If you're moving from Washington DC to New York, you're crossing 224 miles and entering a very different cost-of-living picture. The good news: rent and home prices drop considerably. The harder part: finding a mover you can actually trust with your stuff.
I've reviewed 82 movers operating out of the DC area for interstate moves. Here are the five that consistently deliver the goods—no hype, just solid feedback from hundreds of customers.
Top DC-to-New York Moving Companies
1. Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.
4.7 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Location: 20 Southlawn Ct, Rockville, MD
91% positive reviews out of 372 total.
Zip leads the pack here. Their crews consistently show up on time, work efficiently, and treat your belongings with actual care—rare in this business. Customers praise transparent pricing and flexibility when schedules shift. Most complaints center on occasional damage claims and cost surprises on long-distance moves, which is honest because long-distance pricing is genuinely hard to pin down.
Company details: 9 years in business | DOT #3306591 | License #2586700 | $125/hr
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Phone: (855) 947-6543
2. My Pro Movers
4.66 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB Grade A-
Location: 8370 Greensboro Dr, McLean, VA
93% positive reviews out of 353 total.
Speed, professionalism, and attention to detail—that's the My Pro Movers formula. They move fast without cutting corners, and customers frequently note crews who listen and protect property. The tradeoff: estimates can underestimate the actual cost. Ask for a detailed walkthrough quote and confirm pricing in writing before committing.
Company details: 7 years in business | DOT #3116640 | Alternate name: MyProMovers LLC
Services: Local and interstate moves, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Phone: (703) 310-7333
3. Artisan Movers
4.66 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Location: 6219 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD
94% positive reviews out of 259 total.
Artisan stands out for reliability and courtesy. Their crews communicate clearly, move with purpose, and keep damage rates low. A small subset of customers report billing issues or slow management responses, but that's not the norm. Overall, they're solid for the DC-to-NY route.
Company details: 8 years in business | DOT #2957382 | License #2957382 | Alternate name: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage, safes.
Phone: (240) 570-8593
4. Bookstore Movers, LLC
4.62 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Location: 5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD
96% positive reviews out of 230 total.
Bookstore Movers earns the highest satisfaction rate on this list. Customers love their scheduling simplicity, estimates that align with final costs, and crews who protect property. Only a handful report damage or unexpected fees. For straightforward, dependable service, they're a safe bet.
Company details: 19 years in business | DOT #2005212 | License #2005212
Services: Local and interstate moves, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, storage.
Phone: (202) 570-4697
5. Olympia Moving & Storage
4.64 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Location: 4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD
84% positive reviews out of 383 total.
Olympia delivers efficient, professional service—especially for specialty items like pianos and artwork. Their communication is strong, and crews work with purpose. The catch: larger, complex moves occasionally bring cost overruns or disputes over damage claims. Not a dealbreaker, but worth confirming the fine print before booking.
Company details: 32 years in business | DOT #70719 | License #70719
Services: Local and interstate moves, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes.
Phone: (703) 566-4391
What You're Actually Paying: DC-to-New York Moving Costs
Here's what the numbers look like for a 224-mile move:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $729–$2,526 | $530–$1,270 | $250–$417 |
| 2–3 bed | $1,289–$3,939 | $1,012–$1,862 | $272–$518 |
| 4+ bed | $1,910–$4,943 | $1,265–$2,246 | $318–$571 |
Breaking Down the Costs
Full-service movers run the highest but eliminate your labor. A 2-3 bedroom move typically lands between $1,289 and $3,939—the gap depends on how much stuff you own, the time of year, and whether you're paying for packing.
Moving containers (think PODS) fall in the middle. You load at your pace; the company transports. Expect $1,012–$1,862 for a mid-size home.
Truck rentals cost the least upfront but require you to pack, drive, and unload everything yourself. Figure $272–$518 for a 2-3 bedroom move, plus fuel (already factored in above).
Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your specific move.
Why Costs Vary
Move size is the biggest lever. More stuff = higher costs.
Time of year matters too. Summer (June–August) sees peak demand and peak prices. Winter moves are cheaper because fewer people relocate then.
DIY vs. professional is a trade-off. Handling it yourself saves thousands but costs you time, effort, and physical strain. Professional movers cost more but get you there faster and reduce damage risk.
What Changes When You Move to New York
You're not just changing zip codes—New York is a genuinely different place. Here's the real picture:
Cost of Living
| Factor | Washington DC | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,400 | $1,507 |
| Average home price | $594,337 | $482,742 |
| Cost of living index | 151 | 100 |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 10.9% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.4% |
Rent is 37% cheaper in New York. If you're paying $2,400/month in DC, you'll likely pay around $1,507 in New York. That's real money in your pocket.
Home prices drop 19%, easing the mortgage burden if you're buying.
But taxes are steep. New York's state income tax (10.9%) crushes Maryland's (5.75%). Your paycheck will feel it.
The job market is stronger. New York's unemployment sits at 4.4% versus DC's 7.0%, so employment prospects are generally better.
Climate & Lifestyle
| Factor | Washington DC | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 89°F | 81°F |
| Winter low | 27°F | 16°F |
| Annual snow | 14" | 62" |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 21.51 |
Summers are cooler in New York—that means lower AC bills and more outdoor time.
Winters are brutal. New York averages 62 inches of snow annually versus DC's 14 inches. You'll need a snow shovel, a winter coat, and patience.
Crime is significantly lower in New York (index 21.51 vs. DC's 60.37). Neighborhoods are generally safer.
Political lean: DC leans Republican; New York leans Democratic. Not a moving factor, but worth noting if you care about that.
Before You Book Your Mover: Know These Details
State licensing: New York requires movers to have a Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. Verify your mover's license before hiring. You can check the state regulatory site anytime.
Parking permits: Some NYC buildings require elevator reservations and truck parking permits. Confirm these details with your building manager weeks in advance—not days.
Moving insurance: New York doesn't mandate it, but you should consider it. Standard Released Value Protection covers only 60 cents per pound per item. For real protection, discuss third-party insurance with your mover or broker.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. It takes time for mail redirection to kick in.
Moving permits: New York doesn't require formal permits, but check local parking restrictions in your new neighborhood.
Bookmark our moving checklist to keep all these details organized.
Things Worth Knowing About New York
Museums: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Strong National Museum of Play, New York State Museum, Erie Canal Museum.
Parks: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Gantry Plaza State Park, Robert Moses State Park.
Sports: Brooklyn Nets (NBA), Buffalo Bills (NFL), New York Islanders (NHL), New York City FC (MLS), Buffalo Sabres (NHL).
Universities: Columbia University, Cornell University, NYU, University of Rochester, University at Buffalo (SUNY).
FAQ
How long does the move take?
One to two days on average for the transport itself. Deliveries stretch longer during summer peak season.
Can I pay cash?
31 DC-area movers accept cash, though most prefer traceable payments. Standard practice: pay a deposit to secure your date and crew, then pay the balance at pickup or after delivery. Confirm the exact timing before booking.
Do local movers offer crating services?
Yes. 53 DC-area movers list custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Ask about specifics before booking.
What about shipping my car?
Moving a vehicle is a separate process. Our car shipping guide covers your options and top-rated carriers.
Next Steps
Get moving quotes from vetted companies—you'll see real prices, real timelines, and honest assessments of what each mover can deliver. Compare at least three before deciding.
If you're going the long-distance mover route, prioritize companies with solid interstate track records and clear communication. If cost is your main concern, moving containers and truck rentals offer cheaper alternatives—just know what you're trading off (your time and effort).
Good luck with the move.