($112+) Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $114 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,103 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 108 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 $565, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,103 or more.
- Moving containers run $675 - $1,958, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $114 - $214.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,036 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 Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
There are 3 main ways to move from Richmond 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 $1,036 - $3,286. 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 1 to 2 days for this 108-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 108-mile route from Richmond to Washington DC, 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 $565 - $2,567 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($675 - $1,225), rental truck ($114 - $159), or freight trailer ($646 - $1,103). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,036 - $3,286 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $4,103.
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 Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
Full-service movers for the 108-mile relocation from Richmond, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $565 and $4,103. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $352 - $2,348, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Richmond typically charge a base rate around $360 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $565 - $2,567
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,036 - $3,286
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,511 - $4,103
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 Richmond to Washington DC.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Maryland. 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 Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Richmond 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 packing95% of local movers | $587 - $5,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $235 - $1,409/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $352 - $2,818 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage32% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs89% of local movers | $1,174 - $3,522 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,935 - $11,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $879 - $1,671 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items63% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,174 - $2,935 |
| Piano | Any piano type68% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $939 - $4,109 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $352 - $1,761 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect32% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: WayForth LLC | $763 - $2,348 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $352 - $17,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $352 - $4,109+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Richmond to Washington DC?
Movers licensed to operate in Maryland are typically members of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 Richmond, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Richmond to Washington DC with a local mover averages $1,067 - $3,384. Working with a local mover based in Richmond, VA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Moving container costs from Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $675 and $1,958. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Washington DC. If you go over that window, storage in Richmond adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $675 - $1,225
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $912 - $1,614
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,201 - $1,958
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Richmond, 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 $822 in Richmond, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $88 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $176 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 $675. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $912 - $1,614, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond:
- Mr. Moving, LLC (4.6/5), 6 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- Heroes Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 5 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
Plan on $114 - $214 for a rental moving truck on the 108-mile route from Richmond, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $40 - $46
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Richmond daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Richmond to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $114 - $159
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $116 - $191
- 4+ bedrooms: $129 - $214
Pro tip: The base rate of $114 - $214 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Richmond to Washington DC. Fuel ($40 - $46) , lodging at around $176/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $40 - $46 for the 108-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 Richmond, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $822.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 108-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $176 per night, adding $352 - $528 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $59 and $352.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Richmond 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 Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
For larger DIY moves from Richmond, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Washington DC, Maryland.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $751 and $1,318.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $646 - $1,103
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $751 - $1,318
- 4+ bedrooms: $979 - $1,551
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $88 - $176 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Richmond, Virginia, for about five hours typically runs $822.
What are the best freight companies from Richmond 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.
- Abilene Motor Express (4.5/5 stars): Abilene Motor Express 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 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: Richmond, VA 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 Richmond on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Richmond, VA | Washington DC, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 151 |
| Average rent | $1,595/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Median home value | $327,959 | $594,337 |
| Average income | $62,671/yr | $101,027/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 51.55/100 | 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 Richmond, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia 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. Virginia alone has 104 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 108-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Richmond, 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 $565 - $4,103 on the 108-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $675 - $1,958 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $114 - $214 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,036 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 Richmond, VA, 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 ($40 - $46), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $176/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 51 and 51 in Richmond. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD?
Costs on this route range from around $565 to $4,103, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $565 and $4,103, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Richmond, 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.
What do local movers charge in Richmond?
Local movers based in Richmond typically start around $360 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 68% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 63% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
