Top local movers for Irvine to Tacoma moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Irvine that also provides long-distance services to Tacoma can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 86 local movers in Irvine who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Irvine to Tacoma.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Tacoma?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,151 – $4,844 | $882 – $2,029 | $680 – $1,389 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,653 – $5,842 | $1,534 – $3,163 | $788 – $1,684 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,581 – $8,142 | $2,075 – $4,180 | $1,020 – $1,893 |
Cost to hire movers from Irvine to Tacoma
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Irvine to Tacoma typically costs between $1,151 and $4,844. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,653 and $5,842 when moving from Irvine to Tacoma. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Irvine to Tacoma, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,581 up to $8,142.
Cost of moving containers from Irvine to Tacoma
If you’re relocating from Irvine to Tacoma, you’ll typically spend between $882 and $2,029 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,534 up to $3,163. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,075 and $4,180. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Irvine to Tacoma
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Irvine to Tacoma move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $680 and $1,389. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $788 to $1,684. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,020 and $1,893.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Irvine to Tacoma
The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Irvine to Tacoma might be as low as $2,408, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,283.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Irvine.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $680 to $1,858 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Irvine to Tacoma
Many movers find Tacoma easier on the wallet than Irvine – roughly 55% less for singles and 60% less for families.
Monthly basics average $4,133 for one person in Tacoma versus $9,167 in Irvine. For a family of four, it’s $7,260 compared with $18,000.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Irvine | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,719 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,575 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $1,561,760 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $9,167 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $18,000 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Tacoma from Irvine, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 59% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 69% cheaper in Tacoma, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 36% lower in Tacoma than in Irvine.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Tacoma. The cost of living for a single person is 55% less compared to Irvine.
- Relocating to Tacoma could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 60% lower than in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma exceeds that of Irvine by about 35%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma exceed those in Irvine by 33%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Irvine and Tacoma, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Irvine | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $54.17 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Irvine than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Irvine than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in Irvine than in Tacoma.
- Bread is more expensive in Irvine than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Irvine than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Irvine than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships cost more in Irvine than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Tacoma
| Irvine | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 48 |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 68.99 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is about 27% less than Irvine.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Irvine’s score of 4.
- Tacoma is more walkable than Irvine with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Irvine’s 43 out of 100.
- Tacoma has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69.
- Tacoma’s crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 55.55 compared to Irvine’s 31.01. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Tacoma is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 44.45 vs Irvine’s 68.99.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Irvine it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tacoma without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Tacoma
Ready to relocate to America’s #1 Wired City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Tacoma.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Eastside-Enact
- North End
- Northeast Tacoma
- West End
Best neighborhoods for families
- North End
- West End
Things to do in Tacoma
Now that you’ve made the move to Washington, it’s the perfect time to explore Tacoma. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Tacoma include museums and art centers like the LeMay – America’s Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, and Washington State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Tacoma?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Irvine to Tacoma. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Tacoma?
With many people choosing to move from Irvine to Tacoma in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Irvine to Tacoma take?
Covering 1,149 miles, the move from Irvine, CA to Tacoma, typically takes two to eight days. Some Irvine movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Tacoma can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Irvine offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Irvine can handle specialty items for my move to Tacoma?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Irvine, 66 movers can handle pianos. 55 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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