Best movers in Seattle, Wash.
From local movers to long-distance haulers, we researched 40 Emerald City movers to bring you the ultimate list of the six best moving companies in Seattle.
Our experts independently review everything we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may earn commission.
Our team spent hours researching 40 moving companies in Seattle, reviewing everything from customer feedback to licensing, permits and available services like packing and storage. Using our custom algorithm, we objectively ranked these movers based on affordability, reliability, reputation and services offered. To narrow down the list, we took into account more than 15,000 customer reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation status and complaints, as well as state licensing, online presence and more. We also spoke with each of the top six Seattle movers directly for exclusive details about pricing, fees and everything else you need to know to choose the best mover for you. After a thorough analysis, we've narrowed it down to Seattle's top moving companies.
Quick overview
The best moving company in Seattle for YOU
To figure out which of these top Seattle movers is right for you, start thinking about your budget, what type of moving services you need and your moving timeline. This will help you pinpoint a company that offers the services you want at the right price and is available when you need it.
If you're moving out of state, check out our top mover, Can't Stop Moving , Gentle Giant Moving Company or All Service Moving . These companies all offer quality long-distance services at similar rates. For those moving locally, all the companies on our list can get you where you need to go. For overseas or international moves, focus your search on Gentle Giant Moving Company.
Since moving can be expensive, you might also be looking for a moving company that can keep costs low. In that case, start by requesting a quote from Kangaroo Movers , the top value mover on our list. While most Seattle moving companies charge $245 per hour and above for a crew of three movers, Kangaroo's rates start at just $180 per hour for the same crew size. If you're moving during the winter, contact On The Go Moving about its seasonal winter discounts.
Once you know which companies offer the services and prices you're looking for, start calling around to find out which movers are available on your preferred dates. Plan ahead as much as possible to give yourself the best chance of booking the mover you want.
No matter what kind of move you're doing, there's a good chance our top pick, Can't Stop Moving, can offer what you need. This mover's prices are industry standard for the area, and its services cover everything from simple local moves to complex long-distance relocations.
Table of contents
Best moving companies in Seattle, Wash.
Can't Stop Moving is the best Seattle moving company overall
A Can't Stop Moving company moving truck parked in the snow on a sunny winter day
For 16 years, Can't Stop Moving has provided local, long-distance and cross-country moving services to Seattle, Western Washington and beyond. Known for their professionalism and efficiency, the crews at Can't Stop Moving are made up of professionally trained packers and movers, and every job is directly overseen by owner-operator Eric Michelson. Maintaining a stellar 4.9-star average rating on Google, 4.8 stars on Yelp and 4.9 stars on Angi from nearly 750 reviews, Can't Stop Moving is undeniably one of the best moving companies in Seattle — and our extensive research shows that it's the best Seattle mover overall.
With offices in Seattle and Boston, Can't Stop Moving is uniquely equipped to handle cross-country moves, providing dedicated crews and service on both ends. You'll even receive real-time updates about shipment progress, so you'll never have to wonder where your stuff is. Every move has a dedicated truck and specific pickup and delivery times, eliminating the risk of waiting weeks or months for your belongings (a common problem with larger providers and van lines). Can't Stop Moving can also help you create a moving inventory and moving plan at no extra charge, making it a true full-service provider.
In line with standard prices in the area, Can't Stop Moving charges $245 per hour for a three-person crew. There's also a three-hour labor minimum, so you can expect to pay a base rate of $735 when hiring this mover for a local job. You will also be charged a $100 deposit up front, which goes toward your move's final cost. The hourly rate covers the moving crew and truck, plus all durable moving equipment like dollies, straps and furniture wraps, liability insurance for the crew and standard valuation insurance for your belongings.
For long-distance moves, Can't Stop Moving offers guaranteed flat rates based on inventory, distance and other factors. For both local and long-distance moves, this mover charges for travel time to and from its Queen Anne office. For those over the age of 65, Can't Stop Moving offers a 10% senior discount on all services.
