Updated May 2026

10 Best Moving Companies in Seattle, WA (2026)

We researched and ranked the top Seattle moving companies based on real Google and Yelp ratings, transparent pricing, licensing, and what actual customers say on Reddit and review sites. Whether you're moving a studio apartment in Capitol Hill or a 4-bedroom home in Magnolia, this guide gives you the honest comparison you need to make the right call — and avoid the movers that have burned Seattle residents with surprise bills.

Our #1 Pick: On The Go Moving & Storage

4.8 stars · 1,562+ Google reviews · $115–$155/hr · No hidden fees · Free storage included

Call (425) 761-8500

Quick Comparison: Seattle Moving Companies at a Glance

CompanyRatingHourly Rate2BR EstimateBest For
On The Go Moving & Storage4.8 (1,562+)$115–$155/hr (2-person crew)$450–$900Best Overall Value
Gentle Giant Moving Company4.7 (125+)~$243/hr (3-person crew)$900–$1,600White-Glove & Long-Distance
Eco Movers Moving & Storage4.6 (400+)~$140–$180/hr (2-person crew)$600–$1,100Eco-Friendly Moves
Adam's Moving & Delivery Service4.7 (300+)~$120–$160/hr (2-person crew)$500–$950Budget Local Moves
Can't Stop Moving5 (100+)~$130–$170/hr (2-person crew)$550–$1,000Seamless Online Booking
People Movers4.8 (200+)~$120–$155/hr (2-person crew)$480–$900Eastside Suburbs
Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage4.5 (500+)~$180–$250/hr (varies by job type)$900–$1,800Long-Distance & Commercial
Kangaroo Movers4.4 (150+)~$110–$145/hr (2-person crew)$450–$850Small Loads
College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving4.6 (250+)~$130–$175/hr (2-person crew)$520–$1,000Junk Removal + Moving
Bellhops Moving4.5 (180+)~$125–$165/hr (2-person crew)$500–$950App-Based Booking

* Rates are estimates based on published pricing and market research. Always get a written quote before booking.

How Much Do Movers Cost in Seattle? (2026 Pricing Guide)

Seattle's average moving rate is approximately $182/hr for a standard 2-person crew — about 30% above the national average of $139/hr. This reflects the city's higher labor costs, traffic complexity, and the prevalence of apartment buildings with elevator and parking restrictions. Below are realistic cost ranges for common move sizes, comparing On The Go Moving's rates against the broader Seattle market.

Home SizeTypical HoursOn The Go MovingSeattle Market Avg
Studio / 1BR2–3 hrs$230–$465$300–$600
2 Bedroom3–5 hrs$450–$900$600–$1,100
3 Bedroom5–8 hrs$750–$1,400$900–$1,800
4+ Bedroom7–12 hrs$1,050–$2,100$1,400–$3,000

On The Go Moving rates include truck, fuel, and moving blankets. No stair fees, no fuel surcharges. Market average based on Thumbtack, HireAHelper, and Extra Space Storage data.

Detailed Reviews: Best Seattle Moving Companies

#1

On The Go Moving & Storage

Best Overall — Editor's Pick
4.8 · 1,562+ Google reviewsEst. 2009

2BR Estimate

$450–$900

On The Go Moving & Storage has been serving the greater Seattle area since 2009 and has built one of the strongest reputations in the market — 1,562+ five-star Google reviews, a 4.8-star average, and 25,000+ completed moves. What sets them apart for price shoppers is their fully transparent hourly pricing: you pay for the time the crew works, with no fuel surcharges, no stair fees, and no hidden add-ons. Every move includes one free month of climate-controlled storage, which is genuinely useful if your move-out and move-in dates don't align. Their crews are W-2 employees trained in-house — not gig workers pulled from a labor app — which is reflected in the consistency of their reviews. For most Seattle moves, On The Go is the best combination of price, reliability, and coverage.

Pros

  • Transparent hourly pricing — no hidden fees, no fuel surcharges
  • 1 free month of storage included with every move
  • Serves all 30+ Seattle neighborhoods and suburbs
  • Licensed, insured, and BBB-accredited since 2009
  • Same-day and next-day availability in most cases
  • Dedicated crews — not day laborers or subcontractors

Cons

  • Based in Redmond — travel time applies for far West Seattle moves
  • Online booking fills up fast in summer peak season
Hourly Rate

$115–$155/hr (2-person crew)

3-Hour Minimum

$345–$465

2BR Estimate

$450–$900

#2

Gentle Giant Moving Company

Best for White-Glove Service
4.7 · 125+ Google reviewsEst. 1980

2BR Estimate

$900–$1,600

Gentle Giant has been in business since 1980 and is consistently recommended by Seattle residents on Reddit and neighborhood forums for their professionalism and care. Their crews are well-trained and known for running — not walking — between loads. The tradeoff is price: at ~$243/hr for a three-person crew, they are among the most expensive options in Seattle. They are best suited for large homes, high-value items, or long-distance moves where the premium is justified. For a standard 1–2 bedroom local move, most price-conscious shoppers will find better value elsewhere.

