Quick Answer: Local movers in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia cost $130–$300/hr based on the crew size. Most local moves run $500–$3,800. Long-distance moves cost $1,200–$15,000+ depending on home size and distance. Scroll to the table below for your specific range, or keep reading for a full breakdown.
This guide is written by the team at Eastland Movers — a licensed, insured Maryland moving company (USDOT #3426104) with 10+ years of experience and 25,000+ moves completed across Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Pricing in this guide is drawn directly from our own job records — not aggregated estimates - covering 2,500+ moves booked across the DMV in 2025 and 2026.
TL;DR: How Much Movers Charge in 2026
Hiring movers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC costs between $500 and $3,800+ for local moves, and $1,200 to $15,000+ for long-distance ones. Those ranges cover a lot of ground. The right number for your move depends on home size, distance, crew, and any add-on services you need.
The table below is your starting point. It maps out cost ranges across five home sizes and four distance bands, from a studio move across town to a 4-bedroom haul crossing state lines, so you can find a realistic ballpark in seconds. Local estimates are based on standard 3–4 hour minimums with 2–4 movers; long-distance rates use flat-rate pricing tied to average household weight per home size.
| Home Size | Under 100 miles | 100–500 miles | 500–1,000 miles | Over 1,000 miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $500–$900 | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,700–$2,400 | $2,000–$2,900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $500–$900 | $1,400–$2,700 | $1,750–$3,300 | $2,000–$4,300 |
| 2 Bedroom | $600–$1,750 | $1,700–$4,400 | $2,300–$5,800 | $2,700–$6,200 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,500–$2,700 | $1,800–$4,700 | $2,700–$6,800 | $3,900–$9,900 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $1,400–$3,800 | $3,300–$7,600 | $4,000–$8,600 | $4,400–$12,600 |
Key Takeaways
- Local moves in the DMV run $500–$3,800+ depending on home size; long-distance moves range $1,200–$15,000+
- Local movers charge hourly ($130–$300/hr by crew size); long-distance movers use flat-rate pricing by weight and distance
- Add-ons — stairs, packing, specialty items — add cost. Disclose all access issues before booking to avoid day-of surprises
- DC-specific rules: Moving trucks in DC require a DDOT parking permit ($50–$100). Most apartment buildings require a mover Certificate of Insurance (COI) with $1M–$2M in coverage
- For an accurate quote: have your details ready, request an in-home or video survey for moves over $2,500, and always ask for a binding estimate on long-distance moves
- To cut costs: move mid-week, avoid peak season (May–August), declutter before packing, and get at least 3 quotes — prices vary 25–40% between companies in the DMV
How Moving Companies Charge
The pricing model matters. It changes how you plan, budget, and protect yourself.
Hourly Pricing (Local Moves)
Hourly pricing is standard for local moves, typically anything within 100 miles. The clock starts when movers arrive (some companies charge from when the truck leaves their warehouse, so ask before you book) and stops when the last item is placed. You pay for actual time worked. That rewards being organized and penalizes last-minute packing or moves with difficult access.
Our local moving service covers the entire DMV with hourly rates and no hidden fees.
Flat-Rate Pricing (Long-Distance Moves)
Flat-rate pricing is common for long-distance moves. The company conducts an in-home or virtual survey, estimates the total weight and services required, and gives you one locked number. That number doesn't change if the move takes longer than expected. That's why most interstate movers prefer it, and why getting an accurate survey matters so much.
Weight-Based Pricing (Van Lines)
Large van lines use weight-based pricing for interstate moves. The truck is weighed before and after loading; your bill is based on the net weight of your shipment multiplied by a rate-per-pound. Heavier households pay more. This is most common when booking through national brands like Allied, Mayflower, or United.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates
A binding estimate locks the price regardless of actual weight or time. What you're quoted is what you pay. A non-binding estimate can change after the move, sometimes significantly, if the actual weight or hours exceed the estimate.
For local moves, most companies bill hourly and the final cost reflects actual time. For any long-distance move, especially anything over $2,500, ask specifically for a binding or "not-to-exceed" estimate. Require an in-home or video walkthrough before signing. A sales rep guessing over the phone is not a binding estimate.
For most DMV-area residents doing a local move, hourly pricing is what you'll encounter.
Local Moving Costs in the DMV
Quick Answer: Local moves in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia cost $500–$3,800+, depending on home size. Movers charge $130–$300/hr depending on crew size, with a standard 3–4 hour minimum.
A local move is typically within 100 miles, covering the same city, suburbs, or nearby counties. It's usually completed in a single day. Movers load at your origin, drive to the destination, and unload, all within the same workday.
