671-648-1800 Relocating between Guam and Washington state means a big change, no matter which direction you’re moving in. If you’re ready to turn in the Pacific Northwest lifestyle for a tropical one (or vice versa!), we’ll offer you a comprehensive look at the Guam-Washington relocation process from start to finish.
Whether you’re making the move for a new job, a military assignment, or simply a change in scenery, let’s walk through the logistics, costs, and cultural notes essential for a smooth transition.
Why Move Between Guam and Washington State?
Everyone has their own reasons for moving—but we’ve also seen a couple of trends in the “whys” behind Guam–Washington moves, including:
Job Opportunity
Guam and Washington offer distinctly different career paths. Guam’s economy centers on tourism, hospitality, and retail, while Washington state is known for its thriving tech sector, aerospace industry (including Boeing), and agriculture. These contrasting job markets often motivate moves between the two locations.
Military Assignments
We’ve assisted a number of military servicemembers (and their families!) as they relocate to or from Guam on permanent change of station (PCS) orders. The island currently hosts approximately 21,700 military members and their families, with an additional 5,000 Marine Corps troops expected by 2028.
We’re proud help our servicemembers with a smooth transition between Joint Region Marianas (including Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz) and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, as well as Washington’s other military installations.
A Change in Scenery
Finally, some Guam moves are simply sparked by a desire for something new. Perhaps it’s the inclination to try out a tropical lifestyle. Or perhaps it’s a wish to leave the heat and humidity behind for a more varied climate with seasonal shifts. Additionally, while some see the close-knit island culture on Guam as a plus, others may crave the anonymity of a big city like Seattle—or the expansive vistas of Washington’s rural areas.
Either way, a move between Guam and Washington practically guarantees a change of scenery—and a change of pace. (More on that below!)
The Cost of Moving Between Guam and Washington: What to Expect
Moving between Guam and Washington state involves a leap of more than 5,700 miles. Such a big move inevitably means some serious logistics, which raises questions about cost.
While every move is different, let’s talk about what’s involved to help you budget more effectively—and avoid unexpected moving expenses.
Shipping Your Household Items
Moving your belongings can be one of your most significant expenses when relocating between Guam and Washington.
If you’re making a Guam military move, we work closely with the Personal Property Office to coordinate your move. We’ll also answer any questions about size and weight restrictions to help you make the most of your moving allowance.
If you’re paying for your move yourself, you’ll have several options for tailoring your move:
Option #1: If you’ve got a significant number of belongings, you may want a dedicated 40-foot or 20-foot container for your Guam–Washington move.
Option #2: If you don’t have enough belongings for an entire container, many Guam moving services can also create a tailored solution in which you only pay for the space you need.
Option #3: If you’re a minimalist, you could sell your stuff where you currently live, pack a few suitcases, and buy what you need at your destination.
To sum it up, you’ve got several options for customizing your move—and your budget.
Is It Expensive to Move to Guam?
Your final cost will be based on how much you’re shipping, so the best way to answer that question is to request a quote from three moving companies. (We’d love to assist!)
With these three quotes in hand, you’ll get a good lay of the land for how much your move will cost. You’ll also have a number you can count on and budget for, eliminating any surprises on Moving Day.
What About Customs Duties & Taxes for Guam Moves?
In brief:
- Household goods shipments going to Guam: If your belongings travel by boat—one of the most common ways to move household items to Guam—they’ll be charged a $75.00 fee for the first 4,000 lbs., plus a $0.0012 fee for every pound thereafter. Shipments must clear the CQA and can be subject to additional fees for inspections and other specialized types of shipments.
- Household goods shipments going to Washington: Your goods will need to clear U.S. Customs on arrival. As long as all your paperwork is in order, you’re likely to get a duty-free exemption for your household goods.
Want all the details? Read more about Guam customs procedures.
Shipping Your Car to or from Guam
Along with the rest of your belongings, you’ll also want to consider whether to ship your car to or from Guam. From a budget standpoint, here’s a ballpark for the cost:
- From the Port of Tacoma to Guam: ~$3,500
- From Guam to the Port of Tacoma: ~$3,100
You’ll have to pick up and drop off the car from the port yourself.
Should you ship your car to/from Guam? Some people choose to sell their car where they are and use the proceeds to buy a car at their destination. We’ll help you decide in our complete guide to shipping your car to/from Guam.
Settling in After Your Guam–Washington State Move
Next, we’ll cover a couple of the differences between Guam and Washington state to help you acclimatize to your new home.
What Are the Best Places to Live?
