Updated: March 17, 2025
Moving in Washington, DC can be expensive, but if you calculate the costs ahead of time, everything will go much easier. If you're moving within the city, movers typically cost between $85 and $180 per hour. On average, you can pay anywhere from $340 to $2,720 or more for the entire move, depending on the size of the apartment or house.
Long-distance moving will cost more, from $2,000 or more. The final price depends on the distance and volume of things that need to be moved.
If you want to save money, it is better to compare the offers of different moving companies in advance. It is also useful to know what services are included in the price to avoid hidden fees. We have collected tips and calculations that will help you plan your move without unnecessary expenses and surprises.
If you're planning a move within Washington, DC, it's important to understand upfront how much it might cost. Unlike long-distance moves, local companies usually calculate the cost by the hour. On average, the services of a single mover will cost between $85 and $180 per hour, but the price can vary depending on the company, the complexity of the job, and the season.
Several factors affect the cost. The more movers you need, the more expensive the move will be, but it will go faster. The final amount also depends on the total time of work, which is determined by the size of the house and the number of things. There may be additional charges for packing, disassembling furniture or, for example, for climbing stairs.
| Home Size | Average Cost | # of Movers | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $340 | 2 movers | 2 hours |
| 1-Bedroom | $510 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,275 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,040 | 4 movers | 6 hours |
| 4-Bedroom | $2,720+ | 4 movers | 8 hours |
How to save money on moving in Washington, DC
If you want to cut costs a bit, try moving on a weekday or in the middle of the month. Demand is lower during these times, which means you can save up to 20%.
What's included in an hourly moving rate
Most companies offer an hourly rate that already includes basic services. This cost usually includes the rental of a truck, including fuel and mileage, the work of professional movers, basic insurance for things being transported, and equipment that helps avoid damage to furniture and appliances.
Additional costs to be aware of
Some companies may charge hidden fees. For example, if your home doesn't have an elevator, there may be a separate charge for carrying things up the stairs. You may also have to pay extra if the movers can't park near your home or if you need packing materials. Another consideration is last minute booking. If you book your move 48 hours before your desired date, the price may be higher.
How to reduce costs
The fewer items you move, the cheaper the move will cost. To avoid extra costs, it's best to prepare in advance: book movers a few weeks in advance and choose a mid-week day rather than a weekend or the beginning/end of the month.
Long Distance Moving Costs
If you need to move to another state, the price will depend on the distance and the volume of things being transported. On average, a long-distance move from Washington costs between $2,000 and $9,000. The more furniture and boxes you are moving, the higher the price will be. The cost is also affected by the route - if moving across the country, it will cost more than moving to a neighboring state.
The price also depends on exactly how you plan the move. Full service with packing, loading, and unloading is more expensive than renting a truck or shipping container on your own. If you need a rush delivery, be prepared to pay more.
Below is the average moving cost based on the distance and size of the move:
| Destination | 1-Bedroom ($) | 2-3 Bedrooms ($) | 4+ Bedrooms ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC → NYC | $2,000 – $3,500 | $3,500 – $5,500 | $5,500 – $7,000 |
| DC → Chicago | $3,500 – $5,500 | $5,000 – $7,500 | $7,500 – $9,500 |
| DC → Los Angeles | $6,500 – $9,000 | $9,000 – $12,000 | $12,000+ |
| DC → Houston | $4,000 – $6,500 | $6,500 – $9,500 | $9,500 – $12,500 |
| DC → Atlanta | $3,000 – $5,000 | $4,500 – $7,500 | $7,500 – $10,000 |
How to choose the best way to move long distance
If you're planning a long-distance move, there are several options, each varying in price and convenience.
The most comfortable, but also the most expensive option, is the services of movers who will completely take over the move. They will pack things, move them and unload them on the spot. However, such a service is more expensive, and delivery can take longer. On average, the cost of such a move ranges from $4,500 to $12,000.
A more affordable way is to rent containers for moving. In this case, you are provided with a container that you fill with your belongings and then it is delivered to your new address. It's cheaper than full service, but you'll have to pack and load things yourself. The average cost ranges from $2,500 to $7,500.
The most economical option is to rent a truck. It is much cheaper, but will require more effort from you: you will have to load things yourself and drive the car. The price depends on the mileage and ranges from 1500 to 5000 dollars.
