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($1,154) Movers From California to Seattle, WA

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Estimated cost & time: A move from California to Seattle, WA spans roughly 945 miles and averages $644 to $5,613. It generally takes two–seven days, with final cost shaped by your moving date, load size, and whether you use movers or handle it yourself.
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Best movers from California to Seattle, WA

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from California to Seattle, WA

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 945-mile move from California to Seattle, WA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified moving price points from carriers across the U.S., refreshing the data every month to account for seasonality and market shifts. Your actual cost can change with factors like move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest getting quotes from several movers to understand pricing accurately.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $1,809 – $4,657
  • Moving Container $1,058 – $1,923
  • Rental Truck $621 – $1,129
Two Three Bed Icon

2 – 3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,459 – $5,613
  • Moving Container $1,418 – $2,782
  • Rental Truck $644 – $1,329
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,849 – $8,027
  • Moving Container $1,833 – $3,759
  • Rental Truck $841 – $1,697
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Safeway Moving
Del Aire, CA Bremerton, WA
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA South Hill, WA
2 Bedrooms
Nov 12, 2025
American Van Lines
Matheny, CA Beaux Arts Village, WA
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 21, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Coachella, CA Poulsbo, WA
3 Bedrooms
Oct 13, 2025
PODS
Pismo Beach, CA Steilacoom, WA
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 06, 2025
BLVD Moving
Alum Rock, CA Silverdale, WA
4 Bedrooms
Oct 01, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Dublin, CA SeaTac, WA
Studio apartment
Sep 27, 2025
North American Van Lines
Cupertino, CA Buckley, WA
2 Bedrooms
Sep 23, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Rialto, CA Raft Island, WA
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 11, 2025
United Van Lines
Pajaro Dunes, CA Tukwila, WA
2 Bedrooms
Sep 09, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Seattle, WA, to California guide .

Local moving companies in California

When making the move from California to Seattle, WA, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier.

Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Seattle, WA.

  1. Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
  3. Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
  4. Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
  5. Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.6% of all reviews were positive
7.3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Grace Moving Company stands out for its fast, friendly, and highly professional crews, making challenging moves less stressful for hundreds of customers. Among 467 reviews, 91.6% praised the team’s efficiency, careful handling, and clear communication. Movers consistently arrive on time, protect customer belongings, and deliver quick service without hidden fees, with many feedback reports highlighting friendly, polite, and respectful staff. Customers often find costs fair or lower than expected, which is uncommon in this industry. Negative input, representing only 7% of reviews, typically notes property damage, missing items, or final costs above estimates. Some reported unresponsiveness during claims or concerns about lost belongings. Neutral feedback usually involves minor quirks like inconsistency among moving team members or delays in follow-up but still describes a generally satisfactory experience. Compared to typical movers, Grace Moving receives a higher rate of glowing endorsements and personal recommendations, solidifying its reputation for reliability and care. Most customers would choose them again.
Get a Quote (209) 821-1520

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
95.7% of all reviews were positive
3.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Raving customers set All Star Movers & Storage apart from the crowd. Out of 421 reviews, 95.7% praised the company for efficiency, careful handling, professionalism, rapid moves, and strong communication. Customers consistently mention that crews show up on time, finish faster than expected, and handle belongings with care. Staff are courteous, responsive, and easy to work with. A small portion (3.8%) of feedback points to disappointment with estimate accuracy, damage to items, or surprise extra charges. Few reviewers noted moving costs exceeded quotes or felt work was rushed, sometimes resulting in minor damage. Only two customers (0.5%) shared neutral experiences, often related to pricing clarity. Compared to many movers in the region, All Star stands out for hassle-free service, transparent rates, and reliable teams. While a handful of customers experienced issues, the vast majority were relieved by stress-free moves and recommend this company as a top choice.
Get a Quote (925) 905-9889

