10 best movers in Washington, Ohio

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for relocating out of Ohio. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Washington area.

Long-distance movers in Washington

A long-distance move means moving over 50 miles away or to another state. If you're crossing state lines, you must be especially careful that the mover you choose has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We’ve verified that the long-distance movers below have an active license. These reliable movers can help get 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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Washington is higher than the national average, making it a fairly costly process. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Washington is higher than 62.7% of the country.

Various factors are involved in moving, resulting in expenses adding up fast. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

These additional considerations can cause your final moving bill to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or very large items. These items can be more expensive to move:

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

Ask potential movers if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s a common practice if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for several reasons such as limited supplies, traffic, bad weather and transportation emergencies. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. There’s no way to combat unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in Washington.

Be communicative

To avoid surprise charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, especially about items you add 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 ahead of time. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can save some money and ensure you book your preferred moving company.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

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

Move on your own is an option. Before going this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for loading and unloading large items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be less expensive. However, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Washington

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers take care of every part of the moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be challenging to get approved.

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 like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Ohio are also required to have a license from the Ohio Public Utilities Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. 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 moving valuable goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months from May to September is the optimal moving time. This means a limited supply of available moving companies, and higher costs for moves of all sizes. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from choosing 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?

Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photographs, financial records, identification documents and technology.

Many moving companies put limits on insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.