Top-rated movers to make your Raleigh to Washington DC move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Raleigh that offers long-distance services to Washington DC can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 28 top local movers in Raleigh who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Raleigh to Washington DC.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2311
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1267633
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3619230
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Washington DC?
In North Carolina, moving services typically cost around $145 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $867 – $2,912 | $593 – $1,428 | $291 – $564 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,441 – $4,071 | $1,129 – $1,998 | $332 – $642 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,073 – $5,389 | $1,404 – $2,451 | $418 – $758 |
Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Washington DC
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Washington DC from Raleigh, you can expect prices to land between $867 and $2,912. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,441 to $4,071 for the trip from Raleigh to Washington DC. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,073 and $5,389.
Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Washington DC
Moving containers from Raleigh to Washington DC will cost you $593 to $1,428 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,129 to $1,998. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,404 to $2,451. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Washington DC
Renting a moving truck from Raleigh to Washington DC typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $291 and $564 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $332 to $642. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $418 to $758.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Raleigh to Washington DC move
The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,118 for a one-bedroom, or up to $4,644 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Raleigh.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $291 to $678, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Washington DC
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Washington DC runs about -35% higher for singles and 83% higher for families than Raleigh.
Singles spend around $3,963 in Raleigh versus $6,077 in Raleigh; families pay $11,093 compared with $6,077.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Raleigh | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,820 | $2,568 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $5,417 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $101,722 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,077 | $3,963 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $11,093 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 5.75% |
- Planning a move to Washington DC? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 44% higher than in Raleigh, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Washington DC are about 38% higher than those in Raleigh.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 3855% higher in Washington DC compared to Raleigh, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Washington DC, as the cost of living for a single person is 35% lower compared to Raleigh.
- If you’re moving your family to Washington DC, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 83% higher than in Raleigh.
- Washington DC shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Raleigh by around 63%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 17% less in Washington DC relative to Raleigh. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Maryland are 28% above those in North Carolina. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Raleigh and Washington DC:
| Living Expense | Raleigh | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $191.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $64.40 | $65.80 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $4.43 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.18 | $103.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Raleigh than in Washington DC, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Raleigh than in Washington DC.
- Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Washington DC.
- Bread costs less in Raleigh than in Washington DC.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Raleigh than in Washington DC.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Raleigh than in Washington DC.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Raleigh than in Washington DC.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Washington DC
| Raleigh | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 672,079 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 70 |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 60.37 |
| Safety index | 60.13 | 39.63 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Washington DC’s population is about 44% greater than Raleigh.
- Washington DC’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Raleigh’s score of 4.
- Washington DC is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Washington DC’s crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 60.37 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 39.63 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
- Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Washington DC move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Maryland’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Maryland does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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 Washington DC. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Washington DC
Planning your move to DC? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Washington DC.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Adams Morgan
- Capitol Hill
- Cleveland Park
- Foggy Bottom
- Logan Circle
Best neighborhoods for families
- AU-Tenleytown
- Chevy Chase
- Cleveland Park
- Georgetown
- The Palisades
Things to do in Washington DC
After settling into your new Maryland home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Washington DC has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Washington DC features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s National Mall, National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Washington Wizards (NBA)Washington Capitals (NHL)Washington Mystics (WNBA)D.C. Untied (MLS)Washington Commanders (NFL)DC Defenders (XFL)Old Glory DC (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Washington DC?
Planning your move from Raleigh to Washington DC? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Raleigh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Washington DC?
Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Washington DC 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 Raleigh to Washington DC take?
The 278-mile journey from Raleigh, NC to Washington DC, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Raleigh offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Washington DC.
Are there special savings available from movers in Raleigh?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Raleigh?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Raleigh, 20 movers can manage piano relocations. 8 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Raleigh moving services
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