Tell us about your move and we'll connect you with vetted, top-rated moving companies.
If you're relocating to Washington, you're looking at a long-haul move for most people in the country. Whether you're coming from the Southeast, Midwest, or Southwest, the distance and logistics matter a lot — and so does picking the right mover.
I've put together what you actually need to know: realistic pricing, which companies handle this route well, and what changes when you land in Washington.
Distance is the biggest factor here. If you're moving from California or Oregon, you're looking at a 500-1,200-mile haul. From the East Coast? Plan on 2,500-3,000 miles.
For a typical household moving to Washington from the continental US:
These are ballpark figures for a full-service move with a professional crew packing and unpacking. Partial packing, a lighter load, or DIY packing drops costs significantly. Use the moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your actual belongings and exact route.
A few specifics worth noting:
I've reviewed companies that genuinely handle this route regularly and maintain solid customer feedback. Here are the ones worth considering:
Allied Van Lines — 4.6 / 5
Established long-distance operator with a network strong enough to handle East Coast to Washington moves. Good for household goods and full-service packing. Expect mid-range pricing for their service level.
United Van Lines — 4.4 / 5
Large carrier with broad coverage. Reliable for interstate routes; customer reviews note consistent delivery and professional crews.
North American Van Lines — 4.3 / 5
Solid option for long-distance moves. Competitive on pricing, particularly if you're flexible on moving dates.
Mayflower — 4.5 / 5
Strong reputation for cross-country moves. Higher price point, but crews are typically experienced and careful with valuables.
International Van Lines — 4.2 / 5
Mid-tier carrier; good for budget-conscious moves without sacrificing reliability.
Not all local Washington movers have the infrastructure for long-distance inbound traffic, so national carriers tend to be your best bet. If you're already in Washington and moving locally, that's a different set of companies — check reviews specific to your city.
From the West Coast:
If you're moving to Washington from California (especially Southern California), expect 12–18 hours of driving time and fairly predictable logistics. These routes run regularly, so pricing is more competitive.
From the Pacific Northwest:
Oregon to Washington is straightforward — usually 4–8 hours depending on which city. Local movers can often handle this cheaper than national carriers.
From the East Coast:
New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland to Washington require cross-country coordination. Budget 5–7 days for transit and plan for higher costs due to distance.
From the South:
Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina moves run 2,000–2,500 miles. Summer weather can slow cross-country routes, so timing matters.
From the Midwest:
Chicago, Minneapolis, and points east add 1,800–2,200 miles. These routes are fairly common, so you'll find reasonable quotes from major carriers.
A few practical things to know before you arrive:
Taxes & Costs
No state income tax is a real advantage — you'll see it in your paycheck. But property taxes average around 0.9%, and Seattle's cost of living rivals major metros. Expect to pay more for housing than much of the US, particularly King County (Seattle) and Pierce County (Tacoma).
Weather
Western Washington is wet and mild (rarely freezing, lots of rain October–March). Eastern Washington is drier and experiences actual winters. Your moving timeline might matter depending on winter road conditions in the Cascades.
Utilities & Services
Washington's electricity comes largely from hydropower, making rates competitive nationally. Gas and internet vary by provider and location. Set these up before you arrive.
Vehicle Registration
You'll have 30 days to register your car in Washington. Sales tax on vehicles is 6.5% statewide, but some counties add local tax on top. Budget for this if you're buying a car after moving.
For moves to Washington from far away, professional movers usually make sense:
For most long-distance moves to Washington, hiring a long-distance mover beats the stress and expense of doing it yourself.
Compare detailed quotes and customer reviews on MoveFinders. Get matched to carriers that actually serve your route and budget. The difference between a smooth move and a frustrating one often comes down to picking the right company from the start.
