Local moving companies in Washington DC

  1. Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Straightline Movers Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Straightline Movers Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Olympia Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 70719

Years in Business: 32

4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD 20781 US

Rave reviews dominate Olympia Moving & Storageโ€™s 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.

Get a Quote (703) 566-4391

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
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Gentle Giant Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 373544

Years in Business: 45

5782 2nd Street NE, Washington, MD 20011 US

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 safelyโ€”even 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.

Get a Quote (202) 758-0213

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Gentle Giant Moving Company
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Bookstore Movers, LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 2005212

Years in Business: 19

5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781 US

Moving has never sounded easierโ€”Bookstore 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.

Get a Quote (202) 570-4697

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

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Straightline Movers Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 3183719

Years in Business: 6

2210 5th St NE, Washington, MD 20002 US

Moving doesnโ€™t have to be a hassleโ€”Straightline Movers has delivered efficient, reliable service to 193 customers, with a remarkable 97% positive feedback rate. Customers frequently applaud the teamโ€™s 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.

Get a Quote (202) 322-9009

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Straightline Movers Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3183719

Years in Business: 5

1356 Okie Street NE, Washington , MD 20002 US

Moving with peace of mind is the norm at Straightline Movers Inc., where 188 out of 194 feedback entriesโ€”an impressive 96.9%โ€”are 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.

Get a Quote (888) 536-0301

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

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Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Bostontoggle

The cost of Washington DC movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Washington DC to Boston can be as low as $1,301 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,407.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $435 to $1,138. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Boston

Moving from Washington DC to Boston comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Boston is generally more expensive than Washington DC, itโ€™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 Boston
Average rent cost $2,400 $3,400
Average home value $594,337 $739,121
Average income (per capita) $101,722 $89,212
Cost of living (single person) $3,963 $4,820
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,093 $11,304
Unemployment rate 7.0% 6.2%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.25%
State income tax 5.75% 9.0%
  • Rent prices in Boston are 42% higher than in Washington DC, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Washington DC.
    Home prices in Boston are 24.4% higher than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Boston is 12.3% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 21.6% higher than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 1.9% higher than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Boston is 11.43% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Boston are 4.17% higher than in Washington DC.
  • State income taxes in Boston are 56.52% higher than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,648.75 in Boston 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. Boston

Boston Washington DC
Population 675,647 705,749
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 9
Walkability score 98 77
Bike friendliness score 86 70
Crime Index 39.88 60.37
Safety Index 60.12 39.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • Boston's population is about 4% less than Washington DC.
  • Boston's public transportation has a similar score to Washington DC.
  • Boston is more walkable than Washington DC with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
  • With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Boston's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 39.88 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
  • Boston is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 60.12 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
  • Air quality in Boston is good, and in Washington DC it's good.

Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Boston move

  • Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
  • 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: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities โ€“ Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Massachusetts moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™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. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Boston. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Boston

Ready to relocate to "Athens of America"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Boston.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Allston-Brighton
  • Back Bay-Beacon Hill
  • East Boston
  • Jamaica Plain
  • South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Charlestown
  • East Boston
  • Hyde Park
  • Roslindale
  • West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

After getting comfortable in your new Massachusetts home, itโ€™s time to see what Boston is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Boston include museums and art centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade 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 Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Boston?

The best time to move from Washington DC to Boston 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 Boston?

Because most people are moving from Washington DC to Boston 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 Boston take?

The 436-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Boston, MA, takes one to four 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 Boston.

Helpful moving resources