($35+) Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $34 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,311 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 4 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes to days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $390, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $3,311 or more.
- Moving containers run $107 - $1,405, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $34 - $125.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $684 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
Moving options from Arlington to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $684 - $2,241 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 4 miles, this route usually takes to days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 4-mile route from Arlington to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $390 - $1,106 | $107 - $738 | $34 - $80 | $0 - $0 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $684 - $2,241 | $318 - $1,006 | $41 - $108 | $0 - $0 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,026 - $3,311 | $711 - $1,405 | $58 - $125 | $0 - $0 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 4-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, with costs ranging from $390 - $3,311. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $476 - $3,176. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Arlington and Washington DC. Local movers in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $390 - $1,106
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $684 - $2,241
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,026 - $3,311
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Arlington to Washington DC.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Maryland. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Washington DC, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $794 - $7,940 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $318 - $1,906/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $476 - $3,811 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,588 - $4,764 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,970 - $15,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,189 - $2,260 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,588 - $3,970 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,270 - $5,558 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $476 - $2,382 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,032 - $3,176 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $476 - $23,820+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $476 - $5,558+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Washington DC?
Look for Maryland Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Maryland beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Arlington, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Arlington to Washington DC with a local mover averages $664 - $2,174. Working with a local mover based in Arlington, VA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Arlington, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.7% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $107 and $1,405. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Washington DC. If you go over that window, storage in Arlington adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $107 - $738
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $318 - $1,006
- 4+ bedrooms: $711 - $1,405
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Arlington, VA and Washington DC, MD. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,112 in Arlington, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $119 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $238 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Maryland move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $107. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $318 - $1,006, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Arlington to Washington DC?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Arlington to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Arlington:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
Renting a moving truck for the 4-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $34 and $125, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $2 - $2
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $34 - $80
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $41 - $108
- 4+ bedrooms: $58 - $125
Pro tip: The base rate of $34 - $125 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Arlington to Washington DC. Fuel ($2 - $2) , lodging at around $238/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,112.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $2 - $2 for the 4-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $95 and $516, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $238 per night for hotel stops on the 4-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $476 - $715.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Washington DC?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
If you're moving a larger household from Arlington, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Washington DC, Maryland.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $0 and $0.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $0 - $0
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $0 - $0
- 4+ bedrooms: $0 - $0
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $119 and $238.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $1,112.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Washington DC quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Washington DC, MD
Good news for your budget: Washington DC isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Arlington. Cost of living index runs 151 there against 164 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 71/100 and 79.15/100 here versus 77/100 and 39.63/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Maryland, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Virginia alone has 104 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 4-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Arlington, VA, to Washington DC, MD, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $390 - $3,311 on the 4-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $107 - $1,405, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $34 - $125. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $684 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Washington DC, MD
What is the best time of year to move from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Maryland?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($2 - $2), daily insurance ($48/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $238/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Washington DC?
Washington DC has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, compared to 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD?
Costs on this route range from around $390 to $3,311, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $390 and $3,311, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
