How Much Do Washington Movers Cost?
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in Washington is $182 per hour, with an average total move cost between $651 and $5,996. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.
Of course, it’s crucial to get a personalized moving quote for your Washington move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
To figure out how much your Washington move will cost, it’s a good idea to compare multiple quotes. With our cost calculator, you can get pricing information from the best moving companies in WA — including Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Mayzlin Relocation, North American Van Lines, JK Moving Services, and some of the top national moving companies provided below.
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Average cost to hire a moving company in Washington
The cost to hire a Washington moving company depends primarily on the size of your home, how many belongings you have, and the distance of your move. Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional movers in Washington.
Cost to move a home in Washington
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $651 | $255 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $906 | $255 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,467 | $357 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,397 | $500 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,898 | $500 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $5,996 | $700 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Washington to move a studio apartment is $651. You'll need two movers for three hours at $255 per hour.
- One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $906 for local Washington movers. You'll need two movers for four hours at $255 per hour.
- Two bedrooms: The average cost to hire Washington movers to move a two-bedroom home is $1,467. You'll need three movers for five hours at $357 per hour.
- Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay $3,397 for local Washington movers. A three-bedroom typically requires four movers for eight hours at $500 per hour.
- Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in Washington will cost $3,898, on average. The cost to move a larger home can vary, but typically requires four movers for nine hours at $500 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Washington movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $5,996. You'll need five movers for 10 hours at $700 per hour.
City moving costs in Washington
- Cost of Aberdeen movers
- Cost of Airway Heights movers
- Cost of Alderwood Manor movers
- Cost of Anacortes movers
- Cost of Arlington movers
- Cost of Artondale movers
- Cost of Auburn movers
- Cost of Bainbridge Island movers
- Cost of Battle Ground movers
- Cost of Bellevue movers
- Cost of Bellingham movers
- Cost of Birch Bay movers
- Cost of Bonney Lake movers
- Cost of Bothell movers
- Cost of Bothell East movers
- Cost of Bothell West movers
- Cost of Bremerton movers
- Cost of Bryn Mawr-Skyway movers
- Cost of Burien movers
- Cost of Camano movers
- Cost of Camas movers
- Cost of Centralia movers
- Cost of Cheney movers
- Cost of Cottage Lake movers
- Cost of Covington movers
- Cost of Des Moines movers
- Cost of East Renton Highlands movers
- Cost of East Wenatchee movers
- Cost of Eastmont movers
- Cost of Edgewood movers
- Cost of Edmonds movers
- Cost of Elk Plain movers
- Cost of Ellensburg movers
- Cost of Enumclaw movers
- Cost of Everett movers
- Cost of Fairwood movers
- Cost of Federal Way movers
- Cost of Felida movers
- Cost of Ferndale movers
- Cost of Fife movers
- Cost of Five Corners movers
- Cost of Fort Lewis movers
- Cost of Frederickson movers
- Cost of Gig Harbor movers
- Cost of Graham movers
- Cost of Grandview movers
- Cost of Hazel Dell movers
- Cost of Issaquah movers
- Cost of Kelso movers
- Cost of Kenmore movers
- Cost of Kennewick movers
- Cost of Kent movers
- Cost of Kirkland movers
- Cost of Lacey movers
- Cost of Lake Forest Park movers
- Cost of Lake Morton-Berrydale movers
- Cost of Lake Stevens movers
- Cost of Lake Stickney movers
- Cost of Lake Tapps movers
- Cost of Lakeland North movers
- Cost of Lakeland South movers
- Cost of Lakewood movers
- Cost of Liberty Lake movers
- Cost of Longview movers
- Cost of Lynden movers
- Cost of Lynnwood movers
- Cost of Maltby movers
- Cost of Maple Valley movers
- Cost of Martha Lake movers
- Cost of Marysville movers
- Cost of Mercer Island movers
- Cost of Mill Creek movers
- Cost of Mill Creek East movers
- Cost of Minnehaha movers
- Cost of Monroe movers
- Cost of Moses Lake movers
- Cost of Mount Vernon movers
- Cost of Mountlake Terrace movers
- Cost of Mukilteo movers
- Cost of Newcastle movers
- Cost of North Lynnwood movers
- Cost of Oak Harbor movers
- Cost of Olympia movers
- Cost of Orchards movers
- Cost of Parkland movers
- Cost of Pasco movers
- Cost of Port Angeles movers
- Cost of Port Orchard movers
- Cost of Port Townsend movers
- Cost of Poulsbo movers
- Cost of Prairie Ridge movers
- Cost of Pullman movers
- Cost of Puyallup movers
- Cost of Redmond movers
- Cost of Renton movers
- Cost of Richland movers
- Cost of Ridgefield movers
- Cost of Salmon Creek movers
- Cost of Sammamish movers
- Cost of SeaTac movers
- Cost of Seattle movers
- Cost of Sedro-Woolley movers
- Cost of Shelton movers
- Cost of Shoreline movers
- Cost of Silver Firs movers
- Cost of Silverdale movers
- Cost of Snohomish movers
- Cost of Snoqualmie movers
- Cost of South Hill movers
- Cost of Spanaway movers
- Cost of Spokane movers
- Cost of Spokane Valley movers
- Cost of Sumner movers
- Cost of Sunnyside movers
- Cost of Tacoma movers
- Cost of Tukwila movers
- Cost of Tumwater movers
- Cost of Union Hill-Novelty Hill movers
- Cost of University Place movers
- Cost of Vancouver movers
- Cost of Vashon movers
- Cost of Walla Walla movers
- Cost of Washougal movers
- Cost of Wenatchee movers
- Cost of West Richland movers
- Cost of White Center movers
- Cost of Woodinville movers
- Cost of Yakima movers
- Cost of Yelm movers
Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Washington
The cost of an interstate move from Washington to another state has even more variables than a local move.
