Best 5 Movers in Seattle, WA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Seattle

You should consider several important factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Seattle.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, Seattle moving companies charge $115 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,391 for two-bedroom homes. Your actual costs will vary depending on move distance, the season, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and your home size.

Consider getting quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should contain a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews hold value when evaluating moving companies. Check platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Yelp, social media, and Trustpilot to gain insights into customer experiences with that moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Seattle must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Washington city to another, your mover needs a permit from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). You can look up permitted companies on the UTC's list of household goods carriers.

The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Take inventory of your belongings when seeking quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Inform the moving company if you have any particular conditions or needs to evaluate if the company is a good fit.

Types of Moving Services

A full-service mover will include these services for basic moves:

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

When requesting a quote from your moving company, communicate any extra services you need. These services may result in higher 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 Seattle, WA

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Seattle move.

Schedule an Early Move

Seattle traffic during rush hour is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock. You can prevent this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the fairly hot temperatures in Seattle. This can negatively impact your moving experience. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies won't move items that haven't been packed by the time your move begins. You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Spend some time packing each day to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day.

How Much do Movers Cost in Seattle, WA

Movers in Seattle 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.