The Best Long-Distance Movers in Washington DC, MD
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The best long-distance mover in Washington DC is 495 Movers, Inc (4.8/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Maryland, per moveBuddha's analysis of 51 Maryland movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Washington DC?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Washington DC residents moving out of Maryland are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), BLVD Moving (4.3/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Washington DC for in-state moves?
495 Movers, Inc (4.8/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Washington DC-based mover for long-distance moves within Maryland, followed by Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.62/5) and Artisan Movers (4.66/5). Of the 80 intrastate-capable movers serving Washington DC, 83 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Washington DC are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Washington DC but stay within Maryland:
- 495 Movers, Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- BoxStar Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- My Pro Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Transparent pricing
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. 495 Movers, Inc has been in business for 15 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. 495 Movers, Inc has about 84% positive reviews across roughly 410 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from 495 Movers, Inc. Discounts may be available for groups like seniors.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. 495 Movers, Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Movers arrived on time, were efficient and handled everything with care. No damage, reasonable price, and free packing supplies. Highly recommend!"
"This was my second move with 495. Prompt, friendly, always careful with our things. The crew wrapped everything, finished early, and the estimate was accurate. I would definitely recommend them."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Gentle Giant Moving Company has been in business for 45 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Gentle Giant Moving Company has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 311 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Gentle Giant Moving Company.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gentle Giant Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Gentle Giant made our move so easy. The team was friendly, efficient, and careful with our belongings. Everything arrived safely and they finished ahead of schedule. I would use them again without hesitation!"
"Great service! Obtaining the estimate was very easy. Our move coordinator was helpful and made the process extremely simple. On moving day, the team was quick and careful with our belongings. Communication throughout was excellent."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Artisan Movers has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Artisan Movers has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 259 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.4.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Artisan Movers. Discounts may be available for groups like seniors.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Artisan Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Movers arrived early, worked very efficiently, and were extremely polite. None of my furniture was damaged and the cost was exactly as quoted. Highly recommend!"
"The team was prompt, careful, and professional. They set up heavy furniture exactly where I wanted. Would definitely use again!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. BoxStar Movers has been in business for 4 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. BoxStar Movers has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 685 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from BoxStar Movers. Discounts may be available for groups like military, seniors.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. BoxStar Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The entire process was smooth and stress-free. They were incredibly professional, careful, and efficient. I had a great experience and would highly recommend BoxStar Movers to anyone looking for a hassle-free move!"
"The team was friendly, professional, cohesive, and fun! Their work ethic and caring for my belongings were unparalled. Although the move took 23 hours to complete, they maintained high energy and positive outlook."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. My Pro Movers has been in business for 9 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. My Pro Movers has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 353 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from My Pro Movers, and My Pro Movers makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. My Pro Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They were professional, quick, and careful with my stuff. Made my move stress free! Would definitely use again. Highly recommend."
"Highly recommend! The crew was fast, efficient and careful with all our stuff. Everything arrived safely and the movers were friendly and polite."
What add-on services do Washington DC movers offer?
Not every mover in Washington DC offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 83 Washington DC movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 55.42% of Washington DC movers, compared to 60.78% statewide and 45.86% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 44.58% of Washington DC movers, compared to 52.94% statewide and 36.41% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 28.92% of Washington DC movers, compared to 17.65% statewide and 23.81% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 92.77% of Washington DC movers, compared to 96.08% statewide and 84.88% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 26.51% of Washington DC movers, compared to 31.37% statewide and 21.99% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 71.08% of Washington DC movers, compared to 72.55% statewide and 72.72% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Washington DC's cost of living.
Does Washington DC have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 46 of 83 Washington DC movers (55.42%), compared to 60.78% statewide and 45.86% nationally. 495 Movers, Inc (4.8/5) and Artisan Movers (4.66/5) rate highest for art handling in Washington DC. Per-piece handling runs $76 to $755, with custom crates adding $227 to $302 per item.
| Art handling in Washington DC | Details |
|---|---|
| Washington DC movers offering this | 46 of 83 (55.42%) |
| Maryland statewide | 31 of 51 (60.78%) |
| National average | 45.86% |
| Top-rated Washington DC art movers | 495 Movers, Inc, Artisan Movers |
| Per-piece handling fee | $76 to $755 |
| Custom crating per item | $227 to $302 |
UV exposure discolors pigments. Humidity shifts warp canvas and crack paint layers. Impact fractures damage sculpture and frames. Standard moving blankets address none of these risks adequately for high-value artwork. Archival packing materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece are the professional standard for art moving. Verify the mover has documented experience with your specific media type before committing.
Does Washington DC have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 37 of 83 Washington DC movers (44.58%), compared to 52.94% statewide and 36.41% nationally. 495 Movers, Inc (4.8/5) and BoxStar Movers (4.56/5) rate highest for junk removal in Washington DC. Standalone junk removal typically runs $227 to $755 per load.
| Junk removal in Washington DC | Details |
|---|---|
| Washington DC movers offering this | 37 of 83 (44.58%) |
| Maryland statewide | 27 of 51 (52.94%) |
| National average | 36.41% |
| Top-rated Washington DC junk removal movers | 495 Movers, Inc, BoxStar Movers |
| Typical cost per load | $227 to $755 |
| Single large item | $113 to $227 |
Bundling junk removal with a move is almost always cheaper than scheduling it as a separate service. Removing unwanted items before a mover arrives also reduces the billable weight of the shipment, which lowers the base moving cost on weight-based quotes.
