($364+) Albany, NY to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Albany, NY, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $371 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,841 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 371 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $969, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,841 or more.
- Moving containers run $889 - $2,820, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $371 - $933.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albany, NY, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,669 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 Albany, NY to Arlington, VA
Moving options from Albany to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,669 - $4,276 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 371 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 371-mile route from Albany to Arlington, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $969 - $3,377 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($889 - $1,593), rental truck ($371 - $651), or freight trailer ($875 - $1,522). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,669 - $4,276 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $5,841.
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 Albany, NY to Arlington, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 371-mile move from Albany, New York, to Arlington, Virginia, with costs ranging from $969 - $5,841. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $375 - $2,500. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Albany and Arlington. Local movers in Albany typically start around $295 as a base rate plus $115/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albany to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $969 - $3,377
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,669 - $4,276
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,420 - $5,841
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 Albany to Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New York to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Albany, NY to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of Albany movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing88% of local movers | $625 - $6,250 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Mabey's Moving & Storage | $250 - $1,500/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $375 - $3,000 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,250 - $3,750 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,125 - $12,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $936 - $1,779 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Don's Moving & Storage | $1,250 - $3,125 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Don's Moving & Storage | $1,000 - $4,375 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $375 - $1,875 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Arnoff Moving & Storage | $813 - $2,500 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $375 - $18,750+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $375 - $4,375+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albany to Arlington?
Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Virginia, 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 Albany, NY?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Albany to Arlington with a local mover averages $1,669 - $4,276. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Albany, NY 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.
Clark Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Albany, based on our analysis of feedback from 81 customers, 81.5% of which is positive.
Address: 198 Morris Road, Schenectady, NY, 12303 | Founded: 1993
Moving container costs from Albany, NY to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Albany, New York, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $889 and $2,820. 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 Albany runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albany to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $889 - $1,593
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,148
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,630 - $2,820
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 Albany, NY, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $875, 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 $94 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $188 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Albany, NY, and Arlington, 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 New York 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 $889. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,184 - $2,148, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Albany to Arlington?
- 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 Albany 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 Albany:
- Don's Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 76 years in business
- Five College Movers (4.8/5), 17 years in business
- Your Hometown Mover (5.0/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albany, NY to Arlington, VA
Plan on $371 - $933 for a rental moving truck on the 371-mile route from Albany, New York, to Arlington, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $148 - $169
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Albany daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Albany to Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $371 - $651
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $388 - $765
- 4+ bedrooms: $470 - $933
Pro tip: The base rate of $371 - $933 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Albany to Arlington. Fuel ($148 - $169) , lodging at around $188/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $94 and $438.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $188.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $148 and $169 for the 371-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $875 for 2 movers in Albany, New York, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albany to Arlington?
- 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 Albany, NY to Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Albany, New York, to Arlington, Virginia, 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 $937 and $1,790.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albany to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $875 - $1,522
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $937 - $1,790
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,278 - $2,302
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 $94 and $188.
- 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 Albany, New York, for roughly five hours typically average $875.
What are the best freight companies from Albany to Arlington?
- 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.
- Warren W Fane, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Warren W Fane, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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: Albany, NY vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Albany on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Albany, NY | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 99 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,450/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $222,741 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $59,485/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 65/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 49.65/100 | 79.15/100 |
| 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 Arlington, VA to Albany, NY guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New York to Virginia, 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. New York alone has 147 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 371-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 371-mile move from Albany, NY, to Arlington, VA, costs between $969 and $5,841 with full-service movers, $889 - $2,820 with a moving container, and $371 - $933 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 $1,669 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Albany, NY, to Arlington, VA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, compared to 49.65 and 10.0 in Albany. 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 Albany, NY to Arlington, VA?
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 $388 - $765. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Arlington?
For families, Arlington Ridge, Barcroft, and Chain Bridge Forest are worth a look in Arlington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Aurora Highlands, Ballston-Virginia Square, and Bluemont tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Albany, NY to Arlington, VA 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 percentage of Albany movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Albany handle piano moves, and 38% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
