($101+) Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $101 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,723 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $554, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $3,723 or more.
- Moving containers run $651 - $1,829, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $101 - $192.
- 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 $997 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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $997 - $2,834. Containers cost roughly 17% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 89% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 108 miles, expect 1 to 2 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 108-mile route from Richmond to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $554 - $2,347, container $651 - $1,076, rental truck $101 - $151, freight trailer $609 - $1,000.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $997 - $2,834, container $826 - $1,600, rental truck $110 - $180, freight trailer $668 - $1,243.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,342 - $3,723, container $1,067 - $1,829, rental truck $129 - $192, freight trailer $897 - $1,448.
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 Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
For the 108-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, full-service movers cost between $554 and $3,723. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $352 - $2,348 (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 Richmond generally start 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: $554 - $2,347
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $997 - $2,834
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,342 - $3,723
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.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Richmond 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 | $587 - $5,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% 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 coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% 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 items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,174 - $2,935 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $939 - $4,109 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $352 - $1,761 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
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.
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 $968 - $2,749. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Richmond, VA often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Mr. Moving, LLC (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Richmond, based on our analysis of feedback from 214 customers, 87.4% of which is positive.
Address: 1343 Pritchard Ter, North Chesterfield, VA, 23235 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $651 and $1,829. 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 Richmond costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $651 - $1,076
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $826 - $1,600
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,067 - $1,829
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $88 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $176 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Washington DC, MD, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $822 in Richmond, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $651. 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 $826 - $1,600.
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
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD
Renting a moving truck for the 108-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $101 and $192, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $101 - $151
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $110 - $180
- 4+ bedrooms: $129 - $192
Pro tip: The base rate of $101 - $192 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.
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 $88 and $411.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $176.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $40 and $46 for the 108-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 $822 for 2 movers in Richmond, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Richmond, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,057 and $1,243.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $609 - $1,000
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $668 - $1,243
- 4+ bedrooms: $897 - $1,448
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 Richmond, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $822.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $88 - $176 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 Richmond to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Richmond to Washington DC, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Maryland in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 304 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 108-mile route.
Our take
A move from Richmond, VA, to Washington DC, MD, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $554 - $3,723 on the 108-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $651 - $1,829, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $101 - $192. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $997 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 is the cheapest way to move from Richmond, VA 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 $110 - $180. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 long does a move from Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 is the best time of year to move from Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 percentage of Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.