($245+) Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $253 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,151 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 216 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 $818, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,151 or more.
- Moving containers run $853 - $2,599, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $253 - $599.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,400 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 Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
Moving options from Newark to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,400 - $4,154 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 216-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 216-mile route from Newark to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $818 for a studio up to $5,151 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $853 - $2,599 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $253 - $599, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $744 - $1,899, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
For the 216-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Washington DC, Maryland, full-service movers cost between $818 and $5,151. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $424 - $2,828 (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 Newark generally start around $260 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $818 - $3,146
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,400 - $4,154
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,808 - $5,151
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 Newark to Washington DC.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to Maryland. 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.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Washington DC, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $707 - $7,070 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $283 - $1,697/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $424 - $3,394 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,414 - $4,242 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,535 - $14,140 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,059 - $2,012 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,414 - $3,535 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $1,131 - $4,949 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $424 - $2,121 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $919 - $2,828 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $424 - $21,210+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $424 - $4,949+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Washington DC?
Maryland Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Maryland, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 Newark, NJ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Newark to Washington DC with a local mover averages $1,358 - $4,030. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Newark, NJ can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Roadway Moving (4.78/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Newark, ranked # in New Jersey, based on our analysis of feedback from 790 customers, 92.3% of which is positive.
Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 11232 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $853 and $2,599. 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 Washington DC. If you go over that window, storage in Newark adds around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $853 - $1,398
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,076 - $1,956
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,454 - $2,599
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $106 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $212 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Washington DC, MD, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $990 in Newark, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to Maryland 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 $853. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,076 - $1,956, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Newark to Washington DC?
- 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
Renting a moving truck for the 216-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $253 and $599, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $97 - $111
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Newark to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $253 - $456
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $267 - $539
- 4+ bedrooms: $348 - $599
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Newark to Washington DC starts at $253 - $599, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($97 - $111) , overnight lodging ($212/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 $212 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 $92 and $460 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $97 - $111 in fuel for the 216-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $990 in Newark, New Jersey, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark to Washington DC?
- 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 Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Washington DC, Maryland, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $861 and $1,628.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $744 - $1,364
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $861 - $1,628
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,118 - $1,899
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $106 - $212 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Newark, New Jersey, typically costs $990.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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: Newark, NJ vs Washington DC, MD
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Washington DC, side by side with Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Washington DC, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 151 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $594,337 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $101,027/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 39.63/100 |
| 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 Washington DC, MD to Newark, NJ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to Maryland, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 89 movers licensed in New Jersey, useful context for sizing up this 216-mile move.
Our take
A move from Newark, NJ, to Washington DC, MD, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $818 - $5,151 on the 216-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $853 - $2,599, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $253 - $599. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,400 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to Washington DC, MD
Is Washington DC a safe place to live?
Washington DC has a safety index of 39.63 out of 100 and a crime index of 60.37, compared to 24.76 and 75.24 in Newark. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $267 - $539. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Washington DC?
For families, AU-Tenleytown, Chevy Chase, and Cleveland Park are worth a look in Washington DC. If you're moving solo or without kids, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, and Cleveland Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in Newark?
Local movers based in Newark typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $120/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 Washington DC run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