Does Washington DC have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 24 of 83 Washington DC movers (28.92%), compared to 17.65% statewide and 23.81% nationally. 495 Movers, Inc (4.8/5) and BoxStar Movers (4.56/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Washington DC. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Washington DC | Details |
|---|---|
| Washington DC movers offering this | 24 of 83 (28.92%) |
| Maryland statewide | 9 of 51 (17.65%) |
| National average | 23.81% |
| Top-rated Washington DC providers | 495 Movers, Inc, BoxStar Movers |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without requiring a full-service packing contract. Professional packing adds $0.15 to $0.21 per pound on average to a move's total cost, so limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce that add-on while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk.
Does Washington DC have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 77 of 83 Washington DC movers (92.77%), compared to 96.08% statewide and 84.88% nationally. 495 Movers, Inc (4.8/5) and Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.62/5) rate highest for storage in Washington DC. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $388/month.
| Storage in Washington DC | Details |
|---|---|
| Washington DC movers offering this | 77 of 83 (92.77%) |
| Maryland statewide | 49 of 51 (96.08%) |
| National average | 84.88% |
| Top-rated Washington DC storage movers | 495 Movers, Inc, Gentle Giant Moving Company |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $388 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $755 |
Storage-in-transit keeps belongings with the mover's network between pickup and delivery, avoiding the cost of a third-party facility transfer. At $0.50 per cubic foot per month, a standard 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) runs roughly $388 per month. For longer gaps, confirm whether the mover's valuation coverage remains active while items are in storage.
Does Washington DC have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 22 of 83 Washington DC movers (26.51%), compared to 31.37% statewide and 21.99% nationally. 495 Movers, Inc (4.8/5) and BoxStar Movers (4.56/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Washington DC. Hot tub moves typically run $227 to $604 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Washington DC | Details |
|---|---|
| Washington DC movers offering this | 22 of 83 (26.51%) |
| Maryland statewide | 16 of 51 (31.37%) |
| National average | 21.99% |
| Top-rated Washington DC hot tub movers | 495 Movers, Inc, BoxStar Movers |
| Bundled with full-service move | $227 to $604 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $453 to $1,208 |
Empty weight for most hot tubs is 500 to 1,000 lbs. The unit must be fully drained, and electrical or plumbing disconnection may require a licensed contractor before the mover can load it. Narrow side-gate access or no direct truck access to the backyard can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price.
Does Washington DC have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 59 of 83 Washington DC movers (71.08%), compared to 72.55% statewide and 72.72% nationally. 495 Movers, Inc (4.8/5) and Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.62/5) rate highest for piano moving in Washington DC. A standalone piano move typically costs $1,208 to $5,285, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Washington DC | Details |
|---|---|
| Washington DC movers offering this | 59 of 83 (71.08%) |
| Maryland statewide | 37 of 51 (72.55%) |
| National average | 72.72% |
| Top-rated Washington DC piano movers | 495 Movers, Inc, Gentle Giant Moving Company |
| Upright piano | $1,208 to $2,265 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,812 to $3,775 |
| Grand piano | $2,718 to $5,285 |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs. Moving either without a piano board, padded blankets, and proper straps risks cracking the soundboard or snapping the legs, damage that a mover's standard released-value policy covers at just $0.60 per pound regardless of the instrument's value. Requesting full valuation coverage specifically for the piano is the most direct way to close that gap. For most moves, bundling piano service into a full-service household move costs less than a standalone piano carrier.
Who are the best movers in Washington DC for small long-distance moves?
BoxStar Movers leads Washington DC's small-move providers with a 4.56/5 moveBuddha score, followed by My Pro Movers at 4.64/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Washington DC?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Washington DC. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Washington DC residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Washington DC?
50 of 83 Washington DC movers (60.24%) offer labor-only services, compared to 45.1% statewide and 54.58% nationally. BoxStar Movers (4.56/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Washington DC, followed by My Pro Movers (4.64/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Washington DC residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Washington DC moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Washington DC. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Washington DC?
Moving costs across Maryland range from $448 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $145/hour) to $3,496 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Maryland mover quotes. The table below shows Maryland statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Washington DC will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Maryland* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $448 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $593 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $913 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,013 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,298 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $3,496 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Maryland. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Maryland statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Washington DC?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Washington DC move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Washington DC, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Washington DC
Do long-distance movers in Washington DC need to be licensed?
Every mover handling a cross-state shipment from Washington DC must hold a valid US Department of Transportation number and maintain FMCSA registration. Of the 83 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Washington DC, 74 are licensed for interstate moves — and every company recommended on this page is among them. Verify any mover's credentials in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
Before your move, read the FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide to understand the consumer protections that apply once you sign with a licensed carrier.
Is a local mover or a national mover better for leaving Washington DC?
Local movers in Washington DC are the most affordable option for moves that stay within Maryland. Of the 83 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Washington DC, 74 are licensed for interstate routes and average $247/hour. The top-rated options are highlighted on this page.
When a move crosses out of Maryland, national movers with dedicated long-distance networks often handle the logistics more smoothly, though at a premium over local rates.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Washington DC?
The cheapest moving window in Washington DC is late fall through early winter. Average lows of 27°F, combined with school schedules and the holiday season, suppress demand and keep mover capacity high. Movers are most open to rate negotiation during this period. For anyone with scheduling flexibility, a November or December move date is the single most reliable way to lower your total cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Washington DC?
When cost is the priority, a DIY move out of the DC is almost always the winner, particularly for moves within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers save roughly 30% compared to full-service movers on equivalent routes, according to moveBuddha's data. The most economical options are a rental truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For more savings strategies on longer moves, see the cheapest ways to move out of state.