Services offered
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Local moves in Seattle and Western Washington
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Cross-country moves
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Packing and move-planning services
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Storage solutions
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Home staging
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Specialty piano moving
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Delivery for furniture and appliances
If you need any packing supplies, you can purchase cardboard boxes, tape, Bubble Wrap and other essentials from this mover. For those interested in eco-friendly moving materials , Can't Stop Moving rents out reusable moving totes for $140, which covers a one-week rental of 25 durable totes. This Seattle mover has even been known to accommodate last-minute move requests when scheduling allows, so don't overlook this company even if you're moving in a pinch. The only moving service Can't Stop Moving doesn't offer is international relocation.
Proudly owner-operated, Can't Stop Moving does not employ front desk staff or customer service representatives. Instead, you will be speaking directly with one of the owners when you call. Michelson believes this hands-on approach helps reduce communication breakdowns and enhances customer service. Open to questions and booking requests outside of regular office hours, Can't Stop Moving is available by phone and email seven days a week. Unfortunately, we did find this mover particularly challenging to get a hold of, but if you're able to reach the team, you won't be disappointed.
We could not confirm whether this mover background checks its crew members, but according to Washington State law , any company handling the transport of household goods must complete thorough background checks on all prospective employees before hiring. Can't Stop Moving is not accredited by the BBB , but it has an A+ rating with zero customer complaints.
If you're ready to start with Can't Stop Moving, request a detailed moving quote online or call 206-466-2113. The company's Seattle office is located just north of Seattle Center in the Queen Anne neighborhood, at 4044 23rd Avenue West, Seattle, Wash., 98119. The office is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
Customer testimonial
Smoothest move I've ever had! The team was on time, professional, efficient, and attentive to detail. I will definitely be hiring for my next move and strongly recommend! - Jenny B., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
Offering everything from short local moving services to cross-country relocation, Can't Stop Moving is the best choice for all your Seattle moving needs. It offers specialty item moving for pianos and large appliances, complimentary move planning, storage solutions and even last-minute services when scheduling allows. For long-distance moves, Can't Stop Moving can easily coordinate coast-to-coast relocation through its Seattle and Boston offices. Whether you're moving to the San Juan Islands, Spokane or all the way to the East Coast, Can't Stop Moving can get you there.
- Long-distance and cross-country services
- Owner-operated
- Ecological moving tote rentals
- 10% senior discount
- Last-minute services
- Charges for local travel time
- Difficult to reach by phone
Gentle Giant Moving Company is the best long-distance moving company in Seattle
A Gentle Giant Moving Company truck parked on a residential street in Seattle
One of the larger moving companies on our list, Gentle Giant Moving Company was founded in Boston by Larry O'Toole in 1980. Gentle Giant Moving Company, one of the larger movers on our list, was founded in Boston in 1980 by Larry O'Toole. Since then, it's expanded to 11 cities throughout the U.S., and it's widely regarded as a professional and trustworthy mover. Its Seattle location is no exception, and this mover has offered top-shelf moving, packing and storage services to the Greater Seattle Area since 2008.
Locally, Gentle Giant focuses on the Seattle and Tacoma areas, including Eastside cities like Bellevue and Kirkland. But as a nationwide provider, Gentle Giant is fully equipped to move you anywhere you need to go. This mover can even help you move across the world through its trained network of international movers, move coordinators and delivery agents.
Gentle Giant charges $243 per hour for its local moves, with a three-hour labor minimum for a crew of three movers. Based on this, you can expect to pay at least $729 when hiring Gentle Giant for a local job. You will also be charged for travel time to and from Gentle Giant's Tukwila location, which goes toward the hourly minimum.
