Top-rated movers to make your Modesto to Seattle move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Modesto that offers long-distance services to Seattle can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 14 top local movers in Modesto who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Modesto to Seattle.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Brewer Moving LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management , Dawson Van & Storage , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191440
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 3314910
Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC , Pete’s Moving Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190630
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3278221
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192036
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3329727
Alternate Names: Brewer Moving, LLC , J B Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Seattle?
In California, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,164 – $4,204 | $784 – $1,829 | $597 – $1,072 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,212 – $5,603 | $1,313 – $2,645 | $583 – $1,261 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,786 – $7,823 | $1,820 – $3,740 | $761 – $1,515 |
Cost to hire movers from Modesto to Seattle
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Seattle from Modesto, you can expect prices to land between $1,164 and $4,204. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,212 to $5,603 for the trip from Modesto to Seattle. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,786 and $7,823.
Cost of moving containers from Modesto to Seattle
Moving containers from Modesto to Seattle will cost you $784 to $1,829 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,313 to $2,645. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,820 to $3,740. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Modesto to Seattle
Renting a moving truck from Modesto to Seattle typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $597 and $1,072 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $583 to $1,261. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $761 to $1,515.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Modesto to Seattle move
The cost of Modesto movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,055 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,851 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Modesto.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $597 to $1,431, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Seattle
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Seattle runs about 62% higher for singles and 65% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $3,740 in Modesto versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $9,801 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Seattle? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 10% higher than in Modesto, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Seattle are about 90% higher than those in Modesto.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 16% higher in Seattle compared to Modesto, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Seattle, as living costs for a single person are 62% higher than in Modesto. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Seattle, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 65% higher than in Modesto.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle is about 40% lower than in Modesto. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Seattle are 17% more than in Modesto, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Modesto and Seattle:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Seattle, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Seattle.
- Eggs are less expensive in Modesto than in Seattle.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Seattle.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Seattle.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Modesto than in Seattle.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Seattle.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Seattle
| Modesto | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 71 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Seattle’s population is about 237% greater than Modesto.
- Seattle’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Modesto’s score of 5.
- Seattle is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Modesto’s 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Seattle’s crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 58.88 compared to Modesto’s 65.76. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Seattle is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 49.23 vs Modesto’s 34.24.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Modesto it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Seattle move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Washington’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Seattle. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Seattle
Planning your move to Emerald City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Seattle.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
After settling into your new Washington home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Seattle has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Seattle features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Seattle?
Planning your move from Modesto to Seattle? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Seattle?
Because most people are moving from Modesto to Seattle in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Modesto to Seattle take?
The 827-mile journey from Modesto, CA to Seattle, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Modesto offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Seattle.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Modesto?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Modesto, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 5 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Modesto moving services
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