Best overall value
Local moving companies in Washington DC
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Movers Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
Rave reviews dominate Olympia Moving & Storageโs 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.
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
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Lack of communication
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Glowing feedback cements Gentle Giant Moving Company as a leader in their field. Out of 311 reviews, 95% of customers offer high praise, citing efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams as standout qualities. Many describe the moving process as quick, with thorough communication from booking to delivery, creating a smooth and stress-free experience. Hundreds of customers report their belongings arrived safelyโeven during challenging or long-distance moves. On the downside, a handful of users express dissatisfaction with final costs exceeding estimates, a few unmet expectations around communication, and occasional scheduling or arrival delays. Compared to many moving companies, reports of damaged goods or loss are remarkably rare. For those weighing reliability, responsiveness, and peace of mind, Gentle Giant is a top-tier choice, though budget-focused clients may encounter higher-than-expected pricing.
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
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 companyโs 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 didnโt 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.
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
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Rushed job
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Moving has never sounded easierโBookstore Movers, LLC receives rave feedback from 96% of customers out of 230 reviews. Customers consistently praise efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, and clear communication. Most mention speedy, smooth moves and crews who protect property and approach each job with courtesy. Scheduling is simple and estimates align closely with costs, setting this company apart from less reliable movers. Only a few customers report problems: a small portion cite damaged items, rushed jobs, or unexpected extra charges. One neutral review points to delays, missing crew members, and difficult management contact during the move. Compared to most moving companies, Bookstore Movers earns superior marks for consistent reliability, making them a top choice for stress-free relocations.
Company Info
State license #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2005212
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Affordable rates
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Higher-than-expected costs
Review Analysis
Moving doesnโt have to be a hassleโStraightline Movers has delivered efficient, reliable service to 193 customers, with a remarkable 97% positive feedback rate. Customers frequently applaud the teamโs efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, clear communication, and competitive rates. Most praise how the movers organize, show up on time, and treat items with respect, often noting smooth and stress-free experiences. A handful of clients encountered problems, such as damage to items or property, unexpected costs, or rare instances of unprofessional behavior. These situations, though rare, were outpaced by an overwhelming number of satisfied customers. Compared to many moving companies, Straightline shows consistency in service quality and transparency in pricing, with input revealing a trusted choice for both local and long-distance moves.
Company Info
State license #: 3183719
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3183719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Factors that influence moving costs from Washington DC to Irvine
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Irvine
Moving from Washington DC to Irvine comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Irvine is generally more expensive than Washington DC, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Washington DC | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,400 | $4,000 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $1,561,760 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $114,027 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Irvine are 67% higher than in Washington DC, which means you'll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Washington DC.
Home prices in Irvine are 162.8% higher than in Washington DC. - Income in Irvine is 12.1% higher than in Washington DC, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Irvine include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Taco Bell, and Alorica.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Irvine, since the cost of living for a single person in Irvine is 131.3% higher than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Irvine, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Irvine is 62.3% higher than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Irvine is 22.86% lower than in Washington DC.
- You'll spend more on retail and restaurants in Irvine, since the city's sales taxes in Irvine are 29.17% higher than in Washington DC.
- State income taxes in Irvine are 131.30% higher than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,939.44 in Irvine to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Irvine
| Irvine | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 705,749 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 31.01 | 60.37 |
| Safety Index | 68.99 | 39.63 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Irvine's population is about 56% less than Washington DC.
- Irvine's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Irvine is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Both Irvine and Washington DC have the same bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, meaning Irvine is about as safe for cyclists as Washington DC. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Irvine's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 31.01 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Irvine is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 68.99 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Irvine is good, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Irvine move
- Weather: Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Irvine. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Irvine
Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Irvine.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Westpark
- Westpark II
- Oak Creek
- Woodbridge
- University Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Westpark II
- Turtle Rock
- Woodbridge
- South Irvine
- Northwood Point
Things to do in Irvine
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Irvine is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Irvine include museums and art centers like the Pretend City Children's Museum, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art, and Museum of Woman.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Orange County Great Park, Adventure Playground, William R. Mason Regional Park, and Turtle Rock Community Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo), Adult Basketball Leagues, Adult Soccer Leagues, or Adult Softball Leagues game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Irvine?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Washington DC to Irvine. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Irvine?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Washington DC to Irvine, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Irvine take?
The 2,666-mile journey from Washington DC, MD to Irvine, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Washington DC offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Irvine.
