Best 5 Movers in Seattle, WA

When relocating within, to, or from the bustling urban hub of Seattle, Washington, it's worth considering a professional mover for assistance. Moving on your own in Seattle's cold temperatures can be a headache, but a professional mover can make your move less stressful. We've put together a list of the top local and long-distance movers in Seattle below.

These are the top moving companies in Seattle for local and long-distance relocations.

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Seattle

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

Determine Your Budget

Local movers in Seattle charge an average hourly rate of $115. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,391 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include move distance, the season, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.

We advise obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the moving process is finished to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Good customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as social media, Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau to identify movers with excellent customer service.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Seattle must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a local move that's purely within Washington, your mover needs a permit from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). You can verify a company's permit status on the UTC's list of household goods carriers.

If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have 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 look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.

Services

Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Make 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 evaluate whether the company is able to meet your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will provide these 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 need special services from your moving company, mention these during the quote process. Services that result in higher pricing include the following:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Moving a piano
• 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 hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Planning your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before rush hour and head to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is less congested.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Seattle's fairly hot weather. This can affect your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. 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

Most moving companies won't move items that haven't been packed by the time your move is supposed to start. We suggest you start packing around six weeks before your move to prevent rushing to pack on your moving day. Packing a few boxes each day can get the task done without overwhelming you.

How Much do Movers Cost in Seattle, WA

Movers in Seattle cost $2,692.14 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,831.04 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.

Moving Data Sources

CDC Wonder

U.S. Census

Bureau of Labor Statistics