Best overall value
Local moving companies in Washington DC
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Movers Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Olympia Moving & Storage
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD 20781 USRave reviews dominate Olympia Moving & Storageโs customer feedback, with over 83% of 383 reviews rating the company positively. Customers consistently praise their efficient service, attentive staff, careful handling of possessions, strong communication, and the speed of their moving process. Olympia stands out for delivering a low-stress experience, seamless coordination, and trustworthy teams, which is especially noteworthy compared to many competitors in the moving industry. On the downside, a portion of clients report significant issues: the most common complaints involve damaged or lost items, cost overruns from inaccurate estimates, and missing possessions. Several negative comments highlight struggles with costly and frustrating claims processes, as well as challenges in resolving high-value property damage or loss after storage. Neutral feedback typically mentions minor mishaps, miscommunications, or additional fees, yet still acknowledges courteous service and competence from the moving crews. Olympia typically delivers an efficient, professional moving experience but, like most national movers, may fall short when it comes to high-value item care or providing exact cost certainty for larger, complex moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 70719
- State license #: 70719
- DOD certified
Gentle Giant Moving Company
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
5782 2nd Street NE, Washington, MD 20011 USGlowing feedback cements Gentle Giant Moving Company as a leader in their field. Out of 311 reviews, 95% of customers offer high praise, citing efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams as standout qualities. Many describe the moving process as quick, with thorough communication from booking to delivery, creating a smooth and stress-free experience. Hundreds of customers report their belongings arrived safelyโeven during challenging or long-distance moves. On the downside, a handful of users express dissatisfaction with final costs exceeding estimates, a few unmet expectations around communication, and occasional scheduling or arrival delays. Compared to many moving companies, reports of damaged goods or loss are remarkably rare. For those weighing reliability, responsiveness, and peace of mind, Gentle Giant is a top-tier choice, though budget-focused clients may encounter higher-than-expected pricing.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 373544
- State license #: 373544
Alternative Business Names
- Gentle Giant Moving Company
Straightline Movers Inc.
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 3183719
Years in Business: 5
1356 Okie Street NE, Washington , MD 20002 USMoving with peace of mind is the norm at Straightline Movers Inc., where 188 out of 194 feedback entriesโan impressive 96.9%โare positive. Customers value the team's efficient service, professionalism, clear communication, careful handling, and speed. Many describe staff as polite and attentive, making tasks like disassembling furniture and navigating tight spaces appear effortless. Customers report transparent pricing and flexible scheduling, noting that bookings and adjustments are managed with ease. In rare cases, customers cited damage to belongings and disappointing staff behavior, including issues with handling insurance claims. These concerns are infrequent and usually resolved, standing apart from the much higher level of satisfaction. Compared to standard moving experiences, clients consistently describe Straightline as surpassing expectations, earning strong referrals and repeat business. The concrete track record of careful, fast, and communicative service sets Straightline Movers above most competitors.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3183719
Bookstore Movers, LLC
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781 USMoving has never sounded easierโBookstore Movers, LLC receives rave feedback from 96% of customers out of 230 reviews. Customers consistently praise efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, and clear communication. Most mention speedy, smooth moves and crews who protect property and approach each job with courtesy. Scheduling is simple and estimates align closely with costs, setting this company apart from less reliable movers. Only a few customers report problems: a small portion cite damaged items, rushed jobs, or unexpected extra charges. One neutral review points to delays, missing crew members, and difficult management contact during the move. Compared to most moving companies, Bookstore Movers earns superior marks for consistent reliability, making them a top choice for stress-free relocations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2005212
- State license #: 2005212
Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 2105554
Years in Business: 10
3000 Oak Drive, Kensington, MD 20895 USWhen efficiency meets professionalism, Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport stands out with 479 customer reviews, 85% of which are strongly positive. Customers consistently highlight the companyโs efficient service, courteous staff, excellent communication, careful handling of belongings, and quick moving process. These strengths, combined with reasonable pricing and true-to-estimate costs, make them a top choice compared to other moving companies. Negative feedback, which makes up about 12% of reviews, points to damage to items, late arrivals, and higher-than-expected charges. Some customers also report issues with lost items or insufficient follow-up after problems occur. Neutral input (about 3%) usually mentions satisfactory but unexceptional service, occasional minor damages, or that the value didnโt match the price paid. Suburban Solutions is praised for prompt, professional moves and willing customer support that resolves many problems effectively, but lapses in care or organization can still impact the experience. Compared to other movers, they are commended for reliability, communication, and a track record of positive feedback, with most reviewers trusting and recommending their service even after multiple moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2105554
- State license #: 2105554
Factors that influence moving costs from Washington DC to Houston
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Houston
Moving from Washington DC to Houston means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in Houston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Houston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Washington DC | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,549 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 36% lower than in Washington DC, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
Home prices in Houston are 55.6% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Houston is 31.3% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston include H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
- The cost of living for a single person in Houston is 30.1% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Houston is 35.5% lower than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is 41.43% lower than in Washington DC.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Houston are 37.50% higher than in Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,096.90 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Houston
| Houston | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 705,749 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 63.5 | 60.37 |
| Safety Index | 36.5 | 39.63 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 226% greater than Washington DC.
- Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Houston is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
- Houston and Washington DC have a similar crime rate.
- Houston and Washington DC are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Houston is good, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Houston move
- Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Texas doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Houston
Ready to relocate to "HOU"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, itโs time to see what Houston is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Houston include museums and art centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Childrenโs Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Houston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Washington DC to Houston. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Washington DC to Houston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Houston take?
The 1,408-mile journey from Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Washington DC offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Houston.
