Top-rated local movers that handle Philadelphia to Seattle moves
When planning a move from Philadelphia 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 68 local movers in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Seattle.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
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
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Seattle?
Movers in Pennsylvania charge $143 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 | $1,332 – $5,452 | $1,438 – $3,338 | $1,547 – $2,850 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,668 – $7,824 | $2,550 – $5,071 | $1,709 – $3,430 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,260 – $12,361 | $3,485 – $6,776 | $2,077 – $4,211 |
Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Seattle
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Seattle, you can expect to spend between $1,332 and $5,452. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,668 to $7,824 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Seattle typically runs between $7,260 and $12,361.
Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Seattle
When moving from Philadelphia to Seattle, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,438 and $3,338. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,550 to $5,071. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,485 up to $6,776. 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 Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Seattle
Renting a moving truck in Philadelphia 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 $1,547 and $2,850. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,709 and $3,430. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,077 and $4,211.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Philadelphia to Seattle
The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,610, but larger homes can run up to $10,992.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Philadelphia.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,547–$3,802) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Seattle
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Seattle runs about 47% higher for singles and 58% higher for families than Philadelphia.
Singles spend around $3,740 in Philadelphia versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $9,801 compared with $6,190.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Philadelphia | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Seattle, note that rent can be roughly 17% more expensive than it is in Philadelphia; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 288% higher in Seattle than in Philadelphia.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 10% higher in Seattle compared to Philadelphia, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Seattle, since the cost of living for a single person is 47% more than in Philadelphia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Seattle, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 58% more than it is in Philadelphia.
- Seattle experiences an unemployment rate that is about 55% lower than that of Philadelphia. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 29% higher in Seattle than in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia with Seattle:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Seattle.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Seattle.
- Eggs are less expensive in Philadelphia than in Seattle.
- Bread costs less in Philadelphia than in Seattle.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Philadelphia than in Seattle.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Philadelphia than in Seattle.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Philadelphia than in Seattle.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Seattle
| Philadelphia | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 71 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Seattle’s population is about 54% less than Philadelphia.
- Seattle’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia’s score of 9.
- Seattle and Philadelphia are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle is more bike-friendly than Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Seattle’s crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 58.88 compared to Philadelphia’s 66.09. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Seattle is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 49.23 vs Philadelphia’s 33.91.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Seattle?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Philadelphia to Seattle are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Philadelphia are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Seattle?
Because spring and fall moves from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Seattle take?
A move of 2,830 miles from Philadelphia, PA to Seattle, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Philadelphia, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Philadelphia offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 53 movers in Philadelphia have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 41 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across PA, there are 77 piano movers and 55 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
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