Quick answer: We picked 495 Movers, Inc as the best overall choice for local moves after analyzing 51 movers in Washington DC, The company has received 410 reviews, with 83.7% being positive.
For long-distance moves from Washington DC, our top pick is Colonial Van Lines. They earn this spot with clear flat-rate pricing, dependable service, and consistently excellent customer reviews.
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, our goal is to give readers the clarity they need for moving and car shipping decisions, backed by trustworthy data and fair, unbiased reviews of top companies.
Our research covers over 4,000 movers nationwide, analyzed through a ranking system we built in-house. By weighing factors like cost, customer feedback, and service quality, and by studying real reviews, we highlight what each company does well... and where they could improve.
Relevance and accuracy guide everything we publish. Our dedicated specialists verify each piece of content so you can trust that it’s both dependable and timely.
Top-Rated Local Washington DC Movers
Good news: Moving to a new place in Washington DC can be simple. The right local mover makes even a short trip across town smooth and stress-free.
Here are some of the top-rated pros to help you make the short trip with ease:
495 Movers, Inc
495 Movers, Inc (DOT: 1893270) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocations, and specialized handling for items such as antiques, art, and pianos. They provide additional conveniences like junk and debris removal, climate-controlled storage, and full valuation coverage to ensure a stress-free moving experience.
While the company supports various payment methods, including money orders and cash, they do not accept cryptocurrency, which may be a downside for some tech-savvy customers. To accommodate diverse customer needs, they offer a senior discount, reflecting their commitment to providing value to their clients.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Transparent pricing
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Misplaced or lost items
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
BoxStar Movers
BoxStar Movers (DOT: 3455884) offers a comprehensive range of services ideal for both local and interstate moves. They cater to specialized moving needs by providing services such as fragile only packing, junk removal, and climate-controlled storage. In addition to accommodating unique items like pianos, hot tubs, and safes, they also offer senior and military discounts, making them a cost-effective choice for eligible clients.
However, a potential downside is that BoxStar Movers does not facilitate international moves, which may be a limitation for customers looking to relocate overseas. With a focus on customer convenience, they accept payments by cash and credit card but not through cryptocurrency or money orders.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Inexperienced movers
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Great Job Moving and Storage
Great Job Moving and Storage (DOT: 2041911) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves and interstate relocations, with the added convenience of storage options. They cater to specific needs by providing unpacking services and have expertise in moving delicate items like pianos and pool tables.
While they provide senior services, they may not be the best choice for those seeking international moves or full valuation coverage, as these are not part of their offerings. Despite the versatility in services, they do not accept payment via cryptocurrency or credit card, which could be a limitation for some clients.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
Cons
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Full packing
Flex Moving & Storage
Flex Moving & Storage (DOT: 3610638) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate relocations, and climate-controlled storage options. They are particularly accommodating to seniors with a discount specifically for this group, as well as offering discounts for military personnel. Additionally, Flex Moving & Storage accepts cash and credit card payments, but they do not offer services such as international moving or junk removal, which could be a limitation for some customers. Despite these limitations, their array of services like small moves, storage, and packing makes them a versatile option for many moving needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
- Damage to items
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Olympia Moving & Storage
Olympia Moving & Storage (DOT: 70719) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate and international relocations, as well as specialized handling of items like hot tubs, pianos, antiques, and grandfather clocks. They also provide junk and debris removal, climate-controlled storage, and even have crane vans available for challenging moves.
While they offer unpacking services and packing materials, Olympia Moving & Storage does not support cryptocurrency payments, which might be a drawback for tech-savvy customers seeking modern payment options. Additionally, the company does not offer traditional discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel. Despite these few limitations, their extensive service offerings make them a versatile choice for diverse moving needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Misplaced or lost items
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
More Maryland Moving Options
Curious about all moving solutions near you? Check out this list of the best moving companies in Maryland.