Local moves in the DMV are billed by the actual hours worked. The tables below show typical costs by home size and hourly rates by crew size — use both to estimate your move.
Local Moving Costs by Home Size
These estimates are based on average move times and standard crew sizes for each home type in the DMV. They assume a local move (under 100 miles) and normal access (ground floor or elevator building). The low and average columns assume you pack yourself; the high estimate includes full-service packing.
| Home Size | Typical Crew | Avg Hours | Low Estimate | Average | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers | 3–5 hrs | $500 | $700 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 3–5 hrs | $500 | $700 | $900 |
| 2 Bedroom | 2–3 movers | 4–8 hrs | $600 | $1,175 | $1,750 |
| 3 Bedroom | 3–4 movers | 5–10 hrs | $1,500 | $2,100 | $2,700 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 4–5 movers | 6–12 hrs | $1,400 | $2,600 | $3,800 |
What pushes you toward the high end? Difficult access adds time and cost. Third-floor walkups, narrow stairwells, long carries from door to truck, or parking far from the building all slow the job down. Fully furnished homes mean more items and more labor. Day-of surprises, such as last-minute packing or furniture that needs disassembly, will also push you higher.
Hourly Rates by Crew Size
| Crew Size | Typical Hourly Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 movers | $130–$160/hr | Studios, 1BR apartments with minimal furniture |
| 3 movers | $170–$200/hr | 2BR apartments and small houses |
| 4 movers | $220–$250/hr | 3+ bedroom homes, large furniture, tight timelines |
| 5+ movers | $270–$300/hr | Large homes, commercial moves, same-day priority |
Source: Eastland Movers 2025–2026 booking data
Minimum charge: Most movers in the DMV require a 3–4 hour minimum regardless of how short the actual move is.
Travel time: For most local jobs, the drive from point A to B is under one hour. Expect either a flat travel fee of $150–$250, or a 1-hour drive-time charge at the standard hourly rate to cover the truck's return to base.
Real-World Example Local Moves in the DMV
To make these ranges concrete, here's what typical moves between specific DMV neighborhoods actually cost, based on Eastland Movers' own quote data from 2025–2026.
| Origin | Destination | Home Size | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Hill, DC | Shaw, DC | 1 Bedroom | $500–$750 | Short local haul; walkup likely adds time |
| Arlington, VA | Alexandria, VA | 2 Bedroom | $800–$1,400 | Mostly elevator buildings; easy access |
| Bethesda, MD | Rockville, MD | 3 Bedroom | $1,500–$2,400 | Suburban; good parking and access |
| McLean, VA | Falls Church, VA | 4 Bedroom | $2,200–$3,500 | Large home; stairs likely |
| DC (any neighborhood) | Baltimore, MD | 2 Bedroom | $1,500–$3,200 | ~45 miles; approaches long-distance threshold |
| Silver Spring, MD | Fairfax, VA | 2 Bedroom | $900–$1,600 | Cross-state local; standard crew |
| Tysons, VA | Reston, VA | 3 Bedroom | $1,400–$2,200 | High-rise elevator buildings; COI required |
| Navy Yard, DC | Hyattsville, MD | Studio | $500–$800 | Simple haul; parking permit needed in DC |
Long-Distance Moving Costs
Quick Answer: Long-distance moves from Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia cost $1,200–$15,000+. A 1-bedroom move 100–500 miles away runs $1,400–$2,700. A 3-bedroom cross-country move can exceed $9,900.
A long-distance move is typically over 100 miles, often crossing state lines. Unlike local moves, these jobs take several days. Movers load at the origin, drive to the destination (sometimes with other shipments along the way), and deliver within a quoted window rather than the same day.
See our long-distance moving service for full details on how we handle interstate shipments.
Long-distance moves are typically flat-rate, with the total based on weight, distance, and services. The prices below reflect standard household contents without specialty items. The low and average columns assume you pack yourself; the high column includes full-service packing. Expect 2–3 movers traveling with your shipment.
