What to know when moving to Seattle, WA

Embracing change, Seattle welcomes newcomers with its dynamic blend of the urban and the natural. The iconic Space Needle towers over a cityscape surrounded by lush evergreen forests and waters of the Puget Sound. As the Emerald City, Seattle's weather can be gray and drizzly, but summers are glorious, with long, mild days perfect for outdoor adventures.

Within reach of tech giants and a robust job market, it's an ideal spot for career growth. For the latest insights on living in Seattle, check Visit Seattle.

Where do people move from Seattle?

People move long distance from Seattle to popular cities like San Francisco CA, Minneapolis MN and Salt Lake City UT.

Here are other popular long distance destinations:

See all popular local, long distance and international moving routes from Seattle here.

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Who regulates Seattle interstate movers?

Seattle moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Washington

Let's see how many people move within Washington versus those who moved from Evergreen State to another state.

Moved Within WA
38%
Moved out of WA
62%

When it comes to the state of Washington, the relocation scene in the Pacific Northwest region looks like this: 38% local moves vs. 62% interstate moves.

Despite the fact that leaving Seattle – the largest city in the state of Washington – is never an easy thing to do, most Americans have still decided to move out of the state. If you’re also planning a cross-country move, remember that the success of your relocation project is only guaranteed when you hire the best cross-country mover in your area.

Who regulates Washington local movers

The Utilities and Transportation Commission regulates residential moving companies that conduct moves within the state of Washington. If you are looking to hire a mover, make sure they are on the list of licensed moving companies – here is a list of authorized household goods carriers.

Agency: Utilities and Transportation Commission
Address: 1300 S. Evergreen Park Dr. SW, Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: (360) 664-1160
Website: http://www.utc.wa.gov

What do people move within Washington?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in WA?

Studio (8%)
1 Bedroom (25%)
2 Bedroom (21%)
3 Bedroom (22%)
4 Bedroom (9%)

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Check out our detailed moving guides:

Moving to Seattle Guide

People say it rains sometimes every day and it stops sometimes. Seattle is one of the few states that don’t impose a state income tax. More than 50% of the population holds higher education degree.

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