How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Burien
Some factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include services offered, cost, licensing, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $67 and $101 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs $4,391 in total. Your actual cost will vary depending on the season, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, and move distance.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Read customer reviews on websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, and the Better Business Bureau to identify moving companies with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Burien must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one Washington city to another, your mover must have a permit from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). You can check the UTC's list of household goods carriers for your moving company.
If you're moving to or from another state, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take inventory of your home when seeking quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Notify your moving company representative about any special conditions or needs to determine if the company can provide suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers include the following basic services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, discuss any special services you require. Additional fees may apply for these services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Burien, WA
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Burien.
Schedule an Early Move
Burien usually gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. Try to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Burien's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you begin your search for a mover too late. The high demand could make it more difficult to secure 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, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each 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. Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Burien, WA
Movers in Burien cost $2,692 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,831 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.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,692 | $3,399 | $7,831 |
250-999 miles | $3,308 | $4,057 | $11,241 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,355 | $4,624 | $11,890 |
2,500+ miles | $3,319 | $5,705 | $14,061 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Burien
What is the housing market like in Burien?
Does Burien have good schools?
How much would a Burien move cost for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
What items should I move myself?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.