How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Shoreline
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Shoreline.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of a local move in Shoreline is $109 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,391 for a two-bedroom move. Your actual cost will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, the season, your home size, and move distance.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should contain a total cost breakdown, covering 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 necessary for all moving companies. Check websites such as Trustpilot, social media, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to learn about the typical customer experience with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Shoreline must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Washington, your mover needs a permit from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). You can check permits on the UTC's list of household goods carriers.
If you're moving across states, 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
Ask if your chosen mover provides the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services you might require. Tell the moving company about any particular conditions or needs to determine if the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include the following moving services in the base price for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require additional services from your moving company, mention these when requesting a quote. Additional fees may apply for the following 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 Shoreline, WA
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Shoreline.
Schedule an Early Move
Shoreline traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more challenging than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic during your local move will typically lead to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. Try to plan your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Shoreline, this time overlaps with fairly hot summer weather, which can worsen your moving experience. Plan ahead and secure your desired moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
We recommend you begin packing around six weeks before your move to prevent rushing to pack when moving day comes. Spending time packing some items each day can make the process less stressful. Most moving companies treat same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Shoreline, WA
Movers in Shoreline 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Shoreline
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