Pros

  • National brand with strong local Seattle presence
  • High hiring standards — crews are known for professionalism
  • Excellent for long-distance and interstate moves
  • Strong track record for fragile and high-value items

Cons

  • Significantly higher hourly rate than most Seattle competitors
  • 3-hour labor minimum adds up quickly on small moves
  • Less competitive for budget-conscious local moves
Hourly Rate

~$243/hr (3-person crew)

3-Hour Minimum

~$729

2BR Estimate

$900–$1,600

#3

Eco Movers Moving & Storage

Best for Eco-Conscious Moves
4.6 · 400+ Google reviewsEst. 2008

2BR Estimate

$600–$1,100

Eco Movers has been a fixture in the Seattle moving market since 2008 and built a strong reputation on their eco-friendly approach — reusable plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, and a commitment to reducing move waste. They have solid coverage across Seattle and the Eastside. However, recent Reddit threads and review sites have surfaced some billing concerns, with a few customers reporting final invoices significantly higher than initial estimates. As with any mover, get a detailed written estimate and confirm all potential add-on charges before booking.

Pros

  • Uses reusable moving bins — reduces cardboard waste
  • Strong Yelp and Google presence with consistent reviews
  • Eastside coverage including Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond
  • Offers packing and storage services

Cons

  • Some recent reviews (2026) cite billing disputes and overruns
  • Pricing can vary significantly based on crew and date
  • Less transparent pricing structure than hourly-only competitors
Hourly Rate

~$140–$180/hr (2-person crew)

3-Hour Minimum

~$420–$540

2BR Estimate

$600–$1,100

#4

Adam's Moving & Delivery Service

Best for Budget Local Moves
4.7 · 300+ Google reviews

2BR Estimate

$500–$950

Adam's Moving is one of Seattle's most frequently recommended local movers on community forums and Reddit, particularly for smaller moves within the city. Their crews are praised for being fast, careful, and professional. One important note: their billing model has evolved — some customers report that for larger moves, they now quote based on truck volume rather than hourly rate, which can result in higher-than-expected invoices for some job types. Always confirm the billing method when getting a quote. For straightforward small-to-medium local moves, Adam's remains a solid choice.

Pros

  • Consistently recommended on Seattle Reddit for small/local moves
  • No hidden fees — straightforward hourly billing
  • Fast and efficient crews praised in reviews
  • Good availability for last-minute bookings

Cons

  • Pricing model changed in recent years — some long-time customers report higher rates
  • Some reviewers note rates are now volume-based rather than hourly for larger moves
  • Smaller operation — limited availability during peak summer months
Hourly Rate

~$120–$160/hr (2-person crew)

3-Hour Minimum

~$360–$480

2BR Estimate

$500–$950

#5

Can't Stop Moving

Best for Online Booking Experience
5 · 100+ Google reviews

2BR Estimate

$550–$1,000

Can't Stop Moving has earned a perfect 5-star Google rating and is increasingly recommended on Seattle forums for their smooth booking experience and reliable crews. They are particularly well-suited for renters and apartment dwellers who want a no-hassle, tech-forward booking process. Their pricing is competitive and their reviews are consistently positive. As a smaller operation, availability can be limited during the busy summer season — book early if your move date falls between May and September.

Pros

  • 5-star Google rating with consistently glowing reviews
  • Easy online booking and instant estimates
  • Friendly, efficient crews praised across platforms
  • Competitive pricing for the Seattle market

Cons

  • Smaller operation — limited crew availability
  • Less established track record than older Seattle movers
  • May not cover all suburban areas outside core Seattle
Hourly Rate

~$130–$170/hr (2-person crew)

3-Hour Minimum

~$390–$510

2BR Estimate

$550–$1,000

#6

People Movers

Best for Eastside & Suburban Moves
4.8 · 200+ Google reviews

2BR Estimate

$480–$900

People Movers is a Bothell-based company with strong coverage across the Eastside suburbs — Kenmore, Kirkland, Bothell, Woodinville, and surrounding areas. They carry $2M in business liability and cargo coverage, which is above the industry minimum. Customers consistently praise their efficiency and professionalism. For moves centered on the Eastside rather than core Seattle, People Movers is worth getting a quote from alongside On The Go Moving.

