($115+) Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $121 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,439 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 108 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $616, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,439 or more.
- Moving containers run $783 - $2,050, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $121 - $226.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Richmond, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,153 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 323 real quotes from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates.
Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC to Richmond: 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 $1,153 - $3,344. 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.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 108-mile route from Washington DC to Richmond, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $616 - $2,858 | $783 - $1,362 | $121 - $175 | $718 - $1,179 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,153 - $3,344 | $1,004 - $1,743 | $125 - $202 | $772 - $1,409 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,583 - $4,439 | $1,309 - $2,050 | $152 - $226 | $1,037 - $1,709 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
Full-service movers for the 108-mile relocation from Washington DC, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $616 and $4,439. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $386 - $2,572, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $616 - $2,858
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,153 - $3,344
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,583 - $4,439
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 Richmond.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Virginia. 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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Washington DC to Richmond. Prices are localized to Washington DC costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Washington DC to Richmond) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $643 - $6,430 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $257 - $1,543/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $386 - $3,086 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,286 - $3,858 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,215 - $12,860 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $963 - $1,830 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,286 - $3,215 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $1,029 - $4,501 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $386 - $1,929 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $836 - $2,572 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $386 - $19,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $386 - $4,501+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Richmond?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
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 Richmond with a local mover averages $1,164 - $3,377. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Washington DC, MD often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
495 Movers, Inc (4.7/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Washington DC, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.7% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $783 and $2,050. 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.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $783 - $1,362
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,004 - $1,743
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,309 - $2,050
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 $900, 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 $96 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $193 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Washington DC, MD, and Richmond, VA, 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 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 $783. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,004 - $1,743, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Richmond?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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:
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
Moving truck rentals from Washington DC, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $121 and $226. A rental truck is the most hands-on way to move. You load your belongings into the truck yourself, drive the full 108 miles to your new home, and unload everything when you arrive. The base rate covers the truck rental only. Fuel ($44 - $51), insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) are billed separately.
Rental moving truck sizes generally run from 10 - 26 feet. The 15- to 17-foot truck is the go-to option for most 2-bedroom moves. Studio and 1-bedroom moves typically fit into a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck, while 3+ bedroom homes usually call for a 20- to 26-foot truck. Keep in mind that anything 20 feet or larger typically requires diesel fuel, which adds to your fuel budget for the trip.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Washington DC to Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $121 - $175
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $125 - $202
- 4+ bedrooms: $152 - $226
Pro tip: The base rate of $121 - $226 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Washington DC to Richmond. Fuel ($44 - $51) , lodging at around $193/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $193 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 $84 and $418 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $44 - $51 in fuel for the 108-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $900 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 Richmond?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget undercuts most competitors on base rates and layers in discounts for online bookings, AAA membership, and military service.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option here. Their newer fleet, unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance make Penske the choice when breakdown risk is the bigger concern than cost.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. U-Haul operates more than 23,000 locations and offers 7 truck sizes, giving it the largest pickup network and the broadest accommodation for last-minute or one-way moves.
Freight trailer costs from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $772 and $1,409.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $718 - $1,179
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $772 - $1,409
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,037 - $1,709
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $96 - $193 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about five hours typically runs $900.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Richmond?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.62/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Richmond quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Richmond, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Richmond, side by side with Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 95 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,595/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $327,959 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $62,671/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.75% |
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 Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Our take
The 108-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Richmond, VA, costs between $616 and $4,439 with full-service movers, $783 - $2,050 with a moving container, and $121 - $226 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 $1,153 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
How to plan your move from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA
- Compare your moving service options: Compare the four service types for the 108-mile Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA route using the cost table above: full-service movers ($616 - $4,439), moving containers ($783 - $2,050), rental trucks ($121 - $226), and freight trailers.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Enter your home size and moving date into moveBuddha's moving cost calculator to get an instant, personalized estimate for the Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA route.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Review the top-rated movers we recommend for this route, including Safeway Moving (4.9/5), PODS (4.8/5), Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), and MovingYourself, each rated by moveBuddha across pricing, service, and reliability.
- Request free quotes: Request free, no-obligation quotes from the movers you shortlist so you can compare real prices for your Washington DC to Richmond move side by side.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Before booking, confirm any interstate mover's USDOT number and license through the FMCSA to make sure they're authorized for your Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA move.
- Book early and time your move: Book early and, if you can, avoid peak season (mid-May through mid-September) to lock in lower rates and better availability on the Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA route.
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA?
Full-service movers from Washington DC to Richmond typically cost between $616 and $4,439 depending on home size, while moving containers and rental trucks come in lower. Timing also matters. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher.
The cost depends on how much you're moving and which type of service you choose. For this route, prices generally range from $616 for a small DIY truck rental up to $4,439 for a full-service move of a larger home.
How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete moves on this route within 5 - 7 days. That timeline is driven by how carriers consolidate multiple shipments on a single truck heading the same direction.
Freight trailers move faster and with more delivery consistency than full-service movers, making them the quickest option on this route other than driving a rental truck yourself. That said, freight is best-suited for moves where you know exactly when and where you'll be receiving your items. Renting a truck and driving from Washington DC, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia, means the schedule is completely yours to set.
What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable way to move from Washington DC to Richmond, since you're handling the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. On average, a 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route costs $125 - $202. Check out our cheapest truck rental recommendations to find the lowest price for your DIY move.
The truck rental cost section above breaks down what typically gets added on top of that base rate, so it's worth checking before you commit. If your move is under 500 miles, it's also worth comparing against a local mover's hourly rate, since a truck rental's extra fees can sometimes close the gap for shorter routes.
What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA?
If keeping costs down is your priority, aim for a move between October and March. Demand drops significantly in the fall and winter, which means better availability, lower rates, and more room to negotiate with movers on this route.
Peak moving season runs from mid-May through mid-September, and prices across all service types tend to climb during that stretch. Weekends and the end of the month are also more expensive regardless of the season, so a midweek, mid-month move date is your best bet for saving money on your move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia.
What are some tips for moving from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA?
A 500-pound reduction in shipment weight, the rough equivalent of clearing out one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
Beyond that, staying organized is everything. A solid moving checklist helps you track deadlines, book services on time, and avoid last-minute scrambles that can cost you money and add unnecessary stress to your move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia.
