Moving Routes

Typical costs and drive times for the corridors people move most — within the Northwest and inbound from California, Arizona, Texas, and beyond. Each route lists the best-rated crews at both ends.

Within the Northwest

Moving to the Northwest

How moves between cities are priced

The corridor you're moving determines how the price is built. A move that stays inside one state — Seattle to Spokane, or Portland to Bend — is regulated at the state level and is usually priced by distance and home size, sometimes as an hourly job for shorter hops. Once you cross a state line, it becomes an interstate move governed by the FMCSA, and the price is based on the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels, plus accessorial charges for packing, stairs, a shuttle, or storage. That's why a longer intra-state move and a shorter interstate move can cost about the same: the pricing models are different.

Because long-distance pricing rides on weight, decluttering before the survey is the single most effective way to lower an interstate bill — every hundred pounds you don't ship is money saved. On any route, ask for a binding or not-to-exceed written estimate so the number can't climb on delivery day, and confirm whether your shipment travels on a dedicated truck (yours alone, faster and pricier) or a consolidated one shared with other households (cheaper, but with a delivery window of several days to a couple of weeks).

How to prepare for a corridor move

• Compare two or three written estimates like-for-like before you book.
• Declutter first — you pay to move weight and volume.
• Verify the carrier for interstate moves on the FMCSA SAFER system, and check the complaint history.
• Book early — four to eight weeks ahead, more in summer.
• Get the delivery window and payment terms in writing, and keep a copy of everything.

The best time to move

Peak season across the Northwest runs May through September, when demand and prices are highest and the best crews book out first. Moving midweek and mid-month, outside that peak, is cheaper and easier to schedule on any corridor. Pick a route above for its typical cost, drive time, and the top-rated movers at each end — or use the form to get matched with vetted movers for your exact move.

Common questions about moving between cities

Is it cheaper to move within the state or across state lines?

Distance being equal, an in-state move is often cheaper because it's usually billed by distance and size rather than weight, and doesn't carry interstate paperwork. But a short interstate hop can cost less than a long cross-state haul — the corridor and the pricing model matter more than the state line itself.

How far in advance should I book a long-distance move?

Six to eight weeks is safest for interstate or summer moves, and four to eight weeks for shorter in-state ones. Booking early gives you time to compare binding quotes instead of taking whoever's available.

Do I need a licensed carrier for these routes?

For any move crossing a state line, yes — verify the company's USDOT authority on the FMCSA SAFER system. For in-state moves, check the relevant state regulator and lean on recent reviews.

Should I use a moving container or a full-service crew for a corridor move?

It depends on how much you want to do yourself. A container — a POD or similar — is dropped at your home, you load it on your own schedule, and the company hauls it to the destination; it's usually cheaper on longer corridors and flexible on timing, but the loading and the risk are yours. A full-service crew costs more and does the lifting, the driving, and often the packing. A middle path is hiring labor-only movers to load a container or rental truck you provide. Weigh the savings against your time, your back, and how much the contents matter to you.