($35+) Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $32 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,381 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 $371, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $3,381 or more.
- Moving containers run $107 - $1,432, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $32 - $125.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $720 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 Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
Moving options from Washington DC to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $720 - $2,245 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 Washington DC to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $371 - $1,117 | $107 - $731 | $32 - $86 | $0 - $0 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $720 - $2,245 | $338 - $1,016 | $41 - $109 | $0 - $0 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,113 - $3,381 | $697 - $1,432 | $55 - $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 Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 4-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Arlington, Virginia, with prices running from $371 - $3,381. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $469 - $3,124 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Washington DC and Arlington are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Washington DC movers tend to run around $180 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $371 - $1,117
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $720 - $2,245
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,113 - $3,381
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 Washington DC to Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Virginia. 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 Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $781 - $7,810 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $312 - $1,874/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $469 - $3,749 |
| 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 | $1,562 - $4,686 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,905 - $15,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,170 - $2,223 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,562 - $3,905 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,250 - $5,467 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $469 - $2,343 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,015 - $3,124 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $469 - $23,430+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $469 - $5,467+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Arlington?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Washington DC, MD?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Washington DC to Arlington with a local mover averages $748 - $2,334. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Washington DC, MD can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Washington DC, ranked #1 in Maryland, 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 Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $107 and $1,432. 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 Arlington. If you go over that window, storage in Washington DC adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $107 - $731
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $338 - $1,016
- 4+ bedrooms: $697 - $1,432
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $1,093 in Washington DC, MD. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $117 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $234 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Arlington, VA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland to Virginia 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 $338 - $1,016, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Arlington?
- 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
A rental truck for this 4-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $32 and $125. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $2 - $2
- Daily insurance: $47/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $31
- Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $32 - $86
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $41 - $109
- 4+ bedrooms: $55 - $125
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $32 - $125 when pricing out a rental truck from Washington DC to Arlington. Fuel alone runs ($2 - $2) , and overnight lodging ($234/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,093.
- 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 $94 and $508, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $234 per night for hotel stops on the 4-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $469 - $703.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Arlington?
- 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 Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
If you're moving a larger household from Washington DC, Maryland, 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 Arlington, Virginia.
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 Washington DC to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $0 - $0
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $0 - $0
- 4+ bedrooms: $0 - $0
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $117 - $234 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, typically costs $1,093.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Washington DC to Arlington, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Arlington, VA
Good news for your budget: Arlington isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Washington DC. Cost of living index runs 164 there against 151 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 - 77/100 and 39.63/100 here versus 71/100 and 79.15/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Virginia, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 52 movers licensed in Maryland, useful context for sizing up this 4-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Washington DC, MD, to Arlington, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $371 for a studio to $3,381 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 4-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $107 - $1,432. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $32 - $125, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $720 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Arlington, VA
How walkable is Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 77 and 70 in Washington DC. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Arlington?
For families, Arlington Ridge, Barcroft, and Chain Bridge Forest are worth a look in Arlington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Aurora Highlands, Ballston-Virginia Square, and Bluemont tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What do local movers charge in Washington DC?
Local movers based in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Arlington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
