($141+) Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA

Moving from Arlington, VA, to Harrisburg, PA, runs anywhere from $141 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,946 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 120 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 $637, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $3,946 or more.
  • Moving containers run $712 - $2,011, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $141 - $279.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Harrisburg, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,094 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA

There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Harrisburg: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,094 - $3,163. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 120-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 120-mile route from Arlington to Harrisburg, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $637 - $2,829 $712 - $1,285 $141 - $224 $674 - $1,168
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,094 - $3,163 $923 - $1,731 $146 - $262 $745 - $1,371
4+ bedrooms $1,496 - $3,946 $1,257 - $2,011 $178 - $279 $967 - $1,592

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA

Full-service movers for the 120-mile relocation from Arlington, Virginia, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, cost between $637 and $3,946. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $403 - $2,688, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Arlington typically charge a base rate around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Harrisburg:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $637 - $2,829
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,094 - $3,163
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,496 - $3,946

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 Harrisburg.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA

Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Harrisburg, 79% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$672 - $6,720
Storage in transitNew place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$269 - $1,613/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$403 - $3,226
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers$1,344 - $4,032
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,360 - $13,440
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,007 - $1,913
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$1,344 - $3,360
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$1,075 - $4,704
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers$403 - $2,016
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$874 - $2,688
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$403 - $20,160+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$403 - $4,704+

What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Harrisburg?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

How much do local movers cost in Arlington, VA?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Arlington to Harrisburg with a local mover averages $1,094 - $3,163. 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 Harrisburg, PA

Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, cost between $712 and $2,011. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Arlington costs roughly $100/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Harrisburg:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $712 - $1,285
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $923 - $1,731
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,257 - $2,011

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Arlington, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $941, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $101 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $202 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Arlington, VA, and Harrisburg, PA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Pennsylvania 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 $712. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $923 - $1,731, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Arlington to Harrisburg?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Harrisburg, PA

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 120 miles from Arlington, Virginia, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, running $141 - $279. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $51 - $59
  • Daily insurance: $40/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
  • Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Harrisburg based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $141 - $224
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $146 - $262
  • 4+ bedrooms: $178 - $279

Pro tip: A rental truck from Arlington to Harrisburg looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $141 - $279. But once you factor in fuel ($51 - $59) , overnight lodging ($202/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

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 $941.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $51 - $59 for the 120-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 $81 and $437, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $202 per night for hotel stops on the 120-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $403 - $605.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Harrisburg?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Harrisburg, PA

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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

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 $745 and $1,371.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Harrisburg:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $674 - $1,168
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $745 - $1,371
  • 4+ bedrooms: $967 - $1,592

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 $101 and $202.
  • 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 $941.

What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Harrisburg?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Harrisburg 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: Arlington, VA vs Harrisburg, PA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Harrisburg, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Arlington, VA Harrisburg, PA
Cost of living index16490
Average rent$2,718/mo$1,200/mo
Median home value$866,334$121,765
Average income$140,160/yr$47,783/yr
Unemployment rate4.0%13.4%
State income taxUp to 5.75%Up to 3.07%
Walkability score71/10068/100
Safety index79.15/10035.82/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 Harrisburg, PA to Arlington, VA guide.

Why book your mover through moveBuddha:

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Our take

The 120-mile move from Arlington, VA, to Harrisburg, PA, costs between $637 and $3,946 with full-service movers, $712 - $2,011 with a moving container, and $141 - $279 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,094 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Valenti Mid-Atlantic Management LLC.

FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Harrisburg, PA

What are the best neighborhoods in Harrisburg?

For families, Bellevue Park, Uptown, and Olde Uptown are worth a look in Harrisburg. If you're moving solo or without kids, Midtown, SoMa, and Capitol District tend to be popular picks instead.

How long does a move from Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What do local movers charge in Arlington?

Local movers based in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $110/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 Harrisburg run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA?

Costs on this route range from around $637 to $3,946, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $637 and $3,946, 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.