Washington, D.C., Long-Distance Moving Services

Welcome to Colonial Van Lines, where we combine extensive long-distance moving experience with the personal care of our family-owned business.

Get your moving quote

For a fast and accurate quote, call one of our Relocation Specialists at (800) 356-1855

Expert Long-Distance Movers with Deep D.C. Know-How

Over the years, Colonial Van Lines has proven itself as a reliable option for Northeast moving services, completing countless long-distance moves to and from Washington, D.C.

We understand the unique challenges of moving in the nation’s capital and our team is fully trained and prepared to make your relocation as streamlined as possible. From historic neighborhoods to high-security areas, there are several distinct aspects of moving in Washington, D.C., including the following:

  • Narrow, historic streets and dense neighborhoods may limit truck access. Areas like Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Dupont Circle are known for tight roads, brick rowhouses, and limited turnaround space. Highly trained drivers, like those at Colonial Van Lines, know how to safely navigate these conditions.
  • Street parking rules in D.C. are highly regulated and aggressively enforced. Zoned parking, rush-hour restrictions, and residential permit-only streets can change block by block. The District also strictly regulates vehicles that block curb space or exceed certain sizes.
  • Elevator reservations are often required in D.C. apartment buildings and high-rises, particularly in areas like Navy Yard, NoMa, and Downtown. These reservations should be made in advance to ensure you get uninterrupted access during your move.
  • A Certificate of Insurance (COI) may be required when moving out of high-rise apartments or managed buildings throughout the District. Colonial Van Lines can provide the necessary COI with proof of coverage to meet your building’s requirements.
  • HOA, condo board, or property management rules may restrict moving hours or require advance approval. Ensure you talk to your property management team ahead of time so you don’t run into any issues on moving day.
  • Some D.C. buildings and neighborhoods lack convenient loading zones or accessible parking, which can require long-carry services. This is especially common in historic districts or buildings without rear alley access.
  • Heavy commuter traffic and frequent street closures can affect timing and routes. Parades, protests, state visits, or roadwork are common in D.C. and can impact your moving timeline. Planning ahead, being flexible, and working with professional movers familiar with D.C. can help you avoid unnecessary delays or headaches.

What Our D.C. and Surrounding Area Customers Have to Say

Get started with a fast, free moving estimate.

Call us or click here to get your quote today.

Local D.C. Moving Resources

Moving in Washington, D.C., is about more than booking reliable long-distance movers. You’ll also want to know where to find packing supplies, donate unwanted items, and dispose of bulky or hazardous waste responsibly. Here are a few essential resources to make your D.C. relocation smoother.

  • Bulk Trash & Large Item Disposal: In D.C., the Department of Public Works (DPW) lets residents drop off bulk trash, furniture, appliances, and other oversized items at the Fort Totten Transfer Station. Note that to use this facility, you’ll need to show proof of D.C. residency, including your ID and either a utility bill or a lease. DPW also hosts periodic special waste events for hazardous household waste, electronics, and document shredding. 
  • Fort Totten Transfer Station
    4900 John McCormack Rd NE
    Washington, DC 20011
    Visit website
  • Recycling Drop-Off: Washington, D.C., provides weekly curbside recycling for single-family homes and small residential buildings; check your pickup schedule on the DC GIS government site to see if you qualify. There’s also a recycling drop-off center in Arlington for recycling items like cardboard, glass, and plastic.
  • Trades Center Recycling Drop-Off Center
    2700 S. Taylor St.
    Arlington, VA 22206
    Visit Website
  • Donations: You can donate usable household items, furniture, and more through several D.C. area organizations. Several groups offer donation pickup services, so you don’t have to transport large items yourself. Reuse.dc.gov provides a comprehensive list of stores and donation centers, along with a location search feature to find one near you.
  • A Divine Shine
    723 T St NW
    Washington, DC 20001
    (202) 986-7463
  • A Wider Circle
    9159 Brookville Road
    Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
    (301) 608-3504
  • Ace Tailoring
    9650 Main Street
    Fairfax, Virginia, 22031
    (703) 503-3261
  • Packing & Moving Supplies: You can purchase moving boxes and supplies at stores around D.C., like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and the UPS Store. A few local shops in the area, like BungoBox and Lend A Box LLC, also rent out reusable plastic moving boxes as a more environmentally friendly option.
  • BungoBox
    1506 Northern Neck Dr
    #101
    Vienna, VA 22182
    Visit website
  • Lend A Box LLC
    1655 Fort Myer Dr
    Suite 700
    Arlington, VA 22209
    (703) 988-2470

Popular Long-Distance Moves From Washington, D.C.

