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
Key factors that impact the cost of your Washington DC to St. Louis move
What to know before moving from Washington DC to St. Louis
Moving from Washington DC to St. Louis 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 St. Louis, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to St. Louis so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Washington DC | St. Louis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $171,463 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $66,090 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $6,573 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.68% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.8% |
- Rent prices in St. Louis are 48% lower than in Washington DC, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in St. Louis.
Home prices in St. Louis are 71.2% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in St. Louis is 35.0% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in St. Louis include BJC HealthCare, Walmart, and Washington University.
- The cost of living for a single person in St. Louis is 34.7% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in St. Louis is 40.7% lower than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in St. Louis is 10.00% lower than in Washington DC.
- You'll spend more on retail and restaurants in St. Louis, since the city's sales taxes in St. Louis are 61.33% higher than in Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to St. Louis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 16.52% lower than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,959.88 in St. Louis 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. St. Louis
| St. Louis | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 705,749 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 66 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 69.65 | 60.37 |
| Safety Index | 30.35 | 39.63 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- St. Louis might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 58% less than Washington DC.
- Getting around St. Louis without a car might be more difficult than in Washington DC. St. Louis has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas Washington DC is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- St. Louis neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Washington DC. Based on its score of 66 out of 100, St. Louis isn't as walkable as Washington DC, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in St. Louis, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Washington DC. While Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, St. Louis earned a 58. 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 St. Louis 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 69.65 in St. Louis, it is 60.37 in Washington DC. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in St. Louis. With a crime index of 30.35, St. Louis 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 St. Louis isn't as good as it is in Washington DC, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. St. Louis has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Washington DC is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. St. Louis move
- Weather: St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.
- 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: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Missouri moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Missouri 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 St. Louis. 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, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in St. Louis
Ready to relocate to "Chess Capital of the World "? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in St. Louis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central West End
- Downtown
- Lafayette Square
- Shaw
- Soulard
Best neighborhoods for families
- Hi-Pointe
- The Hill
- Lindenwood Park
- Shaw
- Skinker DeBaliviere
Things to do in St. Louis
After getting comfortable in your new Missouri home, it's time to see what St. Louis 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 St. Louis include museums and art centers like the City Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, The Magic House, Saint Louis Science Center, and Missouri History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park, and Lone Elk 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 St. Louis Cardinals Baseball (MLB), St. Louis Blues (NHL), St. Louis City SC (MLS), or St. Louis BattleHawks (XFL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to St. Louis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Washington DC to St. Louis 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 St. Louis?
With many people choosing to move from Washington DC to St. Louis 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 St. Louis take?
Moving from Washington DC, MD to St. Louis, MO covers 813 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Washington DC movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in St. Louis.
