($238+) Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $238 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,055 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $788, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,055 or more.
- Moving containers run $757 - $2,451, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $238 - $606.
- 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 $1,334 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,334 - $3,579 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 27% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 81% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 216 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
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:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $788 - $3,029, container $757 - $1,360, rental truck $238 - $413, freight trailer $716 - $1,187.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,334 - $3,579, container $975 - $1,901, rental truck $257 - $509, freight trailer $788 - $1,460.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,810 - $5,055, container $1,345 - $2,451, rental truck $307 - $606, freight trailer $1,108 - $1,980.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 216-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Washington DC, Maryland, with prices running from $788 - $5,055. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $424 - $2,828 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Newark and Washington DC are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Newark movers tend to run around $260 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $788 - $3,029
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,334 - $3,579
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,810 - $5,055
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.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Washington DC, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $707 - $7,070 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $283 - $1,697/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $424 - $3,394 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% 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 items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,414 - $3,535 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,131 - $4,949 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $424 - $2,121 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $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?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Maryland Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 $1,347 - $3,614. A local mover in Newark, NJ is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Roadway Moving (4.72/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Newark, based on our analysis of feedback from 5,014 customers, 97.1% of which is positive.
Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 10022 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $757 and $2,451. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Newark runs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $757 - $1,360
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $975 - $1,901
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,345 - $2,451
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 Newark, NJ, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $990, 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 $106 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $212 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Newark, NJ, and Washington DC, MD, 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 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 $757. 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 $975 - $1,901.
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:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Big G Movers Inc (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD
Plan on $238 - $606 for a rental moving truck on the 216-mile route from Newark, New Jersey, to Washington DC, Maryland. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $238 - $413
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $257 - $509
- 4+ bedrooms: $307 - $606
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $238 - $606 when pricing out a rental truck from Newark to Washington DC. Fuel alone runs $97 - $111, and overnight lodging ($212/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $97 - $111 for the 216-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about 5 hours typically costs around $990.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 216-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $212 per night, adding $424 - $636 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $71 and $424.
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 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 Newark, New Jersey, to Washington DC, Maryland. 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 $788 and $1,460.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $716 - $1,187
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $788 - $1,460
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,108 - $1,980
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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $106 and $212.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for roughly five hours typically average $990.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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 Washington DC 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: 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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to Maryland in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 315 movers based in New Jersey, handy for sizing up options on this 216-mile route.
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 $788 - $5,055 on the 216-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $757 - $2,451, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $238 - $606. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,334 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
How long does a move from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 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 is the best time of year to move from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Newark, NJ to Washington DC, MD?
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.
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.
How walkable is Washington DC?
Washington DC has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, compared to 76 and 51 in Newark. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.