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
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Olympia Moving & Storage

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
Gentle Giant Moving Company

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
Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport

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
Bookstore Movers, LLC

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
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 11
5910 Farrington Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304 USMoving memories made easier: With 301 feedback entries analyzed, about 76% of customers praised Two Men and a Truck for their professionalism, attention to detail, efficiency, courtesy, and strong communication throughout the move. Consistently, customers described careful handling and fast, well-organized moves, with many citing friendly, approachable crews. Office support and flexible scheduling were often highlighted as better than that found with other moving services. On the other hand, roughly 22% of customer input detailed frustrating experiences, primarily in the form of damaged items, surprise costs or misquotes, and poor post-move communication regarding claims or problems. Neutral feedback made up just over 1% of reviews, typically calling out pricing or slow service with otherwise satisfactory results. The positive feedback ratio and the emphasis on professional, attentive crews suggest this mover excels above average competitors for care and courtesy, while the recurring complaints about item damage and billing issues indicate the claims process may require further improvement.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
Alternative Business Names
- MPAS Moving Springfield, LLC
Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Des Moines
Moving from Washington DC to Des Moines 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 Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Washington DC | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,150 |
Average home value | $594,337 | $192,347 |
Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $58,492 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $1,891 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $4,380 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 52% 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 Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 67.6% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Des Moines is 42.5% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
- The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 52.3% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 60.5% lower than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 15.71% lower than in Washington DC.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 23.48% lower than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,431.49 in Des Moines 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. Des Moines
Des Moines | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Population | 699,292 | 705,749 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
Walkability score | 45 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 39 | 70 |
Crime Index | 5.0 | 60.37 |
Safety Index | 57.8 | 39.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about the same as Washington DC.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 5.0 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 57.8 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- 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 moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means theyโve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Iowa 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 Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to "Hartford of the West"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- East Village
- Arbor Peaks
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, itโs time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens 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 Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Washington DC to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Des Moines take?
The 1,013-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.