Best movers in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau . If you're one of the many moving to or from the nation's capital, you need a reliable mover to get the job done quickly and efficiently. The Yahoo Local moving experts put together the best Washington, D.C. movers based on important criteria like Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation status, services offered and online customer reviews. Our team also called each D.C. moving company in this roundup, getting the must-have details you need for your move, such as hourly rates and minimums, background checks for movers and payment details. 

Quick overview

The best moving company in Washington, D.C. for YOU

Choosing a moving company in Washington, D.C. is more personal than you may think. It's not just about who has the lowest price or the highest number of reviews — you need a reliable moving crew to get you (and your stuff) where you need to go in a quick and efficient manner. Whether you're moving out of a rowhouse in Petworth or a high-rise building in Navy Yard, hiring the right movers is key for a stress-free experience.

The first step is to set your moving budget . In Washington, D.C., hourly rates and minimums vary by company. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage , our pick for last-minute moves, charges a flat fee for all moves, while many others in our guide have a set hourly rate. Consider the extras you may need, too. Some companies, like 495 Movers , our top choice for military moves, include materials like tape and plastic wrap in their hourly rate, while others, like Ally Moving , our top moving company, calculate those costs at the end. It's a good idea to ask upfront what's included so you're not surprised by fees later. 

Availability is another factor to keep in mind. Summer is peak moving season in D.C., and weekends are one of the most popular times to book. Some companies ask for a deposit, and some, like Bookstore Movers , the best D.C. mover for all-inclusive pricing, have cancellation policies that kick in a week or more before your move. Make sure to double-check the fine print so you're not caught off guard. Keep reading to learn more about the best Washington, D.C. moving companies for you.

Table of contents

• Best overall mover in Washington, D.C.

• Best Washington, D.C. mover for all-inclusive pricing

• Best national mover

• More best moving companies

• Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

• Washington, D.C. moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Washington, D.C.

Ally Moving is the best overall mover in Washington, D.C.

Ally Moving stands out as the best overall moving company in Washington, D.C., with over a decade of experience serving the nation's capital and surrounding areas since its founding in 2012. Locally owned and operated, it's led by general manager Juan Carlos Hernandez, who brings 20 years of industry experience. He believes in " handling each client's belongings as if they were our own ," a sentiment reflected in many online reviews. Former customers describe the company as " great and very efficient ," " flexible ," and say the crew " worked quickly without sacrificing care ."

The hourly rate for three movers is $175 with a three-hour minimum. There is also a one-time truck fee of $350 for a two-bedroom home. The truck fee can vary based on the number of rooms you're moving, so make sure to clarify when you call. Considering this pricing information, you can expect to pay around $875 for a three-hour move and three crew members with Ally Moving. There is also a material fee for plastic bags, tape and other moving materials added at the end of the move, which is equivalent to 5% of your total costs. This is an optional charge.

There is a $50 deposit required to book your move, which goes toward your final total. The company requests at least seven days' notice to cancel or reschedule your move. Payment can be made by cash, card (with a 3% transaction fee) or check, and the final payment is due when the move is over.

Services offered

• Apartment moves 

• Office moves 

• Packing 

• On-demand furniture delivery 

• Storage solutions 

• Residential moves

Ally Moving is not accredited by the BBB but has an A+ rating and no registered customer complaints. On Google, it has a 4.9-star rating from 209 reviews and on Yelp, it has a 4.2-star rating from 162 reviews. A representative with Ally Moving told Yahoo Local that all of its movers are full-time employees who undergo background checks and that even during the busy summer season, it does not subcontract any moving jobs. 

Call 202-527-5239 or visit the Ally Moving website for more information on scheduling your upcoming move. It is located at 1129 Kalmia Road Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20012. Business hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. Ally Moving is closed on Sundays.

Customer testimonial

Ally Moving was phenomenal with our move. Things were up in the air until the last minute and they remained flexible and made our move to NJ from VA so easy. Thank you for a great job! - Jeffrey M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Bookstore Movers is the best Washington, D.C. mover for all-inclusive pricing

Bookstore Movers began in 2005 when Matt Wixton, then working part-time shelving books, started the company with a group of friends. The original mission was to one day purchase a favorite neighborhood bookstore, which became a reality in 2018 when the company officially acquired Capitol Hill Books. After Wixton passed away in 2019 following a battle with cancer, his wife, Kate Riston-Wixon, an early team member, assumed leadership. She continues to operate the business with the same focus on kindness, professionalism and thoughtful service as Matt.

