10 best movers in Washington, District of Columbia

The best mover for relocating out of District of Columbia is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Washington area.

Long-distance movers in Washington

A long-distance move means moving over 50 miles away or from one state to another. When crossing state boundaries, make sure your moving company has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to verify a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving companies below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Washington is relatively costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Washington is higher than 92.7% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. The following are common moving expenses:

• Fuel
• Supplies
• Storage
• Professional labor
• Packing
• Junk removal

These additional considerations can add even more cost to your total:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving breakable, valuable or very large items. These items typically are more expensive to move:

• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos
• Family heirlooms or antiques

When researching movers, ask whether they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or reduced the stress of your move. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving costs in Washington.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting an estimate from the movers.

Small items may not be a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and book your movers of choice.

Most people hire moving companies between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during less hectic months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a budget - friendly mover that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

While you can move yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large or heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack, which can be less expensive. However, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Washington

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers tackle the entire moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than standard moving services, which typically only include the loading up and transport of your belongings. The price can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers spare you, as well as the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking the official FMCSA website. Washington, D.C. does not mandate licensure for moving companies at the local level, but federal regulations still are in effect.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to learn about your mover’s insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include expensive items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The ideal moving time falls during May to September, leading to notably higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both big and small. The high summer rates could understandably steer you away from moving at that time of year.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping valuable technology with you while moving.

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those belongings with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fertilizers
• Perishable foods and produce
• Fuel sources
• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Plants

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.