Best overall value
Local moving companies in Washington DC
- 495 Movers, Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Transparent pricing
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Misplaced or lost items
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
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Delayed arrival or delivery
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
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Misplaced or lost items
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
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
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
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Lack of communication
- Delayed arrival or delivery
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 influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Olympia
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Olympia
Moving from Washington DC to Olympia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in Olympia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Olympia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Washington DC | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,895 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $508,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $66,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $5,391 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.4% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Olympia are 21% 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 Olympia.
Home prices in Olympia are 14.4% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Olympia is 34.6% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Olympia — including Washington State ESD, The Evergreen State College, and Employment Security Department — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Olympia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 37.6% lower than in Washington DC.
- A move to Olympia can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 51.4% less than what it costs in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Olympia is 20.00% lower than in Washington DC.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Olympia, since its sales taxes are 56.67% higher than what you are paying in Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to Olympia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,872.07 in Olympia 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. Olympia
| Olympia | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 705,749 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 39 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 27.95 | 60.37 |
| Safety Index | 62.25 | 39.63 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Olympia's population is about 92% less than Washington DC.
- Olympia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Olympia is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Olympia has a bike-friendliness score 59 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.
- Olympia's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 27.95 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Olympia is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 62.25 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Olympia is good, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Olympia move
- Weather: July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
- 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 operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington 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 Olympia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Olympia
Ready to relocate to Oly? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Bigelow Highlands
- North East
- Bigelow
- South Westside
- Wellington West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Holiday Hills
- Eastside
- Indian Creek
- Carlyon-North
- Wellington West
Things to do in Olympia
After settling into your new Washington home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Olympia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Olympia include museums and art centers like the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, Bigelow House Museum, and Childhood's End Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park — 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Olympia?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Washington DC to Olympia. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Olympia?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Washington DC to Olympia moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Olympia take?
Covering 2,799 miles, the move from Washington DC, MD to Olympia, WA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Washington DC movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Olympia can help bridge the gap.