Out-of-state, or Interstate, moves mean longer distances, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices. Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and time of year are additional cost factors that can drive up your overall expenses. Rather than pay an hourly rate (like you would with local movers), an interstate moving company will charge you based on the total weight of your belongings.
Below are some cost examples from popular moving routes.
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Washington
- Washington to California: $2,909–$6,937
- Washington to New York: $4,591–$8,248
- Washington to Illinois: $3,999–$7,652
- Washington to Texas: $4,066–$7,557
- Washington to Arizona: $3,402–$7,082
Now that you have an idea of what your move from Washington should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance moving movers in Washington.
Best interstate moving companies in Washington
These are the best interstate moving companies available in Washington:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5
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Best local moving companies in Washington
Staying in Washington and moving just a short distance? Check out the best moving companies in Washington.
- Apex Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5
- You Move Me: 4.96 out of 5
- Mountain Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5
- All Ready Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5
- On The Go Moving and Storage: 4.8 out of 5
Factors that affect the cost of your Washington move
The following common factors will affect the cost of your Washington move:
- The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor means you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure that you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in Washington.
- The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from Washington to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
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The type of move:
You have four main options for your Washington move:
- Hiring a full-service moving company
- Renting a moving truck
- Getting a moving container
- Using a freight trailer
- Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
- Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your Washington move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
- The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of Washington between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.
The average cost of living in Washington
- The cost index in Washington is 100. This means it's similar to the national average.
- The average rent in Washington for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,258 which is 5.13% lower than the national average.
- The average home value in Washington is $582,732 which is about 63.68% more expensive than the national average.
- The average income in Washington is $73,775 which is about 13.51% higher than the national average.
Options you have when moving in Washington
Hire a professional moving company
Hiring a professional mover in Washington is most likely going to be the most expensive option, but you are paying for some extra convenience, like not having to load and drive a truck yourself.
Below is a list of the best moving companies in Washington to hire for your move.
Moving truck rental
Rent a moving truck from a company like U-Haul to pack, load, and transport your belongings from one Washington location to another or to another state. This is the cheapest option but will require the most amount of work — you’ll need to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place.
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Moving containers or PODS
Rent a moving container if you’re looking for a balance of affordability and convenience. With this moving option, you load the container and the professionals drive it to your new location in Washington for you. Moving containers typically cost more than a rental truck but less than hiring a professional mover.
This is also a great option if you need storage with your move. Many container companies like PODS include 30-days of free storage with all moves.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Hire a freight shipper
Use freight shipping if you are moving a large amount of stuff across the country from Washington. With a freight shipper, you pack a large 28-foot trailer at your house and they drive it for you. This is a good option for large cross-country moves.
How do I ship a car in Washington?
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in WA:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Auto Ship |
4.9 / 5
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| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Ship A Car Direct |
4 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| AmeriFreight Car Transport |
4.3 / 5
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Things to know about your Washington move
Although cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you should consider about your move.
- 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.
- Mover's 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.
- Weather: Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
Tips to save money on your Washington move
Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your Washington move:
- Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
- Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
- Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
- Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
- Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Washington move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.
What is the cheapest way to move in Washington?
The cheapest way to move within Washington is by using a DIY option. For some people in Washington, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.
While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Washington, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.
To help you decide, use our moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.
Helpful Washington resources
Washington Moving services
City moving costs
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