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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local movers in Washington DC, MD

Hiring a full-service Washington DC mover is definitely the most convenient option, but that convenience comes at a cost — professional movers tend to be more expensive than other moving options. If you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you and you can afford it, hire a full-service moving company for your Washington DC move.

Here's how much professional movers cost in Washington DC based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $303 $118 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $421 $118 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedroom $683 $166 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedroom $1,577 $232 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedroom $1,809 $232 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedroom $2,785 $325 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Washington DC to move a studio apartment is $118 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
  • One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom Washington DC apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $118, and require two movers.
  • Two bedrooms: It will cost $166 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in Washington DC to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: Local Washington DC movers charge an average hourly rate of $232 for a three-bedroom home. A move of this size will usually take eight hours to complete using four movers.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom house in Washington DC, you can expect to pay $232 per hour for nine hours. You'll likely need a four-person moving crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: If your Washington DC home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $325 an hour, on average, for five movers. Moves this size usually take about ten hours to complete.

It's worth noting that the cost per hour for Washington DC movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $118 per hour for two movers to $325 per hour for five movers. As the size of your home increases, the number of movers and hours required for the move also increases, resulting in a higher total cost.

Overall, hiring local Washington DC movers is a convenient and stress-free way to move within the city. By knowing the approximate cost for your home size, you can budget accordingly and make informed decisions for your upcoming move.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Washington DC move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in Washington DC, MD

Our expert team has thoroughly analyzed licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to identify the top local moving companies in Washington DC.

  1. 495 Movers, Inc: 5.0 out of 5 stars
  2. Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Olympia Moving & Storage: 5.0 out of 5 stars
  5. Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/495movingandstorage/, https://twitter.com/495moversinc
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (23%)
  • Professional and polite staff (20%)
  • Good communication (19%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
Moving with a well-organized team can transform a stressful day into a smooth experience. Across 410 reviews for 495 Movers, 83.7% of feedback is positive, reflecting results that outpace many competitors. Most customers found efficient service, careful handling, and friendly, professional movers who kept fragile belongings safe and finished jobs on (or ahead of) schedule. Many appreciated clear estimates, honest pricing, and responsive communication before and during the move. Free packing supplies and flexibility made preparation easier, and follow-up calls reassured customers their move details were covered. A much smaller portion of feedback reports dissatisfaction. Some customers cite damage to their items, unexpected charges not matching estimates, or lost belongings—especially for long-distance or storage moves. A few also mentioned that claims for lost or broken possessions were hard to resolve, and communication could suffer after the move. Negative experiences frequently came with higher costs or struggles reaching resolution, leaving affected customers frustrated. Most feedback highlights efficiency, a courteous team, attention to detail, and billing transparency. Problems with damage or unexpected fees, though rare, are more common than with industry leaders renowned for flawless claims handling and rigid cost guarantees. On balance, 495 Movers is rated better than most moving companies for local or regional moves, especially for customers seeking cost clarity and respectful crews.
Get a Quote (855) 243-1717

Company Info

State license #: 1893270

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 1893270


Services Offered

  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/zipmovingatlanta/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (28%)
  • Efficient service (25%)
  • Careful handling (22%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (15%)
  • Unexpected charges (12%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)
Review Analysis
Moving made simple—Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. stands out for efficient, professional service and careful attention to belongings. In an analysis of 372 customer reviews, 91% of the input praised the company's fast moving teams, careful handling of items, professionalism, prompt communication, and swift processes. Most feedback highlights that movers arrive on time, work efficiently, and treat possessions with respect, which is often hard to find among competitors. Many also note transparent pricing and flexibility when scheduling or dealing with last-minute changes. While positive feedback dominates, some customers report problems with damages to items, unexpected cost increases, or delays in delivery, especially for long-distance moves. Compared to other movers, Zip consistently delivers a reliable, courteous experience but could improve by minimizing damages and clarifying pricing for every customer.
Get a Quote (855) 947-6543

