Washington is one of the most actively regulated states for household goods movers: any company moving residential belongings within state lines must hold a valid Household Goods Carrier Permit issued by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). The UTC also sets rate caps through Tariff 15-C – moves within 55 miles are billed hourly; moves over 56 miles switch to weight-and-distance pricing. The final bill cannot exceed 110% of the written estimate without customer approval.
Washington ranked fifth among top outbound states in the 2024 Allied Van Lines report, with rising housing costs and elevated taxes in the Seattle metro driving residents toward Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. Yet total net migration added over 79,000 residents in the year ending April 2025 per the Washington Office of Financial Management, and net migration now drives more population growth than natural increase. Primary corridors run along I-5 (Seattle-Tacoma south to Portland, north to Bellingham), I-90 (east-west through the Cascades to Spokane), and I-82 (Puget Sound to the Yakima Valley). Seattle’s housing stock – high-rise towers, hillside craftsman homes, dense Capitol Hill walk-ups – requires freight elevator scheduling and parking permits that add time and cost to urban moves.
For all interstate moves, FMCSA regulates carriers federally – verify any mover’s USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Top-Rated Movers in Washington
Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage
Address: 10750 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
Website: https://www.hansenbros.com
UTC Permit: HG-1782
USDOT: #8257
Founded in 1890 and operated by the same family for four generations, Hansen Bros. is one of Washington’s oldest continuously operating moving companies, working out of three Puget Sound locations in Seattle, Lynnwood, and Newcastle, with an additional office in Boise, Idaho. As an Allied Van Lines agent, the company handles local Puget Sound moves, long-distance intrastate hauls, interstate relocations through the Allied network, and international moves. Services include full residential and commercial moving, professional packing and unpacking, specialty crating for fragile and high-value items, move management, and both short-term and long-term warehouse storage across the three locations. The company holds an A+ BBB rating and has earned recognition as “Best in Western Washington” by KING5, reflecting a consistent track record across well over a century of operations.
Eco Movers Moving & Storage
Address: 1200 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA 98119
Website: https://ecomovers.com
UTC Permit: HG-063849
USDOT: #3227005
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, Eco Movers has grown to multiple locations across the Puget Sound region including facilities near Bellevue and Tacoma, with service extending throughout Washington and along the West Coast. The company’s environmental focus is built into its operational model: reusable Eco Boxes replace cardboard, and the company partners with One Tree Planted for reforestation contributions. Services cover local residential moves, long-distance and interstate relocations, full packing and unpacking, commercial and office moves, labor-only loading and unloading, climate-controlled warehouse storage, and specialty TV wall-mounting through its Eco Install program. With over 5,000 positive Google reviews across locations, Eco Movers consistently ranks as one of the highest-rated movers in Washington state on Google.
All Service Moving
Address: 747 S Monroe St, Seattle, WA 98108
Website: https://allservicemoving.com
UTC Permit: HG-064752
USDOT: #1863079
Founded in 2004 and BBB-accredited since 2007, All Service Moving operates out of three Washington offices – South Park (Seattle), Lynnwood, and a Tukwila warehouse – with additional locations in Oregon, California, Arizona, and Texas. The company provides local and long-distance residential moves, commercial and office relocations, full packing and unpacking, and warehouse storage, with $5 million in liability coverage. Their crews are background-checked and drug-screened, and the company has received the Angi Super Service Award multiple times for sustained customer service ratings. All Service Moving is a strong choice for customers making West Coast corridor moves, particularly between Washington and Oregon or California, where its multi-state network reduces handoff complexity.
Moving Companies in Washington: Common Questions
Is my moving company required to be licensed in Washington?
Yes – Washington is one of the more regulated states for residential movers. Any company advertising or conducting household goods moves within Washington must hold a valid Household Goods Carrier Permit from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. Operating without this permit is illegal, and the UTC can pursue civil penalties against unlicensed movers. Before hiring, verify your mover’s permit status through the UTC’s online company lookup tool at utc.wa.gov or call 1-888-333-9882.
How much does a local move typically cost in Washington?
According to MoveBuddha data, Washington’s statewide average labor rate is approximately $182 per hour – higher than the national average of around $139. Total costs for a local move typically fall between $631 and $5,977 depending on home size, distance, crew size, and add-on services. Moves within 55 miles are billed hourly; moves over 56 miles switch to weight-and-distance pricing under the UTC’s Tariff 15-C. Request written estimates from at least three licensed companies and confirm whether each estimate is binding or non-binding.
How does Washington’s UTC regulate move pricing?
The UTC sets minimum and maximum rates that permitted movers can charge, published in Household Goods Tariff 15-C. Movers must provide a free written estimate before the move begins, and the final bill cannot exceed 110% of the estimate without your advance written approval. If the final cost exceeds that cap, you are not required to pay the overage at delivery. Movers cannot legally demand payment above the approved estimate before unloading your belongings – if a mover attempts this, it may constitute a UTC violation, and you can file a complaint at utc.wa.gov or by calling the commission directly.
What should I know about moving during Washington’s peak season?
Washington’s peak moving season runs May through August, with June and July typically carrying the highest rates and tightest availability – largely tied to the school calendar and corporate relocation cycles. Seattle’s urban logistics add complexity during peak months: freight elevator reservations in high-rise buildings, temporary no-parking permits for street access (required in Seattle and Spokane), and higher traffic volumes on I-5 and I-90 all slow moves. Booking two to four months in advance is advisable for summer moves; mid-week and off-season bookings (November through March) generally yield lower rates and better crew availability.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in Washington?
If a licensed Washington mover fails to honor a written estimate, damages your belongings without resolution, or engages in deceptive practices, file a complaint directly with the UTC online at utc.wa.gov or by calling 1-888-333-9882 (1-888-333-WUTC). The UTC has authority to investigate, fine, and revoke the permits of licensed carriers. For interstate moves, also file with FMCSA at protectyourmove.gov. If you hired an unlicensed mover, the UTC’s remedies are limited – this is one of the primary reasons to verify the UTC permit before signing any contract.