Local moving companies in Washington DC

  1. 495 Movers, Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. Artisan Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/495movingandstorage/, https://twitter.com/495moversinc
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Transparent pricing
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
Moving with a well-organized team can transform a stressful day into a smooth experience. Across 410 reviews for 495 Movers, 83.7% of feedback is positive, reflecting results that outpace many competitors. Most customers found efficient service, careful handling, and friendly, professional movers who kept fragile belongings safe and finished jobs on (or ahead of) schedule. Many appreciated clear estimates, honest pricing, and responsive communication before and during the move. Free packing supplies and flexibility made preparation easier, and follow-up calls reassured customers their move details were covered. A much smaller portion of feedback reports dissatisfaction. Some customers cite damage to their items, unexpected charges not matching estimates, or lost belongingsโ€”especially for long-distance or storage moves. A few also mentioned that claims for lost or broken possessions were hard to resolve, and communication could suffer after the move. Negative experiences frequently came with higher costs or struggles reaching resolution, leaving affected customers frustrated. Most feedback highlights efficiency, a courteous team, attention to detail, and billing transparency. Problems with damage or unexpected fees, though rare, are more common than with industry leaders renowned for flawless claims handling and rigid cost guarantees. On balance, 495 Movers is rated better than most moving companies for local or regional moves, especially for customers seeking cost clarity and respectful crews.
Get a Quote (855) 243-1717

Company Info

State license #: 1893270

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 1893270


Services Offered

  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/zipmovingatlanta/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Moving made simpleโ€”Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. stands out for efficient, professional service and careful attention to belongings. In an analysis of 372 customer reviews, 91% of the input praised the company's fast moving teams, careful handling of items, professionalism, prompt communication, and swift processes. Most feedback highlights that movers arrive on time, work efficiently, and treat possessions with respect, which is often hard to find among competitors. Many also note transparent pricing and flexibility when scheduling or dealing with last-minute changes. While positive feedback dominates, some customers report problems with damages to items, unexpected cost increases, or delays in delivery, especially for long-distance moves. Compared to other movers, Zip consistently delivers a reliable, courteous experience but could improve by minimizing damages and clarifying pricing for every customer.
Get a Quote (855) 947-6543

Company Info

State license #: 2586700

Pricing: $125/hr

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 3306591


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/OlympiaMovingandStorage/, https://twitter.com/olympiams
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 & 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

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
https://www.facebook.com/artisanmoving, https://twitter.com/artisanmovers
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Customer input points to Artisan Movers as a standout in the moving industry, with 259 reviews analyzed and nearly 94% offering positive input. Most feedback highlights a team respected for professionalism, careful handling, efficiency, effective communication, and quick moving processesโ€”qualities consistently recognized in top-rated movers. Customers frequently note that their belongings arrive undamaged and praise the crew's friendly, accommodating manner. On the downside, a small percentage report concerns like item damage, surprise charges, or slow responses from management. When compared with other companies, Artisan Movers receives higher marks for reliability, staff courtesy, and transparent communication, though there are isolated reports of property damage or issues with the billing process. These trends show a company excelling in service standards, with a few exceptions relating to damage and administrative follow-through.
Get a Quote (240) 570-8593

Company Info

State license #: 2957382

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2957382

Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/gentlegiantmovingcompany, https://twitter.com/gentlegiantmove
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 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

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

Factors that influence moving costs from Washington DC to Rochestertoggle

The cost of Washington DC movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Washington DC to Rochester (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,184, while larger moves may reach $7,280 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” it's the busiest time of year for movers in Washington DC,
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $453 to $1,077), but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Rochester

Moving from Washington DC to Rochester 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 Rochester, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Washington DC compares to Rochester so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Washington DC Rochester
Average rent cost $2,400 $1,250
Average home value $594,337 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $101,722 $64,214
Cost of living (single person) $3,963 $2,274
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,093 $4,921
Unemployment rate 7.0% 9.8%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.0%
State income tax 5.75% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Rochester 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 Rochester.
    Home prices in Rochester are 66.3% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Rochester is 36.9% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Rochester โ€” including Wegmans Food Markets, Paychex, and Bausch + Lomb โ€” may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Rochester. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 42.6% lower than in Washington DC.
  • A move to Rochester can help cut down on a familyโ€™s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 55.6% less than what it costs in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Rochester is 40.00% higher than in Washington DC.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Rochester, since its sales taxes are 33.33% higher than what you are paying in Washington DC.
  • State income taxes in Rochester are 89.57% higher than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,721.42 in Rochester 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. Rochester

Rochester Washington DC
Population 211,328 705,749
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 61 77
Bike friendliness score 60 70
Crime Index 37.54 60.37
Safety Index 36.66 39.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • Rochester's population is about 70% less than Washington DC.
  • Rochester's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
  • Rochester is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 61 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
  • Rochester has a bike-friendliness score 60 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.
  • Rochester's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 37.54 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
  • Rochester and Washington DC are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Rochester is good, and in Washington DC it's good.

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

  • Weather: The cold weather and snow might be a challenge if you're planning to relocate to Rochester, NY during January and February. August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Rochester.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in New York, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Rochester Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Rochester

Now that you've chosen Flour City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Rochester to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • East Avenue
  • South Wedge
  • Park Avenue
  • Strong
  • Ellwanger-Barry

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Cobbs Hill
  • Upper Monroe
  • Swillburg
  • Browncroft
  • Park Avenue

Things to do in Rochester

After settling into your new New York home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Rochester has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Rochester, such as the The Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, ARTISANworks, and Rochester Museum & Science Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Rochester Americans (AHL) and Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Washington DC to Rochester 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 Rochester?

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

Moving from Washington DC, MD to Rochester, NY covers 390 miles and usually takes one to four 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 Rochester.

Helpful moving resources