Moving from Washington DC to Atlanta: Cost and Tips

Atlanta is one of the coolest cities in the country! (My opinion but it’s certainly true).

So I understand completely why anyone would want to move there.

But one big question you should ask up front:

How much will it cost to move from Washington DC to Atlanta?

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Washington DC to Atlanta is $2,600-$4,200 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.

Get an even better idea of your particular moving cost using them moving cost estimator.

Ready to get a full grasp on the factors that affect the cost of your cross country move?

Let’s dive right in.

*Pricing above does not include lodging, gas, tolls, and other moving-related expenses.

Why Do The Moving Costs Vary So Much?

Numerous factors affect the price of your move. Knowing what makes your move more costly can help you save money. So, take a look at what causes your move to be more expensive.

Inbound vs. Outbound Demand

Inbound and outbound demand is one of the most significant factors in the price movers are willing to accept to move you. If many people are moving to or from a location, moving companies typically charge less.

If your starting location and ending location are both in high demand, your move will be less because it is easier for the moving company to get another job. If the company has to head back to the starting location without another job scheduled, they will want you to pay more to cover the company’s expenses.

When you are moving from Washington, D.C. to Atlanta, you are not alone. More people are moving from cities like Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago to less populated cities like Atlanta.

Off vs. Peak Season Moving Expenses

Moving during peak season will also affect your moving expenses. The summer months are always a popular time for people to move. Kids are out of school, and that makes it easier for families to relocate.

Holidays, school breaks, and weekends are also peak times. So, if you want to save the most money, you should try scheduling your move during the week. Moving on a Monday or Tuesday will likely be less costly.

Services That Make Your Move More Costly

Some services make moving more expensive. The products and services that add to your moving cost include:

• Professional packing
• Packing materials
• Moving blankets
• Moving boxes
• Tie downs
• Property protection insurance
• Mattress covers
• A storage unit
• Dolly and tool rentals

Hiring Professional Movers

Hiring full-service movers is the most costly way to move. Full-service means that the moving company will pack, load, and move your belongings. While this is the most expensive way to move, some situations require movers.

For example, if you are a single person and own a lot of heavy furniture, you will likely need to hire people to help you. If you want to save money, packing your belongings can go a long way.

However, professional movers are quick, and they know how to pack valuables, so they do not get damaged in transit.

What could take you days to finish they can do in a few short hours, leaving you more time to settle in at your new home.

Additional Expenses to Consider

While hiring movers or renting a truck is one of the most significant move-related expenses to consider, there are a few other notable things you need to include in your budget.

Travel Expenses

Moving your belongings is only one part of your move. You also need to figure out how your family will get to your new home. If you drive, you will need to fill up with gas a few times. The trip from Washington, D.C. to Atlanta is just over nine hours by car.

So, you do not need to worry about booking a hotel. However, you may want to stop for food. Depending on the time of year you are traveling, the gas price may be higher.

Mileage and Gas Prices

The distance between your new home and existing home plays a role in your moving cost. The further you are moving, the more a company will charge. Likewise, if gas prices are higher, your move will cost more.

Transportation

If you own a car in Washington, D.C., you will need to figure out how to get your car to Atlanta. You will need your vehicle in Atlanta because you do not have the public transportation options available in D.C.

Even if you live and work in downtown Atlanta, it will be challenging to go grocery shopping, meet up with friends, or enjoy Atlanta’s amenities if you do not have a car because the city is spread out.

Luckily, many moving companies also offer vehicle transporting. So, you may be able to work out a package deal with your moving company.

Paying for Peace of Mind

Most states require movers to carry liability insurance. However, these policies typically payout less than a dollar per pound for lost or damaged property. If you have valuable collectibles, the standard coverage will not come close to paying to replace them.

So, many homeowners invest in a personal property protection policy. The cost is around one percent of the value of your home’s contents. So, if you want to insure items worth $100,000, your policy will be around $1,000.

More people are moving from major cities like Washington, D.C., to ‘secondary cities’ like Atlanta, GA. While Washington, D.C. has many great features for residents, Atlanta offers affordable housing, a diverse city, and plenty of job opportunities.

Culture

Washington, D.C. is a diverse destination, but Atlanta offers an even wider variety of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. There are tons of authentic places to eat, and the city hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year.

Weather

The weather in Atlanta is milder, so residents can spend more time outdoors. However, you still enjoy all four seasons.

So, many people from Washington, D.C., and other northern cities choose Atlanta over southern towns in Florida or Texas that tend to be hotter year-round.

Job Opportunities

There are numerous job opportunities in Atlanta. Some of the top fields in the area are manufacturing, healthcare, sales and retail, business management, engineering, and construction. However, there are openings in nearly every field.

Lower Cost Of Living

Housing and other expenses are significantly less expensive in Atlanta, 40 percent less than Washington, D.C. Atlanta residents enjoy lower utilities, rent, home prices, gas, food, entertainment, and transportation.

You already know that Atlanta is a great place to live. After all, that is why you are researching moving costs to ‘the city among the hills.’ There are some areas of town that are more desirable than others. So, if you are looking for a place in Atlanta, check these neighborhoods out first.

Summerhill

Summerhill is an up and coming area. Not long ago, there were vacancies, and some of the strip centers in the area were run down. Today, these parts of the neighborhood are being restored. There are also numerous multi-family properties underway in the area. So, Summerhill is a great place to look for leasing specials.

However, the prices in the area are rising fast. A renovated single-family property will cost you around $500,000. If you are handy with DIY home repairs, Summerhill is an excellent place to invest. However, you will need to act fast because real estate goes quickly in this neighborhood.

Buckhead Village

Do you enjoy living in an area free of vehicle traffic? If so, Buckhead Village is the place for you. The area is a car-free zone, but you do not need a car because most restaurants, bars, and grocers are within walking distance.

The area is unpractical for those who commute, but if you work from home and you do not have a vehicle, Buckhead Village is a wonderful place to reside. There are numerous new and older homes and apartment buildings. However, you can expect to spend at least $1,800 a month on a small flat.

Buckhead Village is unique and offers residents a posh lifestyle with manicured streets and hip shops, but that all comes at a price.

If this sounds interesting to you, consider Atlantic Station. Very similar vibe.

Westview

If you are looking for a more affordable place to live, you should check in Westview. While the real estate market is hot, you can still find fixer-uppers that have not been neglected too badly. Generally, homeowners in the older neighborhood take pride in their properties.

Plus, several outdoor trails and one-off restaurants in the neighborhood make Westview an underappreciated gem.

Underwood Hills

Underwood Hills is the perfect place to buy your first home. There are numerous condos that date back to the late 70s and early 80s that have been well maintained. You can find an updated condo in Underwood Hills in the low to mid-100s.

There are also apartments available for lease. A one-bedroom in an older complex will cost you around $1050 per month. You can also find rooms for rent and buildings converted into multi-unit properties that are budget-friendly.

Piedmont Heights

If you want to be in the middle of Atlanta but tucked away in a neighborhood, many do not even realize exists, Piedmont Heights is the place for you. It offers a great variety of historic single-family homes.

There you find Antebellum period homes and the second-oldest residence in the city along Montgomery Ferry Road. You also find new and old restaurants giving the area an exciting feeling of being in the middle of a subtle transition.

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