Highly rated local moving companies for Indianapolis to Washington DC moves
Organizing a move from Indianapolis to Washington DC can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 27 local movers in Indianapolis known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Indianapolis to Washington DC.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving and Storage Company , Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies , Planes Specialized Logistics , Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: Crown Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Washington DC?
On average, moving companies in Indiana charge about $130 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,098 – $3,000 | $715 – $1,722 | $425 – $839 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,067 – $4,987 | $1,265 – $2,454 | $492 – $920 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,573 – $7,563 | $1,605 – $2,979 | $566 – $1,155 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Washington DC
When planning a move to Washington DC from Indianapolis, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,098 and $3,000. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,067 and $4,987 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,573 to $7,563.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Washington DC
When you’re heading from Indianapolis to Washington DC, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $715 and $1,722. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,265 and $2,454. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,605 to $2,979. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Indiana easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Washington DC
A moving rental truck from Indianapolis to Washington DC is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $425 to $839. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $492 to $920, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Indianapolis to Washington DC costs around $566 to $1,155.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Indianapolis to Washington DC
The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Indianapolis to Washington DC may only cost $1,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,275.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Indianapolis.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($425–$1,104), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Washington DC
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Washington DC runs about 41% higher for singles and 66% higher for families than Indianapolis.
Singles spend around $3,963 in Indianapolis versus $2,804 in Indianapolis; families pay $11,093 compared with $6,667.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Indianapolis | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $2,568 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $5,417 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $101,722 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $3,963 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $11,093 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 72% more expensive in Washington DC than in Indianapolis. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 170% steeper in Washington DC compared to Indianapolis.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 72% greater in Washington DC than in Indianapolis, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Washington DC, with the cost of living for a single person being 41% more than in Indianapolis. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Washington DC, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 66% higher than in Indianapolis.
- Washington DC has a higher unemployment rate than Indianapolis by about 25%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 14% cheaper in Washington DC compared to Indianapolis. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 83% more in Maryland than in Indiana. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Indianapolis versus Washington DC:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $191.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $65.80 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $4.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $4.43 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $103.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Indianapolis than in Washington DC.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Indianapolis than in Washington DC.
- Eggs are less expensive in Indianapolis than in Washington DC.
- Bread costs less in Indianapolis than in Washington DC.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in Washington DC.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Indianapolis than in Washington DC.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Washington DC
| Indianapolis | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 672,079 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 70 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 60.37 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 39.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Washington DC’s population is about 24% less than Indianapolis.
- Washington DC’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Indianapolis’s score of 5.
- Washington DC is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Washington DC and Indianapolis have a similar crime rate with scores of 60.37 and 60.71, respectively.
- Washington DC and Indianapolis have a similar safety level, with scores of 39.63 and 39.29.
- Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis to Washington DC move
- HOA rules: Costs across Indianapolis and Washington DC are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Maryland, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Maryland, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington DC. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Washington DC
With your sights set on DC, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Washington DC.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Adams Morgan
- Capitol Hill
- Cleveland Park
- Foggy Bottom
- Logan Circle
Best neighborhoods for families
- AU-Tenleytown
- Chevy Chase
- Cleveland Park
- Georgetown
- The Palisades
Things to do in Washington DC
With your move to Maryland complete, you can dive right into experiencing Washington DC. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Washington DC is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s National Mall, National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Washington Wizards (NBA)Washington Capitals (NHL)Washington Mystics (WNBA)D.C. Untied (MLS)Washington Commanders (NFL)DC Defenders (XFL)Old Glory DC (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Washington DC?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Indianapolis to Washington DC. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Washington DC?
Want to save on your move from Indianapolis to Washington DC? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Indianapolis to Washington DC take?
The 572-mile move from Indianapolis, IN, to Washington DC, , takes one to six days. Some Indianapolis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Washington DC.
What kinds of discounts do Indianapolis movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Indianapolis?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 18 movers in Indianapolis provide piano moving services. 10 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 43 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Indianapolis moving services
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