How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Olympia
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in Olympia.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $79 per hour on average. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,188 overall. Your home size, move distance, move date, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on websites such as social media, Trustpilot, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews to find movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Olympia 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 a company's permit status on the UTC's list of household goods carriers.
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 look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose can deliver the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note any basic or add-on services you may need. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to evaluate if the company can accommodate your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include the following moving services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about any additional services you need during the quote process. Services that contribute to increased pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Olympia, WA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Olympia.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Olympia are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid heavy traffic and wrap up the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Olympia. This can negatively impact your moving experience. You should be able to book your preferred moving company by reaching out to companies well in advance. However, remember that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Spend some time packing daily to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day. Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not 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 Olympia, WA
Movers in Olympia cost $2,622 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,973 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 | $2,622 | $3,016 | $6,973 |
250-999 miles | $3,235 | $3,632 | $10,467 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,270 | $4,178 | $10,750 |
2,500+ miles | $3,171 | $5,240 | $12,880 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Olympia
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