100–500 Miles
| Home Size | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,200 | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 | $2,050 | $2,700 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,700 | $3,050 | $4,400 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,800 | $3,200 | $4,700 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $3,300 | $5,350 | $7,600 |
500–1,000 Miles
| Home Size | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,700 | $2,050 | $2,400 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,750 | $2,500 | $3,300 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,300 | $4,000 | $5,800 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,700 | $4,750 | $6,800 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $4,000 | $6,200 | $8,600 |
1,000+ Miles
| Home Size | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,000 | $2,450 | $2,900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,000 | $3,100 | $4,300 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,700 | $4,450 | $6,200 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,900 | $6,750 | $9,900 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $4,400 | $8,500 | $12,600 |
Popular Long-Distance Routes from the DMV
Planning a move out of DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia? Here are estimated costs on the most common outbound routes from the DMV, based on a fully furnished 2-bedroom move.
| Route | Miles | 2BR Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC → New York City | ~230 mi | $1,700–$4,400 | High destination surcharges; COI required at many NYC buildings |
| DC → Charlotte, NC | ~390 mi | $1,700–$3,800 | Popular corridor; good availability |
| DC → Atlanta, GA | ~640 mi | $2,300–$5,200 | Mid-range haul; flat-rate common |
| DC → Chicago, IL | ~700 mi | $2,500–$5,800 | Midwest route; weight-based pricing more common |
| DC → Miami, FL | ~1,050 mi | $2,700–$6,200 | Long haul; binding estimate essential |
| DC → Dallas, TX | ~1,300 mi | $3,200–$7,000 | Cross-country; 2–5 day delivery window |
| DC → Los Angeles, CA | ~2,670 mi | $4,500–$9,500+ | Full cross-country; 7–14 day window typical |
Source: Eastland Movers 2025–2026 quote data
Delivery Windows for Interstate Moves
The delivery window is based on mileage and starts from your First Available Delivery Date (FADD), which is the earliest date you tell the mover you can accept your shipment. The window does not begin on your pick-up date. Movers who offer guaranteed delivery dates typically charge a premium.
| Distance | Delivery Window |
|---|---|
| 0–250 miles | Up to 5 business days |
| 251–500 miles | Up to 7 business days |
| 501–1,000 miles | Up to 10 business days |
| 1,001–1,500 miles | Up to 14 business days |
| 1,501+ miles | Up to 20 business days |
How Long-Distance Quotes Work
Interstate movers base quotes on shipment volume (cubic feet) and distance. The price per cubic foot typically increases for longer hauls and decreases for larger shipments. A 2,000 cubic foot move, roughly a fully furnished 3-bedroom home, often gets a lower per-cubic-foot rate than a 300 cubic foot move over the same route.
Most companies set a minimum of 200–400 cubic feet for long-distance jobs. Expect rates in the $2–$7.50 per cubic foot range depending on distance and volume. Estimates are typically provided only after an in-home or virtual survey. Be skeptical of long-distance quotes given without one.
Add-On Costs & Service Fees
A standard move includes loading, transportation, and unloading, plus furniture pads, dollies, and basic wrapping. Disassembly of standard furniture (bed frames, basic shelving) is usually included. Confirm when booking. Everything beyond that is extra. Disclose access issues and extra services upfront to avoid day-of surprises.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Access & location | — |
| Stairs (per flight beyond first; 1 flight = 7 steps) | $50–$150/flight (local: $75–$150; long-distance: $50–$85) |
| Elevator (one-time per location) | $75–$200 |
| Long carry (beyond 75 ft from truck) | $75–$200 (local); $0.75–$1.50/ft (long-distance) |
| Shuttle (truck can't reach door) | $250–$500 (local); $400 min + $1/cu ft (long-distance) |
| Extra pick-up or delivery (long-distance, within 20 mi) | $200 |
| Packing | — |
| Partial packing (e.g., kitchen only) | $200–$400 |
| Full packing (3BR home) | $800–$1,500+ |
| Packing materials (boxes, tape, wrap) | $150–$350 |
| Specialty items | — |
| Piano — upright | $250–$500 |
| Piano — grand | $400–$800+ |
| Safe / gun safe | $150–$400 |
| Appliance disconnect/reconnect | $50–$150 per appliance |
| Other (pool tables, kayaks, artwork) | Quoted separately |
| Storage | — |
| Monthly storage | $0.35–$0.70/cu ft; ~$150–$250/month for 10×10 |
| Warehouse handling (one-time) | $0.40–$0.60/cu ft |
| Surcharges | — |
| Fuel surcharge | 5–10% of total |
| Waiting time (30-min increments from arrival) | Truck $30/hr, driver $40/hr, helper $30/hr each |
| Valuation & insurance | — |
| Released Value (default) | Free — pays $0.60/lb per item; rarely sufficient |
| Full Value Protection | $100–$300 — repair or replacement at market value; recommended for most moves |
| Third-party insurance | Varies — broader coverage; check homeowner's/renter's policy |
| Tipping | — |
| Local — standard | $20–$30 per mover |
| Local — difficult access or heavy items | $40–$50 per mover |
| Long-distance (per day) | $50–$75 per mover |
| Exceptional service, large home | $75–$100 per mover |
Storage: Applies when you stagger your move, face delivery delays, or need flexibility between homes. Many movers offer up to 30 days free if requested before booking. Final month is often prorated. Fees due before goods are released.