The hourly rate covers the cost of all necessary moving equipment like dollies, pads and wraps, but all non-durable packing materials like boxes and tape come at an additional charge. Your rate also includes the cost of basic valuation insurance, but if you would like additional insurance coverage, this will cost extra. Gentle Giant Moving Company charges a $200 deposit up front toward the final cost of your move.
Services offered
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Local moves in Seattle and Washington
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Long-distance and international moves
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Storage options
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Commercial moving services
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Packing and unpacking services
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Craning services for large or heavy items
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Specialty moving for pianos and fine art
Gentle Giant Moving Company has a core policy known as H.E.A.R.T. — honesty, enthusiasm, above-and-beyond service, respect and teamwork. This mover also famously offers a 100% crew guarantee in case you aren't entirely satisfied with the performance of anyone involved with your move. But you're unlikely to encounter any issues with this company's highly trained crews. Gentle Giant Moving Company thoroughly background checks all employees before hiring, and each crew member receives extensive professional training. In 2023 and 2024, Seattle Business Magazine named Gentle Giant one of Washington's Best Companies to Work For .
One of the highest-rated movers on our list, Gentle Giant Moving Company holds an impressive five-star average rating on Google, 4.7 stars on Yelp and 4.9 stars on Angi from about 525 reviews. Gentle Giant is also accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and zero customer complaints. With offices all over the country and specialty experience handling cross-country and international moves, Gentle Giant Moving Company is easy to recommend as the best long-distance mover serving the Seattle area.
As a larger company, Gentle Giant Moving relies on an automated calling system, so you won't have the same small-scale customer service experience you might find when calling other local movers. Unfortunately, the customer service representative we spoke with was not the friendliest, but we feel confident that this was an outlier experience based on the company's abundance of positive reviews.
To get started with this mover, request a free estimate online or call the Seattle office at 206-213-0426. You can also visit Gentle Giant's Seattle office in person at 506 2nd Avenue, Suite 1400, Seattle, Wash., 98104. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and closed on Sunday.
Customer testimonial
I have used Gentle Giant several times and highly recommend them. They are always great! The price is fair. The guys that move me always take care of my belongings. They do a great job and are very accommodating with anything I need. - Larry Y., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
As a nationwide provider with offices in 11 U.S. cities, Gentle Giant Moving Company has an excellent reputation and glowing customer reviews, plus the wide reach of a larger mover. It offers cross-country and even international moving services, and its crews are extensively trained to handle every customer's belongings with the utmost care. For these reasons and more, we're recommending Gentle Giant Moving Company as the best long-distance mover in Seattle.
- 45 years in business
- Long-distance and international services
- Professionally trained crew members and 100% crew guarantee
- Moving services for large and specialty items
- Charges for travel on local moves
- Higher-than-average deposit
Kangaroo Movers is Seattle's best value mover
A Kangaroo Movers crew member carries moving boxes in front of a branded moving truck
With more than a decade in business, Kangaroo Movers has been providing reliable local and long-distance moving services to the Greater Seattle area since 2014. It offers local and long-distance residential moving services, furniture and appliance moving, and delivery and packing services. Licensed and permitted to handle intrastate and interstate moves as well, Kangaroo Movers can get you there, whether you're sticking around Seattle or leaving the PNW behind. With competitive hourly rates and strong reviews on Google, Yelp and Angi, Kangaroo Movers is our pick for best-value mover in Seattle.
Beating the competition by a margin, Kangaroo Movers charges an affordable rate of $180 per hour if you pay with cash and $195 by card. There's a standard three-hour labor minimum, plus a $50 truck and fuel fee for local moves within 15 miles of the Kangaroo Movers office on Lake City Way. The hourly rate covers the cost of packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly and all basic moving supplies, and taxes are included.
The cost of each move also includes one 1,500-foot roll of shrink wrap, one roll of packing tape, 50 moving blankets, four wardrobe boxes, floor protection, dollies and a basic tool set. Additional supplies like boxes, packing paper and Bubble Wrap are not included, but Kangaroo Movers can provide them if needed.
