10 best movers in Seattle, Washington

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. If you're moving around Seattle, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Seattle

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate from one state to another. Check that the moving company you hire has the proper federal licensing when moving across state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

The long-distance movers below are reliable and actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

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 relocating within or out of Seattle is greater than the national average, making itrelatively expensive. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Seattle is above 95.4% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are numerous factors involved. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

Your final moving bill may also be influenced by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, fragile or oversized items. These items commonly are more expensive to move:

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

Find out from potential movers whether they move these items and if so, how much they charge.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Transportation emergencies, traffic, limited supplies and bad weather can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving costs in Seattle.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While small items can usually be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed in advance. The movers may need to charge more for those additions and won’t begin your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and budget-friendly movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to save some money while still reserving your preferred relocation service.

Peak moving season 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

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cost - effective moving service that meets your needs.

Move yourself is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help loading and unloading heavy items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system needed for a self-move, hiring movers is worth it.

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

FAQ about moving in Seattle

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers take care of every part of the moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Additionally, full-service moving can get you more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are generally only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state 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?

Learn what insurance policies your movers provide. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting high-worth goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the peak time to move in the U.S., which leads to considerably increased demand and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all kinds. With good reason, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

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 valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're worried about potential loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials that moving services aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

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

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.