Company Info

State license #: 0191302

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2971368

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
85.0% of all reviews were positive
12.4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—fast, careful, and professional. Across 534 customer accounts, 85% were satisfied with Meathead Movers, who consistently impress with prompt, efficient service, courteous staff, careful attention to belongings, and effective communication. Many point to their speed, skill, and ability to reduce moving stress as unmatched compared to other movers. Staff go out of their way to ensure everything is handled safely and customers feel supported throughout. Most praise the company’s organization and transparency, with workers often finishing ahead of schedule and providing clear updates. While Meathead stands out for reliability, a number of customers highlighted problems including damage to items, higher-than-expected costs than initial estimates, and issues with packing quality—especially when using packing services. Some experienced final bills much greater than the quotes they received, contributing to frustration. A few customers also reported items arriving broken or poor claim handling after reporting damage. Compared to other moving firms, feedback shows Meathead’s team typically provides a smoother, faster, and friendlier move—but attention to better estimate accuracy and meticulous packing would boost trust even further.
Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Packers

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
84.5% of all reviews were positive
13.5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Sterling Van Lines earns consistent praise for professionalism, careful handling, strong communication, efficient service, and competitive rates. Most feedback highlights that movers are polite, possessions arrive safely, and jobs are finished promptly. On the other hand, the company receives criticism for missed delivery estimates, delayed arrivals, and occasional lost or missing items. A few customers report lack of communication or difficulty getting updates. Compared to competitors, Sterling stands out for specializing in small moves, responsive support, and reliable pricing, but may miss the mark on punctuality and resolving claims promptly. Out of 362 reviews analyzed, 84.5% were positive, showing Sterling Van Lines is trusted by most clients for careful moves at a fair price, though some experience logistical hiccups or delays.
Get a Quote (866) 266-8751

Company Info

State license #: 0189566

Years in Business: 33

DOT #: 568254

Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
79.7% of all reviews were positive
19.5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Move without the headache—most feedback for Rigo’s Moving Company highlights fast, polite service, and movers who treat customers’ belongings with respect. Out of 522 reviews, almost 80% of clients offered positive input, more than is typical for moving companies. People value how efficiently teams load and unload, the professionalism of movers, and their careful approach to furniture and fragile items. Staff routinely communicate well and work quickly to reduce stress during the move. Yet, some customers call out issues, especially regarding damages to furniture or property, unexpected fees, and crews arriving late. A few also mention being charged for unworked hours. Compared to other movers, Rigo’s stands out for its reliability and strong work ethic, but should improve on punctuality and handling claims to give customers peace of mind. Most who used Rigo’s would recommend the service and use it again, but caution others to clarify policies and extra charges before hiring.
Get a Quote (323) 519-2845

Company Info

State license #: 0191663

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 3075110

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Cost to move from California to Seattle, WA

The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from California to Seattle, WA, by home size and moving service.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental
truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,154 – $4,606 $821 – $1,997 $591 – $1,163
2-3 bedrooms $2,459 – $5,613 $1,418 – $2,782 $644 – $1,329
4+ bedrooms $3,849 – $8,027 $1,833 – $3,759 $841 – $1,697

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 945-mile move from California to Seattle, WA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of authenticated price data points from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Your end price can vary by shipment size, added services, parking/access limitations, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing several mover quotes to confirm pricing.

Cost to hire professional movers from California to Seattle, WA

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to Seattle, WA, you can expect prices to land between $1,154 and $4,606. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,459 to $5,613. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,849 and $8,027.