Washington State offers diverse options from urban Seattle and Tacoma to smaller communities like Snoqualmie. The state’s vast size means you can choose between city living, suburban comfort, or rural landscapes.
On Guam, popular villages include Dededo for family life, Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon for urban convenience, and Piti for military families near Naval Base Guam.
To kick off your research, check out our article on the best places to live on Guam.
What’s the Weather Like in Guam vs Washington?
One of the big differences you’ll notice between Guam and Washington state will be the climate.
81°F
Guam average temperature
Guam maintains a steady tropical climate around 81°F year-round, with distinct dry (December-June) and wet (July-November) seasons, including an annual typhoon season. Washington offers more variation: mild temperatures in the west and more extreme seasonal changes in the east. This climate difference represents one of the biggest adjustments for people moving between these locations.
What Languages Are Spoken on Guam?
The cultural shift between Guam and Washington offers unique experiences. Guam’s culture centers on its rich Chamorro heritage and island traditions, with English and Chamorro as official languages. Washington brings its own diverse mix of cultures, particularly in urban areas like Seattle. Whether moving to Guam’s close-knit island community or Washington’s varied cultural landscape, engaging with local events and communities will help ease your transition.
Adapting to the Pace of Life
One of the other big differences people notice between life in Washington and life on Guam is the pace of life. “Island time” is a real phenomenon on Guam, and it may take some time to adjust.
Try to embrace the speed of life in your new home. That might mean practicing more patience or accelerating your natural rhythms. The less you resist, the faster you’ll settle in to your new lifestyle.
Moving Tips for a Smooth Transition Between Guam and Washington
Finally, we have a couple of moving tips for a simpler, easier relocation between Guam and Washington state.
Prepare for Your Move with a Checklist
An organized move is an easier move. Start with our DeWitt Guam moving checklist, add any additional items specific to your move, and check everything off, step by step. We tell our customers to give themselves at least 6-8 weeks to plan and execute their move. Our checklist will help you navigate those weeks so you know exactly what to do—an when.
Moving Tip: Make sure to reach out to moving companies for quotes as soon as you know you’re going to move. The earlier you start planning, the more likely you’ll be to secure your first pick of dates.
If You’re Moving with Pets, Start Early
Two factors make moving pets to and from Guam challenging: the distance and the fact that Guam is a rabies-free destination.
Where physically getting pets to and from Guam is concerned, many commercial airlines no longer accept pets, except for members of the military relocating on PCS orders. You may need to hire professional pet moving services to handle your pet’s relocation.
You should also expect to complete paperwork that will get submitted to the Guam Department of Agriculture for an Animal Entry Permit. Otherwise, your pet may be subject to quarantine on arrival. Get all the details on moving your pet to Guam.
To sum it up, if furry friends are part of your family, start planning early to ensure they can make the journey with you.
Downsize to Save Money on Your Move
As we mentioned earlier, the cost of your move will largely be based on how much you want to move.
To save money on your Guam–Washington move, take this opportunity to do a massive declutter/downsize of everything you own. You’ll lighten your load physically and psychologically—and reduce the cost of your move.
Protect Your Move with Full Replacement Value Protection
When you work with professional distance movers, you’ll have the option to add what’s called full replacement value protection for your items. When you choose this coverage, if any of your items are lost or damaged in transit, your moving company is required to compensate you for the full replacement value of your item, regardless of its age.
On a long-distance move like one between Guam and Washington, it’s important to carefully review your options for protecting your move. We encourage you to consider full replacement value protection for greater peace of mind.
Want a more thorough explanation of your coverage options? You’ll find more details on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.
Set Aside Important Items You’ll Need During Your Transition
Finally, if you decide to ship your belongings to Guam, they’ll take a few weeks to arrive. In the meantime, there are some important items you won’t want to be without, such as:
- Medications and Medical Supplies: Put together an extended supply of any medications or medical supplies you use regularly, like diabetic test strips.
- Documentation: Keep your family’s important paperwork with you, such as passports, birth certificates, and titles to any vehicles you’re shipping.
- Your Wallet or Purse: If you’re hiring professional movers to help you pack, make sure you put your wallet and/or purse in a separate area with all the items you don’t want your movers to pack. It may sound silly, but our crews pack absolutely everything, and putting these items away will prevent any mishaps.
From Guam to Washington (or Vice Versa!)
Moving between Guam and Washington will represent a significant transition for you and any family members making the move. The more research and preparation you’re able to put into your move, the more prepared you’ll be to make the shift.
Need some help moving your belongings? We’d love to help you make an easy move to or from Guam. Just reach out to our experts for a quote. We’d also be happy to answer any questions you have about distance moving to or from Guam!
