Best Moving Companies in Washington (2024)
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Whether you find yourself drawn to Washington state’s hundreds of mountains, rivers, and access to the Pacific Ocean, or you want to join the explosion of tech startups in Seattle, you’ll want to rely on a quality moving company to help you relocate. Professional Washington movers ensure all your belongings arrive safely and provide value through protection plans and general peace of mind. International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice due to their competitive rates and variety of services. This guide pulls from our research into more than 30 moving companies to provide an easy way to find the best moving companies in Washington State.
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Top 7 Moving Companies in Washington
Here are the best moving companies in Washington State that you can contact today:
- Best Service Offerings: International Van Lines
- Best Overall Moving Labor: American Van Lines
- Most Reliable Pricing: Safeway Moving Inc.
- Most Efficient: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Best Specialized Packing: JK Moving Services
- Best for Vehicle Relocation: Allied Van Lines
- Best for Claims: North American Van Lines
Compare The Top Moving Companies in Washington
The table below presents an easy way to compare the best moving companies in Washington state.
Our Pick
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#1 out of 28 companies | #2 out of 28 companies | #3 out of 28 companies | #4 out of 28 companies | #5 out of 28 companies | #6 out of 28 companies | #7 out of 28 companies | |
A+ | A+ | B- | B | A+ | A+ | A+ | |
FMCSA Licensing |
Carrier/Broker | Carrier | Carrier | Broker | Carrier | Carrier | Carrier/Broker |
Average Price* |
$5,250 | $5,625 | $5,631 | $5,054 | $7,171 | $5,370 | $5,969 |
Deposit Required |
Up to 25% | Up to 50% | Up to 40% | Up to 33% | $250 | None | None |
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Cons |
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Summary |
We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates. |
We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items. |
We recommend Safeway Moving Inc. for condo or HOA residents. The company has a special focus and training on the regulations and problems that may arise with these moves. |
We recommend Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as a reputable broker if you need to move quickly. The company’s customer service is prompt, and its broker network helps you find a vetted mover fast. |
We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services. |
We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services. |
We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options. |
Rating Categories |
International Van Lines | American Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. | Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | JK Moving Services | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines |
Customer Service |
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Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In Washington
How To Choose the Best Washington Moving Company for You
A big part of ensuring a moving provider is right for you is vetting the company. Here are the steps to take when vetting movers in Washington:
Check customer reviews
Read customer reviews on multiple sites, including Google Reviews and Yelp. Look for positive and negative trends in service, including miscommunications regarding cost and add-ons, punctuality, and customer service quality. Note that quality could vary significantly depending on location. Some movers operate via independently owned franchises, which can lead to service variance.
Check each mover’s service offerings
Determine if a given moving company provides the services you want and need.
Ensure movers are fully licensed
Use a mover’s U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to look up its licensing status via this FMCSA link. You should check with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission for more local companies.
Request quotes
We recommend getting customized pricing estimates from three movers. This approach lets you compare and contrast all offerings and pricing.
Washington Relocation Considerations
Here are some things to consider if you’re moving to Washington:
Cost of living
The cost of living, especially housing, is quite high in urban areas like Seattle. However, some rural areas are more affordable. Overall, be prepared for the high cost of living changes when you relocate and budget accordingly.
Moving logistics
Factor in the costs and paperwork involved in establishing residency, getting a new driver’s license, registering vehicles, etc. Hire movers if needed.
Taxes
You should also budget for the changes in taxes your move might bring. Washington has no state income tax but has high sales, property, and gas taxes.
Traffic
The Seattle metro area struggles with heavy traffic congestion. If you’re moving near Seattle, traffic may slow down your moving schedule, so plan accordingly.
Weather
Western Washington has a very mild, temperate climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Eastern Washington is drier and has more extreme temperatures. Make sure you’re prepared for rain if moving west of the Cascades.
