Best overall value
Local moving companies in Washington DC
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Movers Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Olympia Moving & Storage
rating
5.0 / 5
DOT #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD 20781 USRave 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 70719
- State license #: 70719
- DOD certified
Bookstore Movers, LLC
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781 USMoving 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2005212
- State license #: 2005212
Gentle Giant Moving Company
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
5782 2nd Street NE, Washington, MD 20011 USGlowing 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 373544
- State license #: 373544
Alternative Business Names
- Gentle Giant Moving Company
Straightline Movers Inc.
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 3183719
Years in Business: 5
1356 Okie Street NE, Washington , MD 20002 USMoving with peace of mind is the norm at Straightline Movers Inc., where 188 out of 194 feedback entriesโan impressive 96.9%โare positive. Customers value the team's efficient service, professionalism, clear communication, careful handling, and speed. Many describe staff as polite and attentive, making tasks like disassembling furniture and navigating tight spaces appear effortless. Customers report transparent pricing and flexible scheduling, noting that bookings and adjustments are managed with ease. In rare cases, customers cited damage to belongings and disappointing staff behavior, including issues with handling insurance claims. These concerns are infrequent and usually resolved, standing apart from the much higher level of satisfaction. Compared to standard moving experiences, clients consistently describe Straightline as surpassing expectations, earning strong referrals and repeat business. The concrete track record of careful, fast, and communicative service sets Straightline Movers above most competitors.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3183719
Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2105554
Years in Business: 10
3000 Oak Drive, Kensington, MD 20895 USWhen 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2105554
- State license #: 2105554
Key factors that impact the cost of your Washington DC to Oakland move
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Oakland
Moving from Washington DC to Oakland means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in Oakland, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Oakland so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Washington DC | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,400 | $2,200 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $94,389 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Oakland are 8% lower than in Washington DC, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Washington DC.
Home prices in Oakland are 23.9% higher than in Washington DC. - Income in Oakland is 7.2% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Oakland include Kaiser Permanente, Dreyer's, and The Clorox Company.
- The cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 20.6% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 22.6% lower than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is 35.71% lower than in Washington DC.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oakland, since the cityโs sales taxes in Oakland are 70.83% higher than in Washington DC.
- State income taxes in Oakland are 131.30% higher than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,381.53 in Oakland 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. Oakland
| Oakland | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 705,749 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 65 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 68.62 | 60.37 |
| Safety Index | 31.38 | 39.63 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 38% less than Washington DC.
- Getting around Oakland without a car might be more difficult than in Washington DC. Oakland has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas Washington DC is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Oakland to be about as walkable as Washington DC. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 75 and 77 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Oakland, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Washington DC. While Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, Oakland earned a 65. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Oakland is higher than in Washington DC, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 68.62 in Oakland, it is 60.37 in Washington DC. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Oakland. With a crime index of 31.38, Oakland ranks lower in overall safety than Washington DC, whose index is Washington DC's 39.63. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Oakland and Washington DC is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Oakland move
- Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
- 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\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Oakland. 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 Oakland
Ready to relocate to "Town"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Oakland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Grand Lake
- Piedmont Avenue
- Rockridge
- Temescal
Best neighborhoods for families
- Fairview Park
- Rockridge
- Bushrod
- Upper Rockridge
- Lakeshore
Things to do in Oakland
After getting comfortable in your new California home, itโs time to see what Oakland is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Oakland include museums and art centers like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, Oakland Aviation Museum, and African American Museum and Library.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center 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 Oakland Athletics (MLB) and Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Oakland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Washington DC to Oakland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Washington DC are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Oakland?
With many people choosing to move from Washington DC to Oakland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Oakland take?
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Oakland, CA covers 2,802 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Washington DC movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Oakland.
