($642+) Washington DC, MD to Memphis, TN Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Memphis, TN, runs anywhere from $654 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,137 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 876 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,937, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,137 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,104 - $3,716, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $654 - $1,698.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Memphis, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,395 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Memphis, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC to Memphis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,395 - $6,263. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 876-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 876-mile route from Washington DC to Memphis, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,937 - $4,804 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,104 - $2,066), rental truck ($654 - $1,140), or freight trailer ($1,037 - $1,858). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,395 - $6,263 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,137.
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 Memphis, TN
For the 876-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Memphis, Tennessee, full-service movers cost between $1,937 and $8,137. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $375 - $2,500 (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 Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,937 - $4,804
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,395 - $6,263
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,976 - $8,137
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 Memphis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Memphis, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $625 - $6,250 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $250 - $1,500/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $375 - $3,000 |
| 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 | $1,250 - $3,750 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,125 - $12,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $936 - $1,779 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,250 - $3,125 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,000 - $4,375 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $375 - $1,875 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $813 - $2,500 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $375 - $18,750+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $375 - $4,375+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Memphis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,104 and $3,716. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Washington DC costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,104 - $2,066
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,525 - $2,839
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,031 - $3,716
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 $875, 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 $94 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $188 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Washington DC, MD, and Memphis, TN, 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 Tennessee 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 $1,104. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,525 - $2,839, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Memphis?
- 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 Memphis, TN
Truck rentals from Washington DC, Maryland, to Memphis, Tennessee, range from $654 - $1,698 for the 876-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $348 - $398
- 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 Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $654 - $1,140
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $665 - $1,341
- 4+ bedrooms: $876 - $1,698
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Washington DC to Memphis starts at $654 - $1,698, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($348 - $398) , overnight lodging ($188/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $188 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $81 and $406 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $348 - $398 in fuel for the 876-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $875 in Washington DC, Maryland, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Memphis?
- 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 Memphis, TN
For larger DIY moves from Washington DC, Maryland, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Memphis, Tennessee.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,220 and $2,413.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,037 - $1,858
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,220 - $2,413
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,641 - $2,974
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $94 - $188 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about five hours typically runs $875.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Washington DC to Memphis. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Memphis, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Memphis, side by side with Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 86 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,299/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $154,209 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $51,211/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 22.51/100 |
| 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 Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 52 movers in our Maryland network to compare for this 876-mile move.
Our take
The 876-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Memphis, TN, costs between $1,937 and $8,137 with full-service movers, $1,104 - $3,716 with a moving container, and $654 - $1,698 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,395 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Memphis, TN
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Memphis, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,937 to $8,137, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,937 and $8,137, 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 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.
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 Memphis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What are the best neighborhoods in Memphis?
For families, Bartlett, Cordova, and East Memphis are worth a look in Memphis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Binghampton, Cooper-Young, and Crosstown tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
