A local move in the DMV costs $300–$2,000+. A long-distance interstate move costs $1,500–$10,000+. Both depend primarily on home size and what's included.
This guide gives you the actual numbers: hourly rates by crew size, flat-rate tables by home size and distance, hidden fees to watch for, and strategies to lower your bill without sacrificing service quality.
Local Moving Costs in the DMV Area (2026)
Local moves (under 50–100 miles) are priced hourly. You pay for the time the crew works plus the truck. The key variables are crew size, home size, and access conditions.
Hourly Rates by Crew Size
| Crew Size | Hourly Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 movers | $100–$140/hr | Studio, 1BR apartment, small loads |
| 3 movers | $140–$190/hr | 2BR home, moderate volume |
| 4 movers | $190–$260/hr | 3BR+ home, large volume, or tight timeline |
Most companies have a 3-hour minimum for local moves. Jobs that take less time still bill at the minimum.
Total Cost by Home Size (Local DMV Move)
| Home Size | Crew | Est. Hours | Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | 2 | 3–4 hrs | $300–$560 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | 2 | 4–5 hrs | $400–$700 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 3 | 5–6 hrs | $700–$1,140 |
| 2-bedroom house | 3 | 5–7 hrs | $700–$1,330 |
| 3-bedroom house | 4 | 6–9 hrs | $1,140–$2,340 |
| 4-bedroom house | 4–5 | 8–12 hrs | $1,520–$3,120+ |
Prices include truck, crew, basic moving equipment, and labor. Packing services, specialty items, and storage are additional.
What the Hourly Rate Covers
The hourly rate typically includes:
- Moving truck and fuel for local distance
- Moving blankets, dollies, and hand trucks
- Loading, transport, and unloading labor
- Basic assembly/disassembly of standard furniture (beds, tables)
It does not typically include:
- Packing boxes and materials
- Full packing service (wrapping, boxing items)
- Specialty item handling (piano, pool table, safe)
- Storage between move-out and move-in dates
What Drives the Actual Time (And Cost)
Two moves of the same home size can have very different final bills based on access and preparation.
Access Factors That Add Time
| Factor | Time Added | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Each flight of stairs | +30–60 min | $45–$120 |
| Long carry (over 75 ft from truck to door) | +20–40 min | $30–$80 |
| Elevator buildings (reservation, wait time) | +30–90 min | $45–$180 |
| Narrow doorways or hallways | +30–60 min | $45–$120 |
| Heavy traffic between pickup and delivery | Variable | Variable (on-clock) |
In DC specifically: parking permit requirements for loading zones add coordination time. Street closures and construction zones (common in DC) can add 30–60+ minutes to a move. This is billed time on hourly jobs.
Preparation Factors That Reduce Time
- All boxes packed and sealed before movers arrive saves 1–2 hours on most 2-3 bedroom moves.
- Disassembling beds, IKEA furniture, and large shelving units yourself saves real money. Movers charge for that time.
- Clear driveway or street access means no time wasted maneuvering around parked cars.
- Staging items near the door, even 15 minutes of pre-work, can meaningfully cut loading time.
Long-Distance (Interstate) Moving Costs
Long-distance moves are usually priced by flat-rate — one price based on your inventory and destination, regardless of actual weight on delivery day. This is better for consumers because it eliminates weight-guessing games.
Long-Distance Move Costs (From DMV Area, 2026)
| Home Size | 300–500 miles | 500–1,000 miles | 1,000–1,500 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,800–$3,000 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| 2BR | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,000–$5,000 | $4,500–$7,000 |
| 3BR | $3,000–$5,000 | $4,500–$7,500 | $6,500–$10,000 |
| 4BR+ | $4,500–$7,500 | $6,500–$11,000 | $9,000–$15,000+ |
Note: Long-distance pricing includes truck, crew, fuel, and basic transit insurance. Packing services, crating, and storage are additional.
For a complete guide to interstate moves including regulatory requirements and planning timeline, see our moving across state lines guide.
Add-On Services and Their Costs
| Service | Cost Range | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing service (crew packs everything) | $300–$1,500 | Requested ahead of move |
| Partial packing (kitchen or fragile items only) | $100–$400 | Partial service request |
| Packing materials (boxes, tape, wrap) | $150–$350 | If not supplied by you |
| Disassembly/reassembly (complex furniture) | $50–$200 | IKEA, modular systems, beds |
| Piano moving (upright) | $250–$500 | Specialty service |
| Piano moving (grand) | $400–$800+ | Specialty service |
| Pool table | $300–$600 | Specialty service |
| Safe (standard) | $100–$250 | Weight-dependent |
| Storage (per month, 10x10 unit equivalent) | $100–$250 | Between move-out and move-in |
| Long carry fee | $75–$200 | When truck can't park within 75 ft |
| Stair carry fee | $75–$150/flight | Steps at origin or destination |
| Shuttle service | $200–$500 | When full truck can't access address |
Hidden Fees to Ask About Before Booking
Some companies keep their headline rate low and recover margin through add-on fees that aren't disclosed upfront. Ask specifically about:
- Fuel surcharge: Some companies add a flat fuel fee on top of the hourly rate — others include fuel in the rate
- Truck fee / travel fee: A flat charge for truck use separate from hourly labor
- After-hours or weekend premium: Weekend moves often cost 10–20% more than weekday moves
- Stair charge per flight vs. per trip: The billing unit matters on multi-stair moves
- Minimum hours: Know the minimum before booking — some companies have 3-hour minimums, others 4
- Cancellation fee: What's the policy if you need to reschedule?
