Ballard Preferred Moving review 2026 (Seattle, WA)
Updated
Ballard Preferred Moving, a Seattle, WA moving company, ranks #186 of 280 movers in Washington, with a moveBuddha rating of 3.30/5.
92% of Ballard Preferred Moving's 13 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its flexibility. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Ballard Preferred Moving measures up
Ballard Preferred Moving ranks #186 out of 280 movers in Washington with a moveBuddha Score of 3.30 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 3.30.
- Review quality
- 3.5
- Brand
- 3.0
- Website
- 3.0
- Customer service
- 3.0
- Industry experience
- 3.0
Is Ballard Preferred Moving moveBuddha Certified?
Ballard Preferred Moving is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Ballard Preferred Moving hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Ballard Preferred Moving?
Out of 13 verified reviews, 92% of customers left a positive review about Ballard Preferred Moving in Seattle, WA. 7.7% of reviews are negative. Ballard Preferred Moving has a 1% higher positive review percentage than the average Washington moving company (92% vs the Washington state average of 91%).
- Positive92.3%(12)
- Negative7.7%(1)
Based on 13 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Ballard Preferred Moving
Flexibility
Clients liked that Ballard Preferred Moving was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Friendly and approachable staff
Many customers felt at ease working with the courteous and personable team at Ballard Preferred Moving.
Helpful movers
Movers were more than just muscle—they offered guidance and went above and beyond to assist customers.
Quick moving process
The team at Ballard Preferred Moving often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
Efficient service
Many customers praise Ballard Preferred Moving for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
What positive reviewers say
“Nick and his colleagues did a stellar job for us. They were reasonably priced and incredibly skilled.”
Bill BockmanVerified ReviewerGoogle“Two guys moved heavy bureaus, beds and all our stuff with great care and speed. Friendly, accommodating and efficient, with an unbeatable price.”
Mo ColcloughVerified ReviewerGoogle“Flexible easy to work with…”
Linda ParkerVerified ReviewerGoogle“John the owner came in at the last minute and moved the sofa for me. They were terrific. I would use them anytime and highly recommend them.”
Linda HendrixVerified ReviewerGoogle“They agreed to do my cross-town move on the morning of Superbowl Sunday! They were fast, friendly, gentle, smiling, and efficient.”
Jane LesterVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Ballard Preferred Moving
What negative reviewers say
“They are no longer there…”
Greg JohnsonVerified ReviewerGoogle
Ballard Preferred Moving
3.30Seattle, WA
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Ballard Preferred Moving
3.30
Seattle, WA
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Ballard Preferred Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Seattle.
Compare prices side by side
See where Ballard Preferred Moving lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Is Ballard Preferred Moving licensed and insured?
moveBuddha holds no federal licensing record for Ballard Preferred Moving in Seattle, WA. That is not the same as the company being unlicensed. Movers operating only within one state are licensed by that state rather than by the FMCSA.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Ballard Preferred Moving holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
How much does Ballard Preferred Moving cost?
Ballard Preferred Moving does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Washington, you can expect to pay approximately $150/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Washington moving companies similar to Ballard Preferred Moving typically bill the amounts below using a $150/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
How Ballard Preferred Moving compares with the top 10 Seattle movers
With a moveBuddha score of 3.30 out of 5, Ballard Preferred Moving falls short of the top 10 Seattle moving companies, 1.18 points behind On The Go Moving and Storage. Ballard Preferred Moving's score rests on 13 reviews, fewer than any of the ten. Where Ballard Preferred Moving falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Seattle, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle Giant Moving CompanySeattle | 4.64 | 629 | 5.0 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 2 | A Perfect MoverMarysville | 4.64 | 389 | 4.9 | 3.9 | A+ |
| 3 | Hansen Bros Moving and StorageSeattle | 4.62 | 821 | 4.8 | 3.1 | A+ |
| 4 | Seattle MoversSeattle | 4.58 | 257 | 4.3 | 4.2 | A |
| 5 | Eco Movers Moving & StorageSeattle | 4.52 | 3,756 | 4.8 | 4.4 | A+ |
| 6 | Keep Moving IncWoodinville | 4.50 | 819 | 4.9 | 4.4 | A+ |
| 7 | Jordan River Moving & StorageVancouver | 4.50 | 492 | 4.4 | 2.8 | A+ |
| 8 | College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingSeattle | 4.48 | 4,563 | 4.9 | 2.9 | A+ |
| 9 | All My Sons Moving & StorageTukwila | 4.48 | 1,517 | 4.6 | 1.7 | A |
| 10 | On The Go Moving and StorageSeattle | 4.48 | 676 | 4.8 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 11 | Ballard Preferred MovingThis mover · ranks #11 | 3.30 | 13 | — | — | — |
How does Ballard Preferred Moving compare to other Washington movers?
- moveBuddha score#186 of 280(worse than average)
3.30vs 3.70 avg
Ballard Preferred Moving scores 3.30, below the Washington average of 3.70, and ranks #186 of 280 Washington movers.
- Positive reviews#134 of 280(better than average)
92%vs 91% avg
Ballard Preferred Moving has 92% positive reviews, above the Washington average of 91%, and ranks #134 of 280 Washington movers.
- Negative reviews#143 of 280(level with average)
8%vs 8% avg
Ballard Preferred Moving has 8% negative reviews, in line with the Washington average of 8%, and ranks #143 of 280 Washington movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#208 of 280(worse than average)
13vs 297 avg
Ballard Preferred Moving has 13 reviews analyzed, below the Washington average of 297, and ranks #208 of 280 Washington movers.
| Metric | This moverBallard Preferred Moving | Washington avg | Washington rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#186 of 280 in Washington | 3.30 | 3.70 | #186 of 280 | −0.40(worse than average) |
| Positive reviews#134 of 280 in Washington | 92% | 91% | #134 of 280 | +1 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#143 of 280 in Washington | 8% | 8% | #143 of 280 | ±0 pts |
| Reviews analyzed#208 of 280 in Washington | 13 | 297 | #208 of 280 | −284(worse than average) |
Compared with 280 Washington movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Washington.
Ballard Preferred Moving
3.30Seattle, WA
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Ballard Preferred Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Seattle.
Compare prices side by side
See where Ballard Preferred Moving lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Ballard Preferred Moving
3.30
Seattle, WA
Final verdict: Ballard Preferred Moving
Ballard Preferred Moving earns a 3.30/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #24 among Seattle movers, with 92% positive feedback across 13 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its flexibility and friendly and approachable staff. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Ballard Preferred Moving
3.30
Seattle, WA
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Washington moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Ballard Preferred Moving
- Phone
- (206) 782-0300
- Website
- ballardpreferred.com
Helpful Washington moving resources
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.