Home United States Movers US The 5 Best Washington, DC to Chicago, IL Movers that you can trust.

The 5 Best Washington, DC to Chicago, IL Movers that you can trust.

Q: What is considered a long-distance move?

A long-distance move typically involves crossing state lines or covering a distance of over 100-250 miles . The specific criteria for long-distance moves vary among moving companies and depend on factors such as service type, routes, weight, level of service, and locations.

Published on: September 19, 2023
by: Mathieu Paquette

Moving out from Washington, DC is one of the most stressful things you can ever do. Whether it is residential moving, long distance moving, moving cross borders, or commercial moving, the process can be a disaster if you don’t trust the right long-distance company for your move to Chicago, IL.

There are several factors that determine whether you can trust a long-distance moving company. It should have a strong track record, it should be well accredited by organizations and Better Business Bureau, it should provide insurance, and it should be able to handle everything from packing to unloading.

For your move from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL, you can find dozens of recommendations over the internet. However, it is difficult to weed out the good from the bad. To help make the task easier for you, we have compiled a detailed list of the best movers in Washington, DC.

Read on for a thoroughly researched review of the 5 best moving companies from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL.

MovingWaldo's list of the Best Washington, DC to Chicago, IL Moving Companies

★★★★★ /5

What is MovingWaldo?

MovingWaldo is a technology company that specializes in simplifying the moving process for individuals and families. Our comprehensive suite of services includes booking trustworthy movers, comparing internet plans, and automating administrative tasks, which can save users hours of paperwork.

How are Moving Companies selected?

Our network of movers you can trust is carefully built based on professionalism, years of experience, accreditation, awards and social proofs from customers. We care to help you through the maze of information the web provides about this unique industry. You can trust the movers listed here to guide you and your family safely into moving day!

Are you a good, trustworthy company?

Allied Van Lines

95 years of moving experience

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About

Since 1928, Allied Van Lines has partnered proudly in clients’ moving moments. With over 95 years of expertise as a full-service mover, they ensure a seamless journey for your belongings.

Their services include long-distance moves, commercial and office moves, interstate, cross-country, and international moving, packing, unpacking, storage, moving supplies, and special item moves.

Allied Van Lines’ mission is to provide affordable moving services under a trusted name, backed by a rich history of service. They stand ready to support clients as they strategize and prepare for their next move, serving both the United States and international destinations.

Services / Products offered in Washington, DC

• Long-distance moves
• International moves
• Interstate moves
• Commercial and office moves
• Packing and unpacking
• Packing supplies
• Storage
• Special item moves

Company rate

Available on demand

BBB Bureau Rating

A+

In Business Since

1928

Area Covered

• Local and Long distance moves within the USA
• International Moves from USA to any international destination

Pros

• 750,000 moves completed in the USA
• 95 years of moving experience
• 96% satisfaction rate
• 24/7 customer service
• Quality Service Audit (QSA)

Cons

• Delivery window may vary

Why should you choose Allied Van Lines?

With 95 years of moving experience, Allied Van Lines boasts a legacy of top-notch services that are secure and respect the confidentiality of their clients. Their accomplishments include 750,000 successful US moves and a 96% satisfaction rate. They provide 24/7 customer service, free estimates, can handle bulky items, and offer flexible scheduling.

Excellence isn’t just a concept for Allied Van Lines; it’s their core business model. From exceeding expectations to upholding ethical practices, they specialize in long distance and international full-service moving. Their team consists of experienced, trained, and vetted movers, installers, and drivers, fully covered by insurance. They offer services worldwide under a single point of control.

They’ve also implemented a Quality Service Audit (QSA), which ensures that movers meet the highest standards, putting customer benefits first. When you choose them, you’re picking the most competitive and reliable moving standards.

17W110 W 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, United States

North American Van Lines

Over 90 Years of Moving Experience

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About

Since 1933, North American Van Lines has been part of the moving industry, making sure they’re there wherever you call home. They have a long history of offering a complete and personalized moving service to help you handle all the details of your move.