Here are some of the most popular moving routes and destinations for D.C. moves.

Get started with a fast, free moving estimate.

Call us or click here to get your quote today.

What Makes Moving With Colonial Different?

Colonial Van Lines continues to set the standard as one of the nation’s leading moving companies. Once again, U.S. News and World Report, named Colonial as a top moving company in 2025, thanks to the work of our professional long-distance movers.

From packers to loaders to drivers, every member of our moving team undergoes a rigorous two- to four-week training program at Colonial Van Lines University (CVLU), where they train in a fully furnished demo home to ensure every long-distance move is handled safely and efficiently.

Washington, D.C., Long-Distance Moving Services

At Colonial Van Lines, our expertise in long-distance moving services is backed by over 250,000 moves. Whether you’re moving to a neighboring state or across the country, our team is here to help you have a smooth and efficient moving experience.

Interstate Moving Services

As a DOT-licensed interstate moving company, Colonial Van Lines understands and adheres to all legal, safety, and insurance requirements involved in interstate moves. We also offer flexible interstate moving services designed to support you at every stage of your relocation, including professional packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, transportation, storage solutions, and more.

Cross-Country Movers

Colonial Van Lines is also a trusted cross-country mover. From careful packing and secure transportation to a secure delivery, we take every step and precaution to protect your belongings during the long journey.


We offer cross-country moving services for a number of popular Washington, D.C., moving routes, including moving from D.C. to LA.

Customizable Full-Service Moving

At Colonial Van Lines, we provide full-service moving options for every customer. Our team can handle the loading, unloading, furniture assembly and disassembly, and furniture protection with pad-wrapping. But when you’re moving in or out of a busy, nuanced city like Washington, D.C., you may need a little extra support.

To make your D.C. move smoother and less stressful, we offer a range of additional services, including: 

  • Professional packing
  • Additional insurance protection options
  • Automobile shipping
  • Secure storage solutions
  • Moving supplies
  • Specialty item moving for antiques and large pieces (e.g., pool tables, pianos, hot tubs and more)

From Our Blog: Long-Distance Moving Tips From the Experts

To help you prepare for your D.C. move, start with our handy moving checklist and these pro packing and moving guides from our blog.

FAQs: Colonial Long-Distance Moving Services in Washington, D.C.

How do parking restrictions in Washington, D.C., affect moving day?

Washington, D.C., has strict parking regulations, and many neighborhoods require a temporary parking permit for moving trucks. Without proper permits, your moving truck can risk getting ticketed or delayed. As D.C. moving experts, our team of full-service movers at Colonial can help ensure all the needed permits and logistics are handled ahead of time.

Does D.C. traffic impact moving times and costs?

D.C. traffic, especially during rush hour or near major government buildings, can definitely slow down a move and increase labor time. It’s important to schedule as far in advance as possible and to be flexible on moving day.

Do apartment and condo buildings in D.C. have move-in or move-out requirements?

Many apartment and condo buildings in D.C. require advance notice, elevator reservations, and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your movers. Some buildings also restrict moving to specific days or hours, so it’s important to coordinate with your building management early.

How do historic districts in Washington, D.C., affect moving?

Homes located in historic districts may have additional restrictions, such as limited truck access or parking limitations, to protect their surrounding properties. At Colonial, we’re familiar with these challenges and can help manage the logistics of moving around historic districts accordingly.

How much does it cost to move in Washington, D.C.?

Moving costs will always vary person to person, but in D.C., they will generally cost between $3,600 and $4,600 for the average long-distance move for a two-bedroom home. The final cost you pay will ultimately depend on how much you’re moving, where you’re going, and when. To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some popular moving routes out of D.C. with estimated moving costs for an average-sized two-bedroom home.

  • Cross-Country Moving from D.C. to LA: $6,300–$7,300
  • Long-Distance Moving from D.C. to Boston: $3,800–$4,800
  • Interstate Moving from D.C. to NYC: $3,600–$4,600

Get Your Long Distance Moving Quote Today

Get started on your cross country move! Call our moving specialists or click here to get your online quote today.