The cleanest approach: ask for a written breakdown of every possible charge before you sign. Reputable movers give this without hesitation. A company that's vague about fees when you ask directly is a red flag.
For the full red flag checklist on scam tactics, see our moving company scams guide.
How to Estimate Your Specific Move Cost
Start with your home size and use the tables above as a baseline. Already fully packed? Adjust down. Have stairs or a long carry at either location? Adjust up.
Next, list any specialty items. Piano, pool table, safe, hot tub, large appliances, these add flat fees on top of the hourly rate and need to be disclosed before booking.
Then decide what services you actually need. Full packing vs. transport-only has a $500–$1,500 cost difference. If you can pack yourself, the savings are real.
Get three written estimates. Phone estimates are unreliable for anything larger than a 1BR move. In-home assessments produce binding or not-to-exceed quotes. Compare the same scope across at least three companies, not just the headline rate.
Finally, account for timing. Peak season (June–August) runs 20–30% higher than off-season. A mid-week, mid-month move is consistently cheaper than a weekend, month-end date. See our seasonal moving guide for a full month-by-month breakdown.
How to Reduce Your Moving Bill Without Cutting Corners
Declutter before you get estimates. Every item you don't move reduces time on hourly jobs and weight on flat-rate long-distance moves. A 2-bedroom with 30 fewer boxes can save 45–60 minutes of crew time. See our declutter before moving guide.
Be fully packed before movers arrive. This is the single biggest time-saver on any hourly move. Movers standing around waiting for boxes to be finished is billed time, and it adds up fast.
Disassemble furniture yourself the night before. Beds, dressers, IKEA units, anything that can be flatpacked. This alone saves 30–60 minutes on most moves.
Book off-peak: Tuesday through Thursday, mid-month, October through April. Rates drop meaningfully and you'll have more companies to choose from.
Ask about labor-only service. If you rent a truck yourself and just need a loading and unloading crew, labor-only services run $75–$130/hr for a 2-person team, less than full-service because no truck is included.
When comparing quotes, look at total cost rather than the headline hourly rate. The cheapest quote often has the most add-on fees. Calculate hourly rate times estimated hours, plus all applicable fees, then compare that number across companies.
Flat-Rate vs. Hourly: Which Is Better for Your Move?
| Factor | Hourly | Flat-Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Local moves, small loads, well-prepared moves | Long-distance, large homes, complex logistics |
| Budget certainty | Lower — final cost depends on actual time | Higher — price locked before moving day |
| Risk if move takes longer | You pay more | Price doesn't change |
| Risk if move is faster | You pay less | You paid for the flat rate regardless |
| Standard use case | Local moves under 50 miles | Interstate moves |
For a deeper comparison, see our guide on flat-rate vs. hourly movers.
DMV-Area Cost Context: Why Prices Here Run Higher
Moving costs in DC, Maryland, and Virginia run 15–25% above the national average for several reasons:
- Labor market: DMV-area wages are among the highest in the country, which directly affects crew rates
- Traffic and logistics: I-495, I-270, I-95, and DC streets extend job times materially during rush hour
- Building complexity: DC high-rises, HOA communities in suburban MD/VA, and older rowhouses all add coordination requirements
- Permit requirements: Street parking permits for moves in DC proper (required in many neighborhoods) add administrative overhead
- Demand: The DMV has high moving frequency due to government/military turnover, which keeps prices elevated year-round
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a local move cost in the DMV? A local move in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area typically costs $300–$600 for a studio, $700–$1,300 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,100–$2,300+ for a 3-bedroom. Prices are based on hourly crew rates of $100–$260/hour depending on crew size.
How are moving companies paid for local moves? Most local moving companies bill hourly — you pay for the time the crew works from arrival to completion. The rate includes the crew and truck. Packing materials and specialty services are usually billed separately.
What is included in a moving company's hourly rate? Standard inclusion: crew labor, moving truck, fuel (local distance), basic equipment (dollies, moving blankets, straps). Not typically included: packing boxes/supplies, full packing service, specialty item fees, or storage.
How much should I tip movers? Standard tip is $20–$50 per mover for a local move of average complexity. For a half-day or full-day job with no major issues, $25–$40 per person is appropriate. Tip more for difficult access conditions (lots of stairs, long carries), extreme weather, or exceptional service.
How can I get a more accurate estimate? Request an in-home or video assessment rather than a phone quote. For moves larger than 1BR, phone estimates are significantly less accurate. A written binding or not-to-exceed estimate is the best way to know your final cost before moving day.
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday? Yes — Tuesday through Thursday moves are typically 10–15% less than weekends. Mid-month moves cost less than end-of-month, which coincides with most lease turnovers. For the full timing guide, see our seasonal moving cost breakdown.
How much does long-distance moving cost from the DMV? A 2-bedroom move 500 miles from the DMV typically runs $2,000–$3,500. The same move at 1,000+ miles runs $4,500–$7,000. For a full long-distance cost guide, see our how much does a long-distance move cost article.
