Frequently asked moving questions

Moving is emotionally and physically draining, and handling delicate or bulky items takes real skill. We recommend turning to professionals, just as you would for plumbing or electrical work. Puget Sound Moving has completed more than 20,000 moves since 2009 with full-time, background-checked crews, and every move comes with our 48-hour damage guarantee.

Local moves (55 miles or less) are billed by the hour based on the size of the crew and the number of trucks. See our moving prices for current rates. Moves over 55 miles within Washington are priced by weight and mileage: the truck is weighed empty and again once it’s loaded. Out-of-state moves get a written estimate after we review your inventory.

Labor is the majority of the cost. You should also budget for packing supplies such as boxes and tape, and for additional valuation (moving coverage) if you want it. Delicate or oversized items, such as large flat-screen TVs and chandeliers, sometimes need a custom wooden crate, which costs extra.

Our move coordinators work closely with you to understand your move, and the more information you give us, the more accurate your estimate will be. Review the inventory carefully, and mention any extra items or difficult access, such as long carries, at the time of the estimate. Leaving these out is the most common cause of unexpected costs. A free video walk-through is the easiest way to get it right.

Tipping is never required. As with other service industries, you may wish to thank your crew for a job well done. A common guideline is $4–6 per mover, per hour, adjusted to how satisfied you are with the move.

We take every precaution on your move, but unexpected damage can happen. Basic coverage is limited, so for valuable items we recommend asking about valuation options, which are available at an added cost. Our 48-hour guarantee also applies to every move.

As early as you can. Two to four weeks ahead is ideal for most local moves, and four to eight weeks for long distance moves or summer dates. We know that isn’t always possible, and short-notice dates are often available.

Closings and construction can be delayed, so we don’t recommend moving on the same day as a closing. Plan your move a few days after. Demand is usually lowest in the middle of the month and the middle of the week, which can mean better availability.

Focus on packing, not moving. Professional movers can carry boxes and small items very quickly, so spend your time getting everything packed and ready. Our moving videos have more tips.

Storage is a good option if you’re in a home for a limited time, plan to move to a larger place, or are holding items for family. Puget Sound Moving offers short- and long-term storage in wood vaults, and we can deliver from storage when you’re ready.

Use a simple labeling system and mark every box on the top and three sides. Your movers will work with you at the new home to put everything where you want it.

Metal or plastic 2-drawer filing cabinets can be left full. Empty the top two drawers of a 4-drawer cabinet. Lateral file cabinets and all wooden cabinets need to be completely emptied.

Usually, yes. Remove anything that could roll around or break during transport. If the dresser is very large, such as a triple dresser or part of an armoire, at least partly empty it. Watch our video on dressers.

Empty your dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, washer and dryer. Movers aren’t electricians or plumbers, so arrange for a professional to disconnect your washer, light fixtures and any refrigerator water line. Movers can’t disconnect gas lines, which power many dryers and ovens.

Plants can be moved on local moves if they’re properly prepared, but we can’t guarantee their safety, since motion and temperature changes in the truck can stress them.

Licensed movers can’t transport hazardous or combustible items such as propane tanks, gasoline, paint and aerosols, or firearms, because heat inside the truck can cause them to ignite.

Tell your move coordinator as soon as possible. We can plan to have the crew finish packing, or, if your schedule allows and we have availability, move your date to give you more time. If only a little is left, the movers can often finish it on moving day, but it adds time to the job and to the total cost.

When the crew arrives, they walk through your home with you to confirm what’s going and what’s staying.

Absolutely. The crew will place furniture and boxes in the right rooms and arrange furniture the way you want it.

Consider moving jewelry and small valuables in your own vehicle. For larger items like art, antiques, instruments and collections, point them out to the crew at the start of the day so they can protect them properly. See our antique moving and specialty moving pages.

No. There’s no safe place for pets in a moving truck. They can’t ride in the cab for liability reasons, and the back of the truck isn’t climate-controlled.

No. For liability reasons, movers can’t transport customers. Plan a ride with a friend or a car service on moving day.

Moving is physically demanding, so crews do take time to eat. On a local move, lunch time is deducted from your hourly bill. You don’t need to provide lunch, though water or sports drinks are always appreciated.

We aren’t equipped to dispose of trash. If you’d like something taken to a disposal site, we can haul it at the hourly rate plus any fee the facility charges. Talk to your move coordinator before moving day.

We clean up any mess we make during the move, but we don’t do general house cleaning. We can pick up your empty boxes after you unpack.

Yes. Our crews and trucks are prepared for rain, sleet and snow and bring supplies to keep your belongings protected. Clearing walkways and driveways before the crew arrives keeps the move safe and on schedule.