Packing: Full packing for a 3BR home adds $800–$1,500+. Worth it if you're short on time. If you pack yourself, see our room-by-room packing guide.
Eastland Movers also offers professional packing services for full or partial packing needs.
Insurance: Released Value is required by law for interstate moves but pays only $0.60/lb — a 50-lb TV damaged = $30. Full Value Protection is strongly recommended for any move with electronics, furniture, or appliances worth more than a few hundred dollars.
Tipping: Not required but standard. Tip more for walkups, heavy items (safes, pianos), summer heat, or exceptional care. Cash preferred; Venmo and Zelle widely accepted. Tip each mover individually at the end, after everything is placed.
DMV-Specific Rules & Requirements
This is where local knowledge matters. National moving companies and comparison sites rarely cover the specific rules that govern moves in Washington DC and the surrounding area. Skipping these steps can get your move turned away at the door, or result in a parking ticket before the truck is half-unloaded.
DC Moving Parking Permits
In Washington, DC, movers must obtain a Special Events Parking Permit from DDOT (the District Department of Transportation) to legally reserve curbside space for a moving truck on moving day. Without one, the truck may have to double-park or rely on a loading zone. Either way, it slows the move and can result in fines.
Key facts about DC moving permits:
- Cost: $50–$100 depending on zone and duration
- Lead time: Request at least 3–5 business days in advance (weekends and peak season: 7–10 days)
- Where to apply: ddot.dc.gov or in person at DDOT
- What it does: Reserves one or more parking spaces for your moving truck for a specific date and window
- Who's responsible: Technically the mover, but confirm your company handles it — some do not
Eastland Movers handles parking permit logistics for all DC moves at no additional charge. Ask when booking.
Apartment COI Requirements
Most apartment buildings and condos in Washington DC, Arlington, Bethesda, Tysons, and Crystal City require your moving company to carry a Certificate of Insurance (COI) — typically $1 million to $2 million in general liability — and name the building as an additional insured party.
Failing to have a COI can result in your move being turned away at the building entrance on moving day. There is no workaround once this happens.
What to do:
- Confirm your building's COI requirements at least 2 weeks before your move date
- Ask your building manager for the exact coverage amount and how the additional insured language should read
- Verify your mover can provide a COI before booking — some smaller or unlicensed companies cannot
- Get the COI sent to your building at least 5 business days ahead
Eastland Movers provides Certificates of Insurance at no charge for all moves, including custom additional insured language for any building.
Elevator Reservations
High-rise buildings throughout DC and Northern Virginia — including communities in The Wharf, Navy Yard, Tysons, Crystal City, and Rosslyn — typically require advance elevator reservation for moving days. Some buildings restrict moves to specific hours (commonly 9 AM–5 PM on weekdays only, or limited Saturday windows).
Key steps:
- Contact your building management office as soon as you book your move
- Popular weekend slots in busy buildings can fill 2–4 weeks out
- Confirm your elevator reservation in writing, and share the time window with your movers
- Some buildings require a deposit or damage fee ($150–$500) refundable after the move
Missing an elevator window can delay the entire move and result in additional hourly charges.
HOA & Building Moving Policies
Beyond COIs and elevators, many HOAs and condo associations in Northern Virginia and Maryland have additional requirements:
- Move-in/move-out fees: $150–$500, typically non-refundable
- Approved moving hours: Often restricted to weekdays or limited weekend windows
- Truck size restrictions: Some communities prohibit 26-foot trucks; verify before booking
- Advance notice requirements: Some HOAs require 48–72 hours written notice before a move
Confirm all of these with your building or HOA manager before your move date.
Full-Service Movers vs. Containers vs. Truck Rental
Not everyone needs full-service movers. Here's how the three main options compare for DMV-area moves.
| Full-Service Movers | Containers (PODS/U-Pack) | Truck Rental (Penske/Budget) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move cost | $500–$3,800 | $300–$700 | $100–$400 |
| Long-distance cost | $1,200–$15,000+ | $900–$4,500 | $500–$2,500 |
| You load/unload? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Flexibility | Low (set date) | High (flexible window) | Medium |
| Best for | Full households, no time to DIY | Long-distance on a budget | Small moves, physically capable |
| DC permit needed? | Yes (mover handles) | Yes (you handle) | Yes (you handle) |
| COI available? | Yes | No (most buildings won't accept) | No |
The verdict for DMV moves: For most 2+ bedroom moves in Washington DC or high-rise buildings in Northern Virginia, full-service movers are the practical choice — containers and trucks can't satisfy COI requirements, and navigating DC parking permits yourself adds friction. For budget-conscious long-distance moves where you're flexible on timing and willing to do the loading yourself, U-Pack is the strongest container option.