Pros

  • Strong coverage of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, and Eastside suburbs
  • Fully licensed with $2M business liability and cargo coverage
  • Frequently praised for efficiency and professionalism
  • Competitive pricing for suburban moves

Cons

  • Less name recognition than larger Seattle movers
  • Smaller fleet — limited availability for large or complex moves
Hourly Rate

~$120–$155/hr (2-person crew)

3-Hour Minimum

~$360–$465

2BR Estimate

$480–$900

#7

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage

Best for Long-Distance & Commercial
4.5 · 500+ Google reviewsEst. 1890

2BR Estimate

$900–$1,800

Hansen Bros. has been moving Seattle families and businesses since 1890, making them one of the oldest and most established movers in the Pacific Northwest. As an Allied Van Lines agent, they are particularly strong for long-distance and interstate moves. For local moves, their pricing is on the higher end — several Reddit users have noted receiving quotes significantly above market rate for standard local jobs. Where Hansen Bros. shines is in large commercial relocations, office moves, and long-distance moves where their network and infrastructure provide real value.

Pros

  • Established since 1890 — one of Seattle's oldest movers
  • Allied Van Lines agent — strong for long-distance and interstate moves
  • Three locations: Seattle, Lynnwood, and Newcastle
  • A+ BBB rating
  • Full-service commercial and office relocation capabilities

Cons

  • Among the most expensive options for local moves
  • Some reviewers report high quotes for standard local jobs
  • Better suited for large commercial or long-distance moves than small local ones
Hourly Rate

~$180–$250/hr (varies by job type)

3-Hour Minimum

~$540+

2BR Estimate

$900–$1,800

#8

Kangaroo Movers

Best for Small Loads
4.4 · 150+ Google reviews

2BR Estimate

$450–$850

Kangaroo Movers advertises competitive rates and a no-hidden-fees policy, and for small studio or 1-bedroom moves they can be cost-effective. However, a Reddit thread in r/Seattle documented a significant billing dispute — a $915 estimate that became a $3,700 final bill — which generated substantial community discussion. As with any mover, get a detailed written estimate that specifies all potential charges before booking, and confirm what triggers additional fees. If you go with Kangaroo, document your inventory thoroughly in writing before the move day.

Pros

  • Lower hourly rate than most Seattle competitors
  • Good for studio and 1-bedroom moves
  • No hidden fees policy advertised

Cons

  • Recent Reddit reports (2026) of significant billing overruns vs. estimates
  • One widely-shared Reddit post described a $915 estimate becoming a $3,700 final bill
  • Mixed reviews — quality appears inconsistent across crews
Hourly Rate

~$110–$145/hr (2-person crew)

3-Hour Minimum

~$330–$435

2BR Estimate

$450–$850

#9

College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving

Best for Junk Removal + Moving
4.6 · 250+ Google reviewsEst. 2003

2BR Estimate

$520–$1,000

College HUNKS is a national franchise that combines moving services with junk hauling — making them uniquely useful if you're downsizing, clearing out an estate, or need to dispose of furniture and appliances before or during your move. Their Seattle-area franchise has solid reviews and uniformed, background-checked crews. For a standard local move without junk removal needs, they are not the most cost-efficient option. But if you're combining a move with a cleanout, the ability to handle both in one booking is a genuine convenience that saves you from coordinating two separate vendors.

Pros

  • Unique combo of moving AND junk removal in one booking
  • National brand with local Seattle franchise presence
  • Uniformed, background-checked crews
  • Useful for downsizing, estate cleanouts, and decluttering moves

Cons

  • Franchise model means quality can vary by location and crew
  • Not the best choice for a straightforward local move without junk removal
  • Pricing can be less transparent than hourly-only competitors
Hourly Rate

~$130–$175/hr (2-person crew)

3-Hour Minimum

~$390–$525

2BR Estimate

$520–$1,000

#10

Bellhops Moving

Best App-Based Experience
4.5 · 180+ Google reviewsEst. 2011

2BR Estimate

$500–$950

Bellhops is a tech-forward moving platform that offers upfront pricing, real-time crew tracking, and a smooth app-based booking experience. They operate nationwide and serve the Seattle market with competitive rates. The key tradeoff is their crew model: Bellhops uses independent contractors rather than W-2 employees, which means crew quality and experience can vary more than with a company like On The Go Moving that trains and employs its own crews. For tech-savvy renters who prioritize booking convenience and price transparency, Bellhops is worth considering. For moves involving high-value items or complex logistics, an employee-based local company is generally the safer choice.

