10 best movers in Kirkland, Washington

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for moving out of Washington. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move around Kirkland.

Long-distance movers in Kirkland

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or from one state to another. If you're moving across state lines, you must be especially careful that the mover you choose has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

We’ve verified that the long-distance movers below are actively licensed. These experienced and reliable movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Kirkland is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Kirkland is above 97.9% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Storage
• Junk removal
• Professional labor
• Packing
• Supplies
• Fuel

Your total cost may also be impacted by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, valuable or oversized items. Some common items that can be more expensive to move include these:

• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Safes
• Pianos
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Artwork and sculptures

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s customary if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Limited supplies, transportation emergencies, bad weather and traffic can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. Be prepared for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can save you money on moving in Kirkland.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

Small items may not pose an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can save some money and ensure you get your preferred moving team.

Movers are the most booked from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, consider moving outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cost - effective moving company that meets your needs.

While you can move by yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can cost less. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Kirkland

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle the entire moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are typically only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Washington are also required to have a license from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

Review what insurance policies your movers provide. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Adding this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The optimal time to move is from May through September, creating limited availability and inflated costs countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, you might hesitate to make a move during the summertime.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping expensive technology with you while moving.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about potential loss or damage, keep those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

• Perishable foods and produce
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fuel sources
• Aerosols
• Fertilizers
• Batteries

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.