Cost of moving containers from California to Seattle, WA

Moving containers from California to Seattle, WA, will cost you $821 to $1,997 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,418 to $2,782. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,833 to $3,759. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Seattle, WA

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $591 and $1,163 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from California to Seattle, WA with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $644 to $1,329. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $841 to $1,697.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

Compare local moving companies from California to Seattle, WA

Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:

Company Full Service Antiques Military Discount Senior Discount
Grace Moving Company × ×
All Star Movers & Storage × × ×
Meathead Movers × × ×
Sterling Van Lines
Rigo’s Moving Company Inc × ×

Considering the 3,180 movers we’ve assessed, take a look at how California movers compare against the national average for services and discounts provided:

California Nationwide
Full Service 98% 96%
Antiques 61% 46%
Military Discount 1% 4%
Senior Discount 1% 4%

Things to know before moving from California to Seattle, WA

Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Seattle, WA stacks up against California. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.

Cost of living: California vs. Seattle, WA

California Seattle
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,975
Average home cost $771,057 $842,068
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $77,845
Cost of Living Index 134 158
Unemployment rate 5.4% 4.8%
State Income Tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 6% more expensive in Seattle than in California, so be sure to plan ahead and allocate additional funds.
  • In Seattle, home prices run about 9% higher than in California. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
  • Salaries in Seattle are typically about 15% lower than in California. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making the move.
  • Unemployment in Seattle is about 11% lower than in California, so you may have better chances of finding work.
  • One big perk of Washington is that it has no income tax, letting you hold on to more of your paycheck each month.

How life is different in Seattle from California

Seattle California
Population 737,015 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 57-43 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 76ºF 87ºF
Winter low 36ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 38″ 22″
Annual snow 5″ 7″
Crime index 58.88 28.43
  • In the last presidential election, both California and Seattle voted Democratic.
  • Summers in Seattle average 76ºF, while California typically sees highs of 87ºF. Choosing to move somewhere cooler can mean less extreme heat, reduced energy costs, and more time to enjoy being outside in the summer.
  • Winter in Seattle can be significantly colder, with lows reaching 36ºF, much chillier than the 59ºF winters of California. You’ll want to get ready for those extra-cold months, which may bring higher heating bills and warrant some changes to your day-to-day habits. Still, the crisp air, beautiful winter landscapes, and seasonal activities in Seattle have their own special appeal.
  • 38 inches of rain each year in Seattle, considerably more than the 22 inches you’re used to in California. With all that extra rainfall, you’ll notice greener scenery and more frequent rainy days. Drive carefully, invest in some reliable rain gear, and get ready to enjoy life in a much rainier climate.
  • In Seattle, you’ll get about 5 inches of snow each year. Meanwhile, California usually sees around 7 inches annually. With snowfall levels being similar, you shouldn’t run into any surprising weather issues after you move.
  • Crime rates in Seattle are higher than in California, with a crime index of 58.88 versus 28.43. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.

Things to do in Seattle

From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Seattle can meet a wide variety of interests.

Museums in Seattle

  • Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP)
  • Olympic Sculpture Park
  • National Nordic Museum
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass
  • Museum of Flight

Parks in Seattle

  • Discovery Park
  • Olympic Sculpture Park
  • Green Lake Park
  • Carkeek Park
  • Washington Park Arboretum

Sports teams in Seattle

  • Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
  • Seattle Mariners (MLB)
  • Seattle Kraken (NHL)
  • Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
  • Seattle Seawolves (MLR)

Universities in Seattle

  • University of Washington
  • Seattle University
  • Seattle Pacific University
  • City University of Seattle
  • Antioch University Seattle

Other considerations when moving to Seattle, WA

  • HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
  • Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
  • 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 your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
  • State regulator: You can check your Washington moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
  • Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to Washington, but you should check local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington. Get started here.
  • 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.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is everything. With our moving checklist, you can be sure you’re on top of every detail.

FAQ

How long does a move from California to Seattle take?

The time it takes to move from California to Seattle, WA varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.

If you’re heading to Seattle from northern California, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.

Moving your belongings from California to Seattle typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Make sure to ask for a delivery estimate before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Seattle?

Because of the 945-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Seattle as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Seattle, WA?

With summer temperatures reaching 76°F and winter nights dipping to 36°F, most people make the move from California to Seattle in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.

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