($576+) Milwaukee, WI to Washington DC, MD Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Milwaukee, WI to Washington DC, MD

Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $588 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,704 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 797 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 $1,732, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,704 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,151 - $3,571, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $588 - $1,642.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Milwaukee, WI, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,466 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Milwaukee, WI to Washington DC, MD

There are 3 main ways to move from Milwaukee 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 $2,466 - $6,097. 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 2 to 7 days for this 797-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 797-mile route from Milwaukee to Washington DC, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,732 - $4,489 $1,151 - $2,118 $588 - $1,129 $1,056 - $1,906
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,466 - $6,097 $1,494 - $2,683 $592 - $1,315 $1,115 - $2,304
4+ bedrooms $4,346 - $8,704 $1,926 - $3,571 $811 - $1,642 $1,464 - $2,886

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Milwaukee, WI to Washington DC, MD

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 797-mile move from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Washington DC, Maryland, with costs ranging from $1,732 - $8,704. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $340 - $2,264. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Milwaukee and Washington DC. Local movers in Milwaukee typically start around $349 as a base rate plus $105/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Milwaukee to Washington DC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,732 - $4,489
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,466 - $6,097
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,346 - $8,704

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 Milwaukee to Washington DC.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee, WI to Washington DC, MD

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Milwaukee 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 packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$566 - $5,660
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving$226 - $1,358/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$340 - $2,717
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers$1,132 - $3,396
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,830 - $11,320
Car shippingSecond vehicle$848 - $1,611
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.$1,132 - $2,830
PianoAny piano type42% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage Co$906 - $3,962
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers$340 - $1,698
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.$736 - $2,264
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$340 - $16,980+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$340 - $3,962+

What are the best full-service movers from Milwaukee to Washington DC?

Look for Maryland Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Maryland beyond this list.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Milwaukee, WI. 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 Milwaukee, WI to Washington DC, MD

Moving containers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,151 and $3,571. 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 Milwaukee typically costs about $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Milwaukee to Washington DC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,118
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,494 - $2,683
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,926 - $3,571

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Milwaukee, WI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $792, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $85 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $170 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Milwaukee, WI, and Washington DC, MD, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin 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 $1,151. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,494 - $2,683, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Milwaukee to Washington DC?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee:

  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 10 years in business
  • Eagle Moving & Storage Co (4.1/5), 96 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 33 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee, WI to Washington DC, MD

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 797 miles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Washington DC, Maryland, running $588 - $1,642. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $287 - $328
  • Daily insurance: $34/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
  • Milwaukee daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.69
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee to Washington DC based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $588 - $1,129
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $592 - $1,315
  • 4+ bedrooms: $811 - $1,642

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Milwaukee to Washington DC starts at $588 - $1,642, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($287 - $328) , overnight lodging ($170/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $170 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 $74 and $368 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $287 - $328 in fuel for the 797-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $792 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Washington DC?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Milwaukee, WI to Washington DC, MD

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 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 $1,019 and $2,304.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Milwaukee to Washington DC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,056 - $1,906
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,115 - $2,304
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,464 - $2,886

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?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $792.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $85 and $170 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Milwaukee to Washington DC?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Star Line Trucking Or Star Line (4.46/5 stars): Star Line Trucking Or Star Line 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Milwaukee to Washington DC. 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: Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Milwaukee, WI Washington DC, MD
Cost of living index88151
Average rent$1,250/mo$2,400/mo
Median home value$171,025$594,337
Average income$51,888/yr$101,027/yr
Unemployment rate7.4%7.0%
State income taxUp to 7.65%Up to 5.75%
Walkability score62/10077/100
Safety index33.24/10039.63/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Milwaukee, WI guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Maryland over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 40 movers in our Wisconsin network to compare for this 797-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Milwaukee, WI, 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 $1,732 - $8,704 on the 797-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,151 - $3,571 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $588 - $1,642 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,466 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 Milwaukee, WI, to Washington DC, MD

What is the cheapest way to move from Milwaukee, WI 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 $592 - $1,315. 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 ($287 - $328), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $170/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from Milwaukee, WI to Washington DC, MD take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 42% of movers in Milwaukee handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.