Their services cover long-distance, commercial, office, interstate, cross-country, and international moves. They also provide additional services like storage, packing, moving supplies, and handling special items.

Their mission is to ensure their clients have a complete moving plan from start to finish. Alongside their experienced moving staff, they ensure the entire process is smooth. North American Van Lines offer professional moving services every step of the way, whether it’s within the United States or to an international destination.

Services / Products offered in Washington, DC

• Long-distance moves
• International moves
• Interstate moves
• Commercial and office moves
• Packing and unpacking
• Packing supplies
• Storage
• Special item moves

Company rate

Available on demand

BBB Bureau Rating

A+ (Accredited since 1984)

In Business Since

1933

Area Covered

• Long distance and interstate moves within the USA.
• International moves from the USA to any international destination.

Pros

• 90 years of moving experience
• 500+ agent locations nationwide
• Full range of tailored services
• WorldTrac for real-time shipment location
• First to use interactive driving simulators
• Quality Program for employees
• 24 hour customer service

Cons

• Delivery window may vary
• Chat support not available on their website

Why should you choose North American Van Lines?

With 90 years of experience, North American Van Lines leads with 500+ agent locations. They offer personalized services, free estimates, and employ WorldTrac® for real-time shipment updates via satellite

They introduced interactive driving simulators for safety and crane vans for smooth handling of heavy items. Their commitment to excellence is evident through their Quality Program that ensures high standards across agents, drivers, and employees.

With 24-hour customer service, they’re a reliable choice for any kind of move, whether it’s around the corner or across borders. Their movers handle every aspect, letting you focus on other details.

They accommodate diverse needs and budgets, reflecting their commitment to accessible moving services. With North American Van Lines, you can rest assured that your moving will be facilitated by professionals with almost a century of industry leadership.

PO Box 988, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46801, United States

495 Movers

 4.7/5

4.7 stars based on 453 reviews from around the web

Free moving boxes & supplies

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About

Established in 2009, 495 Movers is an ambitious company born from the story of two best friends who wanted to change how people feel about their moving experience. 495 Movers offers customized moving and storage solutions to make sure their clients receive top-quality services. This company offers residential, long-distance, commercial, specialized moving, and storage services. 495 Movers serves Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., and has a philosophy that has always been about quality, honesty, and integrity.

Services / Products offered in Washington, DC

• Residential moving
• Long-distance moving
• Packing Services • Commercial moving
• Storage services
• Equipment Moving
• Furniture movers
• Appliance movers
• Government movers
• Entertainment movers
• Crating & Rigging
• Last-mile delivery
• Junk removal services

Company rate

Hourly price starting at $195 / hr

BBB Bureau Rating

A+ (Accredited since 2011)

In Business Since

2009

Area Covered

• Washington D.C.
• Maryland
• Virginia

Pros

• Specialized coordinator
• Higher-end service offer
• Live chat support availability
• Free onsite etimates
• User-friendly website
• Transparent in pricing
• Has 60,000 square foot warehouse

Cons

• No international moves

Why should you choose 495 Movers?

495 Movers is a company that values customer satisfaction. They have an easy-to-use website interface with chat support services. When you book a move with them, you will receive free moving boxes and supplies per household, a specialized coordinator, and pricing transparency. Storage services are never an issue because they have a 12,000-square-foot warehouse. As an independent moving company, they aren’t limited by van line affiliations and regulations, so they can fully pledge to do what they can to accommodate your household’s unique needs. 495 Movers ensures your prized belongings and other essential valuables arrive safely at their new destination.

640 Lofstrand Ln Rockville, Maryland 20850

 4.7/5

 5/5

Adams Van Lines

 4.6/5

4.6 stars based on 29 reviews from around the web

20 years of experience

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About

Founded in 2002, Adams Van Lines cumulates over 20 years of experience in the moving industry. They can move items nearly anywhere, including Alaska and Hawaii. Their mission is to streamline the moving process by allowing you to deal with a single point of contact for everything related to the relocation. They work with established moving companies to provide local and long-distance moving solutions, international moves, corporate relocation services, packing and unpacking, and short-and long-term storage services. If you have any queries regarding their services or pricing, Adams Van Lines provide a user-friendly interface and live chat to answer them.