Bookstore Movers does not use a standard hourly rate, like many other Washington, D.C., moving companies. Instead, it works up a personalized quote based on your specific inventory and logistics, which is why it has earned the title of best D.C. mover for transparent pricing. Each estimate includes a required minimum and a truck fee, with additional time billed in 15-minute increments. There are no hidden fees for stairs, long walks or packing materials like boxes.

Bookstore Movers also stands out for its no-deposit policy. Payment is due at the end of the job and accepted by cash, check or card. There is no added fee for using a card. A minimum of seven days' notice is required to cancel or reschedule without penalty. Changes made within one week result in a one-hour charge, while adjustments inside a 48-hour window cost two hours. Same-day cancellations are charged the full minimum. All cancellation or reschedule requests must be emailed, as a representative told Yahoo Local that phone calls are not accepted for these changes.

Services offered

• Residential moves

• Commercial moves

• Labor-only services

• Packing support

• Storage solutions

Bookstore Movers serves Washington, D.C., northern Virginia and Maryland and is especially active throughout the D.C. metro area. It holds a 4.8-star average rating on both Google (342 reviews) and Yelp (804 reviews). Although it is not accredited by the BBB , it maintains an A+ rating with no complaints on file. The company has a small but mighty crew, and each team member has undergone a background check and training before starting. 

Bookstore Movers is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. It is located at 5200 46th Ave., Hyattsville, Md., 20781. Call 202-570-4697 or visit the Bookstore Movers website to get your upcoming move squared away.

Customer testimonial

Exceptional customer service and job performance are rare commodities in any industry and virtually unheard of in the moving business. Bookstore Movers smashes the mold and provided the most satisfying customer experience I have ever encountered. From estimating to scheduling, from pre-move follow up to day-of communication, from on-time arrival to the most professional, friendly, careful, efficient, polite, skillful team of movers - it made what is always a nightmare task into a simple pleasure. I cannot recommend them more highly or thank them enough for their amazing work. - Robert F., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Straightline Movers is the best local mover in Washington, D.C.

Straightline Movers was founded in 2015 by Henry Feaunati, a former rugby player from New Zealand, who brings over 20 years of experience in the moving industry to the job every day. His daily, hands-on involvement with every move, from answering the phones to managing operations, makes Straightline Movers the best local mover in D.C. The company also serves parts of Maryland and Virginia for commercial and residential moves.

Straightline Movers' hourly rate is $230 for three movers, with a minimum of three hours. That rate also includes the truck, so you can expect to spend at least $690 for a move with Straightline Movers with three crew members. After the first three hours, time is prorated in 15-minute increments. There are also extra charges for plastic wrap for mattresses and fabric items like sofas and armchairs, and the pricing for these varies. For a more accurate estimate, Feaunati will talk through your inventory with you, asking you, "120 questions until I am satisfied with everything," he joked, noting, "I will send you an email quote of how long it should take based on what you have."

There is no deposit required to schedule a move with Straightline Movers, and you can pay the final bill upon completion of the move. Feaunati said his company accepts cash, check or credit/debit card for payment, but there is a 3% fee added to all card transactions.

Services offered

• Local moves

• Long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

• Labor-only

• Loading and unloading

• Apartment and condo moves

• Storage

Straightline Movers has a 4.9-star Google rating based on 184 reviews and a 4.8-star Yelp rating based on 19 reviews. It's also accredited by the BBB , standing out for its A+ rating and zero filed customer complaints. Feaunati told Yahoo Local that while his movers don't undergo background checks, he is "very picky about who I employ." He added that many of his movers have been with him since the company started, and he only hires people with prior moving experience who are friends of his already-established, tight-knit and trusted team.

