Local moving companies in Pennsylvania
When you are heading from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD, you deserve movers who make your transition simple and stress-free.
Out of 89 Pennsylvania movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Washington DC, MD.
- Gardner Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Town & Country Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 00108945
Years in Business: 103
DOT #: 947009
Gardner Moving, a trusted local moving company serving McDonald, PA, has been providing exceptional residential moving services since 1922. With over a century of experience, Gardner Moving stands out among nearby competitors by offering specialized services like packing, unpacking, and fragile item handling, ensuring a smooth relocation process. They boast an impressive consumer review profile with an average rating of 4.7 on both Yelp and Google, coupled with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. For those in need of reliable and comprehensive local moving services, Gardner Moving is a reputable and highly recommended choice.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8925314
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2969363
Zip to Zip Moving Inc has been a trusted local residential moving company in and around Exton, PA since 2018. With an impressive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, safes, and antiques, they outshine many nearby competitors. Their stellar reputation is backed by numerous positive reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and a perfect score of 5.0 on Google. Additionally, their A rating from the Better Business Bureau further cements their standing as a reputable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8922932
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 345157
Alternate Names: Exclusive Services, Inc.
Don Farr Moving & Storage, a trusted name in West Mifflin, PA since 1982, specializes in local residential moving services. While consumer reviews are mixed, with average ratings of 2.2 on Yelp and 3.6 on Google, their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau stands out. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialty moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Compared to other nearby movers, Don Farr’s extensive experience and variety of services make them a solid choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 8917264
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage
Armstrong Relocation, a local moving company in Mount Joy, PA, has been providing residential moving services since 1950. They distinguish themselves with a broad range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, as well as the expertise to move pianos, art, and antiques. Unlike many nearby competitors, Armstrong Relocation accepts credit cards and requires no deposit. With an impressive 205 reviews on Google averaging 4.7 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their strong reputation is a testament to their reliability and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00123180
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 861241
Alternate Names: Genco Enterprises, LLC
Town & Country Moving & Storage, based in Chester Springs, PA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1987. Known for their comprehensive offerings, they also handle office relocations, packing and unpacking services, and specialize in moving delicate items such as pianos and antiques. While their Yelp reviews average a 2.9 rating, their Google profile boasts a stronger 4.5 rating, and they hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other local movers, their extensive experience and higher ratings on key platforms suggest they are a reputable choice for a range of moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD
See the table below for average move cost ranges from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD, organized by service type and the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $787 – $2,756 | $572 – $1,371 | $260 – $441 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,310 – $4,084 | $1,019 – $1,913 | $272 – $506 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,813 – $5,440 | $1,299 – $2,426 | $340 – $592 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 224-mile move from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. Every month, moveBuddha refreshes thousands of verified pricing entries from moving companies around the country to mirror seasonal changes and market trends. Final costs may shift with the scale of your move, selected add-ons, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and schedule. Get multiple quotes to ensure you’re seeing accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD, will cost between $787 and $2,756. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,310 to $4,084, and a large move will cost from $1,813 to $5,440.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD
If you’re moving from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD, expect to pay between $572 and $1,371 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,019 up to $1,913. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,299 and $2,426. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD, with a rental truck, expect to spend between $260 and $441. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $272 and $506. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $340 up to $592 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardner Moving | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Don Farr Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| The Armstrong Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Town & Country Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
From our review of 3,175 movers, see how Pennsylvania movers match up to the nationwide percentage of movers offering these services and discounts:
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 96% | 96% |
| Antiques | 52% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Washington DC, MD to what you’re used to in Pennsylvania. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Washington DC, MD
| Pennsylvania | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,110 | $2,400 |
| Average home cost | $268,824 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,170 | $101,722 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 151 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 7.0% |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 5.75% |
Washington DC sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Washington DC is about 116% higher than in Pennsylvania, so make sure to budget extra for your monthly rent.
- In Washington DC, expect home prices to be about 121% higher than in Pennsylvania. Get ready for a bigger down payment, increased property taxes, and higher overall homeownership expenses.
- Salaries in Washington DC are typically 39% higher than in Pennsylvania. That extra income can make it easier to manage your living costs or boost your savings.
- Unemployment in Washington DC is about 106% higher than in Pennsylvania, so the job market may be more competitive. Be strategic in your job hunt and consider networking early.
- Income taxes in Maryland come in about 87% higher than in Pennsylvania, which can reduce how much of your earnings you actually keep.
How life is different in Washington DC from Pennsylvania
| Washington DC | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 12,961,683 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 14″ | 38″ |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 17.62 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the most recent presidential race, both Pennsylvania and Maryland leaned Republican.
- Expect summer highs around 89ºF in Washington DC, compared to an average of 83ºF in Pennsylvania. With the extra sunshine comes more opportunities for outdoor fun, but be ready for higher cooling bills and a warmer day-to-day experience.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Washington DC typically reach lows of about 27ºF, while Pennsylvania can dip as low as 19ºF. By moving to Washington DC, you’ll start to experience milder winters, making everyday life more comfortable, saving money, and giving you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- You’ll get about 43 inches of rain each year in Washington DC, which is pretty close to the 44 inches you’re familiar with in Pennsylvania. However, even with similar rainfall totals, don’t be surprised if shifts in weather patterns and rainfall timing shake up your daily routine.
- In Washington DC, you’ll only get about 14 inches of snow each year, much less than Pennsylvania. That means moving to Washington DC brings milder winters, less time shoveling, and lower maintenance.
- Crime rates in Washington DC are higher than in Pennsylvania, with a crime index of 60.37 compared to 17.62. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good idea to look into local crime data and consider how it could impact your everyday life.
Things to do in Washington DC
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Washington DC truly offers something for everyone.
Museums in Washington DC
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Gallery of Art
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- National Air and Space Museum
Parks in Washington DC
- National Mall
- National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden
- Rock Creek Park
- Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
- The Yards Park
Sports teams in Washington DC
- Washington Wizards (NBA)
- Washington Capitals (NHL)
- Washington Mystics (WNBA)
- D.C. Untied (MLS)
- Washington Commanders (NFL)
Universities in Washington DC
- American University
- Catholic University of America
- Gallaudet University
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University
Other considerations when moving to Washington DC, MD
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: Something you’ll want to sort out early is booking your building’s elevator and checking their rules for moving.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you’ll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Verify your Maryland moving license on the state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Maryland does not require any moving permits, but it’s helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, so your mail will be forwarded to Maryland right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from Pennsylvania to Washington DC take?
How long it takes to move from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, MD depends on your starting point and the type of move you select. Regardless of your choice, packing and loading your belongings usually only takes a day or less, even when you’re doing it yourself.
Planning a move from northern Pennsylvania to Washington DC? Be prepared for a longer haul. If you’re renting a truck, set aside one to two days for the journey. Your travel time will depend on your route and how many breaks you take.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Washington DC from Pennsylvania can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to Washington DC?
With a 224-mile move from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, it’s smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Washington DC, MD?
Summer highs in Washington DC can hit 89°F, while winter lows drop to 27°F. That’s why most people moving from Pennsylvania to Washington DC choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
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