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Swan's Moving & Storage review 2026 (Bellingham, WA)

In business since 1923 · Updated

Swan's Moving & Storage is a Bellingham, WA mover ranked #60 of 269 movers in Washington with a 4.34/5 rating.

87% of Swan's Moving & Storage's 69 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its transparent pricing, while the most common complaint involves lack of communication.

In business since 1923, Swan's Moving & Storage holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #368177) and operates 12 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How Swan's Moving & Storage measures up

Across 69 reviews, Swan's Moving & Storage in Bellingham, WA is rated 4.5/5 on Google (42 reviews) and 4.4/5 on Yelp (21 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Swan's Moving & Storage ranks #60 out of 269 movers in Washington with a moveBuddha Score of 4.34 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

  • Google rating

    Based on 42 reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Based on 21 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Based on BBB profile
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Is Swan's Moving & Storage moveBuddha Certified?

Swan's Moving & Storage 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. Swan's Moving & Storage 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 Swan's Moving & Storage?

Out of 69 verified reviews, 87% of customers left a positive review about Swan's Moving & Storage in Bellingham, WA. 11.6% of reviews are negative and 1.4% are neutral. Swan's Moving & Storage has a 4% lower positive review percentage than the average Washington moving company (87% vs the Washington state average of 91%).

  • Positive87%(60)
  • Neutral1.4%(1)
  • Negative11.6%(8)

Based on 69 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about Swan's Moving & Storage

  • Transparent pricing

    Many reviewers felt confident booking with Swan's Moving & Storage due to honest, upfront pricing and no surprise fees.

  • Consistency and follow-up

    Reviewers liked that Swan's Moving & Storage stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.

  • Organized packing

    Swan's Moving & Storage is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.

  • Affordable rates

    Many reviewers found Swan's Moving & Storage to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.

  • Good communication

    Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Swan's Moving & Storage throughout the moving process.

What positive reviewers say

  • “Immediately after loading, our belongings were weighed and the total cost was determined, with no surprises. The employees were professional, polite, and skilled packers.”

    Marie FalenVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Pickup and delivery dates and times were spot on, and the driver and crews at both ends were reliable, careful, helpful, and friendly.”

    Floyd JonesVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “The packing team was efficient and friendly, and our goods—including odd-shaped carvings and a big elliptical machine—arrived in perfect condition.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “We priced other movers; Swan's was less expensive, and we had a great experience. The crew was very professional and prompt.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “Each encounter was handled in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner, with services delivered according to cost and schedule estimates and without loss or damage.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

Most common complaints about Swan's Moving & Storage

  • Lack of communication

    Poor or inconsistent updates from Swan's Moving & Storage left some customers feeling in the dark.

  • Damage to items

    Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.

  • Difficult to reach

    Customers had trouble contacting Swan's Moving & Storage for updates or assistance, especially post-move.

What negative reviewers say

  • “After pickup, they were extremely difficult to get hold of. I left multiple messages about how much longer we had to wait, but received no response.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “They lost many boxes and had much damage. We were caught in the middle with about $4,000 of damage and lost goods.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “In spite of calls for a quote, he never returned our calls or provided an estimate. No explanation, just wasted our time.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “Swan low-balled us on the weight by about 30 percent, making the actual moving cost about one-third higher. Furniture was dinged, vases broke, and a sewing table was destroyed.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer

Swan's Moving & Storage

4.34Bellingham, WASince 1923

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What services does Swan's Moving & Storage offer?

Swan's Moving & Storage is a local, long-distance, and international mover in Bellingham, WA, listing 8 services on moveBuddha, including small moves, packing materials, and storage.

Services offered

Is Swan's Moving & Storage licensed and insured?

Federally licensed, operating authority active

US DOT 368177 Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Yes, Swan's Moving & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 368177, as SWAN'S MOVING & STORAGE CO INC, and its operating status is currently active.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Swan's Moving & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

Registered legal name
SWAN'S MOVING & STORAGE CO INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
FMCSA safety rating
Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
Trucks registered
12Power units reported to the FMCSA
Miles driven
35,680Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
Roadside inspections
0Recorded by the FMCSA
FMCSA record last updated
August 2026

How much does Swan's Moving & Storage cost?

