($768+) Washington DC, MD to Lafayette, LA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Lafayette, LA, runs anywhere from $792 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,533 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,195 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,162, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,533 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,285 - $4,306, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $792 - $2,145.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Lafayette, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,804 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Lafayette, LA
Moving options from Washington DC to Lafayette fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,804 - $6,332 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,195 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,195-mile route from Washington DC to Lafayette, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,162 for a studio up to $8,533 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,285 - $4,306 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $792 - $2,145, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,227 - $3,658, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Lafayette, LA
For the 1,195-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Lafayette, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $2,162 and $8,533. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $380 - $2,532 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Washington DC generally start around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,162 - $4,909
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,804 - $6,332
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,696 - $8,533
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Washington DC to Lafayette.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lafayette, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $633 - $6,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $253 - $1,519/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $380 - $3,038 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,266 - $3,798 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,165 - $12,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $948 - $1,802 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,266 - $3,165 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,013 - $4,431 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $380 - $1,899 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $823 - $2,532 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $380 - $18,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $380 - $4,431+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Lafayette?
Look for Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Louisiana beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Washington DC, MD. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Lafayette, LA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,285 and $4,306. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Washington DC typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,285 - $2,360
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,690 - $3,220
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,151 - $4,306
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Washington DC, MD, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $886, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $95 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $190 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Washington DC, MD, and Lafayette, LA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland to Louisiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,285. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,690 - $3,220, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Lafayette?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Washington DC to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Washington DC:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Lafayette, LA
Plan on $792 - $2,145 for a rental moving truck on the 1,195-mile route from Washington DC, Maryland, to Lafayette, Louisiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $481 - $550
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Washington DC to Lafayette based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $792 - $1,420
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $847 - $1,813
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,087 - $2,145
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $792 - $2,145 does not include fuel ($481 - $550) , lodging ($190/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Washington DC to Lafayette typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $886.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $481 - $550 for the 1,195-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $76 and $411, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $190 per night for hotel stops on the 1,195-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $380 - $570.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Lafayette?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Washington DC, MD to Lafayette, LA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Washington DC, Maryland, to Lafayette, Louisiana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,139 and $2,603.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,227 - $2,167
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,405 - $2,603
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,757 - $3,658
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Washington DC, Maryland, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $886.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $95 - $190 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Lafayette?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Lafayette fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Lafayette, LA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lafayette, side by side with Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 90 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $2,825/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $249,492 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $61,454/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 54.25/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lafayette, LA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Louisiana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 52 movers based in Maryland, handy for sizing up options on this 1,195-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Washington DC, MD, to Lafayette, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,162 for a studio to $8,533 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,195-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,285 - $4,306. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $792 - $2,145, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,804 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include LHC Group and King-Patin.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Lafayette, LA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What do local movers charge in Washington DC?
Local movers based in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Lafayette run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Lafayette, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,162 to $8,533, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,162 and $8,533, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD to Lafayette, LA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $847 - $1,813. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
