($613+) Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $613 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,748 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,941, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,748 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,065 - $3,584, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $613 - $1,670.
- 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 $2,549 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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,549 - $5,794. Containers cost roughly 47% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 75% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 876 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,941 - $4,720 with full-service movers, $1,065 - $2,012 with a container, $613 - $1,157 with a rental truck, or $1,000 - $1,737 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,549 - $5,794 full-service, $1,356 - $2,822 by container, $628 - $1,334 by rental truck, or $1,096 - $2,303 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,943 - $7,748 full-service, $1,843 - $3,584 by container, $837 - $1,670 by rental truck, or $1,505 - $2,927 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 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 $1,941 and $7,748. 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: $1,941 - $4,720
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,549 - $5,794
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,943 - $7,748
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.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis 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 packing74% of local movers | $560 - $5,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Guardian Moving Systems | $224 - $1,344/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $336 - $2,688 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% 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 items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $1,120 - $2,800 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $896 - $3,920 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $336 - $1,680 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the Maryland Motor Truck Association, the group most Maryland movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Memphis, TN. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,065 and $3,584. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Memphis typically costs about $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,065 - $2,012
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,356 - $2,822
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,843 - $3,584
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $84 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $168 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $784 in Memphis, TN, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Washington DC, MD, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,065. 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 $1,356 - $2,822.
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
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Washington DC, MD
Renting a moving truck for the 876-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $613 and $1,670, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $613 - $1,157
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $628 - $1,334
- 4+ bedrooms: $837 - $1,670
Pro tip: The base rate of $613 - $1,670 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 roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $168 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Memphis, Tennessee, usually costs about $784 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 876-mile drive falls between $312 and $357, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $56 and $336 to your total.
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. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,096 and $2,303.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,000 - $1,737
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,096 - $2,303
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,505 - $2,927
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Washington DC fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee 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 181 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 876-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 876-mile route from Memphis, TN, to Washington DC, MD, run $1,941 - $7,748 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,065 - $3,584, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $613 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,549, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 $628 - $1,334. 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 $613 to $7,748, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,941 and $7,748, 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 4 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 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.