If you already have transportation, but need help with loading and unloading, you can hire movers without work. This is especially convenient when renting containers or trucks. The cost of such a service usually ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on the hours of work and the number of people.
How to save money on moving
When planning a move, it's worth getting several offers from different companies in advance and don't settle for the first one that comes along. The difference in prices can be significant. Being flexible with dates can also help you save money - mid-week and off-season moves (fall and winter) are cheaper. The less stuff you move, the lower the cost, so it's worth getting rid of what you don't need in advance. If you want to save 30-40%, you can refuse the services of movers and choose container moving.
What affects the cost of moving?
The final price depends on several factors. First of all, it is the distance. For local moves, companies usually charge by the hour, from $85 to $180 for one loader. The final amount depends on the number of workers and the time the move will take.
If it's a long-distance move, the price depends on the mileage and cargo volume. For example, a move from Washington DC to New York (225 miles) costs an average of $2,000 to $3,500, while a cross country move to Los Angeles (2,700 miles) will cost $6,500 to $9,000.
Effect of season on price
Time of the year and day of the week also play a role in shaping the cost. In summer, from May to September, the demand for the services of movers is high, so prices rise by 20-30%. In winter, the demand is lower, and you can get a discount of up to 20%. It is also more profitable to move on weekdays, especially from Tuesday to Thursday. But weekends and the end of the month are considered the most expensive days for moving.
The volume of things to be moved
The more items, the higher the cost. Large houses require more time for packing and loading, which means that the cost of movers' services increases. To reduce costs, it's a good idea to sort things in advance and get rid of unnecessary items.
| Home Size | Estimated Moving Cost (Local Move) | Estimated Moving Cost (Long-Distance) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $340+ (2 movers, 2 hours) | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| 1-Bedroom | $510+ (2 movers, 3 hours) | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,275+ (3 movers, 5 hours) | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,040+ (4 movers, 6 hours) | $7,500 – $9,500 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $2,720+ (4 movers, 8 hours) | $9,500 – $12,500+ |
How to save money on moving
Moving is a costly affair, but if you organize everything correctly, you can significantly reduce costs. One of the easiest ways is to get rid of unnecessary things in advance. Superfluous junk will only increase the cost of transportation, so it is better to sell or donate what you have not used for a long time. This can save you anywhere from $500 to $1,500.
Hidden costs that may surprise you
Aside from the basic cost of moving, there may be additional expenses. For example, if you need help packing your belongings, this will cost between $300 and $1,500. Moving heavy or valuable items such as pianos or antiques will require another $100 to $500 on top of that. If your belongings need to be temporarily left in storage, you'll have to pay $200 to $600 per month.
You should also consider that for carrying furniture up the stairs without an elevator, you may be charged a minimum of $50, and if the truck can not park right outside the house, there may be additional charges for carrying things. To avoid unpleasant surprises, always check with the carrier for a full list of possible surcharges.
When is the best time to move to save money?
Moving prices depend not only on the distance and volume of things, but also on the time of year. From May to September, the demand for movers is high, so prices increase by 20-30%. If possible, it is better to move in the fall or winter - then you can get good discounts.
Days of the week also play a role: on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday moving costs cheaper than on weekends, when everyone wants to move. Another important point is the end of the month. This is when many people move out of their rental properties, which means the movers' services become more expensive.
Learn more about cheapest day to move in DC
How to cut costs
In addition to picking the right time, there are a few other ways to cut costs. First, don't settle for the first offer - request estimates from several companies and compare prices. The difference can be 20-30%.
Second, if you are not critical that the transportation was engaged in full-cycle movers, you can use containers for moving. You pack your things yourself, and the company only transports the container - this can save up to 40% of the total cost.
An example of real savings
Let's say a three-bedroom family would pay between $7,500 and $9,500 for a full move. If they opted for a shipping container, their costs dropped to $5,000-$7,000. And if the move is organized independently with a truck rental, you can get away with $2,500 to $4,500.
Can I get some of the money back through a tax deduction?
In most cases, moving expenses are not tax deductible, but there are exceptions. For example, military personnel who move on orders can offset some of the costs. There may also be a deduction for the self-employed if part of your home is used as an office, or if you're moving for work.
How to check eligibility: Visit the IRS website or consult a tax professional.