Comparing the Top Moving Companies’ Services in Washington State
Whatever your reason for wanting to call Washington home, you’ll need a reliable, professional moving company to get you there. But with all the options out there, how do you know if you’re picking a reputable mover that can accommodate your relocation at the price that meets your budget?
We recommend that you gather at least three quotes from the best moving companies in Washington before you choose your mover.
Provider | Free Estimate | Local | Long-Distance | Labor Included |
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IVL | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
IMRG | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
American | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Safeway Moving Inc. | Get Estimate | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
JK Moving | Get Estimate | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Allied | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
NAVL | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Other Considerations When Moving in Washington
We encourage you to read some of our other guides and lists to make your move to Washington seamless. Here are some of our other guides on important aspects of relocation in Washington state:
- Best Home Warranty in Washington
- Best Pet Insurance in Washington
- Best Pest Control Services
- Best Lawn Care Services
Our Conclusion
The moving company that is best for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a full-service moving experience, International Van Lines may be a good place to start. We recommend American Van Lines for its moving teams that average 10 years or more of moving industry experience. You might also want to check out Interstate Moving & Relocation Group if you want helpful online resources and customer service. If you are moving within the Spokane area but across the state border into Idaho, check out our top moving company recommendations in Idaho.
FAQ About Moving Companies in Washington
How much are movers in Washington state?
After receiving ballpark estimates from the top movers in Washington State, your move could range between $2,800 to $8,800 depending on the distance and size of your move.
What do I need to do before moving cross country?
If you are planning a long-distance relocation, there is a lot to consider and take care of long before moving day. It is best to get at least a three-month head start on moving day by deciding on a budget and beginning the search for a moving company. It’s also good to determine how you and your family will be traveling to your new destination. If you’re flying, you may need to pick a mover that can handle transporting your vehicles.
In the weeks leading up to moving day, you should be packing up the items you don’t need and selling or giving away items you no longer want, as well as contacting physicians for copies of any records needed and your homeowners insurance provider to confirm your coverage will transfer to your new location.
Is renting a moving truck in Washington a good idea?
If you’re undergoing a simple, local move within the same town or city, renting a moving truck might be a good, budget-friendly option if you can gather enough help. If so, read our guide on the best moving truck rental companies.
On the other hand, if you have a longer move or interstate move involving Washington, it’s often better to hire an interstate moving professional. A professional mover ensures your belongings arrive safely, backs them with a protection plan, and can handle any complications due to traffic and difficult roads.
If I pack all of my belongings, will the mover still be responsible if something is broken in transit?
Moving companies are liable for losses and damage caused during transit unless a loss or damage is due to an act of nature—such as a lightning strike, tornado, or earthquake—or other scenarios involving extenuating circumstances, such as a piece of furniture being dropped down the stairs due to a pre-existing loose handrail or a broken floorboard causing a crew member to stumble and knock over a fragile item. To ensure safe transport of a customer’s belongings, movers often operate under a tariff provision that allows them to repack improperly or unsafely packed boxes.
It’s important to note that movers are also exempt from liability if the loss or damage was caused by an act of omission on the shipper’s part. Improper packing falls under that act of omission category, so it’s crucial that you follow professional moving tips on proper packing and notify your movers of any questions or potential issues you may have concerning the items you packed.
What should I do if my bill is higher on moving day than previously estimated?
If the moving cost is higher on moving day, you are not necessarily obligated to pay the additional charges at that time. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you are not required to pay more than 100% of a binding estimate (or 110% of a non-binding estimate) for any price increases after the moving truck has been loaded. The mover is required to bill any additional charges 30 days after delivery of your goods. A company cannot refuse to deliver your items due to non-payment of any added charges, which can be incurred if the inventory you provided ahead of moving day is incomplete or inaccurate. If you feel you have been hit with extra fees unfairly or a company will not deliver your possessions, you can file an online complaint with the FMCSA or contact the organization at 1-888-368-7238.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling options, additional benefits and custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.