Chicago is about 1,915 miles from Reno, and 1,757 of those miles are on Interstate 80 from one metro to the other. Illinois gives new residents 30 days to register a vehicle and up to 90 days to drive on an out-of-state license.
Few cross-country moves are as straight as this one. Interstate 80 leaves the Truckee Meadows and runs, with a few turns, into the Chicago area. The change comes when you arrive: Illinois taxes income, the winters are long and the housing market spans the city, Cook County and the collar counties.
The Illinois paperwork windows
The Illinois Secretary of State lists 30 days for new residents to title and register a vehicle, and says new residents can drive on a valid out-of-state license for up to 90 days or until it expires, whichever comes first, before getting an Illinois license at a Secretary of State facility.
That gives you time to unpack first, but the 30-day vehicle window is the one to watch. Gather the title, proof of insurance and residency documents before the move.
Two O'Brien's movers carrying furniture pads down the ramp of a Bekins trailer
Income and sales tax in Illinois
Illinois taxes income at a flat 4.95 percent of net income. Nevada collects no individual income tax in the Census fiscal year 2024 survey, so a Reno paycheck will look different once Illinois withholding applies.
The general merchandise sales tax rate is 6.25 percent statewide, with local taxes added on top in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Ask your new employer's payroll team how to file a withholding form.
Lake Michigan weather
The NOAA 1991-2020 normals for the Chicago Midway station show a January high of 32.7 degrees and low of 19.4, a July high of 85.0 and low of 67.7, and about 34.4 inches of precipitation a year. The city sits near 594 feet above sea level, far lower than Reno.
Summer is humid and winters are hard, so a winter delivery day should be planned with the forecast in view. Lake Michigan keeps January weather changeable for any truck.
Housing and who moves between the two
The American Community Survey puts the city of Chicago at a median gross rent of $1,440, a median home value of $334,100 and 54.0 percent of households renting. The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro shows a median home value of $323,000 and rent of $1,430.
Census county flows for 2016-2020 show about 160 people a year moving from the Chicago-area counties to Washoe and about 184 a year going the other way, so the route runs both directions.
Flat Bekins moving cartons stacked and ready for packing
How the move works with O'Brien's
Start with a free in-home estimate from an O'Brien's estimator in Reno or Sparks; 10 free heavy-duty boxes come with it. The estimate is itemized and in writing, and a long-distance move is priced by weight. We handle packing, storage and loading here, and the Bekins Van Lines network carries the shipment to Illinois.
Your written estimate sets the delivery window. Wooden vault storage in the Sparks warehouse starts from $40 per month if the closing date is later than the load date. Read about pickup and delivery spreads before you pick dates.
How a long-distance move works with a Bekins agent
O'Brien's Moving & Storage has been an agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955. On an interstate move the Bekins network carries your shipment under the van line's interstate system; O'Brien's books the move in either direction. Leaving Northern Nevada, we give the free in-home estimate, pack, store in our Sparks warehouse if you need it, and load. Moving here from another state, you book with us and we coordinate the move from your origin through the Bekins network, then handle delivery, unpacking and storage in Sparks. Your written estimate sets the delivery window. What being a Bekins agent means.
Your rights on an interstate move
Federal booklets every interstate mover must give you
How long can I drive on a Nevada license in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State says new residents may drive on a valid out-of-state license for up to 90 days or until it expires, whichever comes first.
Is Illinois income tax flat?
Yes. The Illinois Department of Revenue lists a flat 4.95 percent of net income.
How cold does Chicago get?
NOAA's normals for Chicago Midway show a January high of 32.7 degrees and a low of 19.4.
The two employees showed up on time and were very polite and ready to work. Our quote was 8 hours and they finished in 5 hours. Office staff checked in prior to move and confirmed all details and check in after move to make sure everything was taken care of. Would use this company again for sure!
Owner's reply
Laurie, Thank you for the awesome review! We are glad to hear everything went smoothly, and you were satisfied with the service. We want to also thank you for your business we appreciate you!
E
Edward G.
James and the crew were terrific.
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Nicole B.
The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you!
Get a long-distance estimate
Tell us where you are going. The estimate for a long-distance move starts with a survey of your Reno-area home.
