate
HomelessnessNotableSignificant

While Washington boasts a higher average household income compared to Illinois, the cost of living is correspondingly higher, especially in urban areas like Seattle. The absence of a state income tax in Washington is an attractive financial incentive for many. However, this benefit can be offset by higher property taxes in Illinois, which might affect homeownership decisions. The top industries in each state highlight the local economies' diversity and focus, potentially guiding your career path decisions. Understanding these financial indicators can help smooth your transition and set realistic expectations for your move.

Illinois vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Illinois to Washington means adapting to a new community and surroundings. This quick comparison aims to give you an at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Washington , helping you to better understand your future neighbors.

IllinoisWashington
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsChicago's influence is significantSeattle's progressive politics play a key role
ReligionChristianity predominant, with diverse religious communitiesLess religiously affiliated; diverse spiritual practices

When you move from Illinois to Washington, you'll notice both similarities and differences in the community makeup. Both states lean Democratic on the political spectrum, with Illinois's political scene largely influenced by Chicago, and Washington's by Seattle. These major cities in each state are known for their progressive politics. On the religious front, while both states boast diverse religious communities, Illinois has a higher percentage of residents identifying as Christian. Washington, on the other hand, holds a notable portion of individuals who are less religiously affiliated, pointing towards a broader spectrum of beliefs and practices. Adapting to these distinctions will be an integral part of making Washington your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Washington

Moving between states can be a bewildering experience, especially when it comes to finding the best educational opportunities for your family. To assist in this transition, we've compared schools and education systems in Illinois and Washington. The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Washington.

IllinoisWashington

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary
Skokie; South Loop Elementary
Chicago; Edison Regional Gifted Center
Chicago
Cascade Ridge Elementary
Issaquah; Medina Elementary
Medina; Discovery Elementary
Sammamish

Top 3 Middle Schools

Marie Murphy School
Wilmette; Twin Groves Middle School
Buffalo Grove; Maple School
Northbrook
International School
Bellevue; Odyssey: The Essential School
Bainbridge Island; Lakeside Middle School
Seattle

Top 3 High Schools

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aurora; Northside College Prep
Chicago; Payton College Prep
Chicago
Bellevue High School
Bellevue; Tesla STEM High School
Redmond; Newport High School
Bellevue

Top 3 private high schools

Phillips Academy
Andover; Deerfield Academy
Deerfield; Choate Rosemary Hall
Wallingford
Lakeside School
Seattle; The Overlake School
Redmond; The Bush School
Seattle

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Latin School of Chicago
Chicago; The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
The Evergreen School
Shoreline; The Bear Creek School
Redmond; Seattle Academy
Seattle

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield; Niles Township Community High School District 219
Skokie; Township High School District 211
Palatine
Mercer Island School District
Mercer Island; Bellevue School District
Bellevue; Lake Washington School District
Redmond

When comparing the educational landscape of Illinois and Washington, certain distinctions become clear. For instance, Illinois boasts highly regarded institutions like the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago, which attract a significant number of high school graduates. On the other hand, the University of Washington stands out in Washington, drawing students with its strong programs. The presence of top-tier private K-12 schools in major cities across both states indicates a commitment to educational excellence. Notably, schools like the Latin School of Chicago and The Evergreen School in Shoreline offer comprehensive education from kindergarten through 12th grade, highlighting the diverse educational opportunities available. Whether considering public or private educational institutions, both states offer robust programs designed to cater to a wide range of academic interests and needs.

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