($1,587+) Richmond, VA to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $1,587 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,276 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,882 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,382, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,276 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,890 - $7,150, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,587 - $4,635.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,662 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 Richmond, VA to Tacoma, WA
There are 3 main ways to move from Richmond to Tacoma: 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 $3,662 - $8,043. Moving containers run about 28% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 51% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,882-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 2,882-mile route from Richmond to Tacoma, 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 $2,382 - $6,101 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,890 - $3,797), rental truck ($1,587 - $3,202), or freight trailer ($1,789 - $3,485). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,662 - $8,043 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,276.
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 Tacoma, WA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,882-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Tacoma, Washington, with costs ranging from $2,382 - $11,276. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $319 - $2,124. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Richmond and Tacoma. Local movers in Richmond typically start around $360 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,382 - $6,101
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,662 - $8,043
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,891 - $11,276
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 Tacoma.
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 Richmond, VA to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Richmond movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tacoma, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $531 - $5,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $212 - $1,274/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $319 - $2,549 |
| 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 | $1,062 - $3,186 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,655 - $10,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $795 - $1,511 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,062 - $2,655 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $850 - $3,717 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $319 - $1,593 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $690 - $2,124 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $319 - $15,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $319 - $3,717+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Richmond to Tacoma?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Washington Movers Conference 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Richmond, VA. 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 Richmond, VA to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,890 and $7,150. 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 Richmond typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,890 - $3,797
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,629 - $5,078
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,490 - $7,150
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $80 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $159 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tacoma, WA, 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 $743 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 Washington 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 $1,890. 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 $2,629 - $5,078.
What are the best moving containers Richmond to Tacoma?
- 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 Tacoma, WA
A rental truck for this 2,882-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $1,587 and $4,635. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $974 - $1,113
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,587 - $3,202
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,787 - $3,739
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,153 - $4,635
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,587 - $4,635 when pricing out a rental truck from Richmond to Tacoma. Fuel alone runs $974 - $1,113, and overnight lodging ($159/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $159 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 $69 and $345 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $974 - $1,113 in fuel for the 2,882-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $743 in Richmond, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Richmond to Tacoma?
- 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 Tacoma, WA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Richmond, Virginia, to Tacoma, Washington. 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 $956 and $4,358.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,789 - $3,485
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,124 - $4,358
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,764 - $6,067
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $80 and $159.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Richmond, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $743.
What are the best freight companies from Richmond to Tacoma?
- 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Richmond to Tacoma. 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: Richmond, VA vs Tacoma, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tacoma, side by side with Richmond on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Richmond, VA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 123 |
| Average rent | $1,595/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $327,959 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $62,671/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 51.55/100 | 44.45/100 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA to Richmond, VA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Washington, 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 304 movers licensed in Virginia, useful context for sizing up this 2,882-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Richmond, VA, to Tacoma, WA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,382 for a studio to $11,276 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,882-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,890 - $7,150. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,587 - $4,635, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,662 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Richmond, VA, to Tacoma, WA
What are the best neighborhoods in Tacoma?
For families, North End and West End are worth a look in Tacoma. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central, Eastside-Enact, and North End tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Washington?
Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies.
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 Tacoma run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Richmond, VA to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,587 to $11,276, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,382 and $11,276, 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 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.