Factors That Affect Your Final Moving Cost
Several variables will influence your final bill. Understanding them helps you budget accurately and identify where you have leverage to save.
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Distance | Local: more drive time = more hours billed. Long-distance: distance directly drives the flat rate. The same home can cost 3–4× more cross-country vs. a regional move. |
| Home size and volume | More belongings mean more boxes, more labor, longer load/unload times. Decluttering before you move is the single most effective way to reduce cost. |
| Time of year | Peak season (May–September) often runs 15–30% higher than fall or winter. Summer weekends are the most expensive window of the year in the DMV. |
| Day of week | Weekday moves are cheaper. Weekend rates are typically 15–25% higher per hour. Tuesday–Thursday offer the best value. |
| Access conditions | Third-floor walkups, narrow stairs, long carries, and elevators all add time and labor. Ground-floor or dock access is fastest; upper-floor walkups with distant parking add the most. |
| Packing status | Pre-packed and staged items speed the job. Movers packing for you typically adds 1.5–2× the time vs. transport-only. |
| Specialty items | Pianos, safes, antiques, and large appliances require extra equipment or specialist handling — quoted separately as flat fees. |
| Parking & access in DC | Permit costs ($50–$100), double-parking delays, or truck restrictions in narrow DC streets all add time. Good permit planning eliminates most of this. |
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Ballpark estimates are useful for budgeting. But to get a quote you can actually hold a company to, you need to give movers accurate information upfront — and know what to ask for.
What to Have Ready Before Calling
- Your current address and destination (city and zip minimum)
- Approximate square footage and number of rooms
- Apartment or house, and what floor
- Elevator access: yes or no
- Number of flights of stairs, if applicable
- Large or specialty items: pianos, safes, pool tables, oversized furniture, appliances
- Parking situation at both addresses (loading dock? Street? Garage?)
- Whether your building requires a COI, and the coverage amount
- Whether you need packing service or will pack yourself
- Your target move date and backup dates if flexible
In-Home vs. Virtual Estimates
For moves valued over $2,500–$3,000, request an in-home or video walkthrough estimate. A sales rep estimating over the phone without seeing your home is guessing — and that guess can change significantly on moving day if your actual volume is higher than expected. Binding estimates require a proper survey.
Most reputable DMV-area movers offer free virtual surveys via video call for local moves, and require an in-home survey for long-distance moves over a certain weight threshold.
Red Flags in a Quote
Watch for these warning signs before signing anything:
- A price dramatically lower than every competitor (bait-and-switch pricing is common in the moving industry — the low quote escalates on moving day)
- No written estimate provided
- Large cash deposit required upfront (a small deposit is normal; 50%+ upfront is a red flag)
- No USDOT number (required for all interstate movers)
- No physical address or evasive answers about where their trucks are based
- Pressure to sign immediately or lose the slot
For more on protecting yourself, see our guide to moving company scams.
How to Save Money on Your Move
Quick Answer: Move Tuesday–Thursday (saves $150–$300 vs. Saturday), book 4–6 weeks early, and get at least 3 quotes — prices in the DMV vary 25–40% between companies. Avoid May–August for the lowest rates.
These tactics directly reduce your final bill. Use them to identify where you have leverage — and how much you can realistically save.
| Tactic | How It Saves |
|---|---|
| Move mid-week | Tuesday–Thursday can save $150–$300 vs. Saturday. Weekend demand drives peak rates Friday–Sunday. |
| Avoid peak season | May–August is most expensive. October or January typically 15–30% less with better crew availability. See our best time to move guide. |
| Declutter before packing | Less volume = fewer boxes, fewer hours, lower flat-rate. Eliminating one truck load can save $200–$500 on local moves. See our declutter guide. |
| Pack yourself | Full packing adds $800–$1,500+ for 3BR. Packing just your kitchen saves $200–$400. Start 2–3 weeks early; use our packing guide. |
| Get at least 3 quotes | Prices vary 25–40% between companies. Three quotes take 30–45 min and can save hundreds. Use the same info for each to compare apples to apples. |
| Book early | Best crews book 3–6 weeks out, especially May–August. Last-minute (under 1 week) = higher rates, limited availability, less experienced crews. |
For a deeper dive on cost-saving tactics, see our guide to saving money on your move.
