10 best movers in Burien, Washington

The best mover for moving out of Washington is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move around Burien.

Long-distance movers in Burien

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate from one state to another. Hiring a mover with the proper federal licensing is crucial if you're moving across state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To verify a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Burien is higher than the national average, making itfairly costly. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Burien is above 89.8% of the country.

Many factors are involved when moving, so expenses add up quickly. The following are typical moving expenses:

• Professional labor
• Storage
• Junk removal
• Fuel
• Packing
• Supplies

These extra factors can cause your total cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, fragile or very bulky items. These items often cost more to move:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Safes

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional, but it’s a common practice if your movers provided quality service. For long-distance moves, a standard tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons such as bad weather, traffic, limited supplies and transportation emergencies. These issues may add to the time and money required. You can't avoid unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can lower your moving costs in Burien.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Tell them about additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory.

While small items can typically be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed ahead of time. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and reserve your movers of choice.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find an economical relocation service that works for you.

You can handle the move yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Movers are worth the cost if you don't have the time or anyone to help you move.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another alternative. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Burien

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and moving your belongings. The cost can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, as well as covering the cost of packing supplies. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are generally only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Washington are also required to have a license from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

Approximate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting valuable goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months between May to September is the optimal moving time. This means a limited supply of available moving companies, and higher costs for moves of any size. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from planning a summer move.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving companies cap insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by movers. These include the following:

• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Batteries
• Fertilizers
• Fuel sources
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Plants
• Aerosols
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Perishable foods and produce

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.