This mover does not charge additionally for travel time, so the hourly rate will not take effect until your moving crew arrives at your location. You will also be charged a variable reservation fee depending on your move dates, and the team will let you know the fee amount at the time of booking. With all this in mind, you can expect to pay a starting rate ranging from $590 to $635 for a local move with this company, plus your reservation fee. If either of your locations has flights of stairs with more than 15 steps, you will be charged an additional fee of $2 per stair step.
Services offered
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Residential moves
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Commercial moves
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Long-distance moving
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Furniture moving
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Appliance moving
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Packing and unpacking
If you live further than 15 miles from the Kangaroo Movers office, the truck and fuel fee will increase based on distance. For example, if your move requires 50 miles of travel, you will be charged $160 for fuel. Any move further than 50 miles is considered long distance, and costs are calculated differently. To learn more about how Kangaroo Movers quotes long-distance moves, reach out directly. Kangaroo's customer service line is available until 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and until 5 p.m. on weekends, making it easy to reach the company. A Kangaroo Movers representative we spoke with was friendly, helpful and responsive to questions.
Kangaroo Movers allows customers to reschedule move dates up to five times at no charge. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled move, you may be charged a $200 cancellation fee in addition to forfeiting your reservation fee. Even with these added costs and fees, Kangaroo's low hourly rate still makes them one of the most affordable movers on our list, especially for moves within Seattle, where costs tend to be higher.
Kangaroo Movers holds a strong 4.9-star average rating on Google, 4.5 stars on Yelp and 4.8 stars on Angi from more than 1,000 reviews. It is not accredited by the BBB and has received one customer complaint. It also holds a B- rating through BBB, which is lower than most movers we typically feature, but because BBB is a paid service, we do not weight this information as heavily in our rankings as independent reviews from other platforms. We confirmed that this Seattle mover conducts background checks on all employees per state law.
To learn more about working with this mover, submit a move request online or call 206-535-2424. The company is located at 12303 Lake City Way Northeast, Seattle, Wash., 98125. It's open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and weekends, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Customer testimonial
Kangaroo Movers are the best movers I've ever worked with! They will arrive to your place and take all the chaos of packing and moving and turn it into a very organized process. I've used them twice in the past three years, and I'm about to use them for a third time now. I've moved a lot and usually never use the same movers, but I keep coming back to Kangaroo because they are professional, reliable, communicative, friendly, well-priced, and most importantly, they actually take care of your stuff! - Mary N., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
Offering lower-than-average hourly rates for the area, Kangaroo Movers is our top pick as the best value mover serving Seattle. While this mover does include some additional charges in its estimates, you can still expect to pay a competitive rate. Kangaroo Movers also offers packing and unpacking services, storage options and long-distance moving. This mover is one of the easiest Seattle moving companies to get a hold of, as it's open long hours seven days a week.
- Competitive hourly rates
- Complimentary packing supplies
- Extensive business hours
- 10+ years in business
- Truck, fuel and stair fees
- $200 fee for last-minute cancellations
BLVD Moving is the best national moving company overall
A large BLVD Moving truck in a parking lot against a blue sky
While we aim to highlight exceptional local businesses at Yahoo Local, we also know national moving companies can sometimes be the better choice, especially for long-distance moves. After researching several national providers, we chose BLVD Moving as the top option among our best national moving companies . (For a full breakdown of how we make these decisions, see our guide to comparing local and national movers .)
In business for more than 25 years, BLVD Moving was founded in California by experienced movers. While it's a national company, BLVD's headquarters is on the West Coast, making it an especially good choice for people in Seattle, and it can handle both local and cross-country moves throughout the U.S. BLVD is family-owned and independently operated, and it has its own fleet of trucks and staff. That said, its service terms note that the company sometimes uses subcontractors or other moving agents for certain moves. This is standard practice for companies that handle high-volume moves.