This mover is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. Straightline Movers is located at 1356 Okie Street Northeast, Washington, D.C., 20002. It also has a storage warehouse located at 2210 5th Street Northeast in D.C. Call 202-322-9009 or visit the website to schedule your next move. 

Customer testimonial

The movers were great. Very professional, capable, careful and efficient. The whole thing was done faster than I expected — even though they took care to wrap and protect things more than I myself had thought to. They helped rearrange other heavy stuff and made my life so much easier. Helpful booking conversation— end to end, a great experience - Ursula M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best overall national moving company

At Yahoo Local, we spotlight exceptional local businesses, but we also understand that national moving companies can sometimes be a better choice, depending on your needs. Check out our guide comparing local and national movers for a full breakdown . After evaluating several providers, we selected BLVD Moving as our top choice for a national mover .

BLVD Moving launched in 2000 and is led by experienced professionals in the moving industry. Although it has just four locations in California, it handles local and cross-country moves throughout the U.S. The company is family-owned and independently operated, with its own fleet of trucks and staff. Still, its terms note that subcontractors or agents may be used for some moves. This is a standard practice across the industry that helps manage higher volumes but should be considered before booking.

To assess pricing, we requested a quote for a 500-mile move with a load size of about 1,340 cubic feet, which is roughly equal to a three-bedroom home without major appliances. The estimate was approximately $6,700, which is comparable to those of similar long-distance movers. BLVD requires a 33% deposit upfront, 50% of the remaining balance at pickup and the final payment upon delivery.

Services offered

• Local and interstate moves

• Residential, office and commercial relocations

• Packing services

• Storage options

• Financing available

If you cancel at least two business days before your scheduled pickup, you'll receive a full refund of your deposit. BLVD provides a delivery window of two to 21 business days based on your preferred date, so your belongings could take more than a month to arrive depending on timing and distance.

It's best to schedule your move about 30 days in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer or the beginning or end of a month. (For more help planning, read our guide on the best times to move .) Obtaining a quote is straightforward, and you can opt for either a virtual walkthrough or an online inventory form. Financing is available for qualified customers, with rates as low as 0%.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB and holds an A- rating. It has received 81 complaints in the past three years, which is typical for a national provider. The company holds a 4.3-star average on Google from 993 reviews and a 2.3-star rating on Yelp from 352 reviews. All movers are employees who undergo background checks and receive training from the company.

BLVD Moving's main office is located at 21622 Plummer St., Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. Business hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, seven days a week. Call 844-274-0500 or visit the website for a free estimate.

Customer testimonial

I'm glad my long-distance move was executed smoothly. The movers informed me and delivered my boxes and furniture in excellent condition. They reviewed the final bill in detail to ensure I understood everything. Their service and honesty left a lasting impression. - Scott A., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Piece of Cake Moving & Storage is the best last-minute D.C. mover

Piece of Cake Moving & Storage, a multi-state mover headquartered in New York, also serves as a top-rated mover for the Washington, D.C. area, including parts of Maryland and Virginia. Known for its expertise moving within city limits, it's ideal for every type of move, including small apartment and large house moves, as well as emergency moves.

From Adams Morgan to Foggy Bottom and Manor Park to the U Street Corridor, Piece of Cake Moving & Storage offers flat-fee pricing for all moves. Pricing is based on the volume of your items, distance between your two locations and any special add-on services you need (like packing or unpacking). Flat-fee moving quotes are available on the Piece of Cake Moving & Storage website so you can price out your move within just a few minutes.

The website notes that for a one- to two-bedroom apartment, it typically sends a three-person crew, with additional labor available upon request. Standard service includes free moving boxes for handling clothes, TVs, mirrors, and picture frames. Many Washington, D.C. residences have stairs, which are also factored into your moving price. The company requires a $50 deposit to secure your move (or 10% of the total if the total cost exceeds $2,000). Payments can be made online using a credit/debit card. You can also pay by certified check or cash. 

For cancellation, the company requires 48 hours' notice prior to your moving date in order to recoup your deposit. The company notes the refund will be issued within two to four days of canceling. The final bill is due one day before your move, which is unlike how other moving companies in our guide handle payment. 

