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Hiring a professional mover is a great way to expedite your next relocation. Even if you plan to handle your move independently, we recommend requesting quotes from movers in your area as an initial step in the moving process. After conducting in-depth research on the best moving companies across the country, we’ve broken down our list of the best movers in Washington State for local and long-distance moves.
The Best Movers in Washington
The following movers offer local and interstate moving services for relocations of all sizes in the Evergreen State:
- Best Overall Mover : International Van Lines
- Best for High-Value Goods : American Van Lines
- Best for Major Cities : Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Best for Coordinated Moves : Moving APT
- Best for Condos and HOAs : Safeway Moving Inc.
- Best Mobile App : JK Moving Services
- Best Customer Experience : Allied Van Lines
Best Overall Mover : International Van Lines
- Service model: Full-service carrier and broker
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
Why International Van Lines Stands Out
International Van Lines (IVL) is primarily an international moving and logistics company. It began handling domestic relocation services in 2004 and now provides quality long-distance and local moving help in all 50 states.
IVL serves primarily as a broker and has limited locations in the United States. This means your IVL move within the Evergreen State would be handled by one of its fully vetted partner companies. IVL’s quick quote process makes it easy to obtain sample pricing.
Cost
IVL offers quick quotes via its online cost calculator tool and over the phone through its customer service line. We spent 20 minutes on the phone with an IVL representative when we called for pricing information. We found the process to be quick, and our move coordinator asked specific questions about our inventory and service needs. Note that you must book a visual consultation to receive binding pricing information from this mover.
Services
IVL provides local, long-distance, and international services for both residential and commercial moves. Its basic move packages include loading and unloading and released liability coverage, plus 30 days of optional free storage for long-distance relocations. You can add packing and unpacking, crating, vehicle shipping, and long-term storage services to your move.
Read more: International Van Lines Review
Best for High-Value Goods: American Van Lines
- Service model: Full-service carrier
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 48 (all but Alaska and Hawaii)
Why American Van Lines Stands Out
American Van Lines (AVL) is a moving provider that operates solely as a carrier. It has hubs in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas and books long-distance service throughout the lower 48 states.
AVL offers flat-rate pricing for all moves. This provides customers with a more stress-free experience because there are no hidden fees to contend with on moving day. AVL advertises that its moving crews average a decade of experience on the job. Its experienced crews make its antique and artwork moving services among the best in the business.
Cost
AVL’s flat-rate pricing is the result of a thorough quote process. A move coordinator logs your entire inventory and service needs before rendering bottom-line quotes. We spent nearly 40 minutes on the phone with our company representative, who stressed the need for in-person estimates to receive binding pricing. They mentioned that quotes could shift once a moving truck is weighed after loading.
Services
American Van Lines works primarily as a long-distance mover in Washington. It offers some of the best antique and special moving services in the industry. It also provides frequent moving shuttles between major cities in the lower 48 states. This shuttle service offers lower rates and expedited service from Seattle to many prominent locations. AVL also provides valuation coverage for interested clients.
Read more: American Van Lines Review
Best for Major Cities: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Service model: Full-service broker
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
Why Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Stands Out
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a nationwide moving broker that acts as a booking agent for moves in all 50 states. While it isn’t licensed to carry household goods independently, it partners with many of the top movers across the country.
IMRG offers price-matching service whether you book long-distance or local movers. However, Washington State’s moving tariff regulations could limit this offering. IMRG features moving guides and provider bios on its website to help clients book with greater peace of mind.
Cost
IMRG’s quote process is similar to that of many other moving brokers. We had a call with an IMRG move coordinator, who collected basic information about our move. Then, we submitted our inventory and were quoted baseline pricing for our needs. We were told that we would need a visual inspection of our goods via a video call to receive binding pricing and that deposits for long-distance moves total 33% of the final bill.
Services
IMRG partners with both self- and full-service moving companies. Many of these providers offer packing and unpacking for basic items and valuables and access to storage units for short- and long-term use. IMRG also provides packing supplies, vehicle shipping, and junk removal service in some areas.
Read more: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Review
Best for Coordinated Moves: Moving APT
- Service model: Full-service broker
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
Why Moving APT Stands Out
Moving APT is a nationally recognized moving broker that provides hassle-free moving in all 50 states. Since its founding in 1999, it has expanded to partner with more than 2,500 individual carriers and shipping providers, making this broker one of the largest in the industry.
Moving APT doesn’t carry licensing to directly transport your goods to your new home; however, it partners with many top-rated movers for various move types in all locations. Its partners offer smooth moving processes in addition to price-matching services.
Cost
Moving APT’s quote process involves two phone calls. The first is with a Moving APT representative. They collected our moving date and points of origin and destination. We had a second call with one of Moving APT’s partners. They asked us what services we would need for our move and told us that we should schedule an in-person quote for accurate pricing.