Services / Products offered in Washington, DC

• Long-distance moves
• Local moves
• International moves
• Corporate relocation services
• Packing and unpacking
• Short and long-term storage

Company rate

Available on demand

BBB Bureau Rating

N/A

In Business Since

2002

Pros

• 20 years of experience
• Live chat support availability
• Free estimate of services
• Can ship belongings to Alaska, Hawaii, and beyond
• User-friendly website
• 100k+ clients moved

Cons

• Customer support does not operate on Sunday

Why should you choose Adams Van Lines?

As a highly experienced company specializing in long distance moves, Adams Van Lines is very flexible in terms of shipping destinations. They offer a simple to use live chat on their website in case you have any questions. Free estimates are available through their user-friendly website. Most importantly, Adams Van Lines prioritizes customer service and has moved over 100k clients.

USA

 4.6/5

Bronze Star Moving

 4.9/5

4.9 stars based on 54 reviews from around the web

Customer satisfaction approval rating of over 98%

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About

Bronze Star Moving and Storage is a moving brokerage company in South Florida that is family owned and operated. This company is both a licensed common carrier of household goods across state lines and a broker. The way they treat each and every one of their customers shows how much they put forward their family values. After working for several different companies, they decided to start their own business in 2021 and started serving all 50 states. They offer services like local and long-distance moving, moving between states, moving for businesses, government moving, military moving, as well as storage and packing services. The main goals of Bronze Star Moving and Storage are to treat people with kindness, provide professional services, and make sure that their clients always trust them.

Services / Products offered in Washington, DC

• Long-distance moving
• Nationwide moving
• Commercial moving
• Residential moving
• Interstate moving
• Government moving
• Military Moving
• Storage services
• Packing services

Company rate

Moves starting at 1900$

BBB Bureau Rating

A- (Accredited since 2022)

In Business Since

2021

Area Covered

• Operate in all 50 states
• No loading from North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Alaska, Hawaii (delivery available)

Pros

• Highly-rated company
• Family-owned and operated
• 30 days free storage and free redelivery
• Military and government employees receive a 10% discount
• First class customer service
• Customer satisfaction approval rating of over 98%

Cons

• Young company
• $750.00 rescheduling fee
• No loading from North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Alaska, Hawaii (delivery available)

Why should you choose Bronze Star Moving?

As a highly-rated company, Bronze Star Moving and Storage aim to provide their clients with an easy and stress-free moving experience. This company values their customers and provides first-rate customer service, which is why they have a customer satisfaction rating of more than 98%. Bronze Star Moving and Storage offers 30 days of free storage and free redelivery, as well as a 10% discount for military and government employees. This company provides a high level of service, always making sure that their hardworking employees make people’s lives easier.

2054 Vista Pkwy Suite 400, West Palm Beach, FL 33411

 4.9/5

Conclusion on the best Long-Distance Movers in Washington, DC

You now know the key elements about the best long-distance movers from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL. Considering the length of the move being longer than it typically would be, it is vital to hire a company you can trust with your items every step of the way. With all the information you need in their about section, which explains their level of experience, and the pros and cons section, in which you get an idea of what makes them special, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision. Most importantly, you have easy access to their website and phone number to get instant quotes and detailed answers to your questions.

Additional notes

Prices, availability, ratings and reviews may all vary over time. MovingWaldo does its best to provide accurate data and information, but cannot be held responsible for any information regarding the companies featured in this article.

What’s the BBB? BBB stands for Better Business Bureau and is a North-American organisation whose mission is to help buyers and sellers trust each other. Its rating is based on the number of complaints that a company may receive and how the company handles these complaints. We try to always recommend companies that have A- or higher ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Long-Distance Moves

What is considered a long-distance move?

