If you’re moving to Seattle, welcome to a city that’ll greet you with waterfront views, world-class coffee, and… yeah, some of the most unpredictable traffic this side of the Cascades.
We’ve moved folks across every corner of this city—from U-Hauls squeezing into Capitol Hill alleys to 26-foot trucks grinding up Queen Anne’s hills. So if you’re wondering when to move, how to avoid the worst of it, or whether you need a permit just to park—you’re in the right place.
We’ve done this a few thousand times. Here’s what we’ve learned.
First Rule of Seattle Moves: Timing Is Everything
Seattle rush hour isn’t just a window—it’s a mood. A vibe. One that stretches longer than you’d think and moves slower than a cold brew on a rainy day.
Avoid it like your security deposit depends on it. Because honestly? Sometimes it does.
Rush hour pain points:
- Weekdays, 7–10 AM: Downtown becomes a parking lot.
- Weekdays, 3–7 PM: Everyone’s either heading home or trying to escape I-5.
- Friday after 2 PM: No explanation needed. Just don’t.
We’ve had moves that should’ve taken three hours but ran to six because someone hit the road at 4 PM on a Friday. Lesson learned.
So when should you move?
Here’s what tends to work best:
- Late morning, weekday (Think 10 AM start)
- Sunday morning, before brunch crowds and farmers markets take over
- Early afternoons—if you’re packed and ready, go for it
A little flexibility goes a long way. Start early, and leave room for delays—just in case a marathon, protest, or pop-up food festival decides to show up that day. (Yes, all have happened.)
Which Routes Are (Mostly) Safe?
We wish we could give you a magical “Seattle secret route” that bypasses everything. But the truth is, this city’s layout is… unique.
Here’s what we actually use:
- SR-99 is often a good fallback if I-5’s jammed. That tunnel? Game changer—just check height restrictions if you’re driving a tall truck.
- Avoid Mercer Street. No, really. Don’t ask, just trust us.
- Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and parts of Fremont have tight corners and steep grades. We’ve had to reverse out of more than one dead-end with a 20-footer. Not fun.
Before you roll out:
- Fire up Waze or Google Maps—Seattle traffic can shift in minutes
- Have someone riding shotgun to navigate (don’t try it solo if you’re in a rental truck)
- Leave space. People in Seattle like to zip into tight gaps—especially when they see a moving truck
Also? If it’s raining, slow down. (So… always.)
Permits, Parking, and The Rules That’ll Sneak Up on You
This part isn’t thrilling, but it’s important. You might need a permit just to park the truck—especially if you’re moving into a busy neighborhood like Capitol Hill, Ballard, or downtown.
Here’s the deal:
Seattle offers Temporary No Parking (TNP) permits so you can block off a spot for your truck without getting ticketed (or worse—towed).
What to know:
- Apply online through the Seattle Department of Transportation
- Do it at least three business days before your move
- You’ll need the exact address and times
- They’ll usually post signage a day before to hold your spot
We’ve had clients skip this step thinking they’d “just figure it out.” Spoiler: they didn’t. And the truck ended up half a block away with a $200 parking ticket.
Don’t be that person.
Apartment Moves? Extra Layers.
If you’re moving into a high-rise or newer apartment building, chances are you’ll also need:
- Elevator access (you’ll often need to book it)
- Loading dock clearance
- Move-in/move-out time slots (yes, they really do schedule them)
Some buildings won’t even let you move on weekends. Call your property manager before move day and double check. We’ve seen plenty of moves delayed over something as small as a locked loading dock door.
What You Actually Need to Remember
Let’s skip the polished wrap-up and give it to you straight:
- Don’t move during rush hour. It’s not worth the stress—or the extra hours.
- Sunday mornings? Golden.
- Get the TNP permit. Print it. Tape it up. Protect your curb.
- Know your route and have a backup—especially in neighborhoods with hills and one-ways
- Talk to your building ahead of time if you’re not moving into a standalone house
We’ll say it again because it matters: a well-timed, well-planned move saves you money, stress, and awkward apologies to your new neighbors.
Want a Partner Who Knows the City Like the Back of a Moving Truck?
That’s us. Adam’s Moving Service isn’t just local—we live this. We’ve helped couples move cross-town in the middle of Seahawks traffic and families settle in just hours before their lease ended.
We know where you can park. Where you can’t. Which alley is too narrow. And where that one pothole on 45th always shows up.
Moving in Seattle doesn’t have to be a mess.
Let us handle it. You’ve got enough on your plate.