The Best Long-Distance Movers in Washington DC
Moving on from Washington DC brings endless opportunities, whether you’re heading to a nearby state or across the country. A dependable interstate mover helps set the stage for a smooth transition. Here are a few top choices to get you started:
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a trusted full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, handling long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years of experience and 12,000+ moves annually, they offer expert packing, storage, and interstate transport throughout the continental US. Moving crews are highly trained Their user-friendly mobile app makes getting a quote fast and easy, and customers consistently praise their friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expert in-house crews
- Home electronics setup
- Trash & debris removal
Cons
- No local or international moves
- Not available in AK or HI
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
- Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
- Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
- Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
- Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
- Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
- Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
- Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
- Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving, (USDOT: 3756000), is a veteran-owned moving company with the mission to offer military precision relocation. Safeway offers very competitive pricing because they have access to a huge network of truck capacity across the country. Their multi-stage quality assurance process also ensures moves go smoothly from pickup to delivery. This focus on quality and accurate pricing is a huge reason why Safeway made our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Long distance and cross country moves only
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
Cons
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
Services
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
- Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
- Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
- Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
- International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
- 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) started in 1995 with only two trucks and a single location. The company has grown to become a nationwide mover with over 70 trucks servicing all 48 states. Despite their rapid growth, AVL still feels like a family-owned business. Their focus on customer service and affordable pricing put them at the top of our list!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Last-minute moves
- Private storage options
- Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
- Flat-rate pricing
Cons
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Services
- Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
- Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
- Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines, (USDOT# 076235), is one of the largest and most well-known moving networks globally. With agent locations in all 50 states, as well as worldwide, and over 80 years in business, the company comes well-equipped for just about any type of move. The only drawback to Allied is they're known as a premium brand in the industry and their pricing can often come in above the competition.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Specialty packing services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- International shipping
Cons
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days
Services
- Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
- Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
- International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
- Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
- Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
- Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
- Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation, (USDOT# 3182355), was founded seven years ago by Semen Mayzlin. Semen began his career as a moving company driver but got frustrated with the existing companies in the industry and decided to start his own premier long distance moving company. The company has grown over the past 7 years and now has 10 tractor trailers servicing moves all over the country.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- 24/7 customer support
- Residential, corporate & military moves
Cons
- Only service moves originating on the east coast
- Deposit required at booking
Services
- Local moves (residential service with professional teams and packing assistance)
- Long-distance & out-of-state moves (nationwide across all contiguous states with online quotes, price-match guarantee, and real-time GPS tracking)
- Corporate moves (commercial & office relocation, employee moves, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Military moves (compliant with regulations, trained crews, full-service support)
- Packing & unpacking services (trained packers, durable materials, wrapping for fragile items like antiques, pianos, fine arts)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units, 30 days free storage included)
- Small moves (efficient handling of smaller load requirements)
- Price match guarantee (ensures competitive pricing)
- Deposit & cancellation policy (25% deposit, full refund if canceled within 7 days)
- Online estimates & booking (virtual inventory, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly (handled by crew as part of full-service)
- Dedicated move coordinator & customer support (personalized planning, 24/7 assistance throughout)
Moving Services Offered in Washington DC
The services offered by moving companies can vary substantially, with availability often linked to the specific location. Certain movers are adept in packing fragile items, moving pianos, or providing storage, while some may not provide these options in Washington DC.
For easier decision-making, we’ve mapped out the number of movers in Washington DC that provide each service, plus averages for Maryland and nationwide. This snapshot shows what’s readily available locally and what might require extra searching.
| Service | Washington DC | MD | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | 82 | 51 | 3,074 |
| Unpacking | 79 | 49 | 2,974 |
| Packing Materials | 51 | 22 | 1,814 |
| Piano | 58 | 37 | 2,300 |
| Antiques | 43 | 30 | 1,465 |
| Art | 45 | 31 | 1,449 |
| Standard Storage | 76 | 49 | 2,696 |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 33 | 23 | 1,035 |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 23 | 9 | 748 |
| Custom Crating | 53 | 35 | 1,929 |
Full-Service Moving Alternatives
A full-service mover manages the entire process, but that’s not the only route. Renting a container, booking a truck, or hiring movers by the hour lets you tailor the move to your budget and needs.
PODS
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Did you know? You can get help with heavy lifting even if you opt for a DIY move. In Washington DC, there are 49 labor-only options to choose from, meaning you can pay an hourly crew to assist with loading your moving container or rental truck.
FAQs
Do all Washington DC movers handle out-of-state relocations?
Not all movers are licensed for interstate work. In Washington DC, 73 companies can handle out-of-state moves, compared to 44 across Maryland.
Is it cheaper to move during certain times of the year?
Yes. Peak summer months tend to be pricier. Since 48 movers in Washington DC offer instant online quotes, it's easy to compare off-season rates and potentially save hundreds.
Are Washington DC movers insured and licensed?
Most are, but always confirm credentials. A good sign of professionalism is that 76 movers in Washington DC also provide storage, often requiring additional regulatory compliance.
Do Washington DC movers offer discounts?
Yes. We found 7 offer military pricing, 13 offer senior discounts. No AAA discounts are currently offered.
Can I pay movers in cash in Washington DC?
Yes. 31 movers in Washington DC accept cash, compared to 20 statewide.
How many Washington DC movers provide packing services?
82 movers in Washington DC offer packing services, and 51 also sell materials like boxes and tape.
Do any Washington DC movers specialize in fragile or high-value items?
Yes. 23 movers in Washington DC offer fragile-only packing, while 45 handle fine art shipments.
How many movers in Washington DC provide storage options?
There are 76 movers in Washington DC that offer standard storage, and 33 provide climate-controlled units — both above the national average.
