Best 5 Movers in Bellingham, WA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Bellingham

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Bellingham.

Determine Your Budget

The average cost of a local move in Bellingham is $69 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,163 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include the season, any additional tasks you need done, your home size, and move distance.

We recommend obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing practices.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews hold significant value when looking into moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, social media, and Google Reviews will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Bellingham must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your mover must have a permit from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). You can verify permits on the UTC's list of household goods carriers.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether the mover you chose provides the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your possessions and noting any services you may need. Discuss any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to evaluate whether the company is able to meet your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following moving services in the base price:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Tell your moving company about the other services you need while going through the quote process. The following services may result in increased pricing for your move:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Bellingham, WA

Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Bellingham.

Schedule an Early Move

Bellingham sometimes sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. We suggest scheduling before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers beat the traffic and wrap up the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the busiest moving season and Bellingham's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, particularly if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The high demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed by the time your move begins. You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.

How Much do Movers Cost in Bellingham, WA

Movers in Bellingham cost $2,613 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,867 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.