Swan's Moving & Storage 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. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.

What similar movers typically bill for a local move

Full-service Washington moving companies similar to Swan's Moving & Storage 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.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400–$7503–5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850–$1,7505–8 hours, 2–3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700–$3,4008–12 hours, 3–4 movers

What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move

Swan's Moving & Storage is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Washington moving companies.

Typical long-distance move totals from similar movers
Home sizeDistanceTypical total
2-3 bedrooms500–1,000 mi$4,500–$7,500
4+ bedrooms500–1,000 mi$7,000–$11,500

What payment options and discounts does Swan's Moving & Storage offer?

Accepts
Credit CardsCashMoney Orders
Deposit
Not listed, so ask

Swan's Moving & Storage accepts credit cards, cash, and money orders. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

How Swan's Moving & Storage compares with other local movers

With a moveBuddha score of 4.34 out of 5, Swan's Moving & Storage places fourth when ranked against the four top-rated movers in the Bellingham area, 0.10 points behind BackBreakers NW and just ahead of Moving and Storage Solutions Inc.. Swan's Moving & Storage's score rests on 69 reviews, fewer than any of the four. Where Swan's Moving & Storage falls behind is customer service, with the lowest customer service score in the group.

The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1A Perfect MoverMarysville4.64389
2AmericaM MoversEverett4.58402
3BackBreakers NWFreeland4.44233
4Swan's Moving & StorageThis mover · ranks #44.3469
5Moving and Storage Solutions Inc.Bellingham4.3083

How does Swan's Moving & Storage compare to other Washington movers?

  • moveBuddha score#60 of 269(better than average)

    4.34vs 3.71 avg

    Swan's Moving & Storage scores 4.34, above the Washington average of 3.71, and ranks #60 of 269 Washington movers.

  • Positive reviews#175 of 269(worse than average)

    87%vs 91% avg

    Swan's Moving & Storage has 87% positive reviews, below the Washington average of 91%, and ranks #175 of 269 Washington movers.

  • Negative reviews#177 of 269(worse than average)

    12%vs 8% avg

    Swan's Moving & Storage has 12% negative reviews, above the Washington average of 8%, and ranks #177 of 269 Washington movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#162 of 269(worse than average)

    69vs 297 avg

    Swan's Moving & Storage has 69 reviews analyzed, below the Washington average of 297, and ranks #162 of 269 Washington movers.

  • Yelp rating#29 of 269(better than average)

    4.4vs 3.6 avg

    Swan's Moving & Storage has a Yelp rating of 4.4, above the Washington average of 3.6, and ranks #29 of 269 Washington movers.

  • BBB rating#61 of 269(better than average)

    A+vs A avg

    Swan's Moving & Storage has a BBB rating of A+, above the Washington average of A, and ranks #61 of 269 Washington movers.

  • Years in business#10 of 269(better than average)

    103 yearsvs 33 years avg

    Swan's Moving & Storage has been in business for 103 years, above the Washington average of 33 years, and ranks #10 of 269 Washington movers.

MetricThis moverWashington avg
moveBuddha score#60 of 269 in Washington4.343.71
Positive reviews#175 of 269 in Washington87%91%
Negative reviewsLower is better#177 of 269 in Washington12%8%
Reviews analyzed#162 of 269 in Washington69297
Yelp ratingBased on only 21 reviews#29 of 269 in Washington4.43.6
BBB rating#61 of 269 in WashingtonA+A
Years in business#10 of 269 in Washington103 years33 years

Compared with 269 Washington movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Washington.

Swan's Moving & Storage

4.34Bellingham, WASince 1923

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (360) 734-0540

Final verdict: Swan's Moving & Storage

Swan's Moving & Storage earns a 4.34/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #60 among Washington movers, with 87% positive feedback across 69 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its transparent pricing and consistency and follow-up. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, fair pricing, and reliable service experience.

With 12 trucks and a track record dating to 1923, it has more history than the average Washington mover, and the most common complaint is lack of communication.

All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.

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.

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

Read the full scoring methodology

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.

Swan's Moving & Storage
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