Company Info

State license #: 2586700

Pricing: $125/hr

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 3306591


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (36%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Good communication (26%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (32%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (28%)
  • Lack of communication (24%)
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking. On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/OlympiaMovingandStorage/, https://twitter.com/olympiams
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Careful handling (29%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
  • Damage to items (20%)
Review Analysis
Rave reviews dominate Olympia Moving & Storage’s customer feedback, with over 83% of 383 reviews rating the company positively. Customers consistently praise their efficient service, attentive staff, careful handling of possessions, strong communication, and the speed of their moving process. Olympia stands out for delivering a low-stress experience, seamless coordination, and trustworthy teams, which is especially noteworthy compared to many competitors in the moving industry. On the downside, a portion of clients report significant issues: the most common complaints involve damaged or lost items, cost overruns from inaccurate estimates, and missing possessions. Several negative comments highlight struggles with costly and frustrating claims processes, as well as challenges in resolving high-value property damage or loss after storage. Neutral feedback typically mentions minor mishaps, miscommunications, or additional fees, yet still acknowledges courteous service and competence from the moving crews. Olympia typically delivers an efficient, professional moving experience but, like most national movers, may fall short when it comes to high-value item care or providing exact cost certainty for larger, complex moves.
Get a Quote (703) 566-4391

Company Info

State license #: 70719

Years in Business: 32

DOT #: 70719


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/SuburbanHQ, https://twitter.com/SuburbSolutions
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (45%)
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Good communication (35%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
Review Analysis
When efficiency meets professionalism, Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport stands out with 479 customer reviews, 85% of which are strongly positive. Customers consistently highlight the company’s efficient service, courteous staff, excellent communication, careful handling of belongings, and quick moving process. These strengths, combined with reasonable pricing and true-to-estimate costs, make them a top choice compared to other moving companies. Negative feedback, which makes up about 12% of reviews, points to damage to items, late arrivals, and higher-than-expected charges. Some customers also report issues with lost items or insufficient follow-up after problems occur. Neutral input (about 3%) usually mentions satisfactory but unexceptional service, occasional minor damages, or that the value didn’t match the price paid. Suburban Solutions is praised for prompt, professional moves and willing customer support that resolves many problems effectively, but lapses in care or organization can still impact the experience. Compared to other movers, they are commended for reliability, communication, and a track record of positive feedback, with most reviewers trusting and recommending their service even after multiple moves.
Get a Quote (301) 928-8669

Company Info

State license #: 2105554

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2105554


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

Visit our best movers in Washington DC page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you're moving outside of Washington DC, consider one of Washington DC's top long-distance movers.

Moving costs in other nearby Maryland citiestoggle

Average cost to hire interstate movers in Washington DC, MD

Since the cost of moving out of Washington DC depends so much on where you're moving, we've included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to Washington DC or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Washington DC

The cost to move a studio apartment or one-bedroom home out of state from Washington DC depends on the moving method you choose, how much stuff you have, and how far you're moving.

Take a look at some example costs to move a one-bedroom cross-country:

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Washington DC

As with any move, the cost to relocate a two- or three-bedroom from Washington DC can vary widely based on move size, distance, and time of year.

Here is a look at some two- and three-bedroom move costs out of Washington DC:

Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Washington DC

The cost to move a four-bedroom or larger home out of Maryland will be significantly higher than for one- or two-bedroom houses, since a bigger house typically means more items. Movers calculate long-distance moves, in part, based on the total estimated volume and weight of your household belongings.

While moving costs can vary, take a look at these cost ranges for moving four or more bedrooms out of Washington DC:

Best interstate moving companies in Washington DC, MD

Now that you have an idea of what your move from Washington DC should cost, it's time to start looking at the best interstate moving companies. We vetted each one, examining their pricing, services, and our own real-life customer reviews to pick the best options for you.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Washington DC, MD

The cost of moving containers, such as PODS, will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in Washington DC. The exact PODS cost you'll pay will depend on whether you use an eight-, 12-, or 16-foot container (note: 12-foot containers are only available for local moves). The distance of your move will also greatly impact cost.