Services offered

• In-state moving 

• Last-minute moves

• Out-of-state moving 

• Packing supply sales 

• International moving 

• Packing and unpacking

• White glove moving services

• Piano moving

Piece of Cake Moving & Storage operates across several states and is active in the D.C. area, though it is not accredited by the BBB and currently holds a C rating with 39 customer complaints filed in the last three years (fairly average for such a large company). It was among a group of movers cited in a New Jersey enforcement action for unlicensed operations in 2024, but the issue has since been resolved. 

It has a 4.8-star Google rating based on 9,689 reviews and a 4.6-star Yelp rating based on 2,300 reviews, with former customers noting the team is " outstanding " and that they would " 100% hire them again ." A representative with the company confirmed that all movers are background-checked employees.

For your upcoming move to or from the Washington, D.C. area, contact Piece of Cake Moving & Storage at 212-651-7273 or visit its website to book your move. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage is located at 10-15 46th Ave., Long Island City, N.Y., 11101. The company lists its hours as open 24/7, every day of the year. It offers customer support from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Customer testimonial

I recently moved cross-country with Piece of Cake Moving, and the experience was incredible. Philip and his team made everything so easy and didn't have to lift a finger. They handled everything quickly and professionally, and the entire move was done in just an hour! They even took the time to secure our bench, which we had made while living here, making sure it stayed safe during the trip. I couldn't have asked for a smoother, more stress-free move. - Nabeela N., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

495 Movers is the best military mover in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 2009 by two best friends, 495 Movers serves Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The company is certified by the General Services Administration and, according to its website, has "long been a preferred mover of the government and the military." That reputation is why it earns the title of best military mover in Washington, D.C. One former customer, who noted his experience with many military relocations, wrote that 495 Movers " operates as the model for customer service, efficiency and quality ." The company is also ProMover certified by the American Trucking Association (ATA) and is known for delivering " outstanding " moving services.

The hourly rate to book a move with 495 Movers is $295 for three movers, and there is a three-hour minimum. There is also a one-time travel fee, which is equal to one hour's time ($295). That means, at a minimum, you can expect to spend $1,180 with 495 Movers. This pricing includes all costs for labor and packing materials, so you shouldn't run into any hidden fees.

The company collects a one-hour deposit ($295 in this case) that is applied to your final cost. All cancellations must be done 10 days before your move; otherwise, you will forfeit the deposit. The final balance is due at the end of the job. You can pay by cash, check or card. However, a 5% fee applies to all debit and credit card transactions.

Services offered

• Local moves 

• Long-distance moves 

• Commercial moves 

• Self-storage

The company operates several self-storage facilities (short- and long-term) in the Rockville area, including a newly constructed, climate-controlled facility with 24-hour video surveillance. A representative from 495 Movers confirmed that all of its crew members undergo background checks.

The company is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating. It responded to one complaint (due to service or repair issues) filed within the last 12 months, and it is now resolved. It has a 4.7-star rating on Google from 745 reviews and a lower 3.8-star Yelp rating based on 191 reviews. Per its website, it claims to have done more than 15,500 moves and has more than 4,550 repeat customers. One customer on Google wrote she has used them for " 3 different moves over the last few years and would use them again ."

The company is located at 640 Lofstrand Lane, Rockville, Md., 20850. Its business hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. This mover is closed on Sundays. Schedule your upcoming move with 495 Movers by calling 855-243-1717 or visiting the company website . 

Customer testimonial

I had an amazing experience with 495 Movers! They made my moving day so easy and stress-free. The entire team was professional, efficient, and incredibly helpful from start to finish. Their customer service was top-notch, and they handled everything with care. I truly appreciate their hard work and dedication. Thank you so much, 495 Movers—you guys are the best! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and hassle-free moving company. - J ohn M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

You can count on Yahoo Local moving advice, and this is why 

At Yahoo, we've spent decades delivering reliable information about local businesses. We work to earn your trust by showing how our recommendations are made, not just asking you to take our word for it. Our custom rankings system pulls in ratings from multiple established review platforms and applies weighted scoring to build what we believe is the most accurate local business ranking system available. You'll find a breakdown of the factors we use to rank businesses below so you can decide how much trust to place in each pick. Unlike some sites, Yahoo Local does not accept payment for rankings or placements, and our selections are never "sponsored" or influenced by outside parties. For more on how we rank businesses, visit our full methodology page. Visit our full methodology page .

