Moving Company in Seattle, WA
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At First Due Movers, we take pride in delivering complete relocation solutions for both homes and businesses throughout the Seattle area. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, our team is equipped to handle every aspect of your move—from labor-only assistance to full packing services. We also provide high-quality packing materials and convenient on-demand delivery to support your schedule. We begin every project with an in-home or virtual estimate and offer both binding and non-binding quotes, giving you transparency and confidence from the start. Our licensed and insured crews are trained to navigate Seattle’s unique challenges, including rainy weather, steep hills, tight parking, and elevator access. In addition to moving services, we supply packing materials, offer secure storage options, and support dock and warehouse shipments. From initial planning to final delivery, we manage every detail and maintain clear communication, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and stress-free moving experience.

Moving Company in Seattle, WA
Moving in Seattle requires local expertise: steep hills, narrow streets, frequent rain, and busy downtown traffic all change how a move is planned and executed. As a full-service moving company in Seattle, WA, we offer residential, local, long-distance, and commercial moving plus labor-only options, professional packing, moving supplies, on-demand delivery, and shipping/receiving logistics. This page explains what to expect from estimates and booking through move-day procedures, insurance and licensing basics, common Seattle-specific issues, and practical preparation tips to make your move efficient and low-stress.
Full range of moving services
- Residential moving (local and long-distance): Apartment-to-apartment moves in Capitol Hill, condo moves in South Lake Union, and single-family relocations across the greater Seattle area. Long-distance moves include coordinated pickup and delivery with full logistics planning.
- Commercial moving: Office relocations, tenant improvements, and equipment transfers with minimal downtime, including break-fix and furniture reconfiguration services.
- Labor-only and loading/unloading: Professional crews for customers who rent a truck or use a portable container and need help loading, unloading, or heavy-item moves.
- Packing and unpacking services: Full-pack, partial-pack, or fragile-only packing using professional materials and methods.
- Moving supplies: Boxes, wardrobe boxes, padding, stretch wrap, and specialty crates for artwork, large TVs, and antiques.
- On-demand delivery & shipping/receiving logistics: Same-day or scheduled deliveries of furniture and appliances, and coordination for shipments that require dock scheduling or storage handling.
Free estimate and booking process
- In-home or virtual estimate: Choose an in-home survey or a virtual walkthrough using video. Estimates detail move scope, labor hours, packing needs, materials, and any permits or elevator reservations required.
- Binding vs. non-binding estimates: Estimates can be provided as binding (guaranteed total) or non-binding (approximate based on weight and time). We’ll explain which option best fits your move type.
- Booking window and availability: Weekend dates and month-end slots fill quickly in Seattle; booking several weeks in advance is common for local moves, and even earlier for long-distance or commercial jobs.
Pricing and insurance/licensing details
- What affects price: Distance, total weight or volume, crew size, number of flight/stair carries, elevator access, specialty items (pianos, safes), packing services, and required permits or street/parking reservations.
- Insurance and valuation coverage explained: Standard options typically include basic released-value protection and optional full-value protection. Basic coverage is limited; full-value protection provides broader replacement or repair value. We are licensed and carry the insurance required by state and federal regulations so your shipment is covered appropriately for both intrastate and interstate moves.
- Permits and parking: Many Seattle neighborhoods require permit coordination for loading zones or meter use. These costs and arrangements are estimated during the quoting process.
Move-day procedures
- Pre-move walkthrough: A crew lead conducts a final walkthrough to confirm inventory, special handling needs, and the timeline for loading and unloading.
- Protecting your home and belongings: Floors, door frames, and common-area hallways are protected with pads and runners. Furniture is wrapped and secured in the truck to minimize shifting.
- Communication and timing: Expect clear start and end times, a crew lead managing the day, and status updates for long-distance shipments. For island or cross-sound moves, ferry scheduling is confirmed in advance to avoid delays.
- Delivery and unpacking: Delivery includes placing items where you want them, reassembly of furniture, and removal of packing debris upon request.
Common Seattle-specific moving issues and solutions
- Rain and wet weather handling: Seattle’s frequent rain requires waterproof packing practices, covered dollies, and floor protection to avoid water damage and slippery conditions.
- Hills and stair carries: Many Seattle homes have multiple stair flights or steep driveways. Plans factor in additional crew time and specialized equipment for safer carries.
- Tight parking and alley access: Older neighborhoods like Fremont and Ballard have narrow streets; early permit requests and parking reservations help avoid last-minute delays.
- Elevator reservations for condos: High-rise moves often require building coordination. We handle elevator booking windows and insurance requirements to meet management rules.
Moving supplies and logistics support
- Professional-grade materials: Wardrobe boxes, dish packs, mattress covers, stretch wrap, corner protectors, and specialty crates for artwork and electronics.
- Storage and staging: Short- or long-term storage can be arranged if timing between move-out and move-in is staggered. We provide secure storage options and inventory management for logistics-sensitive moves.
- Shipping and receiving coordination: For deliveries that require docks, lift-gate service, or third-party warehousing, we coordinate scheduling, paperwork, and inside delivery.
Preparation tips for a smooth Seattle move
- Label boxes by room and include a high-level contents list on each box. This speeds unpacking and helps crews place boxes correctly.
- Create an essentials box with toiletries, chargers, important documents, and a change of clothes for the first 24–48 hours.
- Measure furniture and doorways, stairwells, and elevators before move day to identify any tight fits or required disassembly.
- Reserve elevator or loading times with condo or building management at least two weeks before your move date.
- Plan around Seattle traffic patterns and ferry schedules when moving to or from islands like Bainbridge or Vashon; midday and off-peak windows reduce transit time.
- Protect floors and carpets when expecting rain; cover landing areas and have mats or towels ready.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: How far in advance should I book a move in Seattle?
A: Local moves are often booked 2–4 weeks ahead; peak season and month-end windows may require earlier scheduling. Long-distance and commercial jobs typically need more lead time.
Q: Will you handle parking permits and building requirements?
A: Yes, we can coordinate parking permits, loading dock reservations, and elevator bookings as part of the estimate and planning process.
Q: What if I need help only with loading or unloading?
A: Labor-only crews are available for loading and unloading services if you supply the truck or container.
Q: How is cost calculated for long-distance moves?
A: Long-distance pricing includes shipment weight or volume, distance, and additional services like packing or crating. Estimates will outline these components clearly.
Q: What insurance should I choose?
A: For high-value contents, full-value protection offers the broadest coverage. Basic released-value protection provides limited coverage and is often insufficient for valuable items.
Service-area coverage
Service coverage focuses on Seattle neighborhoods and the surrounding Puget Sound region, including downtown and urban areas (Capitol Hill, Belltown, South Lake Union), residential neighborhoods (Queen Anne, Ballard, West Seattle), the Eastside corridors (Bellevue, Redmond), South King County suburbs (Renton, Kent), and island moves requiring ferry logistics. Each route is evaluated for permits, ferry timing, and specialized equipment needs to create an accurate plan and estimate.
Moving in Seattle can be complex, but the right planning, protective materials, local knowledge, and clear communication reduce stress and protect your belongings. Our approach emphasizes transparent estimates, licensed and insured handling, and Seattle-aware logistics to help your move go smoothly from first survey to final placement.