BLVD quote us at approximately $6,700 for a 500-mile move with a load size of about 1,340 cubic feet, which is roughly the size of a three-bedroom home without major appliances. This quote is comparable to prices offered by other long-distance providers. When you book with BLVD, you will be charged a 33% deposit up front and 50% of the remaining balance at pickup. The final payment is due upon delivery after you've received all of your belongings. If paying on this schedule doesn't feel accessible for you, financing options are available for qualifying customers, with rates as low as 0% APR.
Services offered
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Local and interstate moves
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Residential moves
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Office and commercial moves
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Packing services
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Storage options
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Financing available
While BLVD's deposit requirements are somewhat high, these payments are fully refundable as long as you cancel at least two business days before your scheduled move date. It's also worth noting that BLVD's delivery window ranges from two to 21 business days, so you may need a wait a few weeks for your final delivery. While this isn't ideal, it's also standard among national movers that ship multiple moves at the same time.
To secure your move dates, it's best to schedule at least 30 days in advance, especially during popular moving times like summer, fall or the beginning or end of a month. (For more help planning, check out our guide on the best times to move .) To get a quote from BLVD, submit an online inventory form, schedule a virtual walkthrough or call the customer service line directly.
BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB and holds a B+ rating. It has received 85 complaints in the past three years, which is typical for a national provider. The company holds a 4.3-star average on Google from more than 1,1170 reviews and a 2.3-star rating on Yelp from more than 365 reviews. While this Yelp score is not the best, lower Yelp ratings are actually quite common for large companies, and BLVD is still the best option among national moving lines. All BLVD employees undergo background checks and receive training from the company.
The BLVD Moving headquarters is located at 21622 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. Business hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, seven days a week. Call 844-274-0500 or request a free moving quote online to learn more.
Customer testimonial
"These guys did such a great job with our move! All of our objects arrived safe and sound for our cross-country move. They catalogued and numbered all of our items, so the pick-up and drop-off experience was extremely smooth and efficient. Everybody was very professional and accommodating and even helped us solve some packing issues we had. I heard so many horror stories about moving companies, but this wasn't one. Shout out to James B. from the California office too! - Mariana B., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
With 25 years in the industry, strong Google reviews and a flexible service model, BLVD Moving is our top pick for the best national moving company. Its crews are background checked, the quote process is straightforward, and the cancellation policy is more generous than most competitors. Headquartered in California, BLVD provides comprehensive moving services across the U.S. and operates seven days a week. If the local Seattle movers on this list don't quite meet your needs, reach out to BLVD Moving for an estimate.
- In-house movers and fleet trucks
- Background-checked crews
- Refundable deposits
- Local and long-distance services
- Based on the West Coast
- May subcontract to other movers
- Relatively high deposit
- No GPS tracking
- Mixed Yelp reviews
On The Go Moving & Storage is the best local mover in Seattle
On The Go Moving & Storage crew member unloading a moving truck
Focusing on local moves within the Greater Seattle area, On The Go Moving & Storage has spent the past 15 years proving why it's one of the best moving companies in Seattle. Offering regular specials and discounts (including a 10-to-15% discount on all hourly rates throughout the winter), this mover provides quality service and affordability in one package. With a 4.8-star average rating on Google, 4.7 stars on Angi and 4.1 stars on Yelp from about 875 reviews, On The Go maintains a strong reputation with customers for its professionalism, reliability and stellar service.
This Seattle mover offers residential and commercial moving services, plus short- and long-term storage solutions at its facility in Redmond, about 20 minutes northeast of Seattle. As a dedicated local mover, On The Go does not offer long-distance services outside Washington.
On The Go Moving charges a standard rate of $245 per hour for a crew of three movers with a three-hour minimum, which is typical for the area. With this in mind, you can expect to pay at least $735 when working with this mover. On The Go also charges for travel time to and from its Redmond location for all moves, and you may be charged for large or heavy items and for any non-reusable packing supplies the crew uses for your move. On The Go charges a basic $100 deposit up front, which goes toward the final cost of your move and is fully refundable if you cancel with reasonable notice.
