($108+) Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $108 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,032 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 108 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $538, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,032 or more.
- Moving containers run $704 - $1,810, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $108 - $196.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Richmond, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,028 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC to Richmond: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,028 - $3,229. Containers cost roughly 19% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 89% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 108 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 108-mile route from Washington DC to Richmond, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $538 - $2,445 | $704 - $1,156 | $108 - $159 | $591 - $1,010 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,028 - $3,229 | $835 - $1,538 | $110 - $184 | $681 - $1,256 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,484 - $4,032 | $1,056 - $1,810 | $130 - $196 | $906 - $1,523 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
For the 108-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $538 and $4,032. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $386 - $2,572 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Washington DC generally start around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $538 - $2,445
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,028 - $3,229
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,484 - $4,032
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 Richmond.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Richmond, 65% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $643 - $6,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $257 - $1,543/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $386 - $3,086 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,286 - $3,858 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,215 - $12,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $963 - $1,830 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,286 - $3,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,029 - $4,501 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $386 - $1,929 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $836 - $2,572 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $386 - $19,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $386 - $4,501+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Richmond?
Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Virginia, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 Richmond with a local mover averages $977 - $3,068. Working with a local mover based in Washington DC, MD 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 the top overall local mover in Washington DC, ranked #1 in Maryland, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,128 customers, 89.5% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $704 and $1,810. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Washington DC typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $704 - $1,156
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $835 - $1,538
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,056 - $1,810
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Washington DC, MD and Richmond, VA. 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 $900 in Washington DC, MD, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $96 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $193 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 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 $704. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $835 - $1,538.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Richmond?
- 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:
- Straightline Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
Plan on $108 - $196 for a rental moving truck on the 108-mile route from Washington DC, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $44 - $51
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- 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 Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $108 - $159
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $110 - $184
- 4+ bedrooms: $130 - $196
Pro tip: The base rate of $108 - $196 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Washington DC to Richmond. Fuel ($44 - $51), lodging at around $193/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
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 $900.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $44 - $51 for the 108-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 $77 and $418, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $193 per night for hotel stops on the 108-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $386 - $579.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Richmond?
- 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, Virginia.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $681 and $1,256.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $591 - $1,010
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $681 - $1,256
- 4+ bedrooms: $906 - $1,523
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Washington DC, Maryland, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $900.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $96 - $193 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Richmond?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Richmond fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Richmond, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Richmond, side by side with Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 95 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,595/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $327,959 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $62,671/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 51/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 51.55/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Virginia in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 220 movers based in Maryland, handy for sizing up options on this 108-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Washington DC, MD, to Richmond, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $538 - $4,032 on the 108-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $704 - $1,810 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $108 - $196 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,028 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Brink's and CarMax.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Richmond, VA
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Richmond run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Richmond?
For families, Bellevue, Byrd Park, and Museum District are worth a look in Richmond. If you're moving solo or without kids, Monroe Ward, The Fan District, and The Museum District tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Richmond?
Richmond has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 51, 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 percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.