Best 5 Movers in Arlington, VA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Arlington

Some factors to consider when choosing a moving company include cost, licensing, customer reviews, and services offered.

Determine Your Budget

A local move costs between $81 and $116 per hour. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs around $4,481 overall. Factors that affect your actual cost include your home size, move distance, any additional tasks you need done, and the season.

You should get quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that break down the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Good customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Reading customer reviews on Yelp, social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Arlington must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Virginia, your mover must be certified, bonded, and insured according to state regulations. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles handles intrastate movers.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before getting quotes and write down any essential or additional services you may need. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative to determine if the company can accommodate your particular needs.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers include the following basic services as a part of their base price:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

If you require additional services from your moving company, disclose these during the quote process. Services that contribute to higher pricing include the following:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Arlington, VA

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Arlington move.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Arlington are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. We suggest planning before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers avoid heavy traffic and complete the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

Moving season peaks between May and September. In Arlington, this time overlaps with hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your move. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time each day to prevent needing to pack at the last minute. Most moving companies won't handle items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time.

How Much do Movers Cost in Arlington, VA

Movers in Arlington cost $2,723 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,212 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.