Services offered
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Local moves within Washington
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Commercial moving services
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Professional packing and unpacking
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Short- and long-term storage options
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Labor-only services
Your hourly rate with this mover includes basic valuation insurance for your belongings, which is required by law. For additional coverage, On The Go offers two comprehensive coverage options that cover replacement. The $245 hourly rate also covers packing and unpacking assistance if you need it. To make moving day quicker and easier, your On The Go moving team can even arrive the day before your move to help with packing.
On The Go Moving is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and four customer complaints. In accordance with state law, On The Go Moving & Storage conducts background checks and drug screening on all employees before hiring.
To book a move with On The Go Moving, request a quote online or call 425-761-8500. The company's Seattle office is located at 4024 13th Avenue West, Seattle, Wash., 98119, and its Redmond office and storage facility is located at 14920 Northeast 95th Street, Redmond, Wash., 98052. On the Go Moving & Storage is open from calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Customer testimonial
This is the best moving company in the area. I have used them twice, and both times, came through in spades. They are efficient and cost-effective. The team of five movers (I wish I remembered their names) arrived on time, were super friendly, followed my instructions perfectly, and had everything completed in 1/2 the originally quoted time. They are my go-to moving company! - Linda B., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
Focused on local Seattle and Washington State moves, this owner-operated business offers flexible pricing and dedicated service to its consistently happy customers. If you're moving locally, look no further than On The Go Moving & Storage.
- Owner-operated
- Discounts on winter moves
- Short- and long-term storage options
- Packing assistance included at hourly rate
- Charges for drive time to and from Redmond office
- No interstate services
All Service Moving is the best long-distance alternative mover in Seattle
All Service Moving truck overlooking the Pacific Ocean
All Service Moving has been a dedicated West Coast moving company since 2004, making it one of the most well-established movers on our list. Providing local, residential, commercial and long-distance services, All Service doesn't just handle Seattle moves. These movers can take you anywhere in the U.S., so we're highlighting All Service Moving as a top long-distance mover serving Seattle.
All Service Moving charges $260 per hour for a crew of three movers, with a three-hour labor minimum. This means you will be charged a starting rate of $780 for a local job. The rate includes the use of equipment like dollies, pads and tools. All long-distance moves are custom priced at flat rates based on your inventory, distance and other moving needs, so reach out to All Service directly for a quote. Any move less than 100 miles from an All Service office is considered local, while everything else is long distance. All Service Moving charges a standard $100 deposit toward the total cost of your move, which is typically non-refundable unless you cancel within 24 hours of making your initial booking.
Unlike other movers, this company bills for services rendered at the end of each workday. In other words, if your moving crew helps you with a big job over multiple days, you must pay in full at the end of each day. Unfortunately, if payment is not made in full daily, you will be charged a $100 late fee plus 3% compounding interest. As long as you're OK with paying per day, we do not view this as a reason to not work with this mover.
Services offered
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Local and long-distance moves
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Packing and unpacking
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Packing supplies
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Storage solutions and warehousing
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Shipping and delivery
Dedicated to giving back to the community, the team at All Service Moving supports local PNW charitable organizations like Move for Hunger, Oregon Humane Society and Sustainability at Work.
All Service maintains a strong reputation with customers, maintaining a strong 4.8-star average rating on Google and 4.7 stars on Yelp from about 550 total reviews. This Seattle moving company is accredited by the BBB with a B+ rating. It has received 10 customer complaints through the platform during its 21 years in business, which we do not see as cause for concern, and the business has carefully addressed each complaint. All Service also told Yahoo Local that it performs background checks and that all crew members undergo extensive training.
