Moving from DC to Chicago, IL
Washington, DC → Chicago · cost, distance and planning
Your planning guide for a long-distance move from DC, Maryland or Virginia to Chicago: cost, road miles and delivery timing.
Photo: Moses8910 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer: Chicago, IL is about 696 road miles from Washington, DC (about 11–13 hours of driving). A studio or 1-bedroom move from DC, Bethesda, Rockville or Northern Virginia to Chicago is a ballpark $2,650–$3,650 with Next Generation Movers, and a household move usually has a delivery window of roughly 3–7 days. The main thing to plan on this route: alley loading, elevator booking in high-rises, winter weather.
Route facts
| Distance | About 696 road miles from Washington, DC |
|---|---|
| Drive time | About 11–13 hours without stops |
| Typical delivery window | Roughly 3–7 days after pickup (your written estimate sets the exact window) |
| Origins we serve | Washington, DC; Montgomery County, MD (Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring); Northern Virginia |
| Main thing to plan | Alley loading, elevator booking in high-rises, winter weather |
Ballpark prices: DC area to Chicago
| Home size | Typical volume | Ballpark range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1 bedroom | about 450 cu ft | $2,650–$3,650 |
| 2 bedrooms | about 750 cu ft | $4,250–$5,900 |
| 3 bedrooms | about 1,100 cu ft | $5,850–$8,150 |
| 4+ bedrooms | about 1,500 cu ft and up | $7,500–$10,400 |
These are ballpark ranges from our own pricing, not a binding or non-binding estimate. They include line haul, fuel and standard origin and destination service. They do not include packing, stairs, long carries, a shuttle truck, storage or specialty items like pianos. Your price is confirmed in a written estimate after a free in-home or video survey.
How this route differs
Chicago is a Midwest route. Weather is colder than on East Coast routes, and many buildings load from the alley.
Access and building rules in Chicago
- Many Chicago buildings load from the alley. Confirm that a truck can fit.
- High-rises in the Loop, River North and Streeterville need a booked elevator and a COI.
- Some streets need temporary no-parking signs from the city.
Timing and season
Summer is the peak season. Winter brings snow and cold that can slow trucks.
If your new home is not ready when the truck arrives, ask about storage-in-transit. Set lease and closing dates by the end of the delivery window, not the first day.
Tips for a DC to Chicago move
- Ask your building about elevator booking and alley access.
- Plan for snow delays in winter.
- Order temporary no-parking signs early if you need them.
What changes the price
- Volume (cubic feet) after you declutter
- Full packing and unpacking
- Stairs, long walks and elevators
- A shuttle truck when a large truck cannot reach the home
- Storage-in-transit
- Specialty items like pianos, safes and motorcycles
- Guaranteed delivery dates (optional)
See how to read a long-distance moving estimate.
Licensed interstate mover
Next Generation Movers, Rockville, MD. USDOT 3764697 · MC 1341637. Check any mover on FMCSA Protect Your Move and Search for a Registered Mover.
Frequently asked questions
Do Chicago buildings require a COI for movers?
Most high-rises do. Ask the building management for their sample COI and send it to us.
Can winter delay a DC to Chicago move?
Yes. Snow and ice can slow trucks on the route. Keep a few flexible days in winter.
How much does it cost to move from DC to Chicago?
Our ballpark range for a studio or 1-bedroom move from the DC area to Chicago is $2,650–$3,650, and $4,250–$5,900 for 2 bedrooms. These are estimates from our own pricing, not a binding price. Your written estimate after a free survey confirms the price.
How long is the delivery window from DC to Chicago?
The drive is about 11–13 hours (696 road miles). For a household move, plan for a delivery window of roughly 3–7 days after pickup. Your written estimate states the exact window.
Is Next Generation Movers licensed for interstate moves?
Yes. Next Generation Movers is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation: USDOT 3764697, MC 1341637. You can check this on the FMCSA website.
Get your ballpark quote
Request an estimate, call our voice line at (240) 905-4429 for an instant ballpark quote, 24/7, or our office line at (240) 422-2243.
Related: Long-distance moves from DC, Maryland & Virginia · How to move long distance