How Much Does It Cost To Move in DC (2025 Cost Guide by Your Moving Men)

 

How Much Should I Pay to Move in the DC Area? (2025 Cost Guide by Your Moving Men)

If you’re planning a move in Washington, DC, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: “How much should I pay to move?”
In the DC metro area, the average cost of a local move is between $516 and $688, but your final price can vary based on where you live, the size of your home, building access, and the services you need. As a local moving company serving DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, Your Moving Men put together the most complete, up-to-date guide so you understand exactly what affects your cost—and how to save money.

Average Moving Costs in Washington DC

Below is a general industry breakdown (not Your Moving Men pricing), based on typical hourly rates and average job length:

Home Size	Typical Hours	Avg. Cost in DC
Studio	2–3 hours	$350–$550
1 Bedroom	3–4 hours	$516–$688
2 Bedroom	4–6 hours	$700–$1,000
3 Bedroom	6–8 hours	$1,100–$1,600
4+ Bedroom	8–10+ hours	$1,700+

These estimates assume normal apartment access.
If your unit is far from the elevator or the truck can’t get close to your building, your cost increases.
For example:

• A studio located 10 minutes from the elevator can cost more than a 1-bedroom located near the loading dock.

• DC neighborhoods like Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, and Dupont Circle often have parking restrictions that increase move time.

 

What Affects the Cost of Moving in DC?

DC is unique compared to other cities. Here are the factors that matter most:

Distance From Door to Truck

This is one of the biggest hidden cost factors.

• Long hallways

• Slow elevators

• Being far from the loading dock

• No parking close to building

If movers take 5–10 minutes just to reach your door, the clock adds up fast.

 

Building Access & Restrictions

DC has many buildings with rules like:

• Mandatory COI (Certificate of Insurance)

• Reserved elevator times

• Strict move-in windows (usually 2–3 hours)

• No weekend moves

Areas like NoMa, Navy Yard, Foggy Bottom, and Rosslyn commonly have these restrictions.

 

How Much Stuff You Have

More boxes + more furniture = more time = higher cost.

Key items that slow down moves:

• Large sectionals

• Heavy dressers

• Oversized couches

• Glass tables

• Treadmills / gym equipment

 

Packing & Preparation

If you pack poorly or don’t prepare, movers must compensate.

To save money:

• Disassemble furniture ahead of time

• Declutter before move day

• Pack boxes tightly and label clearly

• Pad and wrap furniture (or let movers do it)

 

Stairs vs. Elevator

Walk-up buildings increase time and strain.
A 3rd-floor walk-up in DC (common in Petworth, Mt Pleasant, Capitol Hill) can add 45–90 minutes to your job.

 

Season & Day of Week

DC has heavy moving seasons.

Cheapest Times to Move:

• Winter (Dec–March)

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays

• Mid-month

Most Expensive Times:

• Weekends

• May–September

• First & last week of the month

 

People Also Ask: DC Moving FAQ

How much should I tip movers in DC?

Most people tip 10–20% of the total job cost, depending on the complexity and service quality.

How much do movers cost per hour in DC?

• 2 movers: $110–$150/hr

• 3 movers: $150–$200/hr

• 4 movers: $200–$270/hr

Rates are higher in high-demand months.

How can I reduce my moving cost?

Here are the biggest money-savers:

• Declutter before moving

• Disassemble furniture in advance

• Reserve parking or loading zone

• Move boxes closer to the entrance

• Move during weekdays

• Pack everything before movers arrive

Hiring Movers vs. Renting a Truck vs. Labor-Only Movers

1. Hiring Full-Service Movers (Best for Most People)

Pros: fastest, safest, licensed, insured
Cons: more expensive than DIY

2. Renting a Truck (Budget-friendly)

Pros: cheapest option
Cons: you lift everything; parking in DC is hard; risk of injury

3. Labor-Only Movers

Pros: pay only for labor; great for PODs, U-Haul, U-Box
Cons: you still handle truck rental, driving, and scheduling

Your Moving Men provides both full-service and labor-only options depending on your needs.

 

Why Choose Your Moving Men?

• Local DC specialists

• Licensed & insured

• Experienced with apartments, condos, and co-ops

• Professional packing

• Careful furniture disassembly & reassembly

• Transparent pricing

• Fast communication

 

Final Thoughts: What Should You Pay to Move in DC?

A typical DC move costs $516–$688, but that number can go up or down depending on preparation, access, and the day of the week.

If you want the most accurate estimate, Your Moving Men can provide a free, no-pressure quote based on your apartment layout, distance to the elevator, and your furniture list.