Best 5 Movers in Tacoma, WA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Tacoma

You should consider several key factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Tacoma.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for a local mover in Tacoma is $79. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,259 overall. Your actual costs will depend on your home size, the season, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and move distance.

You should obtain quotes from at least three movers in your area. Request written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Good customer feedback is important for all moving companies. You can find moving companies with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like social media, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Tacoma 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 look up permitted companies 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 check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.

Services

Assess whether the mover offers the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Create a list of any services you might need and take inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to assess whether the company is able to meet your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers deliver the following standard services as a part of their base price:

• 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, disclose these when requesting a quote. These 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 Tacoma, WA

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

Schedule an Early Move

Tacoma traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. Try to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the peak moving season and Tacoma's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you begin your search for a moving company too close to your move. The high demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. Plan ahead and book your preferred mover 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

You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time daily to avoid needing to pack at the last minute. Most movers only carry items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival.

How Much do Movers Cost in Tacoma, WA

Movers in Tacoma cost $2,647 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,273 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.