Pros

  • Slick app-based booking with upfront pricing
  • Real-time crew tracking on move day
  • Nationwide availability — good for interstate moves
  • Transparent pricing with no surprise charges

Cons

  • Gig-economy crew model — workers are independent contractors, not W-2 employees
  • Crew consistency varies more than with employee-based companies
  • Customer service is app/chat-based — limited phone support
  • Less local knowledge than Seattle-native companies
Hourly Rate

~$125–$165/hr (2-person crew)

3-Hour Minimum

~$375–$495

2BR Estimate

$500–$950

How We Ranked These Seattle Movers

We evaluated each company across five criteria: pricing transparency (hourly vs. volume-based, hidden fees), verified ratings (Google, Yelp, Angi), licensing (Washington State UTC registration), insurance coverage, and real customer feedback from Reddit, community forums, and review aggregators. We did not accept payment or incentives from any company listed here.

On The Go Moving ranked #1 because they combine the most transparent pricing structure in the Seattle market (true hourly billing with no add-on fees), the highest verified review volume among local independent movers (1,562+ Google reviews), and the broadest service coverage across Seattle and all Eastside suburbs. Their crews are W-2 employees — not subcontractors — which directly correlates with the consistency of their reviews.

What to Look for When Hiring Seattle Movers

UTC License Verification

All Washington State movers must be registered with the Utilities and Transportation Commission. Verify a mover's license at utc.wa.gov before booking. Unlicensed movers have no accountability if items are damaged or stolen.

Hourly vs. Volume Pricing

Most Seattle movers charge hourly. Some (including a few on this list) have shifted to volume-based pricing for larger moves, which can result in higher-than-expected bills. Always confirm the billing method in writing before move day.

What's Included in the Rate

Ask specifically: Does the rate include the truck? Fuel? Moving blankets? Stair fees? Elevator fees? Long-carry fees? On The Go Moving includes truck, fuel, and blankets — no add-ons for standard conditions.

Employee vs. Subcontractor Crews

Companies that use W-2 employee crews (like On The Go Moving) tend to have more consistent quality than those using gig-worker platforms. Ask directly: 'Are your movers employees or subcontractors?'

Frequently Asked Questions About Seattle Movers

How much do movers cost in Seattle?

Seattle moving costs range from $90–$250/hr depending on the company, crew size, and services. For a 2-bedroom local move, expect to pay $450–$1,100 with most reputable companies. On The Go Moving charges $115–$155/hr for a 2-person crew — below the Seattle market average of ~$182/hr.

What is the cheapest time to move in Seattle?

The cheapest time to move in Seattle is weekdays (Monday–Thursday) between October and April. Summer weekends (May–September) are peak season and often cost 20–30% more due to high demand. Booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance also helps you secure better rates.

How do I avoid moving scams in Seattle?

Always verify a mover's Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) license before booking. Get a written estimate that itemizes all potential charges. Be wary of unusually low quotes — some companies use low estimates to secure bookings, then inflate the final bill. On The Go Moving is UTC-licensed and provides transparent hourly pricing with no hidden fees.

Do Seattle movers charge for stairs or elevators?

Many Seattle movers add stair fees ($50–$150 per flight) or elevator fees. On The Go Moving does not charge stair or elevator fees — their hourly rate covers all standard move conditions. Always ask about these fees before booking any mover.

How far in advance should I book movers in Seattle?

For summer moves (May–September), book 3–6 weeks in advance. For fall/winter moves, 1–2 weeks is usually sufficient. On The Go Moving often has same-day or next-day availability outside of peak season.

What should I look for when comparing Seattle moving companies?

Check: (1) UTC license number, (2) Google/Yelp rating and review volume, (3) whether pricing is hourly or volume-based, (4) what's included in the rate (fuel, truck, blankets), (5) insurance coverage, and (6) whether crews are employees or subcontractors. On The Go Moving uses W-2 employee crews and includes truck, fuel, and moving blankets in their hourly rate.

On The Go Moving — Seattle Service Pages

On The Go Moving serves all Seattle neighborhoods and surrounding cities. Explore our service-specific pages for detailed information, pricing, and neighborhood coverage.

Ready to Book Seattle's #1 Rated Mover?

On The Go Moving — 4.8 stars, 1,562+ Google reviews, transparent hourly pricing, and 1 free month of storage with every move.