To book a move with All Service Moving, submit a request online or call 206-508-5855. We found this mover's customer service team helpful. You can reach them by phone 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Customer testimonial
Donald and Blake were the best moving team, ever! Punctual, polite and lightning fast- they were just terrific. All Service Moving has been helpful and kind throughout the whole process from the knowledgeable customer service folks to the team of movers. Highest recommendation!! . - Victoria G., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews
In business for over 20 years, All Service Moving has long been one of the most trusted moving companies on the West Coast. Equipped to handle long-distance and cross-country moves, we recommend All Service Moving as an excellent choice for any long-distance move from Seattle.
- Over 20 years in business
- Long-distance and cross-country services
- Open late on weekdays
- Non-refundable deposit
- Higher-than-average rates
- Multi-day moves are billed daily
Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice
With decades of experience delivering reliable information on local businesses, Yahoo puts in the effort to show why you can trust us. Our custom business ranking system combines reviews from multiple trusted sources and weights them to create what we consider the most authoritative business rankings available. We also provide full transparency on the factors behind our rankings, which are listed below, so you can decide whether our process is up to your standards. Unlike some competitors, Yahoo Local never accepts payment from the businesses we feature, and our independent picks are not "sponsored" or influenced. Best of all, we don't hide our business rankings behind a paywall, and we don't ask for your personal information to access them. Want more details? Visit our full methodology page .
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40 movers evaluated
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15,863 customer reviews and ratings from five sources
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14 ranking criteria incorporated
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Interviewed or connected with all six featured movers
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Independent price quotes collected or sought from all six featured moving companies
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Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo
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Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly
Seattle Moving FAQs
What info should you have when requesting an estimate?
Most movers will request the following information when drafting an estimate: the square footage of your home, how many bedrooms you have, whether you have stairs or elevators in your building, whether you have any large or heavy items like pianos , and the zip codes of your current and future residences. While this information can get you an initial estimate, you will also need to provide a full inventory of your belongings to receive a firm and guaranteed quote.
For more help, see our guide to everything you should know before hiring movers .
What should you know about packing and storage in Seattle?
The rumors are true: Seattle is cold and rainy throughout much of the year. This means that any time you pack and store your belongings, you'll want to ensure everything is protected from the elements. When packing, be sure to use sturdy, water-resistant materials, and be careful with anything that ends up sitting on the ground or on the floor of a moving truck, where it may be damp. For storage, always choose heated and climate-controlled storage options , especially for vulnerable items. Seattle's climate is particularly friendly to mold and mildew, so belongings can easily get damaged or ruined if stored in a space without proper heating, insulation and ventilation.
What's different about condo and apartment moving in Seattle?
Moving into or out of a condo or apartment in Seattle is similar to moving into or out of a house, but you'll need to consider a few unique factors. First, depending on your location, condo and apartment buildings can sometimes be more challenging to access than houses, and movers may charge extra fees for buildings with stairs and elevators. You may also need to plan ahead for your move by reserving the stairs and elevators in your building for your move dates. Finally, Seattle is infamously hilly with limited street parking, especially in the areas where apartments and condos are common. You may need to make a parking plan in advance or reserve available parking spots.
For more on this, check out these 13 tips for a successful apartment move .
Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in Seattle?
No. Individuals in Washington do not need special permits or licenses to move. However, moving companies are required to be licensed and permitted by the State of Washington to conduct local moves. Any moving company offering out-of-state moving services must also be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To find out if your moving company is properly licensed, use the FMCSA mover database search tool .
For more, read our full guide to Washington moving company licensing and regulations .
How much should you tip movers in Seattle?
Tipping movers is not required, but it's customary to tip between 10 and 20%, especially if you're pleased with the service. Many moving companies prefer cash tips or tips sent directly to workers using Venmo or Zelle. If you'd like to add a tip to your final bill, ask the office ahead of time if this is possible. For more insight, check out our guide to tipping movers in 2025 .