A local Washington DC move within 50 miles of your home will run between $220 and $813, while long-distance moves (100-250 miles) will typically cost $250–$2,107. Container pricing on cross-country moves from Washington DC can cost an average range of $2,068–$7,448.

Here's a breakdown of related PODS costs:

  • Storage fee: $149–$359 (first 30 days is free)
  • Damage coverage: 10–$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
  • Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)

If you're looking for the cost-savings of a DIY move and the convenience of full-service movers, moving containers like PODS are a great option. You'll handle loading and unloading, but they will drop off your empty container at your current home, pick it up once it's loaded, and deliver it to your new location. This means you won't have to worry about driving.

PODS is our overall top pick for moving containers in Washington DC based on their stellar reputation, nationwide availability, and multiple container sizes and insurance plans. But you should take a look at least two other highly rated moving container companies on our list to see which one offers the right combination of services and pricing for your move.

Best moving containers in Washington DC, MD

The best Washington DC moving container companies provide multiple container sizes, pricing transparency and deals, and secure, state-of-the-art facilities for longer-term storage needs. They should also have a solid reputation for quality customer service and efficient drop-off and pickup of containers.

Check out these highly rated moving containers:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost to rent a moving truck in Washington DC, MD

You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in Washington DC will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in Washington DC ranges from $19-$39 per day.

While cheaper than full-service moving companies, you'll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading them on the truck, hauling them to your new spot, and unloading everything there.

Here are the typical costs of Washington DC rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19–$39 per day
  • Mileage fee: $0.99–$1.19 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20–$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • How far you drive the truck
  • How long you have the truck rental
  • Additional insurance
  • Parking
  • Toll fees
  • Fuel
  • Accommodations and dining
  • Moving equipment rentals

Best moving truck rentals in Washington DC, MD

The best moving truck rentals in Washington DC provide affordable rates with no hidden fees, a variety of truck sizes, and plenty of physical locations across the U.S. for convenient rental returns.

These top moving truck rentals certainly fit the bill:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Washington DC, MD

The average cost of labor-only moving companies in Washington DC is an hourly rate of $42 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $84.6 per hour to hire labor assistance in Washington DC.

Best labor-only moving companies in Washington DC

The best Washington DC labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.

We like these top-notch labor-only movers:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of movers in Washington DC, MD

The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Washington DC, MD, is distance, but there are several other price considerations to keep in mind, including:

  • The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
  • When you move: You'll usually pay more to move during peak season (May–September) because demand is higher. Similarly, the time of month and day of the week you book your move will impact cost. Demand will be higher the first and last of each month, when leases change over, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the most popular moving days. To save money on your move, consider booking during the week and in the middle of one of the off-season months, if possible.
  • The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
  • Any add-on services you select: Even if you go with a DIY move, you may want to hire third-party movers to assist you with loading and unloading. And professional movers offer a variety of optional services like packing and unpacking to help customize and streamline your relocation. But these additional services will come at an extra cost.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Have important documentation. Places like high rises and managed apartments will often require a copy of your mover's insurance and elevator reservation on moving day.
  • Get approval. Check ahead with any neighborhood, community, or HOA rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Secure a parking permit (if needed). The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
  • Check state licensing laws. 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.
  • Invest in moving insurance. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.

Work with your movers to ensure all these items are taken care of before moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move to Washington DC?

If you want to save money, you can hire a container company, where you do the packing and loading, and they transport your belongings in Washington DC for you, or you can rent a moving truck and handle it all on your own.

Here are the average moving costs from Washington DC to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Portland $2,539 - $6,460 $1,433 - $2,946 $548 - $1,085
Nashville $2,632 - $6,760 $1,578 - $3,204 $628 - $1,371
Cheyenne $3,728 - $7,799 $2,226 - $4,399 $1,265 - $2,563

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