($32+) Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $32 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,162 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 4 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes to 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 $354, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $3,162 or more.
- Moving containers run $101 - $1,276, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $32 - $119.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $681 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 Arlington, VA
Moving options from Washington DC to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $681 - $2,101 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 54% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 94% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 4 miles and typically takes to days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 4-mile route from Washington DC to Arlington, 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 $354 - $1,077 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($101 - $711), rental truck ($32 - $77), or freight trailer ($0 - $0). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $681 - $2,101 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $3,162.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 4-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Arlington, Virginia, with prices running from $354 - $3,162. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $469 - $3,124 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Washington DC and Arlington are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Washington DC movers tend to run around $180 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $354 - $1,077
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $681 - $2,101
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,031 - $3,162
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 Arlington.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $781 - $7,810 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $312 - $1,874/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $469 - $3,749 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,562 - $4,686 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,905 - $15,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,170 - $2,223 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,562 - $3,905 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,250 - $5,467 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $469 - $2,343 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $1,015 - $3,124 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $469 - $23,430+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $469 - $5,467+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Arlington?
Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Washington DC, MD?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Washington DC to Arlington with a local mover averages $694 - $2,143. Working with a local mover based in Washington DC, MD often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Washington DC, ranked #1 in Maryland, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,128 customers, 89.5% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $101 and $1,276. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Arlington. If you go over that window, storage in Washington DC adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $101 - $711
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $310 - $970
- 4+ bedrooms: $652 - $1,276
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Washington DC, MD and Arlington, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,093 in Washington DC, MD, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $117 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $234 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland to Virginia 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 $101. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $310 - $970.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Arlington?
- 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:
- Straightline Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 4 miles from Washington DC, Maryland, to Arlington, Virginia, running $32 - $119. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $2 - $2
- Daily insurance: $47/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $31
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $32 - $77
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $42 - $96
- 4+ bedrooms: $52 - $119
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $32 - $119 does not include fuel ($2 - $2), lodging ($234/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Washington DC to Arlington typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $234 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 $102 and $508 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $2 - $2 in fuel for the 4-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,093 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 Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Washington DC, Maryland, to Arlington, Virginia. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $0 and $0.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $0 - $0
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $0 - $0
- 4+ bedrooms: $0 - $0
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,093.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $117 and $234 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Arlington, VA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Washington DC and Arlington to plan around. Cost of living index: 151 vs. 164. Average rent: $2,400/mo vs. $2,718/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 71. Safety index: 39.63 vs. 79.15.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Virginia 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 206 movers in our Maryland network to compare for this 4-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 4-mile route from Washington DC, MD, to Arlington, VA, run $354 - $3,162 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $101 - $1,276, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $32 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $681, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Arlington, VA
How walkable is Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 77 and 70 in Washington DC. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, compared to 39.63 and 60.37 in Washington DC. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in to days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.