Here's more about how we selected the top Washington, D.C. movers:

• 14 movers evaluated

• 19,902 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all six featured movers

• Independent price quotes sourced from all six featured moving companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

Washington, D.C. moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

When you reach out to a moving company in D.C., having a few details ready can help you get a more accurate quote and avoid surprises or hidden fees later on. Here's what to have on hand before you reach out:

• Type of type (local or long-distance)

• Start and end addresses (include info about stairs, loading zones, elevators and parking)

• Any large or fragile items (like a piano, treadmill, antiques or artwork)

• Moving services you need (packing, unpacking, storage or just help loading and unloading)

• Preferred move date and time (being flexible can sometimes help with pricing and availability)

• Building access information (think loading dock hours or whether a moving elevator needs to be reserved)

The more details you can share, the easier it'll be for the movers to give you a solid estimate and send the right crew and truck for the job. In D.C., summer and end-of-month moves book up faster than other times of the year, so it's a good idea to start planning a few weeks out if you can. Although some D.C. movers, like Piece of Cake Moving & Storage , offer last-minute moves if you get in a pinch. 

What should you know about packing and storage in Washington, D.C.?

Planning a move in Washington, D.C. requires managing several logistics, including packing and storage. The city's heat and humidity in the warm months can be tough on furniture and electronics, so climate-controlled storage , like what is offered by 495 Movers , is a smart choice to protect your belongings. Look for a secure facility that fits your timing and gives you easy access when you need it. (Check out our guide to the most common items that require climate-controlled storage .) 

Many local movers offer packing and unpacking help, too. Sometimes it's included in the hourly rate, but other times it costs extra. Be sure to ask about these services when you call to book your move to get the most accurate moving estimate. It's also worth noting that some top-rated D.C. movers, like Bookstore Movers , don't charge extra for packing boxes.

What's different about condo and apartment moving in Washington, D.C.?

If you're moving into a condo or apartment in D.C., it's a good idea to check with your building management or homeowners' association (HOA) as early as possible to hammer out the details of your moving day. Some buildings have set move-in days or hours, and many will ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company.

Additionally, most buildings with elevators require you to reserve them ahead of time. Doing so can make things much easier for your movers. If possible, try to give building management (for moving in and moving out) at least two weeks' notice so there's time to get everything squared away.

Stairs are also another part to consider when moving in Washington, D.C. Many older buildings in neighborhoods like Adams Morgan or Dupont Circle don't have elevators, which means your movers are left to navigate tight staircases and narrow halls. Some movers charge extra for that, but not all do. For example, Bookstore Movers doesn't charge more for stairs or long walks, which is a big help when you're moving into a fourth-floor walk-up. 

Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in Washington, D.C.?

According to the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection , all moving companies for hire operating in the District of Columbia must obtain a basic business license. For regional moves, check out our guides to Maryland moving company licensing and regulations and Virginia moving company licensing and regulations .

Additionally, since D.C.isn't a state, it follows its own requirements for permits. For example, a Public Space Permit is required for any move in Washington, D.C., where your moving truck will use public space, like parking on the street or blocking a sidewalk, according to the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) . The permit costs $50. If the truck will occupy a metered space, "No Parking" signs must be printed and posted 24 hours before your move (or 72 hours in advance for non-metered areas). You can apply online through DDOT's permit portal. Some requests are processed the same day, but it can take up to two weeks. Check with your moving company, as many will handle this step for you.

How much should you tip movers in Washington, D.C.?

It is recommended that you tip movers anywhere from 10% to 20% of the final moving total. This is a nice way to show your appreciation for the movers' hard work, professionalism and careful handling and packaging of your belongings. However, tipping is not mandatory, and therefore it's up to you to decide if (and what) you'll pay. Note that movers prefer cash tips. In some cases, you may be able to send tips individually to each mover using digital payment apps like Venmo, PayPal or Zelle. Our comprehensive guide to tipping your movers can help you determine the appropriate amount to tip. 

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