($610+) Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $642 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,630 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 876 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,932, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,630 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,174 - $3,832, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $642 - $1,749.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,645 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 Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD
There are 3 main ways to move from Memphis to Washington DC: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,645 - $6,196. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 876-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 876-mile route from Memphis to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,932 - $4,896, container $1,174 - $2,172, rental truck $642 - $1,152, freight trailer $1,016 - $1,839.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,645 - $6,196, container $1,495 - $2,957, rental truck $699 - $1,468, freight trailer $1,244 - $2,436.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,479 - $8,630, container $2,111 - $3,832, rental truck $851 - $1,749, freight trailer $1,657 - $3,129.
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 Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD
For the 876-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Washington DC, Maryland, full-service movers cost between $1,932 and $8,630. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $336 - $2,240 (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 Memphis generally start around $334 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,932 - $4,896
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,645 - $6,196
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,479 - $8,630
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 Memphis to Washington DC.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee 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 Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Memphis 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 packing100% of local movers | $560 - $5,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $224 - $1,344/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $336 - $2,688 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,120 - $3,360 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,800 - $11,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $839 - $1,594 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,120 - $2,800 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $896 - $3,920 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $336 - $1,680 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage | $728 - $2,240 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $336 - $16,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $336 - $3,920+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Memphis, TN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,174 and $3,832. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Memphis costs roughly $45/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,174 - $2,172
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,957
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,111 - $3,832
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Memphis, TN and Washington DC, MD. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $784 in Memphis, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $84 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $168 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee 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 $1,174. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,495 - $2,957, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Cord Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 106 years in business
- Spyder Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 876 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Washington DC, Maryland, running $642 - $1,749. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $312 - $357
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Memphis to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $642 - $1,152
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $699 - $1,468
- 4+ bedrooms: $851 - $1,749
Pro tip: The base rate of $642 - $1,749 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Memphis to Washington DC. Fuel ($312 - $357) , lodging at around $168/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 $84 and $392.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $168.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $312 and $357 for the 876-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 $784 for 2 movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis 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 Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD
If you're moving a larger household from Memphis, Tennessee, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Washington DC, Maryland.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,244 and $2,436.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,016 - $1,839
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,244 - $2,436
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,657 - $3,129
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Memphis, Tennessee, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $784.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $84 - $168 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis 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.
- Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Memphis to Washington DC. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Memphis, TN 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 Memphis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Washington DC, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 151 |
| Average rent | $1,299/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Median home value | $154,209 | $594,337 |
| Average income | $51,211/yr | $101,027/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 22.51/100 | 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 Memphis, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Maryland, 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. Tennessee alone has 70 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 876-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Memphis, TN, to Washington DC, MD, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,932 - $8,630 on the 876-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,174 - $3,832 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $642 - $1,749 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,645 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Washington DC, MD
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($312 - $357), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $168/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN 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 $699 - $1,468. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD?
Costs on this route range from around $1,932 to $8,630, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,932 and $8,630, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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.
What do local movers charge in Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/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 Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
