Top-rated local movers that handle Grand Rapids to Seattle moves
When planning a move from Grand Rapids to Seattle, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 13 local movers in Grand Rapids who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Grand Rapids to Seattle.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- H & H Moving Company, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC , Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2956991
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: MTC Learning Technologies, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems – Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3328141
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Seattle?
Movers in Michigan charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,259 – $5,202 | $1,225 – $2,975 | $1,145 – $2,371 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,582 – $7,717 | $2,199 – $4,105 | $1,265 – $2,685 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,584 – $11,910 | $3,016 – $6,073 | $1,646 – $3,222 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Seattle
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Grand Rapids to Seattle, you can expect to spend between $1,259 and $5,202. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,582 to $7,717 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Grand Rapids to Seattle typically runs between $6,584 and $11,910.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Seattle
When moving from Grand Rapids to Seattle, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,225 and $2,975. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,199 to $4,105. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,016 up to $6,073. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Grand Rapids to Seattle
Renting a moving truck in Grand Rapids is usually your cheapest option to get to Seattle. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,145 and $2,371. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,265 and $2,685. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,646 and $3,222.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Grand Rapids to Seattle
The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,498, but larger homes can run up to $10,889.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Grand Rapids.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,145–$3,125) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Seattle
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Seattle runs about -30% higher for singles and 37% higher for families than Grand Rapids.
Singles spend around $3,740 in Grand Rapids versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids; families pay $9,801 compared with $7,160.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Grand Rapids | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Seattle, note that rent can be roughly 19% more expensive than it is in Grand Rapids; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 157% higher in Seattle than in Grand Rapids.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 23% higher in Seattle compared to Grand Rapids, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Seattle, where the cost of living for a single person is 30% less than in Grand Rapids.
- If your journey leads to Seattle, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 37% more than it is in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle is 12% higher compared to Grand Rapids, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 73% higher in Seattle than in Grand Rapids. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Grand Rapids with Seattle:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Seattle, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Seattle.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Seattle.
- Bread costs less in Grand Rapids than in Seattle.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Seattle.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Grand Rapids than in Seattle.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Seattle.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Seattle
| Grand Rapids | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 71 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Seattle’s population is about 271% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Seattle’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Grand Rapids’s score of 6.
- Seattle is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Seattle’s crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 58.88 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Seattle is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 49.23 vs Grand Rapids’s 55.77.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to Seattle move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Washington doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Seattle smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Seattle
Now that you’ve chosen Emerald City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Seattle to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it’s time to see what Seattle is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Seattle offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Seattle?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Grand Rapids to Seattle are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Grand Rapids are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Seattle?
Because spring and fall moves from Grand Rapids to Seattle are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Seattle take?
A move of 2,118 miles from Grand Rapids, MI to Seattle, generally takes six to 17 days. Movers in Grand Rapids sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Seattle is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Grand Rapids?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Grand Rapids, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Grand Rapids offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Grand Rapids have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Grand Rapids moving services
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