AI Summary
This guide explains how First Due Movers builds a moving quote for homes across the Eastside and South King County: estimates are free with no obligation, an on-site or virtual walkthrough gives the most accurate scope, and the quote depends on both addresses, the move date and its flexibility, home size and a rough inventory, access details like stairs, elevators and parking, and which services are wanted. Local moves are quoted on time and crew size; moves over 55 miles get a fixed binding bid built from a complete inventory. A good quote spells out crew size, hourly versus fixed pricing, travel time, packing and materials, minimums and holiday handling, and two quotes usually differ because one assumed a different crew, included materials, or handled drive time differently.
Most people request a moving quote once every few years, so it makes sense that the process feels unclear. This guide walks through how our team builds a moving quote for homes across the Eastside and South King County, what we need from you to do it well, and what you should expect to get back.
Are moving estimates free?
Yes. Our estimates are free for local and long distance moves anywhere in the greater Seattle area, and there is no obligation attached. Our preference is always a free on-site estimate, because it gives us the most accurate scope of work for moving day. You can request one through our contact form and someone from our team will reach out within 24 hours. If you need a quote faster, a phone call is the quickest route to get the information you need.
What we need from you before we send a quote
The accuracy of a quote depends almost entirely on what we know going in. Here is what helps most.
Both addresses. The pickup and delivery addresses tell us drive time, which neighborhood rules apply, and whether the move is local or far enough to need a binding bid. If you are moving within Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah, Renton, Kent or Kirkland, that is a local move. If it is from Auburn to Spokane, that is going to be a different kind of quote.
Your move date, and how flexible it is. A firm date is fine. A flexible one can sometimes open up better availability or a lower cost on smaller jobs, so mention it when you reach out.
Home size and a rough inventory. Bedroom count gets us started. A short list of large items (sectional, treadmill, safe, piano, large fridge) gets us the rest of the way. For smaller jobs, photos or a quick video walkthrough might save a visit. For a full-sized move, we will always want to do a full estimate, either virtual or in person. It typically takes 30 minutes to an hour of your time.
Access details. Stairs, elevators, loading docks, long walks from the truck to the door, and limited parking all change how long a move takes. Apartment and condo moves in Seattle often come with building reservation windows, so tell us about those too.
Services you want. Full packing, partial packing, labor only, or just the move. If you plan to pack yourself or buy your own materials, say so, because that can change the estimate.
How the quote comes together
For local moves, we are estimating time. The quote reflects how many movers and trucks the job needs, how long we expect loading, driving, and unloading to take, and travel time to and from the job. The hourly structure and the factors that move it are covered in our guide to how much movers cost in Seattle.
For moves over 55 miles, we build a binding bid instead. That is a fixed price based on your inventory, the space and weight it takes up, and the crew and trucks required. Because it is fixed, it requires a complete inventory. A vague list leads to a vague bid, and nobody wants that on moving day.
What a quote should include
A good moving quote should spell out:
- The crew size and number of trucks
- Whether the price is hourly or a fixed bid
- How travel time is handled
- What packing or materials are included, if any
- Any minimum that applies
- How holidays are handled
If a quote you receive from any company leaves one of those blank, ask. The goal is a number that matches the invoice.
Why two quotes can be different
People often get two or three quotes and find they do not match. That is normal, and it usually comes down to one of a few things.
One company assumed a bigger crew than another. One included packing materials and the other did not. One estimated drive time generously and the other did not account for it at all. A low quote that skipped something is not a better deal. It is a surprise waiting to happen.
When you compare, line up what each quote includes before you line up the totals. That's why they say to make sure to compare "apples to apples."
How to make sure your final bill reflects the initial quote
A few habits keep the estimate close to the final bill.
- Send a complete inventory, even if it feels like overkill.
- Mention every potential access issue, including the ones at the new place.
- Decide on packing before getting your quote.
- Declutter first, so we are not pricing items that will not make the trip.
- Ask questions about anything that is unclear regarding the whole process.
The more our team knows, the tighter the quote.
Ready for a moving quote?
Send us your addresses, date, and a quick inventory through our contact page and we will follow up within 24 hours to schedule your free estimate. If you are moving in one of the cities we serve, you can find local details on our service areas pages.
Written by
Jacob Axelson
Moving Specialist
Jacob brings firefighter values to every move: integrity, professionalism, and care for our customers and community.
