If you're moving from Arlington to Massachusetts, you're looking at roughly a 431-mile interstate haul — far enough to take seriously, but well within range for every type of service from full-service movers to rental trucks. You have real options here, and the right choice depends more on your move size and timeline than anything else.
Below I've laid out what this move actually costs, which local movers are worth calling, and what the lifestyle shift from Arlington to Massachusetts looks like in real numbers. Let's get into it.
Local moving companies in Arlington
Out of 78 Arlington movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the five I'd point you toward for a move to Massachusetts.
- My Pro Movers — 4.66 / 5
- BoxStar Movers — 4.52 / 5
- Olympia Moving & Storage — 4.64 / 5
- Artisan Movers — 4.66 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.52 / 5
My Pro Movers
McLean, VA | DOT #3116640 | 7 years in business
93% positive | 5% negative across 353 reviews analyzed.
My Pro Movers earns high marks on speed, handling, and crew professionalism across a substantial review pool. Customers frequently mention efficient crews, polite staff, and fair pricing that outpaces competitors. Where things go sideways: the gap between quoted and final costs. Inaccurate estimates and unexpected charges are the most consistent complaint, with occasional damage reports rounding out the negatives. Get the pricing structure in writing before move day and ask specifically what triggers additional fees.
Phone: (703) 310-7333
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Cash and credit card accepted. Deposit required.
BoxStar Movers
Arlington, VA | DOT #3455884 | 4 years in business | ~$145/hr
99% positive | 0% negative across 669 reviews analyzed.
A 99% positive rate across nearly 700 reviews is genuinely unusual — and the reviews hold up under scrutiny. On-time arrivals, clear communication, and crews that treat belongings carefully show up consistently. BoxStar also happens to be right in Arlington, which helps with logistics and scheduling availability. Rare negatives include damage during packing or misplaced items, so if you have fragile or high-value pieces, raise that when you book rather than after loading.
Phone: (202) 875-7649
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Cash and credit card accepted.
Olympia Moving & Storage
Hyattsville, MD | DOT #70719 | State License #70719 | 32 years in business
84% positive | 14% negative across 383 reviews analyzed.
Thirty-two years in business counts for something, and Olympia's reviews largely reflect that experience — efficient crews, good coordination, and a process that holds together well for most customers. That said, 14% negative is worth taking seriously. The main complaints involve damaged or missing items, estimates that grew significantly on final invoice, and difficulty navigating the claims process afterward. If you have high-value items or need storage during the move, nail down the claims procedure before signing. Worth noting: Olympia is DOD-certified if you're active military or DoD.
Phone: (703) 566-4391
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes. Credit card accepted. Deposit required. DOD certified.
Artisan Movers
Rockville, MD | DOT #2957382 | State License #2957382 | 8 years in business
94% positive | 5% negative across 259 reviews analyzed.
Artisan earns some of the cleanest reviews in this region — careful handling, professional crews, and items that consistently arrive undamaged. That last part matters more on a 431-mile haul than a local move. Their specialty services for fine art and antiques put them ahead of most local options if that's relevant to your situation. Complaints are thin but include occasional billing surprises and slow follow-up from management when issues arise.
Phone: (240) 570-8593
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage, safes. Credit card accepted.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Falls Church, VA | DOT #2378173
84% positive | 15% negative across 384 reviews analyzed.
I'll flag two things upfront: the BBB F rating, and the fact that this location's listed services cover local moves only — not interstate. If you're expecting them to manage the full Arlington-to-Massachusetts run, verify that directly before booking. Where they genuinely add value is for pre-move junk removal or local pickup. Customers consistently praise punctuality and crew professionalism; the common complaints are higher-than-quoted costs and occasional delays on complex jobs.
Phone: (336) 810-1801
Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, offices, storage. Credit card accepted.
Local moving services in Arlington, VA
Quick breakdown of Arlington movers that offer specialty add-on services:
| Service | Movers available | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 69 | 88.5% |
| Small moves | 44 | 56.4% |
| Antiques | 43 | 55.1% |
| Art | 44 | 56.4% |
| Pianos | 56 | 71.8% |
| Fragile-only packing | 23 | 29.5% |
Cost to move from Arlington, VA to Massachusetts
The table below breaks down average costs for moving from Arlington to Massachusetts by home size and service type. Use our moving cost calculator to dial in a more personalized number.
| Move size | Hiring movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $970 – $2,695 | $624 – $1,423 | $352 – $648 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,763 – $4,415 | $1,083 – $2,103 | $368 – $793 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,920 – $6,579 | $1,542 – $2,662 | $486 – $953 |
Approximate estimates based on a 431-mile move from Arlington, VA to Massachusetts using pricing data as of January 2026. Final quotes vary based on move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from multiple movers.
Cost to hire movers from Arlington to Massachusetts
Hiring a professional crew for a studio or one-bedroom runs $970 to $2,695. Two-to-three-bedroom homes fall between $1,763 and $4,415. For four bedrooms or more, budget $2,920 to $6,579. Stairs, long walks from truck to door, and limited parking can all push costs toward the top of those ranges.
If you want broader options beyond the local Arlington market, Safe Ship Moving is one operator I've found consistently reliable on East Coast interstate routes — worth including in your quote comparison for a move like this one.
Cost of moving containers from Arlington to Massachusetts
Moving containers split the difference between full-service and full-DIY — you pack at your own pace, they handle the driving. A studio or one-bedroom load runs $624 to $1,423. Two-to-three-bedroom homes typically land between $1,083 and $2,103. Four bedrooms or more: $1,542 to $2,662. Good option if you want flexibility on timing or a staged move.
