Moving out of Seattle? Budget $1,500-$5,000+ depending on distance, size, and whether you DIY or hire professionals.
Cost by Destination
| Destination | Distance | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Portland, OR | 175 miles | $800-2,500 |
| San Francisco, CA | 815 miles | $2,500-4,500 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 1,135 miles | $3,000-5,500 |
| Denver, CO | 1,320 miles | $3,500-6,000 |
| New York, NY | 2,850 miles | $5,000-9,000+ |
Your Options
DIY Truck Rental
Portland: $900-1,400
LA: $2,000-3,200
You drive, you load, you unload. Cheapest but most work.
Portable Container (POD)
Portland: $1,200-2,000
LA: $2,500-4,000
You load, they drive. Sweet spot for most.
Full-Service Movers
Portland: $1,500-3,000
LA: $3,500-7,000
They do everything. Most expensive, least stress.
Popular Routes
Seattle → Portland
Easy move, I-5 direct. Many do this in a day. DIY is viable.
Tip: Consider DIY or POD for this short distance.
Seattle → California
Classic tech worker move. I-5 to CA. Budget hotel if DIY.
Tip: POD containers offer best value for this distance.
How to Save Money
- ✓ Downsize aggressively (weight = cost)
- ✓ Move off-peak (October-April)
- ✓ Get 3-5 quotes
- ✓ Book 8-12 weeks ahead
- ✓ Consider POD over full-service (50-70% savings)
- ✓ Pack yourself
Bottom Line
Seattle → Portland: $1,000-2,500, DIY possible
Seattle → California: $2,500-5,500, POD recommended
Seattle → East Coast: $4,000-10,000+, consider full-service