Best DC to Washington Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from DC to Washington and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,686 mile DC to WA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 130 DC to Washington moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Bookstore Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in DC compared to Washington. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best DC to Washington Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bookstore Movers | 9.60 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Mic's Moving | 9.59 | 9.56 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Seattle Moves & More | 9.54 | 9.39 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Ap Pro Moving Llc | 9.43 | 9.39 | Active | Contact |
| 5 | Treasure Moving Company | 9.39 | 9.41 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | John Volken Academy Movers | 9.33 | 9.65 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from DC to Washington
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,686 miles from DC to Washington will cost on average $4,065 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom DC to WA move is roughly $9,828. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in DC and dropoff in Washington as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve DC to Washington movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,725 | 300 ft³ | 9.08 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,065 | 450 ft³ | 9.03 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,738 | 750 ft³ | 8.98 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,828 | 1100 ft³ | 8.93 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $14,215 | 1600 ft³ | 8.88 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $15,902 | 1800 ft³ | 8.83 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington to DC guide.
Popular DC to Washington Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from DC to Washington
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular DC to Washington Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best DC to WA Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Bookstore Movers
5200 46th Ave
Hyattsville, MD, 20781
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2005212 / 707471 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 21 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,245 (2019) |
Mic's Moving
1250 9th st. nw
Washington DC, DC, 20011
About Mic's Moving
Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2474176 / 856657 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2019) |
Seattle Moves & More
4601 Shilshole Ave NW
Seattle, WA, 98107
About Seattle Moves & More
Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its...
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Long-Distance Relocation
- Furniture Packing and Unpacking
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2962927 / 5796 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 31,000 (2023) |
Ap Pro Moving Llc
5021 Seminary Rd # 822
Alexandria, VA, 22311
About Ap Pro Moving Llc
Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3338902 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 4,000 (2021) |
Treasure Moving Company
11140 Rockville Pike # 300
Rockville, MD, 20852
About Treasure Moving Company
Carrying all of your worldly possessions to a new location is no small feat. Throw in the fact that you’re probably...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Residential Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2431129 / 847222 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2021) |
John Volken Academy Movers
921 Central Ave N
Kent, WA, 98032
About John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local business...
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2261169 / 1666977 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 200 (2015) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Washington
Moving from one city to another is a big decision, full of both opportunities and hurdles. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes associated with relocating from DC to Washington. By contrasting the cons of living in DC with the pros of moving to Washington , and vice versa, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in your new home.
DC- Higher living costs
- Dense traffic
- Humid summers
- Less green space
Washington- More affordable housing
- Spacious roadways
- Milder climate
- Abundant nature parks
Washington- Fewer historical sites
- Quieter nightlife
- Less public transport
- Smaller cultural scene
DC- Rich history
- Vibrant nightlife
- Extensive public transit
- Cultural diversity
While the journey from DC to Washington presents a trade-off between city bustle and serene nature, it's worth considering what lifestyle suits you best. In Washington, you can enjoy the majestic scenery of Mount Rainier National Park and explore charming neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, renowned for its eclectic dining scene—the Seattle Parks and Recreation offers numerous green spaces for leisure and activities. Conversely, DC boasts iconic landmarks and a rich tapestry of American history visible in areas such as the National Mall. Yet, the transition can mean embracing Washington’s laid-back vibes and its growing sectors in technology and sustainable living, marking a shift towards a balanced lifestyle amidst nature and innovation.
DC vs. Washington Food Guide
Food deeply enriches the local culture and living experience of an area. This guide aims to assist you in understanding what culinary delights await by highlighting a comparison of the local cuisine between DC & Washington . Knowing what each location offers will help you feel more at home in your new surroundings.
| DC | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Half-Smoke | Salmon |
| Most popular meat dish | Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings | Cedar Plank Salmon |
| Most popular street food item | Jumbo Slice Pizza | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Chili | Tempeh Reuben |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In DC, the bustling streets of neighborhoods like Adams Morgan and U Street are filled with the aroma of Half-Smokes from iconic joints like Ben's Chili Bowl. Meanwhile, Washington state offers a contrasting culinary scene where the focus shifts towards fresh, local seafood, with cedar plank salmon being a standout dish, particularly in upscale restaurants like Canlis in Seattle. Both areas boast a vibrant food scene, but Washington edges out with a slightly more health-conscious and vegan-friendly atmosphere, mirroring the state's overall lifestyle which leans towards the outdoors and sustainability.
Ready to start your move?
DC vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial. Here's a comparison focused on housing aspects between DC and Washington state to inform your decision and make the transition smoother.
| Comparison | DC | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian | Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to metro, historic charm | Natural scenery, spacious layouts |
In DC, the urban lifestyle scores high due to its historic charm, convenience, and proximity to the metro, making it ideal for those seeking a vibrant city life. The Victorian architecture adds a unique aesthetic to the homes. Meanwhile, Washington state offers a different appeal with its Craftsman-style homes that blend with the natural scenery, promoting a more relaxed lifestyle. The most popular features in Washington real estate listings often highlight the spacious layouts and connection to nature, which is less emphasized in DC's bustling environment. Both states offer distinct living experiences that cater to different preferences, whether you're drawn to the historic and political heartbeat of DC or the expansive, natural landscapes of Washington state.