A long-distance move typically involves crossing state lines or covering a distance of over 100-250 miles. The specific criteria for long-distance moves vary among moving companies and depend on factors such as service type, routes, weight, level of service, and locations.

Should I hire a moving van line or a local company that offers long-distance moves?

While local moving companies offering long-distance moves may be more affordable, especially for shorter distances (100 km), there are advantages to hiring a moving van line. Moving van lines have specialized expertise and extensive experience in the industry, increasing the chances of a smooth move. They also have the necessary equipment to properly crate and protect valuable items.

However, it’s important to note that moving van lines may not provide specific moving dates due to the multiple shipments they may have.

Clients may experience a waiting period of up to 2 weeks from the day the movers pick up the items. Additionally, estimates provided by van lines are non-binding and based on weight. The initial estimate is an approximation, and the final weight is determined on moving day by weighing the items.

How is my long-distance moving quote calculated?

Long-distance moving companies are required to provide written estimates. If you are moving across the country, there are two types of estimates you should know about.

Non-binding estimates

Non-binding estimates are commonly utilized by moving companies, particularly Van Lines, and they primarily rely on the estimated weight of your household items. However, it’s important to note that these estimates are not binding and subject to change. To determine the precise charges, the moving company will weigh your belongings on the day of the move using a scale. This allows for a more accurate calculation of the final cost based on the actual weight of your inventory.

Binding estimates

Binding estimates are less commonly used by moving companies for long-distance moves. Similar to non-binding estimates, they are based on the estimated weight of your household inventory. However, the key difference is that the moving company is obligated to honor the price specified in the estimate, as long as there are no changes to the inventory list.

It’s important to consider that several other factors will contribute to the total cost of your move. These factors include your location, the distance of the move, any additional stops required, and the time of year. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the regulations governing moving quotes, and your chosen moving company must adhere to these guidelines when preparing your binding estimate.

How does long-distance moving insurance work?

All movers are required to assume responsibility for the value of the household goods they transport. There are three types of moving insurance protections specifically for long-distance moves:

Release value protection is minimal protections, and the most economical. It covers damage that occurs in the moving truck and can compensate at a rate of $0.60 per pound of the damaged item, there is no charge to you (cost typically included in the price, and no deductible).

Choosing full value protection means your mover is responsible for repairing, replacing or making a cash settlement for the lost or damaged items during the move. If you don’t decide the release value protection option, your mover will automatically provide this level of liability. The minimum coverage is $6 per pound for damaged items. Movers can limit liability for valuable items (antiques, jewelry), unless explicitly listed, ask them for a detailed explanation of this limitation before your move.

Although not widely advertised, premium insurance is essential for valuable items worth over $5,000, such as artwork or a grand piano. This insurance will cost approximately $150 to $250, and the deductible may or may not be applied.

How much should I tip long-distance movers?

Tipping long-distance movers is not mandatory but is a widespread practice to show appreciation for their hard work. The decision to tip, and the amount, is up to your discretion. When determining the tip amount, consider factors such as the level of service, professionalism, and care provided by the movers throughout the long-distance move.

The typical tip amount for long-distance moves is around $5/ hour per mover, excluding the truck’s transit time. It is preferable to pay the tip in cash and after the service is completed.

Shorter long-distance moves

(100-400 km)

Longer long-distance moves

(more than 400 km)

$50 per mover

*5 –10 hours

$60 per mover

*8 –12 hours

Keep in mind that a different crew may handle the unloading of your belongings at your new location.

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The 5 Best Washington, DC to Chicago, IL Movers that you can trust.

MovingWaldo's list of the Best Washington, DC to Chicago, IL Moving Companies

Allied Van Lines

About

Why should you choose Allied Van Lines?

North American Van Lines

About

Why should you choose North American Van Lines?

495 Movers

About

Why should you choose 495 Movers?

Adams Van Lines

About

Why should you choose Adams Van Lines?

Bronze Star Moving

About

Why should you choose Bronze Star Moving?

Conclusion on the best Long-Distance Movers in Washington, DC

Additional notes

Frequently Asked Questions about Long-Distance Moves

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