($32+) Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $32 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,216 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 4 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes to 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 $368, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $3,216 or more.
- Moving containers run $98 - $1,235, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $32 - $120.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $652 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
Moving options from Arlington to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $652 - $1,972 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 52% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 94% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 4 miles and typically takes to days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 4-mile route from Arlington to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $368 - $1,022 | $98 - $703 | $32 - $84 | $0 - $0 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $652 - $1,972 | $315 - $968 | $39 - $103 | $0 - $0 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,028 - $3,216 | $691 - $1,235 | $54 - $120 | $0 - $0 |
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 Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 4-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, with costs ranging from $368 - $3,216. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $476 - $3,176. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Arlington and Washington DC. Local movers in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $368 - $1,022
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $652 - $1,972
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,028 - $3,216
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 Arlington to Washington DC.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Arlington 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 packing80% of local movers | $794 - $7,940 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $318 - $1,906/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $476 - $3,811 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,588 - $4,764 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,970 - $15,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,189 - $2,260 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,588 - $3,970 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,270 - $5,558 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $476 - $2,382 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $1,032 - $3,176 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $476 - $23,820+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $476 - $5,558+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington 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 Arlington, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Arlington to Washington DC with a local mover averages $658 - $1,991. A local mover in Arlington, VA 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.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Arlington, ranked # in Virginia, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,128 customers, 89.5% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $98 and $1,235. 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 Arlington costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $98 - $703
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $315 - $968
- 4+ bedrooms: $691 - $1,235
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Arlington, VA 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 $1,112 in Arlington, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $119 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $238 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 Virginia 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 $98. 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 $315 - $968.
What are the best moving containers Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 4 miles from Arlington, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, running $32 - $120. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $2 - $2
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Arlington to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $32 - $84
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $39 - $103
- 4+ bedrooms: $54 - $120
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $32 - $120 does not include fuel ($2 - $2), lodging ($238/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Arlington to Washington DC typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $238 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 $103 and $516 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $2 - $2 in fuel for the 4-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,112 in Arlington, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington 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 Arlington, VA 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 $0 and $0.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $0 - $0
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $0 - $0
- 4+ bedrooms: $0 - $0
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 $119 - $238 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 Arlington, Virginia, typically costs $1,112.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington 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: 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: Arlington, VA vs Washington DC, MD
Arlington and Washington DC land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 164 in Arlington and 151 in Washington DC, and average rent is $2,718/mo vs. $2,400/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 71 vs 77 and safety scores are 79.15 vs 39.63.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Maryland, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 304 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 4-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Arlington, VA, 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 $368 - $3,216 on the 4-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $98 - $1,235 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $32 - $120 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $652 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 Arlington, VA, to Washington DC, MD
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Arlington, VA 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 79.15 and 15.67 in Arlington. 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 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 do I know a mover is licensed in Maryland?
Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.