DC vs. Washington Weather Considerations
When planning a move from DC to Washington, understanding the shifts in weather is crucial for seamless adaptation. This comparison aims to highlight how daily life and activities may be impacted. Comparing weather between DC and Washington encapsulates the essence of preparing for your relocation, from differing average temperatures and humidity to air quality and natural disaster risks. Knowing these differences ensures you're well-equipped for your new environment.
DC
Washington
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
DC
Washington
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
DC
Washington
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
DC
Washington
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | DC | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, floods | Volcanoes, earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both DC and Washington see their fair share of rainfall and share common allergens, notable differences in weather patterns and natural disaster risks stand out. Moving to Washington from DC, you'll experience significantly less sunshine throughout the year, accompanied by cooler summer temperatures. Furthermore, the shift from hurricanes and floods to the risk of volcanoes and earthquakes marks a striking change in natural disaster preparedness. The adjustment in air quality, from moderate in DC to good in Washington, alongside the drastic increase in annual snowfall, are among the key factors to consider and prepare for in your relocation.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from DC to Washington
Understanding the financial implications of moving is crucial. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or simply a change of scenery, comparing the cost of living between DC and Washington is essential. This guide will help you appreciate the differences in money and finance, aiding in a smoother transition to your new home.
| Comparison | DC | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $101,027 | $91,306 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140.1 | 104.1 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 8.95% | 0% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.56% | 1.08% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 6.5% + local |
| Top 3 Industries | Government, Professional Services, Tourism | Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Notable | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Substantial |
Moving from DC to Washington presents an opportunity for significant financial adjustments. For starters, Washington's absence of state income tax can offer a stark contrast to the up to 8.95% rate faced in DC, making it appealing to those seeking tax relief. However, Washington counters with a higher average property tax rate. Despite these differences, Washington's cost of living is substantially lower, which could offset the property tax impact for many. The shift from a predominantly government-driven economy in DC to the tech and aerospace-centric environment in Washington could also signal new career opportunities or necessitate adjustments in your professional trajectory. Finally, although affluence levels and the cost of living differ, both locations struggle with homelessness and poverty, highlighting the broader socio-economic challenges facing urban areas in the United States.
DC vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison
This quick comparison offers an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents moving from DC to Washington state. Understand how the general political leanings, local politics, and religious affiliations differ between these two destinations to better prepare for your move.
| DC | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Heavily Democratic | Democratic in urban areas, Republican in rural |
| Local Politics | Focus on federal governance, civil rights | Environmental policy, tech industry regulation |
| Religion | Diverse, with no single dominating religion | Less religiously affiliated overall |
When moving from DC, known for its heavily Democratic political makeup and focus on federal governance, to Washington state, you'll find a more varied political landscape. In Washington's urban centers like Seattle, Democratic leanings mirror those of DC, but the rural areas lean more Republican. This blend creates a dynamic local political climate, where issues such as environmental policy and tech industry regulation come to the forefront. Religiously, Washington state presents as less affiliated than DC, reflecting a broader trend of secularism in the Pacific Northwest. Understanding these nuances can help you smoothly transition into your new community.
Education Guide When Moving from DC to Washington
When planning a move from DC to Washington, or vice versa, it's crucial to understand how educational opportunities compare in these two vibrant locations. This insight will help you make an informed decision for your family. To better understand what the comparisons are between school options in DC and Washington, we've created an easy-to-read chart. By comparing these key aspects of education, you'll be well-equipped to choose the best environment for your children's learning journey.
| DC | Washington |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Maryland George Washington University Howard UniversityUniversity of Washington Washington State University Gonzaga University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Lafayette Elementary Washington DC Mann Elementary Washington DC Janney Elementary Washington DCCascade K-8 Community School Shoreline Challenge Elementary Everett Discovery Elementary Sammamish | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Deal Middle School Washington DC Hardy Middle School Washington DC Stuart-Hobson Middle School Washington DCInternational School Bellevue Odle Middle School Bellevue Redmond Middle School Redmond | |
Top 3 High School Schools Wilson High School Washington DC School Without Walls High School Washington DC Banneker High School Washington DCInternational School Bellevue Newport High School Bellevue Camas High School Camas | |
Top 3 private high schools Sidwell Friends Washington DC Georgetown Day School Washington DC St. Albans School Washington DCLakeside School Seattle The Overlake School Redmond Eastside Catholic School Sammamish | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Sidwell Friends School Washington DC Maret School Washington DC National Cathedral School Washington DCLakeside School Seattle The Bush School Seattle The Bear Creek School Redmond | |
Top 3 School Districts District of Columbia Public Schools Washington DCLake Washington School District Seattle Area Bellevue School District Bellevue Issaquah School District Issaquah | |
In diving deeper into the comparison, DC and Washington offer distinct educational landscapes, each boasting its own set of highly regarded institutions. For example, DC's Sidwell Friends School is renowned for its academic rigidity and has educated children of several U.S. Presidents, showing the level of trust and prestige associated with its education system. In contrast, Washington flaunts the International School in Bellevue, known for its unique curriculum that emphasizes global education and languages, preparing students for a more interconnected world. Moreover, the presence of top universities locally, such as the University of Washington in Seattle, offers Washington students a smooth transition from high school to higher education, providing a plethora of opportunities for in-state college education.
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