Services
Moving APT’s partners include container providers and full-service moving companies. Many of these movers supply workers with years of experience who can provide quality basic and custom service options. Most Moving APT partners offer packing, access to storage facilities, and valuation coverage for valuable goods. Other service options depend on the partner company that books your move.
Read more: Moving APT Review
Best for Condos and HOAs: Safeway Moving Inc.
- Service model: Full-service broker and carrier
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
Why Safeway Moving Inc. Stands Out
Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving broker that offers long-distance and cross-country moving services to all 50 states. It has a small fleet of trucks near its central location in Florida. Beyond this locale, Safeway brokers its moves to third-party carriers.
This broker offers flat-rate pricing for all moves it provides, which helps customers avoid sticker shock when paying the final bill. Safeway requires its partners to carry $1 million insurance policies, which means they can operate within condo and apartment complexes that have stringent regulations.
Cost
Safeway Moving Inc. offered us the most in-depth free quote of any mover on this list. Our company representative spent nearly an hour on the phone with us going over shipping options and our service needs. While they couldn’t guarantee flat-rate shipping without us conducting a virtual walk-through of all goods to be moved, we found this attention to detail reassuring.
Services
Safeway’s basic moving rates include loading, unloading, and transportation of all goods. Many of its partners have access to storage facilities, and all Safeway long-distance moves include 30 days of free storage. This broker also provides vehicle shipping, antique crating, and limited international services.
Read more: Safeway Moving Inc. Review
Best Mobile App: JK Moving Services
- Service model: Full-service carrier and broker
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 48 (all but Alaska and Hawaii)
Why JK Moving Services Stands Out
JK Moving has been in business since 1982. It now operates as a carrier and broker and offers moving services in the lower 48 states. Its local move offerings are limited to Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area. However, it can provide long-distance service to all Washington State clients.
This mover has a fully modernized quote process with a best-in-industry mobile app to virtually log your inventory and track your move. JK Moving crews are trained in a unique on-site facility that includes a fully-furnished house. This facility simulates difficult moving scenarios, which ensures that your movers are equipped to handle the unexpected.
Cost
Our initial call with JK Moving Services was straightforward and relatively quick, clocking in at under 20 minutes. However, the phrasing of the ballpark figure we received made it sound like we would need to have a follow-up call with an actual move coordinator. We advise moving clients to be prepared to conduct a walk-through of their homes when they contact this mover.
Services
Thanks to JK Moving’s extensive training programs, nearly any moving service is accessible to clients. It offers residential, commercial, and military moving services and provides specialized and basic packing and storage for all goods. It also provides vehicle shipping via a partnership with McCollister’s Auto Logistics for moves of any length within the United States.
Read more: JK Moving Services Review
Best Customer Experience: Allied Van Lines
- Service model: Full-service carrier and broker
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
Why Allied Van Lines Stands Out
Allied Van Lines was founded in 1928 and is now one of the largest moving networks in the country. It has more than 500 locations in all 50 states and services international moving needs to 130 other countries.
This industry giant helps more than 100,000 individual clients every year. Its moving services include local and long-distance help and among the most comprehensive add-on and vehicle shipping offerings on the market.
Cost
Allied Van Lines’ representative stressed the importance of scheduling an in-person assessment before our move to get accurate pricing. An in-person assessment involves logging inventory and accounting for all services to be rendered. We were told that we could be connected with North American Van Lines’ local agents in our area because it has a partnership with Allied. Regardless of which option you pursue, we recommend calling at least six weeks before your move to get your in-person estimate.
Services
Allied Van Lines provides a full range of services, from basic loading and unloading to custom crating, vehicle shipping, and storage. It also offers expedited small move service via its Allied Express container option, which includes valuation coverage and labor in one bottom-line price. Additional offerings include disassembly and reassembly, moving shuttle service, and valuation coverage.
Read more: Allied Van Lines Review
Compare the Top Moving Companies in Washington
We’ve broken down the top moving companies in Washington for all types of relocation services and needs.
Our Recommendation
Moving both locally and out of state can be stressful without the right help. We recommend getting quotes from at least three moving companies near you. Professional movers are trained to handle all of your service needs and often provide valuation coverage options to ensure that your goods make it to your new home unscathed. Request quotes from our top recommended providers—International Van Lines, American Van Lines, and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group—to establish a baseline budget.
Washington Moving Companies FAQ
What does moving labor cost in Washington?
Washington moving labor costs an average of $276 for two hours of help from two movers, according to U-Haul’s MovingHelp data. Most movers have minimum labor charges, so inquire about this before booking.
How are moving companies regulated in Washington?
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) regulates all movers within Washington State. This governing body maintains tariff regulations and ensures all legal moving companies carry a UTC number.
Should I hire movers?
We recommend getting at least three quotes before making a decision on whether or not you should hire movers. You may not need to hire professional movers if your move is small. One- to two-bedroom moves involving few large items and breakable goods are within most DIYers’ capabilities.
How We Chose the Top Moving Companies in Washington
We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.
We also gathered pricing data from each of the companies and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. To determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as their overall score on Yelp.