Cost of truck rentals from Arlington to Massachusetts
Renting a truck is the lowest-cost approach, but the trade-off is real — you're loading, driving 431 miles, and unloading yourself. A studio or one-bedroom runs $352 to $648. Two-to-three bedrooms: $368 to $793. Larger homes: $486 to $953. Estimated fuel costs are included in those figures.
Factors influencing moving costs from Arlington to MA
- Move size: The volume of your shipment is the biggest cost driver. More rooms, heavier furniture, more boxes — higher price.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season everywhere in the Mid-Atlantic and New England. If your schedule allows, a fall or early spring move will give you better pricing and more mover availability.
- DIY vs. professional: Going the DIY route lowers the dollar cost but adds physical effort and a long drive. Weigh that trade-off honestly before defaulting to the rental truck.
What you should know before moving from Arlington to MA
Leaving Virginia for Massachusetts is a meaningful lifestyle shift. Arlington's cost of living is high even by DMV standards, so the move may actually open up breathing room in your budget — with some notable exceptions.
Compare cost of living: Arlington vs. Massachusetts
| Arlington, VA | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,718 | $1,588 |
| Average home cost | $810,670 | $623,131 |
| Average per capita income | $128,145 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 164 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 3.9% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 9.0% |
Arlington sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Massachusetts sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
- Rent is about 42% cheaper in Massachusetts — real monthly savings from day one.
- Home prices run roughly 23% lower, which matters if you're planning to buy.
- Per capita income is about 25% lower in Massachusetts. Research your specific field before assuming your salary translates directly.
- The cost of living index is 39% lower overall — your dollar goes further across most spending categories.
- Unemployment rates are nearly identical (4.0% vs. 3.9%), so the job market is broadly comparable.
- State income tax is 57% higher in Massachusetts (9.0% vs. Virginia's 5.75%). That's the number that catches most Virginia residents off guard.
How life is different in Arlington, VA from Massachusetts
| Arlington, VA | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81–17 | Democratic 61.5–36.3 |
| Summer high | 88°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 27°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 43" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 15" | 47" |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 13.92 |
Arlington sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Massachusetts sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
- Both areas voted Democratic in the last presidential election, though by different margins.
- Massachusetts summers are noticeably cooler — 82°F versus Arlington's 88°F. Less AC, more time spent outside.
- Winters are significantly colder. Massachusetts bottoms out around 16°F; Arlington sits at 27°F. Budget for higher heating costs and buy real winter gear before your first New England January.
- Massachusetts averages 47 inches of snow per year versus Arlington's 15. That changes how you commute, park, and plan your life from November through March.
- Annual rainfall is slightly higher in Massachusetts (49" vs. 43"). Not dramatic, but more consistently wet days.
- The crime index is modestly lower in Massachusetts (13.92 vs. 15.67), which generally means safer neighborhoods on average.
Other considerations when moving to Massachusetts
Booking movers is one piece of the logistics. Here's what else to get ahead of before move day:
- HOA rules: Check whether your HOA at either end has moving restrictions, required notice periods, or approved moving hours before you schedule anything.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, reserve it in advance for move day — most buildings require it and slots fill up fast.
- Truck parking permits: Some Massachusetts cities require permits for moving trucks parked on public streets. Check with your destination municipality before assuming you're covered.
- State licensing: Moving companies operating in Massachusetts must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division. They're required to carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs. Verify your mover's license before signing a contract.
- Moving permits: Massachusetts doesn't require a state-level moving permit, but local parking regulations vary. Confirm specifics with your destination city or town.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. Set your official move date on the form so forwarding starts correctly from day one.
- Moving insurance: Massachusetts movers are required to offer Released Value Protection at no charge — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. For electronics, antiques, or anything valuable, that coverage is essentially nothing. Ask about full-value protection or look into a third-party policy.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized. It's easy to let things slip during a cross-state move, and a methodical list prevents most of the common headaches.
Things to do in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a legitimately good place to land. History, major league sports, world-class universities, and serious outdoor access — there's a lot here to explore.
Museums in Massachusetts
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Plimoth Patuxent
- Whaling Museum
- John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks in Massachusetts
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports teams in Massachusetts
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
FAQ
How long does a move from Arlington to Massachusetts take?
Plan on one to four days for this move, depending on service type, how complex your move is, and time of year. Summer moves tend to run longer because demand is high and movers are stretched. Whatever service you book, confirm the delivery window explicitly — don't assume a date without it in writing.
How many Arlington movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
51 movers in Arlington offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, and electronics. If you have specialty items, confirm with the mover that they can accommodate your specific pieces — not all crating services are built equally.
What is the best way to get a car from Arlington to Massachusetts?
Auto transport is the most practical option for a 431-mile move. Get quotes from at least two or three licensed carriers and verify insurance before booking. You can use our car shipping calculator to establish a baseline cost.
Why are people moving from Arlington to Massachusetts?
Massachusetts draws people for its universities, natural landscape, and strong healthcare and technology sectors. The cost of housing and overall cost of living — despite Massachusetts's reputation — comes in well below Arlington's, which is a real financial draw for many people making this move.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies in Arlington?
See our roundup of the best long-distance movers operating in the Arlington area and along the Virginia-to-Massachusetts corridor.
Do movers in Arlington, VA accept cash?
Yes — 31 movers in Arlington accept cash. That said, cash is uncommon in the industry for a reason: it's hard to dispute if something goes wrong. Most movers require a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due at pickup or post-delivery. Confirm payment methods and timing before you commit.