Best 5 Movers in Vancouver, WA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Vancouver

Some factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include licensing, cost, customer reviews, and services offered.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for a local mover in Vancouver is $79. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,036 in total. Your actual costs will vary depending on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, the season, and move distance.

We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should outline your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews hold significant value when looking for a mover. Check platforms such as Google Reviews, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp to learn about the typical customer experience with that moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Vancouver must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your mover needs 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.

The requirements differ 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 check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before requesting quotes and write down any essential or additional services you may need. Tell your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to see if the company can provide satisfactory service.

Types of Moving Services

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

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

Ensure you inform your mover of any extra services you need in the quote process. Services that can lead to higher pricing include:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Vancouver, WA

Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Vancouver.

Schedule an Early Move

Vancouver usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge hourly. We suggest arranging before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid the traffic and wrap up the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Vancouver's hot weather. This can impact your move if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to lock in the moving company you want. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most movers only carry items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival. Start packing approximately six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process more manageable.

How Much do Movers Cost in Vancouver, WA

Movers in Vancouver cost $2,570 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,330 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.